A failure by the Australian Football League and its clubs to offer employment opportunities to Aboriginal footballers in retirement "could see the introduction of an NFL-style Rooney Rule which would compel clubs to interview Indigenous candidates for coaching positions," according to Caroline Wilson of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD.
That recommendation "was one in a long list of significant proposals put to the AFL Commission this week after a special investigation established that the game had more Aborigines in key football roles 30 years ago than it does now."
The report, "put together over 12 months by the AFL's Indigenous Advisory Group, also recommended the league provide from 2017 soft football department salary cap relief for clubs that employed Aboriginal coaches." It "also recommends the establishment of a dedicated Indigenous coaching academy." The proposals include:
- A "dedicated search for and appointment of the AFL's first Indigenous commissioner."
- The "establishment of a pathway from playing to umpiring for Indigenous players."
- Working with clubs "to identify and mentor suitable board candidates."
- Affirmative action within head office "to train, appoint and promote more Indigenous Australians" (SMH, 2/17).
