In November 2015, the FSC Board declared the Illawarra Premier and District Leagues competitions for 2016.   

As part of this declaration, Shell Cove FC was granted a provisional condition of entry into the Illawarra Premier League (IPL).

Following numerous meetings with the club during October and November 2015, FSC determined that in the best interests of the competition and to preserve the quality and integrity of the competition, Shell Cove FC was offered entry into FSC competitions with detailed Terms and Conditions.

The club was given Terms and Conditions for acceptance into either the (1) IPL, (2) the Illawarra District League or (3) the Community League.  Conditions of entry into the IPL were of course more substantial given the profile and expectations of clubs within this league.

The Shell Cove FC executive signed the Terms and Conditions for entry into the IPL on 10 November 2015.  The Terms and Conditions did include an expectation on the Club placing the required focus on youth development.  This was to ensure that the focus of the Club was not placed on the First Grade team only, but the underlying youth structure within the premier league.  

In 2015, there were games where the Shell Cove Youth Grade did not field 11 players with score blow outs of 25-0.   Goals against the team totalled 152 with an average goals against of 7 per game.

It was a situation that FSC and its member clubs did not want repeated for the league, the competition and the players that were part of this competition.

Prior to and after signing the Terms and Conditions, FSC met with the club on numerous occasions and clearly outlined the expectations of each component to ensure the club understood the requirement and the sanctions that would apply.  

FSC has been in constant communication with the club about their Terms and Conditions and as a result two 3 point deductions have occurred to the First Grade team, which were clearly articulated sanctions.

Shell Cove requested a meeting with the FSC Board last week to address their players and parents.  FSC did not feel that this was an appropriate request with the club holding the obligation to ensure Terms and Conditions were complied with as clearly communicated by FSC and accepted by Shell Cove FC.  

The club was however encouraged to outline any concerns in writing to FSC which would be considered and addressed as required.  This has not yet occurred.

Shell Cove FC were clearly aware of the documented requirements and relevant sanctions in relation to entry into the Illawarra Premier League.  Terms and Conditions in relation to Youth Grade were implemented to ensure an improved focus and commitment by the club to both its teams within the IPL, and to preserve the integrity of the competition.