FFA meeting

Hi all,

Following the FFA/fan meetings over the banned fans, the FFA agreed to meet with each supporters group, to work through any issues we may have and which are not related to the banning process.

Tonight we are having that phone meeting with the FFA.  Sorry for the late notice (what do you expect from us tbh?), but we would like to know if anyone has an particular supporter related issues that are the FFA can address (licence stuff aside). We have already brainstormed a few things here at Fever towers, but we are interested in others' opinions.

You can either write them down here, or email me at Dale@yellowfever.co.nz by 5:30pm today.

Can they send some Hatamoto spies our way to boost our metrics?

do they conduct similar hatamoto type operations in NZ? 

Would you rather fight an X-sized Y or 100 Y-sized Xs?

So we had our teleconference last night that included a couple of FFA guys and Domey. It was mostly very good and helpful, apart from their refusal to our request that they should instruct Domey to buy a striker.

We will give a proper summary once our secretary has confirmed minutes/action with those on the call.

Since the banning was raised, the FFA have agreed to consult with various stakeholders to get their views on other issues facing each supporters’ group. Here is a brief outline of the issues we raised.

1) Tickets prices for away fans

We noted that the price of tickets for away fans seems quite high (eg: A$35 for Newcastle) compared to prices in Wellington (A$20).  We raised a suggestion that there is scope for an “away membership” in NSW region. Would allow Phoenix fans based there to attend Phoenix games against the four NSW clubs and a discounted price. This could also be relevant for fans of NSW-based teams. Phoenix agreed to investigate the feasibility of this with the four NSW clubs.

2) Smoke machine

We noted that the FFA declined the use of a smoke machine in the Fever Zone at the last minute without providing reasons.  At present FFA were willing to accept the smoke machine if it was 1 metre outside the zone on the field, but not if it was 1 metre inside the zone. FFA agreed to investigate why the use of the smoke machine was declined and report back.

3) Media leaks

We noted the often leaking of information, including kits, McGlinchey signing and licence negotiations. The perception was that it happens too often and only happens to us. FFA acknowledged there are too many and that it’s not good enough.  FFA also stated that the FFA would never specifically target one club.

4) Shirts off tradition

We noted that there have been instances of security not being keen on the YF removing shirts in away games. There have been threats of eviction. FFA advised they are in consultation with venue security and acknowledged this could be a lack of understanding about fan traditions. Phoenix agreed to liaise with away clubs/security to ensure there are no future issues.

And that was it. Any questions?

For me...

1. Fair enough to ask the question. over xmas/Ny the GF and I went to Adelaide and CCM. I bought the tickets for ADL at about AUD25 each and she bought CCM for AUD 35 each. She was pissed off. I said suck it.

2. Don't see the point of asking for a smoke machine. What's next... A water cannon? Perhaps a laser light show? 

3. Paranoia much.

4. Fairest point of the lot. If we have three traditions it is boring chants, lacklustre crowds and shirts off. Only two of these three should be kept and shirts off is one of them.

No one said you had to agree with it. 

Actually the laser light show would be good, then we could have a real disco.

I think to be fair the leaks affect all clubs not just us, for instance the fan ban list had no YF members on it.

We asked on Social media and here what people wanted raised.  We raised it.  Please try not to shoot the messengers.

No shots fired, just interesting question.

Smoke machine plus red and orange pulsating lights = NZ Flares! Brilliant!

i have never heard of a smoke machine but I assume it makes smoke. 

The question is why would you want one?

and do other supporters use them?

A smoke machine is where you used to buy your durries on a night out at the pub!

many times I have tried using one in a drunken state

OK did they agree to send some Hamamoto spies then?

Seriously though where did the smoke machine thing come from?

The yf wanted a smoke machine.

It was one of a pile of ideas to play with a visual display without actually using pyro as we'd prefer the club not to get slapped on the hand with a wet bus ticket like Wanderers.

Needs more Cow Bell.

Typical FFA, the one thing they could of made a difference with, they refused to do....... Seriously though, not many issues raised there not much for us to worry about. How did you guys find their attitude generally?