Basketball NewsIn an attempt to sustain the momentum which Irish basketball fleetingly acquires each year from the televised January Cup finals, the Superleague Management Board (SLMB) have announced the introduction of a licensing system for clubs, similar to that introduced by the FAI in domestic soccer.
The SLMB and Organisation of Superleague Clubs (OSC) supported the proposal at a seminar in Limerick last Saturday. The process will begin formally in 2008, with all clubs receiving provisional licences in the interim and details on how to meet the criteria that will be assessed under an independent adjudication process.
A scoring system has not been formally introduced, but The Irish Times has learned of a 10-point scheme clubs must adhere to in order to remain part of the men's Superleague after the 2007/08 season.
Clubs will need to produce a sustainable business plan, a certain standard of facilities, a sustainable player and coaching infrastructure and an improved link to the region each club operates in.
This is the next phase of development by the Superleague development committee, whose three-year plan (2002 to 2005) saw former St Vincent's player Karl Donnelly become the league's first full-time manager.
"The essence of this licensing programme is to ensure the sustainability of the clubs and improve the structures we have already put in place," said Donnelly.
The FAI encountered numerous problems with their implementation of the Uefa licensing programme, but the SLMB have spoken with the soccer authorities and studied their documents in the hope of ensuring a smoother transition.
"In order to ensure the sustainability of the Superleague, the roles and responsibilities of the clubs need to be more clearly defined," said Donnelly, who admitted this can be achieved only by improving a club's link to their surrounding community.
"Since I came on board in 2002 we have seen two clubs (Tolka Rovers and Waterford Crystal) drop out of the Superleague due to several financial constraints.
"We lack the resources of bigger sporting organisations and simply do not have enough employees or development officers on the ground, so an improved linkage of Superleague clubs to smaller local clubs, schools and third-level institutions can only help development."
Another primary goal is to remain competitive with the "top three" Irish sports (GAA, soccer and rugby) in gaining sponsorship and television coverage.
The Superleague has three short-term sponsorship deals in place. Basketball Ireland CEO Debbie Massey recently stated that an across-the-board sponsorship of Irish Basketball is available for €400,000. This includes naming rights for the Superleague and the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght.
Two years ago, the ESB withdrew their general sponsorship.
Licensing criteria
1. Evidence of strong management and administrative infrastructure.
2. Evidence of a detailed business plan with contingencies.
3. Evidence of a sound financial base.
4. Evidence of an ability to provide and develop a sustainable playing/coaching infrastructure.
5. Evidence of strong regional linkages.
6. Evidence of a comprehensive marketing and game presentation plan.
7. Evidence of a facility that meets minimum standards and plans to achieve a higher standard.
8. Evidence of commitment to the men's Superleague.
9. Evidence of a strong and coherent vision.
10. Evidence of plans to contribute to the development of the sport in the region.
