AEBF Monthly Message – May/June 2026

May/June 2026

Monthly Message to the Members – May/June 2026

Dear States and Territories

Welcome to another addition of the Monthly Message. We encourage all Member States to share this Monthly Message widely with their clubs, officials, and players so our entire community remains informed and connected.

PlayHQ Membership Growth

PlayHQ has delivered an outstanding year of growth. When the platform launched in May 2025, base‑rate memberships brought in $7,550 incl. GST from 503 members. Fast‑forward one year and the 2026 financial year has already generated $64,965 incl. GST from 4,331 members – a massive uplift. From January to May 2026 alone, registrations totalled $46,470 incl. GST across 3,098 members. This surge reflects the strong support from State & Territory Bodies, clubs, leagues, and players who have embraced the annual membership model. These funds remain untouched and will be presented to State & Territory Members for discussion on future allocation. The AEBF continues to champion investment in Umpiring, Coaching, Juniors and Promotion portfolios.

Worlds 2026 – Morocco

Three weeks ago, there were concerns about filling an Australian squad  but momentum has shifted dramatically. Players have stepped up, accepted their positions, and the squad is taking shape with real strength and pride. The AEBF continues to work down the eligibility lists, ensuring as many players as possible have the opportunity to represent Australia on the world stage. Go Team Australia!

Two divisions remain incomplete –  Women’s and Over 50s and the AEBF will continue progressing through the lists to complete these teams.

Nationals Fees – Seniors and Juniors

All fees for Senior Nationals 2025 and Juniors 2026 have been finalised and distributed to States & Territories. A sincere thank‑you to those who settled their fees promptly. Your efficiency keeps everything moving smoothly.

AEBF Senior Nationals & Australia Cup 2026.

Dates are locked in: Wednesday 18 November – Saturday 28 November 2026

Location: Gold Coast Sport & Leisure Centre

Official announcements will roll out across AEBF social channels in the coming days.

NSO Recognition Renewal

All submissions have been completed and the Australian Sports Commission is now in the final review stage

A key requirement for renewal was transitioning the AEBF to a Company Limited by Guarantee. This milestone was only possible thanks to the collaboration of all State & Territory Bodies, who worked together to refine and finalise the Constitution and By‑Laws documents that had been in draft form for several years.

This collective effort reflects exactly what strengthens our sport: shared goals, shared responsibility, and a united commitment to growing eight ball across Australia.

Social Media and Sports Integrity Update

Over the past 12 months, the Australian Eight Ball Federation (AEBF) has continued to build on its communication and education strategy through an enhanced social media presence and a renewed focus on sports integrity.

Our social media plan has been developed to provide members, players, officials, and stakeholders with regular updates on Federation activities, national events, player achievements, governance matters, and development opportunities. By improving the consistency and quality of our online communications, we aim to strengthen engagement, transparency, and awareness across all affiliated states and territories.

A key part of this strategy is the promotion of integrity education throughout our sport. AEBF is committed to fostering a safe, fair, and inclusive sporting environment in line with the National Integrity Framework and the principles promoted by Sport Integrity Australia.

To support this commitment, AEBF has launched a dedicated Sports Integrity Education page, providing direct access to important resources, training modules, and educational materials for players, coaches, officials, volunteers, parents, and administrators.

Members are encouraged to visit the education hub and complete relevant training through Sport Integrity Australia’s eLearning platform. Courses cover:

  • Safeguarding Children and Young People
  • Competition Manipulation and Sports Gambling
  • Anti-Doping Education
  • Ethical Decision Making in Sport
  • Member Protection and Safe Sport Practices

Education remains one of the most effective ways to protect participants and maintain the integrity of our sport.

For more information and to access these resources, visit:

The Board remains committed to ensuring all participants have access to the education and resources needed to uphold the values of respect, fairness, safety, and integrity throughout Australian Eight Ball.

Results from the Age Eligibility Criteria Survey

Thankyou to everyone who took the time to complete the recent survey on age-eligibility rules for AEBF national events. Members provided strong feedback, with a clear majority supporting a shift to a simpler system where players qualify based on their actual age at the commencement of Nationals. Many respondents described this as the most logical and consistent approach, noting comments such as “you cannot participate in an over 50s event at the age of 49.”

A smaller group preferred retaining the current “year‑before” rule, citing alignment with world‑level junior criteria and concerns about disrupting 2026 selections already underway. A third, less common view supported allowing players who turn the required age at any point during the Nationals year. Junior eligibility generated the most questions, particularly for players with late‑year birthdays. Across all views, members emphasised the need for clarity, consistency, and long‑term stability in the criteria. A more detailed report is attached.

The AEBF is currently reviewing the feedback in detail and drafting changes into the By-Laws. Drafted changes and proposed wording will be shared with members for consultation prior to Board approval in accordance with clause 7 of the Constitution.

We appreciate your continued support.

Regards,

Travis Crawley
President
Australian Eight Ball Federation