Yes punters, it's that time of the year again! In mid March the 2008 AFL and NRL seasons kick off and for the fifth year running the AGCSA will conduct its famous footy tipping competitions. Floratine is back on board as sponsor of the AFL competition, while Simplot Pro-Line has come in at the eleventh hour and put its name behind the NRL competition. A grand total of $11,450 in prize money is up for grabs across both competitions - $6500 in the AFL and $4950 in the NRL - so you'd be silly not to enter!

The NRL season kicks off first on Friday 14 March, while the AFL starts the following week on Thursday 20 March. Entries to both competitions are now being accepted and all you have to do is click on the respective AFL and NRL links above or below, scroll down and hit the Join menu button. Entry criteria have changed slightly, so please ensure you read the Terms and Conditions as outlined below.

Scoring format for both competitions remains the same as 2007 and punters will again have the use of one Wildcard during the season which gives double points for that round. As you only have one Wildcard, choose wisely which round you play it. As in the previous years there will be weekly cash prizes to the top tipsters from each round, with the end-of-season victor taking home a major cash prize.

The highly popular Shed v Shed competition will also return which pits turf maintenance crews around the country against each other. South Australia's Murray Bridge Golf Club (superintendent Mal Grundy) left it to the final round to snatch the AFL Shed v Shed in 2007, while Nowra Golf Club (superintendent Bryce Russell) not only collected the NRL shed prize but finished first overall as well in 2007. Over 140 shed teams entered both competitions last season - a record - so make sure your crew is in with a chance in 2008.

To be a part of the action in 2008 every competitor must register anew (please note that tipper IDs and passwords from last season are no longer valid). Entry is limited to one per person or, in the case of the shed v shed competitions, one shed team per club or turf facility. There is no entry fee and both competitions are open to all who are employed within the turf management profession (please refer to the Terms and Conditions for eligibility). All weekly and end-of-season prize winners will be asked to verify their place of occupation and position so as to ensure they are directly involved in the turf industry. Please ensure when you are filling out the registration form that your details are accurate and that you read the Terms and Conditions. Good luck for the upcoming season and may the best punters prevail!