Season 2019 Everything You Need To Know

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Thank you once again to our amazing sponsors!

Thank you once again to our amazing sponsors!

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Table of Contents Page

President’s Welcome 3

History of the club 4

MMSC Committee - Season 2019 5

Your role in the club 6

Setting up Game Day Pitches 6

Referees 6

Rules of the Game 7

Illness and Holidays 7

Catch-Up Rounds and Byes 7

Game Day Expectations 8

Behaviour 8

Player of the Day Awards 9

Under 12 and above 9

Using your Clash Kits 9

Referees and Marshals 9

Seasons Results, Ladder & Finals 9

Where’s the coffee van? 9

Merchandise 10

Club Photo Day 10

Civic Reserve Development 10

End of Year Presentations 10

Player and Team Policy 11

Sponsors 17

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Whether you are new to soccer, or a seasoned player, thank you for choosing our

club for your child’s soccer journey. First and foremost, we aim to provide a fun and

safe game-based environment for kids of all abilities to play soccer, whether they be

a girl or boy, from pre-schoolers through to U18’s. Through playing, they will develop

the skills they need to be fluent in the world game, and maybe even join the next

generation of Socceroos or Matildas!

A Message from our Club President

A massive welcome to all of our players, parents, sponsors and supporters. The

committee is so excited about this season and we can’t wait for the first round on 6th

and 7th April to start the season off.

The biggest development for the club this year will be the launch of our new ground

at Civic Reserve. If all goes to plan, we will have limited access to two of our four

pitches in May and the remaining two pitches in 2020. The reason for this is that the

first two pitches will be laid with rolled turf, while the other two pitches will be sown

with seeds. We ask for your patience here as we want to protect our pitches and

ensure the turf has every chance to mature properly without damage. The council

will be providing us with recommendations from turf specialists detailing the number

of hours per week we can use the pitches in order to protect them and we will stand

by that advice. We will endeavor to give all players the chance to enjoy this first class

facility this year, whether it is on a match day or a specially organized training

session. We will keep you all informed about Civic Reserve as information comes to

hand.

Look out for Mount Martha Soccer Club’s brand new strip. For the next two years we

will be wearing a Nike kit, and our jersey has had a funky new twist to it. We really

hope you like it. We have also joined forces with Ultra Football who will be supplying

us with a great range of Nike club wear that will be available for purchase on their

website. Please wear this gear with pride, especially when you are playing away

from home as it will have our fantastic club logo on it. Show the pride and passion of

the Mariners!

We will be emphasising all season that everyone involved with the club, whether

they be on or off the field, will “Respect The Game”; this means respect for all

players, officials, coaches and supporters. Let us show every club that our club holds

Welcome to Season 2019

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a very high standard of respect for the game. It is up to each and everyone of us to

stand up and uphold this value when we can. On this theme, we have signed with

Childsafe Australia to ensure that our club provides the safest environment we can

for all of our children. Our committee holds the safety of our players as the

paramount priority and our partnership with Childsafe Australia is a strong indicator

of this.

We would like to welcome Mel Maizels as our club’s 2019 Football Ambassador. Mel

has just finished the season with Canberra in the WLeague, is passionate about all

things football and is a fantastic role model for our young players. Please welcome

her when you see her around the club.

We would like to acknowledge all of our wonderful sponsors who partner the club. Please make yourself aware of them all and when you see them in the street please thank them in person for their support. If you use any of their products or services please let them know that Mount Martha Soccer Club sent you.

Finally please contact any of the committee if you have any feedback, good and bad,

as we are all passionate about ensuring that ours is the best club to be part of.

Players go out there and have fun, and fly the Mariner’s flag whenever you can. See

you on the pitch.

Dean Whitehead

President

History of the club

While soccer has been played around the globe for centuries, soccer in Mt Martha is

still fairly new. We played our first season in 2015 with a member base of 275. Our

home grounds were Mace Oval and Padua College. In 2018, we were able to turn

soil on our new home ground at Civic Reserve, Mornington. This purpose built facility

has been made possible by government funding and many hours of local

campaigning, and will bring us into line with clubs of similar standing. The years

leading up to 2018 have been a great learning curve, with many committee members

setting up the ground work for our future. The club has in early 2019 been certified

by Football Victoria as a Five Star Club. This is a massive achievement for a young

club, and shows that all aspects of our club operations are being run in the best

possible way, ensuring your kids can play in a safe, respectful and positive sporting

environment.

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Parents’ role in the club

Being members of a community club, we all have a role to play. We ask that all

parents embrace an active role in the club, where possible. Yes, life can be very

busy, and sometimes just getting your child to their game in the right kit is all you can

manage. That’s okay! Aside from the formal roles of committee members, coaches,

and team managers, it is our hope that all parents pitch in where they can, whether

that is manning a sausage sizzle, shifting goals or packing up gear. Please

remember, many hands make light work.

Setting up Game Day Pitches

Saturday Games

The U6 – U12 mixed and boys games are played on Saturday at Mace. There are 3

pitches that require set up and pack up each weekend. The teams scheduled at the

start of the day are required to set up the pitch for their game only. That pitch is then

kept set up until the last game of the day, whereby the last team to play is required to

pack up. This job can be done more quickly when everyone assists. Please offer

help if your child plays the first or last game of the day.

The last games of the day are also required to pack up the bollards and signage on

Nepean Highway at the entry to Mace. Please don’t leave Mace oval knowing that

there is only one parent left to pack up the bollards.

Sunday Games

Girls teams and U13 – U16 are played on Sundays. The Saturday arrangements apply here also: the first team will be expected to setup the pitch and last team for that age group pack away.

Referees for junior teams (Miniroo’s)

All teams U11 and below will need to supply a referee or ‘game leader’ for home

games. Your team manager may ask you, as a parent, to help out with referee

duties. If you are asked to referee and feel that are under qualified, please let the

team manager know.

If there are no suitable parents able to referee for your team, the club will attempt to

find one for you, however this cannot be guaranteed.

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Rules of the Game

The National Rules and Format can be found on the Football Federation Australia

website: www.playfootball.com.au/sites/play/files/2018-01/14701_football_aldi-

miniroos-collateral_playing-formats-rules.pdf

There is also an online Laws of the Game resource. This educational tool gives

interactive access to the Laws of the Game including videos, workbooks, exams,

procedures, interpretations, additional information and details on how to become an

officially accredited referee, should you wish to take your football knowledge to that

next level.

www.playfootball.com.au/referee/laws-of-the-game

Illness and Holidays

The season runs from early April to late August. Games may be scheduled on school

holidays or long weekends. Please let your coach and team manager know if you

have a planned holiday so a substitute player can be found.

Illness is something that the club would like you to take seriously. Please let your

child rest if they are sick, and do not come to training or games if contagious. Please

let your coach and team manager know ASAP if your child cannot play or train due

to poor health.

If your child has serious health issues or allergies, please let the club know. Your

child’s health is important to us and all information will be kept confidential.

Catch Up Rounds Vs Byes

The FFV schedules three “catch up” rounds to accommodate re-grading of teams,

and to play any washed out games. These are not ‘byes’. If your team plays in a

division that has an uneven amount of teams, then there will be a ‘bye’ added to that

fixture.

It is advised that players U12 and above who have had a wash out, do not plan to go

away on a fixture break as you may be required to play your catch up game. If you

are going to be away, you must let your coach and team manager know.

Game Day Expectations

Please arrive at least 30 minutes before kick-off wearing the correct kit on game day

so your child has time to warm up.

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Our club has a two year sponsorship cycle and it is extremely important that your

child is in the correct kit for the season, as a show of respect to our club sponsors.

Your child may still fit into the kit that was given a few years ago, however please

keep old kits for training sessions only. If we are given white socks with a logo, you

are to wear those white socks with that logo on game day.

Players must wear shin guards. This is for their own safety. If you turn up without

shin guards, borrow some from a friend.

Behaviour

Players are required to play in line with the Team and Player Policy on page 14. As

supporters, it is expected that you will model the kind of good sportsmanship we

expect to see from our children. If things turn ugly, it reflects very poorly on our club,

our community and the culture of respect that this club has worked so hard to

achieve.

If anyone – player or supporter - is behaving inappropriately, they will be pulled up.

The standard you walk past is the standard you accept: disrespectful, unfair or

aggressive behaviour has no place in our club. If you see someone from an

opposition club behaving poorly, do not engage with them; rather, report the

behaviour to a referee, coach, team manager or committee member to deal with.

There will always be someone from the committee at the ground to help out.

Remember:

1. These are kids.

2. This is a game.

3. The coaches are volunteers.

4. The referees are human.

5. This is NOT the World Cup.

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Player of the Day Awards

The team manager and coach will award one certificate per game to a team member

of their choice. The decision may be based on a number of different reasons and the

club encourage the certificates to be used in an open-minded way. The “player of the

day” may not be the “BEST” player of the day, it may be little Johnny who has been

doing it rough all season and finally has a good game, it might be the defender who

took a really hard blow to the body while defending, or it might be the player who

booted the most goals to win the game. This club is about having fun and learning

the craft of the game. Encouragement comes in many forms and rewards will be

shared around equally to build players’ confidence.

Seasons Results, Ladder and Finals

There are no scores recorded for U11 and below. See “Player and Team Policy”

Item 11, page 16.

Under 12 and above parents

Clash Kits

Players will need to bring their clash kits to every game. It is up to the referee

whether they will need to change into clash kits or not.

Referees and Marshals

See “player and Team Policy” Item 10, page 15.

Disciplinary action resulting from a game (Red Cards etc)

See “Player and Team Policy” Item 8, page 14

Where’s the coffee van?!

Its freezing cold, 8.30am, you turn up to the ground, there’s no coffee van! What

the???

We will try our very best to have someone pour you a hot coffee every weekend, but

cannot promise anything in this busy age of food truck festivals and markets. Our

communications team will be happy to inform you each Friday (via social media)

whether you need to bring your coins or your own coffee to the ground. Follow us on

Instagram to get your weekly coffee update: @mountmarthasoccerclub

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In the meantime, if you own a coffee truck business or know someone who’d be

willing to commit to serving up our weekly fix, drop us a line at

comms@mountmarthasoccerclub.com.au

Merchandise

This season the club will have a fantastic range of merchandise available for

purchase. Hoodies, caps, umbrella’s and much more. Keep an eye on the new range

of gear, which will be announced via Team App, Facebook, and email very soon.

Club Photo Day

The annual Club Photo weekend is on 4th & 5th May 2019 in the Balcombe Grammar

School gym. The photos are a great keepsake and a great reminder of your time with

MMSC. Players are required to wear full kits - NO BOOTS, wear runners or indoor

boots. A time schedule and more details will be emailed out closer to the date. Any

questions, contact comms@mountmarthasoccerclub.com.au

Civic Reserve Development As mentioned in the presidents welcome on page 2, Civic Reserve is an exciting

next step for our club. However it is still in the early stages of development, which

means that the club will have limited access to the grounds during season 2019.

Further information on this exciting development can be accessed via the councils

website; mornpen.vic.gov.au. Use the search tool, type in “Mornington Civic

Reserve” to access all relevant information on the project, from scope of works, to

frequently ask questions.

End of Year Presentation

The End Of Season Celebration is held after the finals (U13 and above), typically in

late September. In 2018 the club held a casual family day at Mt Martha Primary

school. This style of event proved to be a great family and friends day and something

we will continue to build on in the future. Team and club awards are presented at this

event. Individual team presentations may be held on this day or on a separate day,

as determined by the coach and team manager. We look forward to celebrating an

awesome season with you!

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Player and Team Policy

The following information covers the Club’s policies and procedures relating to the following areas:

1. Players and Team Placement 2. Playing outside of Age Group 3. Selecting the appropriate level for the Team 4. Mixed and Single Gender Teams 5. Squad Sizes 6. Player Development 7. Training, Selection and Substitution 8. Behaviour Issues, Punctuality, and Suspensions and Fines 9. The role of the Coach 10. Officials 11. Registering your Teams results 12. Medical Records

Players, Coaches, Team Managers and Parents agree to these policies when their child becomes a member of the Mount Martha Soccer Club. This policy is reviewed annually by the Technical Director and Head Coaches, and any updates shared with the Executive Committee for approval ahead of formal publishing.

This policy is located on the Club’s website and any updates will be communicated to all active Coaches and Team Managers, and published on the Club's website.

This specific policy relates to the Mount Martha Soccer Club’s Under 6 to Under 17 age groups.

1. Player and Team Placement

Mount Martha Soccer Club aims to have likeminded players of similar ability, playing at the appropriate level for their age and skills. It is the Club's intent that, by balancing the teams and playing at the right level, it provides an environment for the players to grow, develop and more importantly enjoy the game of soccer.

1.1. The Club aim to provide an environment where all levels of ability are encouraged to participate rather than selecting the ‘best’ players to play.

1.2. This policy prioritises players to play within their own age group, ahead of players who have a preference to play up an age group.

1.3. Football Victoria (FV) has implemented the following structure which is designed to allow players of similar abilities to play competitive soccer.

Up to Under 12s – Kangaroos, Wallabies and Joeys

Under 13 and above – Grade – A, B, C, and so on depending on the number of teams in the age group

1.4. As part of being governed by FV, the Club has a responsibility to balance teams and place the players appropriately, based on their ability level and mindset.

1.5. The players will be selected to play in a team of similar ability. It is the overall responsibility of the Technical Director to manage the selection of players into teams. If a parent is unhappy with the team their child has been selected to play in, they can raise this directly with the Technical Director for review.

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1.6. It is the Club's intent, to balance the teams at the beginning of the season and keep that playing group together throughout the season.

1.7. Player movements will be considered throughout the season at the discretion of the Technical Director.

1.8. The Club recognises that each player is an individual and they will grow and develop at different rates. The Club will assess players annually and select teams each year, first based on player's current ability level, and not on the fact that they played in a specific team last season.

1.9. Where a squad has vacant positions available, as per the numbers detailed in section 5, the appropriate wait list will be used to invite new players to join the Club.

2. Playing outside of your age group

2.1. The Club policy prioritises players to play within their own age group, ahead of players who have a preference to play up or down an age group.

2.2. The squad size section (5) below defines the ideal number of players per squad and therefore is also a considering factor.

2.3. Players who have the ability, commitment and desire to play above their age group, can do so, at the discretion of the Technical Director. The Technical Director will speak to the parents and player prior to any decision, taking into account the physical and social factors relating to playing at an older or younger age group.

2.4. The Technical Director has the authority to return any player back to their appropriate age group at any stage throughout the season if it’s deemed in the best interest of the player.

2.5. The final decision on allowing a player to play outside of their age group is with the Technical Director.

3. Selecting the appropriate level for the team

3.1. As per the above referenced (1.3) FV playing structure, and where the Club is required to self-grade teams, the Technical Director, in conjunction with the respective Head Coach, will select the level each team should play at and ensure the Club makes the necessary requests.

3.2. The decision to submit a request to change levels either before or during the season is the responsibility of the respective Head Coach who will discuss and agree this with the Technical Director.

3.3. FV have formal guidelines that need to be met before they will consider a team moving leagues during the season and the Club will adhere to these.

3.4. Outside of the season, the Club will give consideration to submitting a request to FV to move a team up if they have won more than 80% or move a team down if they have lost at least 80% of games in the previous season.

3.5. All requests need to be approved by the Technical Director and will be submitted to FV through the Registration Manager to formalise the request. The ultimate decision maker is the FV based on availability of teams within each group and geographical location.

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4. Mixed and Single Gender Teams

4.1. The Club's Under 6 and Under 7 squads will be mixed.

4.2. From Under 8 to Under 13, male and female players have the option to either play in mixed teams or single gender teams, where numbers allow.

4.3. From Under 14 and above, single gender team rules are enforced by FV.

5. Squad Sizes

5.1. The Club aims to balance squad sizes in order to provide players with maximum game time, whilst ensuring each squad is of a sufficient size to allow for player absences and injuries.

5.2. Squad sizes are determined by the age group and ability level, however, the Club's preferred number of players per team is defined in the table below.

Age Group No. of Players on Field of Play

Squad Size

Under 6 N/A N/A

Under 7 4 7

Under 8 and Under 9

7 10

Under 10 and Under 11

9 12

Under 12 – Under 16 (Kangaroos, A and B Grade)

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Under 12 - Under 16 (Wallabies, Joeys, C Grade and below)

11 15

Under 17 and above

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6. Player Development

6.1. The Club aligns itself to Football Federation Australia’s (FFA) National Curriculum and Coaching Process, which breaks down player development into the following phases:

Ages 5 – 9 – Discovery Phase

Ages 9 – 13 – Skills Acquisition Phase

Ages 13 – 17 – Game Training Phase

Ages 17+ - Performance Phase

6.2. The Club sets out to ensure all children are given the opportunity of developing their skills by playing in a number of positions over the course of the season:

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6.2.1. Under 6 and Under 7 do not have a specific requirement in regards to player positions.

6.2.2. Under 8 to Under 11 players should actively play in different positions throughout the season. This encourages skill development, game sense and confidence. This will be at the discretion and guidance of the Team Coach.

6.2.3. Under 12 to Under 14 players may be defined as defensive or attacking players, which provides team structure, allows for deep skill development and further confidence. This does not restrict any individual player from changing their approach, but this is based on the Coaches direction.

6.2.4. Under 15 and above players will have more defined positions but will still be encouraged to play in and understand different roles as they gain increased skills and tactical awareness.

7. Training, Selection and Substitutions

7.1. All players are expected to attend training unless they have a medical or other valid reason for being absent.

7.2. Players who do not train and /or who display a poor attitude should not expect to be in the starting line up and be prepared to spend more time on the substitution bench as a consequence. This is at the Coach’s discretion.

7.3. The Coach will determine when substitutes take to the field during a match in line with the following guidelines:

7.3.1. For Under 7 to Under11 teams, the Club’s intent is to provide all players equal game time, regardless of the strength or weakness of the opposition, as results are not recorded. This age is for learning and growing as a player and team. All players should be encouraged and supported by their Coach and other players.

7.3.2. For Under 12 to Under 14 teams, the Club’s intent is to provide all players equal game time, when the training requirement has been met (7.2), however depending on the competitiveness of the game and the mix of players available to the Coach, this may not always be possible.

7.3.3. For Under 15 and above teams, the Club’s intent is for players to be rewarded by time on the pitch determined by meeting the training requirement (7.2), based on the previous week’s individual and team performance, and the strength of the opposition, at the Coaches discretion.

8. Behaviour Issues, Punctuality, and Suspensions and Fines

8.1. All members, and their parents and guardians, agree to the Club's Code of Conduct upon registering. The Club is keen to ensure all players abide by this, so where a Coach believes there has been a breach, they have complete discretion in deciding the actions required to correct such behaviour, after discussing and agreeing this with their respective Head Coach and the Technical Director. This may involve offending players starting games on the bench, or even being asked to not attend training or matches altogether.

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8.2. Punctuality is very important. Arriving late for matches and training is not acceptable and will not be tolerated. The Coach has complete authority, not to select player(s) for the game if they arrive at the ground more than five (5) minutes after the time communicated by the Team Manager.

8.3. On game day, FV appointed referee has total authority of the match. During the game, there may be instances where a referee gives a yellow or red card to a player, in line with the Laws of the Game. When this occurs, the referee submits a report to the FV after the game for further action to be taken. Once the FV has reviewed the report, they will inform the Club of any suspensions and fines associated with the incident. Where an appeal is warranted, the Club will seek statements from the respective Coach, and submit it, following the FV procedure. However, if the punishment is upheld, then player's parents and guardians are responsible for paying any fine and ensuring their child abides by any suspension handed out. If a parent or guardian refuses to pay the fine, then they will not be allowed to take part in any matches until they have done so.

8.4. In addition, to 8.3 above, or where the referee gives a yellow or red card during the game, but does not then report it, or where a player's conduct on the pitch is not within the Laws of the Game, but is not picked up by the appointed referee, the Coach has complete discretion to impose their own disciplinary action on a player, after discussing and agreeing this with their respective Head Coach, and the Technical Director.

9. The role of the Coaches

9.1. Players take part to learn and have fun with the end result being the outcome of hard work, fair play and sportsmanship.

9.2. Developing each of the Club's members is therefore the focus of the Coaches, not a 'win at all costs' mentality.

9.3. Coaches should:

9.3.1. Encourage good sportsmanship, be a positive role model and help players to develop as human beings, not just soccer players.

9.3.2. Focus on the positives, recognise all individuals throughout the season.

9.4. The Coach is solely responsible for providing guidance to players on the field.

9.5. During the game, parents and guardians are asked to comply with the Club's Code of Conduct and only provide positive comments about the team as a whole and not single out individuals or instruct any players in any way.

9.6. The Coach & Team Manager have the authority to manage any parents and guardians who do not comply with the above points and can request that a spectator leaves the venue.

10. Officials

10.1. For Under 7 and Under 11, the Club requests that a suitably capable parent acts as referee for home games, and as assistant referee for home and away games.

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10.2. For Under 12 to Under 18, FV will look to appoint a match referee to all games and the Club is required to provide an assistant referee for both home and away fixtures.

10.3. For any instance where a FV appointed referee is unavailable, then an agreement needs to be reached between the two Clubs involved as to who will officiate the match, which may result in a parent undertaking the role.

10.4. Team Managers will canvass availability for assistant referees amongst their parent group and establish a rota for the season.

11. Registering your team’s Results (Under 12 and above only)

11.1. It is the responsibility of the Team Manager to ensure proper records of each match are maintained.

11.2. Results need to be sent to the Club’s Team Manager Co-ordinator by 6pm on the day of the game, so that they can be entered into the official FV system.

11.3. Results, team lists, names of goal-scorers, and names of any yellow or red cards should all be kept on record and be available as required.

12. Medical Records

12.1. Parents and guardians are responsible for ensuring the Club are informed of all medical conditions for their child.

12.2. Where a medical condition is noted, the Club will ensure that this information is shared with the respective Coach and Team Manager, in case it is needed in an emergency.

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Thank you once again to our amazing sponsors!

Thank you once again to our amazing sponsors!

Season 2019 Everything You Need To Know