south melbourne district junior football … · teams selection policy & player registration...

SOUTH MELBOURNE DISTRICTJUNIOR FOOTBALL CLUB

TEAMS SELECTION POLICY &PLAYER REGISTRATION GUIDELINES

TEAM SELECTION POLICY

INTRODUCTION

One of the most difficult tasks for a junior football club with more than oneteam in the same age group is allocating players in teams in a way thatsatisfies all stakeholders.

South Melbourne Districts Junior Football Club (SMDJFC) endeavours tocarry out the task according to the guidelines set out below, in accordancewith our Club vision to give our junior players the best possible opportunity todevelop to the best of their ability in a fun and safe environment.

Consistent with the League (‘SMJFL’) SMDJFC discourages waiting lists orlist rotations and encourages team formation which leads to maximum playerparticipation (subject to SMDJFC policies).

SMDJFC aims to field teams in the Under 8’s through to the Under 17 agelevel.

It is recognized however, that young players mature and develop physicallyand mentally at different stages. In recognizing this transitional process, theclub has aligned its team selection policy and guidelines to see the focus ofinvolvement move from general participation in the modified rules age group,to a more competitive, skills and performance based selection process in theolder age groups.

This approach is also consistent with the AFLs Junior Match Policy and theSMJFLs competition structure.

Accordingly, the Club will apply these guidelines across three specific agegroups as follows.

AGE GROUP COMPETITION TEAM SELECTION POLICYUnder 8 -10 Modified Rules Random team formation

Under 11-12 Competition Rules Transitional period with emphasis onbalancing team structure to becompetitive in the respective SMJFLdivision played.

Under 13 -17 Competition Rules Graded teams - applied on abilityand fitness based selection process.

This policy: -

● Outlines the framework that will guide all stakeholders in ensuring theaims of each age group are met and that each player is given theappropriate opportunity to actively participate, develop and enjoy theirfootball.

● Ensures players are best satisfied by understanding and managing keyfactors such as Age, Ability, Maturity and Commitment.

● Seeks to provide a safe and caring environment, which promotespersonal and team development on social, mental and physical levelswhilst pursuing fundamental enjoyment of the game.

● Aims to keep players playing and enjoying the game.

The Club requires all stakeholders to adhere to the policy. Wheredisagreement exists the Football Operations Coordinator for the respectiveage group shall manage the dispute in conjunction with the Junior ClubPresident.

TEAM SELECTION OBJECTIVES

The key objectives underlying the Club’s team selection process are

● To encourage as many players as possible in the community to playfootball in a fun and safe environment.

● To provide players the opportunity to develop to the best of their ability,and encourage them to reach their maximum potential.

● To provide and promote a culture of teamwork, selflessness, disciplineand respect.

● To maintain open lines of communication and co-operation betweenteam officials, players, parents/guardians and Club Officials.

● To adhere to the SMJFL Age Selection Rules with players to play intheir eligible age group.

● Players should not expect to remain in the same group of players eachyear.

● To field a team in the highest division of each age group from U11 toU17, but strive to ensure that all teams are competitive in their selecteddivision.

● To achieve the ultimate team success whilst conducting a manner thatinstils pride in our club and earns the respect of opponents and thecommunity in general.

● To encourage and create opportunity for individual player success inthe respective SMJFL Division and Interleague programs, and toproduce players for Vic Metro, TAC Cup and AFL Club squads.

● To provide a pathway option for all players to our South MelbourneDistricts Senior Football Teams.

● To ensure each player plays a minimum of three quarters of footballfrom U8-U12 and a minimum of two quarters of football from U13-U17each week.

TEAM SELECTION CRITERIA

Table Summary is provided followed by detailed commentary for each agegroup bracket.

U8s – U10s U11s – U12s U13s – U17sCompetition Modified Rules AFL Competition

RulesAFL CompetitionRules

GeneralPhilosophy

Participation.Focus on skillsdevelopment

Transitional Yearto full competitionrules, withintroduction ofgame sensetraining and teamrules

Grading applieswith ability basedselection processadopted, and fullemphasis ongame sensetraining and teamrules

SelectionGuidelines

Randomtransparent drawof players namesto form teams.Exceptionsiblings.

To createcompetitiveteams inrespectivedivisions (withkey aim to fieldDivision 2 and 4teams).Exceptionsiblings.

Based on player’sability and teambalance to createindividualopportunity todevelop, andcreatecompetitiveteams, inrespectivedivisions

Team Structure Not applicable In line withrespectivedivision

Ability based withemphasis onplayer’s level ofdevelopment andfitness, and teambalance

Team Numbers Max 24. Max 24 No maximum toplaying squad,however max. 24players on gameday applies (nocap in SMJFLfinals)

Home & AwayGame Time

Min 3 quarters Min 3 quarters Min 2 quarters

Finals GameTime

Min 3 quarters Min 2 quarters Min 1 quarter

Position Rotation To play withineach zone overthe course ofeach game

To play acrossmost positionsover the courseof the season

More set tomatch the playersfitness, skill set,suitability andphysicality

Team Rules Little emphasis GreaterEmphasis

High Emphasis

Player MovementPolicy

League Rulesapply

League Rulesapply

League Rulesapply

Preliminary TeamSelectionDeadlines

N/a Prior to 1st

practice matchPrior to 1st

practice match

Team SelectionDeadline

See Above Followingcompletion ofRound 4 teamsmay berestructuredsubject to divisionallocation

Followingcompletion ofRound 4

Teams not set,rotation betweenteams on aweekly basis ifrequired.

Team SelectionResponsibility

Shall bemanaged byJunior FootballCommittee

Coaches andFootballOperations Co-Coordinator

Coaches andFootballOperationsCommittee

Finals/LightningCarnival

Players shall playin one team onlyfor the LightningCarnival (be it theteam they playedthe majority oftheir games with)

In order to playfinals a playermust have playeda minimum 4games with theteam

In order to playfinals a playermust have playeda minimum 4games with theteam

Under 8, 9 and 10 (Modified Rules)

General Philosophy & Selection GuidelinesIn these years, the emphasis is placed on participation, enjoyment,development and their desire to play with their siblings, relations, and friendsbased upon family circumstances, friendship groups and schools.

Whilst recognizing these are important factors at this age level, personalrequests and preferences, although taken into account, may not always beable to be accommodated.

Additional focus is on the acquisition of football skills and the nurturing ofphysical and emotional development and well-being.

Training is an important part of the club requirements. Behaviour, commitmentand attendance shall be looked upon favourably when consideration given toplayer choices, opportunities and events throughout the year as a team.

No player shall play in more than 1 game per age group and shall only play amaximum 2 games per round.

Team StructureWhere there are registered players enabling two or more sides to be formedin the same age group, the Junior Football Committee shall hold an eveningprior to Round 1 whereby all players (exception is one of each of the followingrolesTeam Coach, Assistant Coach, Team Manager and Trainer) arerandomly selected in a transparent process and allocated to a team.[Under 10 2017 team formation shall be undertaken by team coaches andFootball Operations Coordinator to form ‘equally’ competitive teams. This isconsidered a transition process only for 2017. In 2018 Under 8-10 shall followa random team selection process.] This paragraph is to be deleted upon thecompletion of the 2017season.

Team Numbers

A maximum of 24 (twenty-four) players in each team.

This will allow a maximum 18 (eighteen) players taking to the ground with 6(six) reserves on game day. Thus game day players will equal 24 (twenty-four) and the coach will provide the opportunity for all players to play aminimum of 3 quarters per game.

Should a coach wish to register more or less than 24 players for their team,he/ she can make a formal request for decision by the Football OperationsCommittee.

Position Rotation & Game TimeSMDJFC expects, within the limits of duty of care, comfort, ability andconfidence that each player will be given the opportunity to rotate around theground within each game. This will provide players the understanding of eachposition.

Team Rules

The key focus at this age group is fun, enjoyment and skills development.This aside, Coaches team rules and discipline expectations are to berespected and met at all times by players and parents.

Should a player/s be sanctioned for disciplinary action, penalties will bedecided by the team Coach and the Football Operations age group Co-Coordinator.

Player Movement Policy

The application of the Leagues Player Movement Policy can be applied asfollows: -

1. Where multiple teams exist, free movement of players across teamswithin each age group shall be permitted throughout the season.

2. Save with the approval of the Leagues General Manager (whichapproval is at the absolute discretion of the General Manager); a playermay only play in one game per round in a particular age group.

3. For the purpose of the Lightning Carnival, a player shall only bepermitted to play in the team in which they played the majority ofgames throughout the season

Playing ‘Up’ or ‘Down’

Prior to the start of Round 1 each age group shall publish a list of playersavailable to play up/down an age group. On all occasions the priority is for theplayer’s nominated team and the game/after match formalities must be

completed before leaving to participate in other game.The list shall be compiled by the Age Group Football Operations Coordinatorafter consultation with coaches and parents.

Key principles to apply are1. No team shall request additional assistance if their playing list is lessthan 18 available players.2. No assisting player shall play more game time than other players.3. Rotation of available assisting players should be undertaken inselection of any player in order to provide experience to those assistingplayers able to play up.

4. Any decision or request to play up shall be made in conjunction withthe Coach and the Age Group Football Operations Coordinator in orderto prepare a suitable and coordinated support especially during periodsof high player absences.5. No player requests are to be made by Coaches, Assistant Coaches,Team Managers - all communication must be managed by the FootballOperations Team.

Any request for a player to play at a higher age group, or Division, needs toapply consideration of duty of care and as such should be agreeable to allrespective stakeholders.

Team Selection Deadline

Teams will be finalized when maximum player numbers have been reached,on a registration priority basis (first in), or by commencement of Round 1,whichever occurs first.

Once selected, it is expected that all players will remain in their respectiveteam for the season, noting exceptions under the Leagues Player MovementPolicy may apply.

Should a special circumstance arise seeking a change of team, the request isto be referred to the respective age group Football Operations Coordinator/Committee who in conjunction with the respective stakeholders will make afinal decision.

Under 11-12 (AFL Competition Rules – incorporating MatchScoring, Ladder positions, Final 4, Premiership)

General Philosophy & Selection GuidelinesAt this age group the primary emphasis remains participation and enjoyment.However a greater emphasis is applied to skill development, team structureand competitiveness within the respective divisions. Divisions 2 and 4.

In the formation of teams, consideration shall be given to player strengths,weaknesses, skills, physical development and understanding of the game.

Under 11-12s is deemed as transitional years whereby the competition movesfrom modified rules to AFL rules. Scores are kept, teams compete forpremiership points, and the competition ladder and final four apply includingfinals and league player awards.

Individual players may be provided the opportunity to play in a higher or lowerdivision to develop to the best of their ability and encourage them to reachtheir maximum potential subject to agreement by all stakeholders.

Training is an important part of the club requirements. Behaviour, commitmentand attendance shall be looked upon favourably when consideration given toplayer choices, game time, opportunities and events throughout the year as ateam.

Team Structure

Where there are two or more sides that are formed in the same age group,the Football Operations Coordinator will guide selection of the teams with theassistance of team Coaches and the guidance of the Football OperationsCommittee where required.

Teams should be formed to meet the standards of the respective divisionswith focus on fielding teams which shall enable player growth, participationand engagement across all skill sets.

Team Numbers

A maximum of 24 (twenty-four) players in each team.

This will allow a maximum 18 (eighteen) players taking to the ground with 6(six) reserves on game day. Thus game day players will equal 24 (twenty-four) and the coach will provide the opportunity for all players to play aminimum of 3 quarters per game.

Should a coach wish to register more or less than 24 players for their team,he/ she can make a formal request for decision by the Football OperationsCommittee.

The maximum number of players able to play in any match game (with theexception of finals) is capped at 24. Finals games allow an unlimited numberof players to be played provided they qualify in accordance with League rules

Position Rotation & Game Time

SMDJFC expects, within the limits of duty of care, comfort, ability andconfidence, that each player will be given the opportunity to rotate around theground throughout the season (but not necessarily within each game). Thiswill provide players the understanding of different position.

Team Rules

The focus continues to be enjoyment of football however with the introductionof competition rules coaches will have greater emphasis on skills andcompetitiveness following team rules and structures.

Team rules and discipline expectations are to be respected and met at alltimes by players and parents.

Should a player/s be sanctioned for disciplinary action, penalties will bedecided by the team Coach and the Football Operations age groupCoordinator.

Player Movement Policy

In this age group the League’s Player Movement Policy will provide the Clubwith flexibility in player selection, particularly in rounds where a number ofplayers from a particular team are unavailable; and provide players in a lowerdivision team with the opportunity and incentive to strive to play in a higherdivision team, should this be agreeable to the respective stakeholders.

Where multiple teams in the same age group exist the application of theLeagues Player Movement Policy can be applied as follows: -

1. An unlimited number of players may be rotated from a lower divisionteam to a higher division team in a particular round.

2. No more than two (2) players may be rotated from a higher divisionteam to a lower division team in a particular round.

3. Save with the approval of the General Manager (which approval is atthe absolute discretion of the General Manager); a player may onlyplay in one game per round (including finals) in a particular age group.

4. Save with the approval of the General Manager (which approval is atthe absolute discretion of the General Manager), once a player hasplayed six (6) matches in a higher division team, they shall be ineligibleto play in a lower division team for the remainder of the season(including finals).

5. Subject to Clause 4, players may qualify to play for multiple teamsduring finals provided that:

a. The player has met the requirements of SMJFL By-Law 20.4 inrelation to each team in which the player seeks to play finals;and

b. Byes do not count as one (1) match for the purpose ofcalculating the number of games a player has played in aparticular team; and

c. A player may only play in one finals match in each week of thefinals.

d. A player is ineligible for a particular team once they play a finalsmatch in a higher ranked team.

6. Where a Member Club has more than one team in the same division ina particular age group, the Member Club must notify the GeneralManager before the commencement of the season of the ranking ofthose teams from highest to lowest, and this policy shall then applyaccordingly.

7. Where a team in breach of this Policy wins the game in which thebreach occurs, the opposing team shall be awarded a forfeit andSMJFL By-Law 19.6 shall apply.

8. Any Member Club that breaches this By-Law in any home and away orfinals game shall be liable, at the discretion of the General Manager, to:

a. a fine not exceeding 50 penalty units;b. and / or loss of premiership points and percentage obtained by

the offending team in all games up to and including the game inwhich the breach occurs;

c. and / or where the breach occurs in a finals game, loss of thefinals game.

All Member Clubs are required to adhere to the spirit of this policy by bearingin mind the above purposes and not using the policy as a means of “stacking”teams in order to win matches.


Prior to the start of Round 1 each age group shall publish a list of playersavailable to play up/down an age group. On all occasions the priority is for theplayer’s nominated team and the game/after match formalities must becompleted before leaving to participate in other game. The list shall becompiled by the Age Group Football Operations Coordinator after consultationwith coaches and parents.

Key principles to apply are:

1. No team shall request additional assistance if their playing list ismore than 18 available players.

2. No assisting player shall play more game time than other players.3. Rotation of available assisting players should be undertaken in

selection of any player in order to provide experience to thoseassisting players able to play up.

4. Any decision or request to play up shall be made in conjunction withthe Coach and the Age Group Football Operations Coordinator inorder to prepare a suitable and coordinated support especiallyduring periods of high player absences.

5. No player requests are to be made by Coaches, Assistant Coaches,Team Managers - all communication must be managed by theFootball Operations Team.

Finals

1. All players of the team shall have right of first selection for finalsgames subject to playing the minimum 4 games of the home and awayseason.2. Players that have assisted the team during the year shall also havethe ability to play in the finals if the team player numbers are less than21.3. Assisting players shall be selected based upon the number of gamesthey have participated in during the home and away season.4. No assisting player shall play more game time than a team player.5. All players in a finals game shall play a minimum 2 quarters of agame


The Coach and Age Group Football Operations Committee reserves the rightto make further changes over the first four rounds.

Teams will then be finalized following completion of Round 4 to coincide withthe leagues final grading of Teams in their respective divisions.



Under 13 – U17 (AFL Competition Rules – incorporating MatchScoring, Ladder positions, Final 4, Premiership)

General Philosophy & Selection Guidelines

At this level teams play in a highly competitive competition where a greateremphasis is placed upon individual and team performances.

In these age groups the Club strives to have at least one team participating atthe highest level (division) possible.

Teams are graded to enable them to be as highly competitive as possible intheir respective division. As a result, grading may result in player movementfrom their previous team. Where player selection to a different team occurs, itshould be regarded as an opportunity to experience diversity, improvepersonal skills and they should be encouraged to adapt and enjoy change.

Where more than one team in these age groups exist, team selection will bebased on providing players with the best possible opportunity to develop tothe best of their ability, commensurate to their level of fitness, skill set andphysicality.

Individual players may request to play in a lower division to develop to thebest of their ability and will be encouraged to reach their maximum potentialsubject to agreement by all stakeholders.

Training is an important part of the club requirements. Behaviour, commitmentand attendance shall be looked upon favourably when consideration given toplayer choices, game time, opportunities and events throughout the year as ateam.

Team Structure

The Football Operations Coordinator together with Team Coach/es willconduct a fitness and skills assessment of players prior to the commencementof each season. The outcome of this assessment will determine what teamplayers are initially selected in they are allocated to.

In selection of players the following factors/attributes will be taken intoconsideration

● Skill Level –Kicking, Marking, Handball / Vision / Awareness and CleanHands

● Competitiveness● Footy Smarts● Fitness Levels● Other factors considered but not limited to include Attitude, Training

Attendance, coachability, adherence to Club/ League Code of Conduct.

The Football Operations Coordinator will guide selection of the teams with theassistance of team Coaches and input from the Football OperationsCommittee.

Team NumbersThe maximum number of players registered in these teams will be at thediscretion of the Team Coach and Football Operations Age GroupCoordinator, but a squad of 25 players’ minimum is necessary at this level.

The maximum number of players able to play in any match game (with theexception of finals) is capped at 24. If player numbers exceed 24 in a homeand away game; players will be rotated off and offered games in a higher agegroup or players may rest. Finals games allow an unlimited number of playersto be played provided they qualify in accordance with League rules but we seta minimum of 24 players per team for finals.

If any age group has two or more teams, teams will play with equal number ofplayers each week e.g. Round 1 – 48 players available – Div 1 x 24 | Div 3 x24; Round 2 – 40 players – Div 1 x 20 | Div 3 x 20. No team will play withmore players unless SMJFL Player Movement By-Laws restrict playermovement.

Position, Rotation & Game TimeAt this level positions are set to match the player’s fitness, skill set, suitabilityand physicality.

SMDJFC expects, within the limits of duty of care, comfort, ability andconfidence, that the team Coach will determine player position rotation, in thebest interests of their football development.

Where practical SMDJFC expects players to play a minimum of 2 quarters permatch.

Team RulesCoaches will place a high emphasis on team rules.

Coaches team rules discipline expectations are to be respected and met at alltimes by players.

Should a player/s be sanctioned for disciplinary action, penalties will bedecisional by the team Coach and the Football Operations Age GroupCoordinator.

Player Movement PolicyIn this age group the League’s Player Movement Policy will provide the Clubwith flexibility in player selection, particularly in rounds where a number ofplayers from a particular team are unavailable; and provide players in a lowerdivision team with the opportunity and incentive to strive to play in a higherdivision team.

Any request for a player to play at a higher age group, or Division, needs toapply consideration of duty of care and as such should be agreeable to allrespective stakeholders.

There will be regular occasions throughout the season where we will requireflexibility in player selection, particularly in rounds where a number of playersfrom a particular team are unavailable; and to provide players in a lowerdivision team with the opportunity and incentive to strive to play in a higherdivision team/ players in a higher division team with the opportunity andincentive to regain form/touch by playing in a lower division team.

The above player movement will be communicated to players prior to trainingby team coaches.

Where player selection to a different team occurs, it should be regarded as anopportunity to experience diversity, improve skills and they should beencouraged to adapt and enjoy change.

Please note that if a player is promoted up/or down they will be provided witha minimum of 2 weeks in that respective team. The club also needs to adhereto the SMJFL Player Movement & Finals Qualification Policy.

Where multiple teams in the same age group exist the application of theLeagues Player Movement Policy can be applied as follows: -

1. an unlimited number of players may be rotated from a lower divisionteam to a higher division team in a particular round.

2. no more than two (2) players may be rotated from a higher divisionteam to a lower division team in a particular round.

3. Save with the approval of the General Manager (which approval is atthe absolute discretion of the General Manager); a player may onlyplay in one game per round (including finals) in a particular age group.

4. Save with the approval of the General Manager (which approval is atthe absolute discretion of the General Manager), once a player hasplayed six (6) matches in a higher division team, they shall be ineligibleto play in a lower division team for the remainder of the season(including finals).

5. Subject to Clause 4, players may qualify to play for multiple teamsduring finals provided that:

a. the player has met the requirements of SMJFL By-Law 20.4 inrelation to each team in which the player seeks to play finals;and

b. byes do not count as one (1) match for the purpose ofcalculating the number of games a player has played in aparticular team; and

c. a player may only play in one finals match in each week of thefinals.

d. A player is ineligible for a particular team once they play a finalsmatch in a higher ranked team.

6. Where a Member Club has more than one team in the same division ina particular age group, the Member Club must notify the GeneralManager before the commencement of the season of the ranking ofthose teams from highest to lowest, and this policy shall then applyaccordingly.

7. Where a team in breach of this Policy wins the game in which thebreach occurs, the opposing team shall be awarded a forfeit andSMJFL By-Law 19.6 shall apply.

8. Any Member Club that breaches this By-Law in any home and away orfinals game shall be liable, at the discretion of the General Manager, to:

a. a fine not exceeding 50 penalty units;b. and / or loss of premiership points and percentage obtained by

the offending team in all games up to and including the game inwhich the breach occurs;

c. and / or where the breach occurs in a finals game, loss of thefinals game.

SMDJFC is expected to adhere to the spirit of this policy by bearing in mindthe above purposes and not using the policy as a means of “stacking” teamsin order to win matches.


Prior to the start of Round 1 each age group shall publish a list of playersavailable to play up/down an age group. On all occasions the priority is for theplayer’s nominated team and the game/after match formalities must becompleted before leaving to participate in other game. The list shall becompiled by the Age Group Football Operations Coordinator after consultationwith coaches and parents.

Key principles to apply are:

1. No team shall request additional assistance if their playing list is morethan 19 available players.

2. No assisting player shall play more game time than other players.3. Rotation of available assisting players should be undertaken in

selection of any player in order to provide experience to those assistingplayers able to play up.

4. Any decision or request to play up shall be made in conjunction withthe Coach and the Age Group Football Operations Coordinator in orderto prepare a suitable and coordinated support especially during periodsof high player absences.

5. No player requests are to be made by Coaches, Assistant Coaches,Team Managers - all communication must be managed by the FootballOperations Team.

6. During finals, first priority of selected assisting players will be assessedfrom their record of number of games played with the team during ahome and away season.

Finals1. All players of the team shall have right of first selection for finalsgames subject to playing the minimum 4 games of the home and awayseason.

2. Players that have assisted the team during the year shall also havethe ability to play in the finals if the team player numbers are less than21.3. Assisting players shall be selected based upon the number of gamesthey have participated in during the home and away season.4. No assisting player shall play more game time than a team player.5. All players in a finals game shall play a minimum 1 quarter of a finalsgame.

Team Selection DeadlineTeams are initially formed following completion of club practice games, priorto the first game of the season.

The Coach and Age Group Football Operations Committee reserves the rightto make further changes over the course of the season.


PLAYER REGISTRATION GUIDELINES

Registration means “registered with SMJFL to play at SMDJFC”.

The maximum number of players able to be registered in each team isdetermined by the SMDJFC in accordance with this policy.

No additional registrations will be accepted after the commencement of theplaying season. (i.e. start of the first game of season) without the expressconsent of the team Coach and the age group Football OperationsCoordinator / Committee.

Once registered, players are expected to attend pre-season training, a weeklytraining session during the season and to make themselves available for allseasons matches.

At all times it is the responsibility of the player to communicate theiravailability to attend training and match games to their respective TeamManager and Coach. Where these officials are not in place thiscommunication is to be directed to the respective Age Group FootballOperations Coordinator.

The club retains the right to cancel, or refuse, any registration and mayexercise its discretion not to accept additional registrations once a team hasreached its maximum number of players.

PLAYER REGISTRATION OBJECTIVES

The key objectives underlying the Club’s team selection process are

· Existing Club Players are given priority subject to club and league codeof conduct.

· New or previous players are always welcome however registration issubject to some conditions, and maximum team player limits.

· All players register for the club and eligible age Group, not a particularteam.

· Registration exceptions by players/ families will be considered but onlyaccommodated at the discretion of the Club.


Teams are initially formed following at the completion of club practice games,prior to the first game of the season.

The Coach and Age Group Football Operations Committee reserves the rightto make further changes over the first four (4) rounds.

Teams will then be finalized following completion of Round 4 to coincide withthe leagues final grading of teams in their respective divisions.


Should a special circumstance arise seeking a change of team, the request isto be referred to the respective Age Group Football Operations Coordinator/Committee who in conjunction with the respective stakeholders will make afinal decision.

EXISTING SMDJFC PLAYERS

Players registered at SMDJFC in the previous year who wish to register forthe current year will be given priority so long as they have:

a. Completed Registration forms by the priority registration close date.b. Paid any fees due.c. Completed Medical and any other forms required by SMDJFC and

SMJFL.d. Previous attitude, commitment and behaviour at SMDJFC and have

met the SMDJFC/ SMJFL Player’s Code of Conduct.

NEW PLAYERS/ PREVIOUS SMDJFC PLAYERS

New players, or previous SMDJFC players, are always welcome at the Club.

All new player enquiries must be directed to the age group FootballOperations Coordinator or Committee who will determine the players’ teamselection.

Allocation to a particular team will take into account age, school, family ties

and friendships, however team preferences may not always be met.Should a new player join midway through the season, the same principalsabove shall apply.

All new players will be required to: -a) Complete Registration forms by the registration close date.b) Pay any fees due.c) Complete Medical and any other forms required by SMDJFC and

SMJFL.d) Display attitude, commitment and behaviour at SMDJFC during the

selection period.

REGISTRATION TO ELIGIBLE AGE GROUP

It is SMDJFC policy that players register for their eligible age group.

Should a player request to play at an age group above their eligible age, theirparent/ guardian is to complete an “Age Eligibility - Registration ExceptionRequest” form provided by the club, outlining the specific reasons for therequest.

The request is to be referred to the respective Age Group Football OperationsCoordinator/ Committee who in conjunction with the respective stakeholderswill make a final decision.

OTHER REGISTRATION EXCEPTIONS

The Club appreciates that there may be extenuating circumstances and thatsome players may wish to register for a particular team.

Any such request is to be referred to the respective Age Group FootballOperations Coordinator/ Committee who in conjunction with the respectivestakeholders will make a final decision.

REGISTRATION REFUNDS

Players who withdraw from a team prior to commencement of Round 1 areentitled to a full refund of their Registration Fee less insurance, affiliation feeand Jumper Deposit (on return of their jumper in a proper state).

After commencement of Round 1, should a player withdraw from a team, thefull Registration Fee is non-refundable.

Any exceptions will be at the discretion of the SMDJFC Registrar andTreasurer.

Drafted, agreed and approved:South Melbourne District Junior Football Operations Committee 2017

and approved:South Melbourne District Junior Executive Committee 2017

DEFINITIONS

SMDJFC – South Melbourne Districts Junior Football Club

SMJFL – South Metro Junior Football League

Football Operations Committee – a combination of club officials comprisingof the Under 8-10 Football Operations Coordinator, Under 11-12 FootballOperations Coordinator, Under 13+ Football Operations Coordinator, Directorof Coaching, the Junior Football Club President/Vice President, and whereappropriate, the Senior Football Club President

Current Age Group – refers to the lowest age group that a player may beeligible to play

Modified Rules – rules that have been recommended and accepted by theLeague as applying to the Under 8, 9 and 10 Age Groups

Stakeholders – players, the team, parents/ guardians, team officials, ClubOfficials, the Club

Grading – the process by which a team is formed and players are selectedwhich meets the needs and balance of the team and the division it plays in

JUNIOR PLAYER CODE OF CONDUCT

1. Abide by the rules of the game and rules set down by your Coach, Cluband League.

2. Never argue with an official or umpire. If you disagree tell your coach whocan then deal with the issue.

3. Control your temper. Verbal or physical abuse of officials, umpires,spectators or other players, deliberately distracting or provoking an opponentis not acceptable or permitted.

4. Work equally hard for your team and yourself. Your team’s performance willbenefit, so will you.

5. Be a good sport. Applaud all good plays whether they are by your team,opponent or the other team. Be proud to walk off the ground after each gameknowing that you have given your best effort, and never involve yourself in anargument with opposing players, umpires or officials.

6. Treat all players, as you would like to be treated. Do not interfere with, bullyor take unfair advantage of another player. Your involvement to play is for funand enjoyment and that winning is only part of it.

7. Co-operate with your coach and teammates, and respect the ability of youropponent. Without them there would be no game.

8. Play for the fun of it and not just to please parents and coaches.

9. Avoid use of derogatory language based on gender or race.

10. Shake hands with other players and officials at the end of each match.

PARENTS AND SPECTATORS CODE OF CONDUCT

1. Encourage children to participate if they are interested. However, if a childis not willing do not force them.

2. Focus upon the child’s efforts and performance rather than the overalloutcome of the event. This assists the child in setting realistic goals related totheir ability by reducing the emphasis on winning.

3. Teach your child that honest effort is as important as victory so that theresult of each game is accepted without undue disappointment.

4. Encourage your child always to play by the rules.

5. Never ridicule or yell at your child for making a mistake or losing acompetition.

6. Remember your child should be involved in football for their enjoyment, notyours.

7. Remember your child learns best by example. Applaud good play by bothyour team and by members of the opposing team.

8. If you disagree with an official or umpire raise the issue through theappropriate channels rather than questioning the official’s judgment andhonesty in public. Remember, most officials give their time and effort for yourchild’s involvement.

9. Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from junior sportingactivities.

10. Recognize the value and importance of volunteer coaches. They give oftheir time and resources to provide recreational activities for your child anddeserve your support.

11. Support your club officials in maintaining the highest standard ofbehaviour both on and off the field for the betterment of the league and yourfamily. Offer your assistance to the team that your child is playing in so thatevery opportunity is being provided for the very best supervision and support.Your involvement will give both yourself and your child far more satisfaction.

12. Avoid use of derogatory language based on gender or race.

south melbourne district junior football … · teams selection policy & player registration...

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