Who

Boys and Girls born in 2001. 

Where and when

8th grade plays at Stanley Bay Park on Saturday mornings at 10am to 10.50am 

How

The teams play on 1/4 of a standard pitch with small goals. Games are preceded by 10 minute warm up period and are 2 x 20 minute halves. The games are played with a size 3 soccer ball.

Rules

• 
  
  There are no offsides. 
  
  


• 
  
  5 a side football is played at 8^th grade. Doing so allows more room for this age group. This means that rolling substitutes will be required. If one team has more players that the opposition then they can either play with an extra substitute, or give the opposition a player for half a game. Teams must have even numbers on the field.
  
  


• 
  
  Refereeing is undertaken by junior club members.  The referee's decision is final.
  
  


• 
  
  At this level throw-ins, goal kicks and corners are taken. Foul throws are not penalised and play continues.
  
  


• 
  
  For goal kicks all attacking players are to stand behind the referee.
  
  


• 
  
  Free kicks are awarded for offences such as pushing, tripping or holding another player.
  
  


• 
  
  Handball is only penalised if blatant and intentional.
  
  


• 
  
  No Goal Keepers or intentional goal tending allowed. This is not be confused with players defending.
  
  


• 
  
  The three goal rule applies. This means that any one player may not score more than three goals in a game. This is to encourage those children who are dominant at this level to develop passing techniques and add to their skills.
  
  


• 
  
  Coaches are to remain on the sideline.
  
  


• 
  
  Bad language or dissent is not tolerated.
  
  


• 
  
  Parents are not allowed to stand behind the goals or directly alongside. Leave a good 2 metre gap between spectators and the goalposts.
  
  


• 
  
  The club does not tolerate dirty play or poor sports - this includes parents and supporters. 
  
  

Teams

Each team has 6 members. Where possible we put friends in the same team but cannot guarantee this. For the final 4 weeks of the season the convener will re arrange the teams as best they can to ensure fairness and to the benefit of the children.

Season

The first game is on Saturday 4th April. The last game Saturday 5th September. We play the first Saturday of the school holidays, but not the middle or last Saturday. For full playing year see Midgets calendar. There is a league table run for the grade. However if the convener deems fit this may be divided into two in order to keep the competition competitive. This is the last year the children play midgets style football. So as to move them on towards juniors, the last 4 weeks or so of the season (weather and fields dependant) the format will change to 7 a side on ½ size pitches. This transition helps with preparing the children for the following year. Cancellations will be posted after 2pm on Friday at www.nsu.org.nz .

Coaching

Teams will be allocated a coaching time slot prior to the season commencing. These will be held at Allen Hill Stadium Monday to Thursday and coordinated by a club coach. Coaching sessions will commence strictly on time.

Rep Football

Additional academy coaching will be coordinated by a club coach, with assistance from allocated rep coaches.

Uniforms

Players need their own boots maroon club shorts maroon club socks shin pads (all players must wear shin pads) All available from Champs Sports, Glenfield. Remember to ask for your Club members discount.

Parental involvement

Each team needs a coach and a manager. This can be the same person. Coaches need to coordinate the team on Saturdays. It is desirable that a parent assists at the coaching sessions. Other team parents are rostered to bring the half-time oranges.

Cost

$120 for the season

Playing up a grade

Players are encouraged to play in their correct grade however occasionally exceptions are made. Players cannot play below their age level. In the Youth grades (9th grade and up) players must play in their correct age group which is why we encourage players to slot into their correct grade as early as possible.