Registration :

 

Process : Eligibility, placement, how selected, family preference, dates, etc. ( needs to reviewed)

 

Team Numbers :

Teams from U9 to 14s will be restricted to 24 players a side unless in exceptional circumstances.

Teams u15 to 17 will be restricted to 27 players, acknowledging there are more injuries and other commitments that will impact on number of available players each Sunday. However, it is recommended that 25 players be the optimum team Number.

Please note, where existing teams have more numbers registered than above, they will continue with this number unless circumstances change and will continue until natural attrition reduces the team to this maximum number.

If team lists extend past the maximum numbers, some players will be required to be rostered off each week during the season. If possible, Coaches and Team Managers should give parents and players the opportunity to advise in advance any times of unavailability to ensure these games missed are counted as games rostered off. It is expected that all players will be rotated equitably.

An accurate record of player selection must be kept, including dates when players were rostered

 

 

 

 

U9s to 12s

 

Under 9 to 12 age groups inclusive, the club encourages all players to play

with friends and schoolmates, subject to ensuring adequate numbers on all team lists

 

In these age groups, the emphasis is placed on participation with friends and

fun. Additional goals are the acquisition of football skills and playing in a team

environment.

 

Where there are two or more sides in the same age group the sides will be spread out

through the SMJFL divisions (East / West / North / South). The clubs Football

Department will assist the Coaches in selecting and requesting the appropriate division.

 

 

 

Grading u13 to u17

 

From Under 13, the club reserves the right to organise teams and players to the best of its ability to provide an environment in which they can be competitive and continue to develop their football skills.

Where there is a single side in any age group selection of the side is the responsibility

of the appointed coach. The clubs Football Department will assist in placing the team

in the most appropriate division within the SMJFL.

 

Where two or more sides are formed in the same age group there should be as far as possible even numbers selected for these teams. Team selection will be based on the MJFC Grading Process.

Whilst one team may have a more advanced list of players the Club will endeavour to

ensure that both teams will be as competitive as possible in their respective divisions

 

Assuming there are 2 teams, the best 22 may not necessarily be selected for the higher graded team. For instance there is little point in selecting 22 players who are all midfield players. Each side needs a ruck, backs, forwards and mid-field players. It is essential that each side have a sufficient blend of players to fill the appropriate positions.

 

Selection of the two or three teams will be done based on a number of considerations which, without any priority are as follows:

1. The height and overall size of the boy;
2. The age of the boy (some boys choose to play up an age);
3. The playing ability of the boy;
4. What position(s) they play.

Whether, they may be better served playing down a level to: 

1. Improve their skills;
2. Enable them to play in a position that they would not play in at the higher team;
3. Enable them to excel at a lower level which will enable them to enjoy their football more and gain greater confidence for years to come;
4. Be of greater overall value to a team in a lower grade.

Consideration will not be given to boys or parents friendship groups as occurs in more junior levels.

Information Session

Information session for players and parents will be conducted before the start of each

season to clarify both the MJFC Grading Policy and Grading Process. This is

important especially for the Under 13 teams as it will be their first year of grading.

 

Selection Panel

A selection panel will be formed for each year level from Under 13 to Under 17. The

panel will consist of team coaches plus one or two experienced / qualified persons appointed by the club football department. A person can be on more than one Selection panel.

 

Training Sessions

 

Preseason training to be conducted as one squad and will be overseen equally by both coaches. During the season every endeavour will be made to have all teams in the same age group train on the same night at the same venue and at the same time However we acknowledge there are ground constraints and other restraints may not make this practible. The selection panel will observe and assess areas such as football skills, attitude, work ethic, attendance to training sessions along with the

player’s performances during the previous season.

 

Practice Matches

 

Match practice will be used to assess and observe the players football skills, ability to

read the play, work ethic, ability to follow instructions and playing within a team environment.

Players will be played in a variety of positions to determine the best options for both

player and team.

 

Team Selection

The Team selection will be made after consideration to the player’s

performance at the training sessions and practice matches. The selection panel may

also use other information that will assist selection like previous years performances.

 

Communication to Players

Any players selected in a different team from the previous year will be advised in person by both coaches. For U13s, all players will be advised personally as to which team they have been selected in.

If a player or parent is unhappy with the selection process they can raise the issue to

the clubs Football Department.

 

Movement of Players

SMJFL rules allow for movement of players between graded teams in a particular age group particularly in rounds where a number of players from a particular team are unavailable and

to provide players in a lower division team with the opportunity and incentive to strive to play in a higher division team.

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

A player may only play in one game per round (including finals) in a particular age group.

Once a player has played six (6) matches in a higher division team, they shall be ineligible to play in a lower division team for the remainder of the season (including finals).

 

Subsequent Seasons

At the beginning of each season teams will be regraded. The decision to regrade is consistent with the policy that recognizes that players will, grow, change and develop over the summer. Different coaches with different game plans will also have requirements for different player types. All of this is to be considered when confronting regrading players.

 

 

 

 

Game Day Overview :

 

The Murrumbeena Junior Football Club has established guidelines on team size, team composition, age and game time which are designed to achieve the following key outcomes:

• Equal opportunities for all girls and boys to play football, regardless of their size or skill level;
• To provide girls and boys in their early football years the opportunity to play in friendship groups and with emphasis on skill development;
• As players get older, to ensure they are playing with and against players of similar skill levels, thus extending their enjoyment of the game;
• To encourage the development of a very strong team ethic, where the contribution of all the players is valued equally.

 

Rotation Policy :

From u9 to 12 all players are to be rotated through all positions, however some coaching decisions are allowed to ensure the safety of smaller players.

Playing lines are Full back, Half back, midfield ( incl. Wings), Half forward and Full Forward.

All players are to be given equal playing time in all playing lines with the specific position within the playing line being subject to body size.

U13 – 14 Emphasis should still be on player positional rotation ( especially u13) so all players still get the opportunity to play in all lines but coach will have more discretion.

 

U15 – 17 Playing positions are at the discretion of the coach to reflect the more competitive nature of the game at this age level. However, coaches encouraged to rotate players when circumstances allow.

 

Game Time Policy :

MJFC has adopted and committed to an equal game time policy for every team. Every Boy/girl irrespective of size or ability will receive equal playing time during the home and away season.

From Under 9 to Under 12 inclusive, numbers permitting, all players will play a minimum of three quarters game time.

Under 13 to 17, All players are to be given equal playing time as far as practable, understanding bench rotations will be more frequent.

 

U9 -10 Fun & Development :

 

General

All players joining the club must turn a minimum eight years of age in the calendar year of their first season. Equal opportunities for all girls and boys to play football, regardless of their size or skill level. Numbers permitting, all players will play a minimum of three quarters per game. Team numbers to be kept to 24 players per side unless extenuating or exceptional circumstances. If team lists extend past 24 players, some players will be required to be rostered off each week during the season. Coaches and Team Managers should give parents and players the opportunity to advise in advance any times of unavailability to ensure these games missed are counted as games rostered off. It is expected that all players will be rotated equitably

Home and Away :

All players are to be given equal playing time.

All players to be given equal playing time in all playing lines with the specific position within the playing line being subject to body size.

Playing lines are full back, Half back, Midfield ( incl. wings), Half forward and Full forward.

Coach to keep record detailing how many quarters a player has played along with positions he/she has played.

Weekly awards should be shared equally among the players during the season and records kept.

 

Lightning Carnival

All players are to be given equal playing time.

Player positional rotation should still be implemented.

 

 

U11 -12 Fun & Focused Development :

 

General

Equal opportunities for all girls and boys to play football, regardless of their size or skill level. Numbers permitting, all players will play a minimum of three quarters per game. Team numbers to be kept to 24 players per side unless extenuating or exceptional circumstances. If team lists extend past 24 players, some players will be required to be rostered off each week during the season. Coaches and Team Managers should give parents and players the opportunity to advise in advance any times of unavailability to ensure these games missed are counted as games rostered off. It is expected that all players will be rotated equitably

Home and Away :

All players are to be given equal playing time.

All players to be given equal playing time in all playing lines with the specific position within the playing line being subject to body size.

Playing lines are full back, Half back, Midfield ( incl. wings), Half forward and Full forward.

Coach to keep record detailing how many quarters a player has played along with positions he/she has played.

Weekly awards should be shared equally among the players during the season and record kept.

 

Finals

• All players must play a minimum of half a game to ensure as many players as possible experience finals football.
• No players rostered off during finals.
• Positional rotation is encouraged but is at discretion of coach.
• The policy will provide coaches from Under 11 to 12 greater scope for varying playing time for individual players than in a home and away game.
• Other than the minimum requirement, the Coach will have full discretion over the length of playing time that individual players have on the field and the time each player spends on the bench

U13 – 14 Fun & Advanced Development

Team numbers to be kept to 24 players per side unless extenuating or exceptional circumstances if team lists extend past 24 players, some players will be required to be rostered off each week during the season. (Note SMJFL limits 25 players per game) Coaches and Team Managers should give parents and players the opportunity to advise in advance any times of unavailability to ensure these games missed are counted as games rostered off. It is expected that all players will be rotated equitably

Home and away :

All players are to be given equal playing time as far as practable, understanding bench rotations will be more frequent.

Emphasis should still be on player positional rotation (especially u13), so all players still get the opportunity to play in all lines but coach will have more discretion.

Weekly awards should be shared equally among the players during the season and record kept.

 

Finals

• All players must play a minimum of half a game to ensure as many players as possible experience finals football.
• No players rostered off during finals.
• Players should be played in positions that suit the team, no rotation of positions required.
• The policy will provide coaches from Under 13 to 14 greater scope for varying playing time for individual players than in a home and away game.
• Other than the minimum requirement, the Coach will have full discretion over the length of playing time that individual players have on the field and the time each player spends on the bench

 

U15 -17 Fun – Advanced- Strive for Success

 

Team numbers to be kept to 27 players per side unless extenuating or exceptional circumstances. If team lists extend past 25 players, some players will be required to be rostered off each week during the season.( note SMJFL limits 25 players per game) Coaches and Team Managers should give parents and players the opportunity to advise in advance any times of unavailability to ensure these games missed are counted as games rostered off. It is expected that all players will be rotated equitably

Home and away :

Coaches must endeavour to provide the maximum number of players an opportunity to participate.

Club expects that all players be permitted to play 3 quarters as far as prac table.

No positional rotation is required but coaches encouraged to rotate players when circumstances suit. Weekly awards should be shared equally among the players during the season

Finals

• No players rostered off during finals.
• No minimum game time but coach to ensure all boys get equivalent of at least 1 quarter so as to experience finals football.

 

Players participating in older Age Groups to Assist team Numbers.                                            

During the season where a player from a younger age group plays up in a higher age group to assist team numbers, they will be expected to play two quarters or equivalent game time and are not authorised to have more game time than players registered in the higher age group.

The coach and team manager should only invite players to play up on a weekly needs basis. Players having played up one week may not automatically assume they are invited to play up the following week.

The coach should only invite enough players to play up to bring the team’s total match players up to a maximum of 21.

Players playing up may only play for one older team in any age level. For example an u10 player may not play up for both U11G and U11M.

Players playing up are not entitled to receive club best and fairest votes but are eligible for weekly awards.

SMJFL Policies

MJFC are subject to the rules and policies of the SMJFL. We need to acknowledge that these rules may change or be amended and the above “Game Day Experience” document may also need to change to conform with the current policies of the SMJFL.

 

Auskick

Auskick gives boys and girls a fun and safe place to play Australian football while introducing them to a lifetime of involvement with the sport.

MJFC recognise the importance of Auskick and will endeavour to provide the best environment to foster the boys and girls love of Australian rules football.

Placement criteria for new u9 teams

The main criteria are player safety, player well being and team stability. There is no deliberate attempt to group players primarily by school groups although this has some impact due to friendship group.

Primarily due to player safety as the player progresses through their junior football career, players are required to play in their correct age group. Age group is determined by the player's age as at 1st January. Extenuating circumstance will be considered by the committee on application to the Registrar.

Also due to player safety and team stability for progression through to U10s, the older boys in their last season of U9s are generally grouped together. The players who are eligible for 2 seasons of U9s are also generally grouped together.

For player well being, the club also likes to consider friendship groups however to play with the entire group of school friends is generally not possible. The club environment fosters the building of enhanced friendship groups throughout the whole club community and is not focused entirely on a school based criteria.

Both U9 teams are graded by the MSJFL at an appropriate level to ensure they are playing against teams of similar ability, hence underpinning the concept of player safety and well being, i.e. in all likelihood the younger group will be graded to play in one of the lower grades each year and then move into a higher grade in the subsequent U9 year.

The club values your understanding of this process and please advise the club Registrar if you have any serious concerns that the club should consider.