Junior Football Policy
Brett Wignall
Junior Football Policy
Playing in U9, U10 or U12 Age Groups
At this level, the focus of the Surf Coast Suns FNC is on having fun and developing fundamental skills in Australian Rules Football. There is no finals or ladder in these age groups and it is regarded as non- competitive football.
Performance of Suns players is measured by the improvement in developing skills and their commitment to training and listening in a team environment.
To this extent, every effort will be made by our coaches and team manager’s to:
Ensure that each player is given equal playing time, regardless of ability
Ensure each player is given every opportunity to be involved in the game to the best of their ability
Develop an inclusive team culture
Playing in the U14 & U16 Age Group
Under 14’s is the age when the competition becomes competitive. The focus will still be about further developing skills in Australian Rules Football, whilst introducing game tactics and fitness. While there will be an increased focus on becoming competitive against opposition teams, it is also important that the kids are still having fun.
The first four rounds of the season are grading rounds, which will carry 2 premiership points and zero percentage. The remainder of the season, each game will be worth 4 premiership points and include percentage. A ladder will be updated by AFL Barwon and finals are introduced at this age level.
Expectations
U9 and U10 players will rotate through each of the three zones at least once per game
U9 and U10 teams will be capped at 20 players per team
U12 teams will be capped at 22 players per team
U14 & U16 teams will be capped at 25 players per team
U12 and U14 teams be given an opportunity to play in a variety of positions, to ensure skills continue to develop
If there is an excess of players above the cap in each team and we are unable to form an additional team in that age group, at the Coaches discretion, they may introduce a rostering system, whereby players may be rostered off for one week. No player will be rostered off more than once in a season.
Age Groups
The following sets out the minimum and maximum ages for each level. While it is preferred that all players will play in their appropriate age group, from time to time there may be exceptions. This will be done in consultation with players, parents, coaches and the President and/or Junior Football Coordinator and only if balancing out team numbers is required. Permission from a parent or carer must be given before any child can play up an age group. No player will play up more than one age group.
U9 - must turn 7 by 30th April in the year of competition. Must not turn 10 until the year following the year of competition.
U10 - 10 in the year of competition. Must not turn 11 until the year following the year of competition.
U11 - must turn 11 or 12 in the year of competition. Must not turn 13 until the year following the year of competition.
U14 - must turn 13 or 14 in the year of competition. Must not turn 15 until the year following the year of competition.
U16 - must turn 15 or 16 in the year of competition. Must not turn 17 until the year following the year of competition.
Team Placement
We will endeavour to meet all requests for team placement where possible, however teams will be formed with the preferences given to the following:
Siblings, cousins and other family members
Balance of numbers and skill levels across teams
Peer requests
Training
The focus of both pre-season and regular-season training will be on skill development and creating bonds of friendship and a culture of inclusiveness, regardless of a player’s ability. This is particularly the case in non-competitive age groups, where there will be a clear focus on player enjoyment and having fun.
Parents and carers are encouraged to help with training sessions in consultation with coaches.
Game Day
Please ensure you arrive at the venue no later than 30 minutes prior to the game commencing.
Please be aware that all players, coaches, parents, volunteers and supporters must abide by the Surf Coast Suns Code of Conduct.