Those players that are both keen and capable to be challenged by PLAYING UP AN AGE GROUP are encouraged to do so, but the trick remains to get the balance right.
The League (and Club) require that the player in question is registered in their own age group and that attendance at these games is his/her priority. It serves no purpose to rob an Under Age team of it's best players: this is to the detriment of both the team and to the younger players within that team (and, therefore, to the Club).
Playing up an age group should be seen as additional activity to age group games (for example, an U11 player will play Friday Night footy in his/her team as a priority, and will be granted the opportunity of playing U13, as and when, places are available within that higher age group. The same would apply to higher age groups, where say an U15 player who is approved may be approached by the U17 Coach to play that week).
A consent form, signed by a parent AND the two coaches is REQUIRED before any games are played in the higher age group. The decision is made by Club, and the form is forwarded to the League as confirmation.
Generally, only second year players within their age group are considered for playing up (i.e. the child already has a Season playing within his/her age group and will progress to the higher age group next season).
Naturally, where player numbers in the higher team become an issue, those players formally within the Age Group will be given priority.
PLAYING DOWN an age group is only permitted in exceptional circumstances (relating to mental and physical capacity and infirmity/inability), with the decision being made by the League.
Regardless of where they play, the critical aspect at this age is that the kids enjoy their football and want to be out there playing with the team, and for some kids (be it because of size for age or ability) this will include playing up an age level. There is no doubt that playing up an age level for some young players would be downright detrimental to that child, which is why it important to get it right for the right reasons.
Any further queries, pls see Mick Richardson (Registrar).
Last Modified on 06/03/2014 10:45