Frequently Asked Questions for Parents
What are the dates of your competition?
For our 2024 Junior Competition, we will start Round 1 on Sunday 1st September, with a break over the long weekend in October, with our Grand Final Day scheduled for the last Sunday in November.
Where are games played?
Our home ground where all competition games are played is Waterworth Park in Earlwood (next to Tempe train station).
How much does it cost to play?
The cost is $100 per player for the season which covers registration fees, a playing shirt, sports equipment, field hire, referee and other competition costs. We also have Grand Final presentation awards for our winners and runner’s up, with all players receiving a club gift also.
What is the new Touch Football Australia member fee about?
From 1 July 2023, players will pay Touch Football Australia an individual membership fee for the first competition they register in each year, which covers national member affiliation and player insurances. Players only pay this once and can then play in as many club or representative competitions as they like within that year.
My child has never played before – is that okay?
Absolutely! Touch football is a game that really does cater for all ages and skill levels – there is a place on the field for everyone. Our competition is run in a friendly, family-first manner which we pride ourselves on. It is a non-aggressive sport and we are always focussed on kids having a fun and healthy experience at our Club and with the sport of Touch Football.
How old do you have to be to play? What age divisions do you have?
We have age and gender-based divisions from Under 7 (must be turning 5) right up to our Youth Divisions (Under 15 and Under 17). Players 18 years and over will be eligible to play in our separate Senior Competition (refer Local Competitions section of our website). See our registration links for competitions we are offering.
My child has a few friends who are keen, but not enough for a team – what do you recommend?
For Under 7’s and Under 9’s we recommend that if you have 4 or 5 regular players keen, then you have enough to form a team. We will then assign you with some extra players so you have good numbers. For Under 11’s, Under 13’s and Youth Division we recommend you have a minimum of 6 or 7 regular players before creating your own team.
If you don’t have the numbers – no worries! – just advise everyone to register as an Individual Player and request to be placed in the same team as friends within our online registration form. We will always do our best to link up players, but cannot guarantee this due to team sizing and limits etc.
What times are games played?
We play on Sunday mornings, typically starting with the youngest age divisions first. We expect it to be 8am for Under 7’s and some Under 9’s, with times following for Under 11’s, Under 13’s and Youth, and our last games being at around 12:30pm. This may change due to numbers of teams within each competition, so refer to the competition draw once published.
What does my child wear?
As part of the registration, we will supply each child with a playing shirt. Generally, boys wear footy shorts or running shorts and girls wear either footy shorts, running shorts or bike pants. Footwear is normally plastic moulded footy boots (no screw-ins or metal studs allowed), touch-specific playing shoes or runners with excellent grip. A playing hat is always recommended for young heads in the sunshine.
Is there any training required?
No training is required for our Junior Competition, it is simply turn up and play. In fact, for the younger age divisions, the Junior Competition is very much about development and learning the game, which will be supported by our on-field referees and team coaches.
If players make the transition to representative level teams, then training is expected and will be communicated by the Club as part of the selection and pre-season process.
Are there mixed teams?
Mixed teams are not a feature of our Junior Competition as we typically have enough players to run stand-alone age and gender-based divisions.
Our experience tells us that this promotes fairer game outcomes and comfortability amongst players, parents and community groups. It also greatly assists the Club with representative pathway preparation. We are all about inclusion, so speak to us if there are specific circumstances we can help with.
What happens if it rains?
Provided safety is not a concern, we will play if the fields are open. If games are cancelled, we will post on this website and social media as soon as a decision has been made. We will also be in contact with Team Managers who will notify parents. Cancellations will generally be on Saturday so we give families plenty of notice to change their plans.
Do you need volunteers? How can I get involved?
We can always use help set up the fields, or cook the BBQ – if you are keen to get involved come and see us at the desk. The best way to be involved is to bring your child each week, have a great time and be supportive on the side lines.