Club Policy

It is the mission of the GIJFC to provide all registered players in a safe and caring environment so they can gain maximum enjoyment and development whilst participating in both routine training and game day matches. To ensure GIJFC achieves this mission certain club policies have been implemented with regards the placement of players within their correct age grouping and the selection of players within a team. The Club’s policy with this regard can be summarised as follows:

• Playing within age group

GIJFC will not allow registered players to play outside their age group as defined by the rules of the governing Football Associations we register to play within. The club recognises that in the first instance this policy may not suit some players and parents as it may prevent a player from playing with his classmates by virtue of age difference. However, the clubs mission remains to provide the safest environment to enable registered players of the same age group the opportunity to gain maximum enjoyment and personal development.

The following table outlines Age Groups for 2006:

• Placement of players within a team

GIJFC retains sole responsibility for the placement of players within a particular team within the player’s correct age group. In the event that GIJFC registers and fields more that one team within an age group, the club adopts the policy up to and including U12, that teams be selected evenly. In doing so the coaches will be asked to select evenly matched teams to enable all players’ equal opportunities. Furthermore, before the commencement of the next season all teams will be evenly reselected with certain players rotating into new teams and developing new teammates.

At the commencement of the U11 age group, the club fields teams in both the Yarra Junior Football League and the Waverly Junior Football Association. Whilst teams have played in the WJFA up to U11, in those years the WJFA does not run a ladder, nor do they run a finals competition. Whereas at U11, finals football commences. For this reason, and given the large number of teams we field we opt to avoid having our teams playing against each in a competition when a ladder and finals are scheduled.  Hence at U11 and beyond GIJFC fields teams in both the WJFA and YJFL so as to avoid likely clashes. It remains the GIJFC comittee's responsibility and decision as to the placement of players into the relevant team/league. 

The club will endeavour to accommodate parents’ needs and hopes to be able to place players with at least one nominated teammate but cannot guarantee all request will be met.

 

Grading Policy and Guidelines

The club determines the placement of players in teams through appointed  accredited Coaches. The Coaches and Selection Committee is charged with the responsibility of assessing skills, competency and potential. In turn, these factors are balanced against the need to ensure each player is graded at a level that will enhance his/her enjoyment of the game and provide opportunity for self-esteem and personal satisfaction and given football is a contact sport it is critical that players of similar ability play each other so games are not dominated by more advanced players and players of greater physical maturity. All players will receive the same encouragement and support regardless of which side/team they are selected in.

(Under 9's to Under 12's)

No formal player grading. Teams are formed on a social basis, ie. friends nominated on registration form. Parents and players are advised that teams formed are not permanent for future years. The club will endeavour to accommodate parents needs and hopes to be able to place players with at least one nominated team-mate but cannot guarantee all requests will be met.

 

(Under 13's to Under 17's)



A grading process will be put into effect for all players registered in these respective age groups. The coaches and selection committee of these age groups will conduct training and the selection process.  Recommendations/notes from the previous year's coaches will also contribute to the information used to determine the squads for new season. The selection/training sessions will take 3-4 weeks including training and practice games, after which current squad members will be announced. Squads should be finalised in the first 4 weeks of the season, however where deemed necessary the selection committee can make further recommendations throughout of the season.

These policies have evolved since season 2001 and have proven to be very successful; much thought has gone into their design. By adhering to this design, the club aims to provide all registered players with:

• Participation for everyone

• Developing team work and team spirit
• An emphasis on skill development
• Increasing levels of competition as the players get older (competition at the appropriate level)