Player Management

Concussion Management Policy

The Seaton Ramblers Football Club takes our players welfare very seriously and we are doing everything we can to ensure we are the forefront of players injury and welfare management. New concussion policies will be brought in club-wide. For our current concussion management policy, please see the following document  

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Match Day Rotation Policy

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The meaning of "player development' may change in regard to positional rotation as players progress through the age groups. In the junior years of Under 8’s- 16’s, it is critical for players to experience playing in as many positions as possible. This includes the backline, midfield and forward line as well as both left and right sides of the ground.

This will introduce players to the different requirements and challenges of each area of the ground, and it can assist coaches in matching the individual to suitable positions in the years ahead.

As players progress through the years (under 13 onwards) coaches will give greater consideration to the players’ size, strength, skill level and game sense when rotating players through positions. This may result in players playing in fewer positions, but the club still expects some rotation of positions. More regular play in one position will also help develop the player’s skill, and it can help the coach develop the player’s knowledge of positional play.

The Coach's discretion will be applied in the case of injury, fatigue or poor attitude.

Any enquiries regarding the rotation policy should be directed to the club coaching coordinator.

All players and team officials are expected to arrive at the ground up to 60 minutes prior to the match commencing depending on the grade. Should a player not be available to play, the coach and team manager should be alerted at the earliest available opportunity.

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Equal Game & Playing Time Policy

The Seaton Ramblers Junior Football Club has a strict policy of “Equal Game Time” for all registered players throughout all junior teams.

All selected players will be given equal game time each week. This means Coaches must strive to provide a minimum of 2 quarters per game for all players. This policy does not apply to finals matches, where the maximum number of players or less are selected to play. The only exceptions to this rule include:

 · Occasions where a player from another team or age level is filling in to assist with team numbers (especially if they have or will play another game during the day). Preferential playing time should be given to the registered players of the specific team.

· Where it has been requested by a parent/guardian that the player play less time.

· Where a player is injured during the game.

· Where a player arrives to the game late or must depart early.

Player Selection Policy

If team lists extend beyond the number of players required to play, 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.  Again, an accurate record of player selection is required, and dates when players were rostered off.

Finals Selection Policy

Throughout the general football community, it is widely recognized that the approach to finals football is different to the home and away season. The selection of players for all teams competing in finals therefore needs to reflect this change.
Throughout the season coaches of all age groups are encouraged to ensure all players get an equal opportunity to participate in games with a greater focus placed on player development, 60% focus, then on fun and winning, 20% each. This policy extends throughout the lower grades to include not only game time but also rotating players through all positions to ensure maximum opportunities to all.

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With the commencement of finals however, the focus shifts from the usual balance to a ‘PLAY TO WIN’ philosophy.

For this reason, the usual rotations regarding selections are no longer appropriate. Coaches will have complete control over player selections. While the coach may, at their discretion, attempt to provide as much opportunity to include all players this will not always be possible.

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Coaches will have complete control over all selections through all finals to pick their best team meaning that in the case of a team playing in multiple finals players may not be picked to play in consecutive weeks.

This also extends to match days where complete control will be taken by the coach regarding player positions and rotations. There will be no emphasis placed on equal playing time, meaning players may play for extended periods, even the entire match, in the same position. This also extends to players on the bench as no minimum game time will be enforced.

Any player not chosen to participate in a match will still be expected to attend and are encouraged to bring all playing equipment in case of the need to make a late change to the playing line-up.

TEAM POLICY (U/12-U/16.5)

• Cannot train on Friday because of injury – Do not play Sunday

• Absent without notification on Friday training – Do not play Sunday

• 22 players per game as per roster

                                            Players rostered off to run water etc.

                                            Leadership group not on roster (U14-U16)

• Sent off because of undisciplined act – Do not play next week

• Penalties at training for all players for undisciplined acts

• Must be at game 1 hour before game

• Team Meeting center of ground half time of previous game

• Discipline                   No swearing

                                         No send offs

                                         Listen to coaching staff

                                         No sling tackles

• Intimidation               Hard attack on ball

                                        Legal attack on body

​                                        Smother

​                                        Bump

​                                        Shepherd

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• Set the Standard      Beat opponent

                                       Produce intimidating effort

                                       Set the team going

• Must Do                    Always encourage

                                       Enjoy your football

                                       Work hard for each other

                                       Have a goal to play finals

• Presentations           Must attend Friday night

                                       Not present without adequate excuse – No Award