1. Junior/Youth Football Policy & Guidelines
Under

2. Contents Objectives Age Group Policies Player Development
Expectations of Coaches
Expectations of Players
Expectation of Parents & Supporters

3. Age Group Policies
SFC expects that player development is valued above winning and that generally the following principles will be adhered to:
Age Group
Game Time
Positional Exposure
Under 11
Approximately equal amongst players.
Exposure to all parts of the ground (Fwd, Mid, Back)
Under 12
Exposure to at least two parts of the ground (Fwd, Mid, Back)
Under 14
Game time will be moderated to suit team requirements.
Players will focus on one or two predominant positions with occasional exposure to others as opportunities arise.
Under 16
Players will focus on one or two predominant positions.

4. Age Groups
SFC will endeavor to offer two teams in each of the Under 11, 12, 14 and 16 age groups
Under 18 (Colts) will be offered through the Western Magpies
Where multiple teams are offered in an age group (other than Under 11), players will be graded by SFC to field two competitive sides of differing skill levels. Team selections will be based on SFC competency guidelines.
Under 11 sides will be graded and allocated such that they are as even matched as possible.
Teams will ultimately be graded by AFLQ and allocated to a Division such that they play against teams of similar ability.
The purpose of grading is to ensure that opportunities exist for players of all skill levels to participate in AFL football that is both competitive, enjoyable and best suited for skill development.

5. Player Grading
Players will be graded by the coaching staff of the relevant age group under the stewardship of the Youth Coaching Coordinator.
Where Coaches are parents of players, the Youth Coaching Coordinator will review and endorse team allocations to ensure impartiality.
Players will be graded and allocated to teams primarily according to skill and ability. Consideration may also be given to team composition.
Parental or player requests will not be a consideration in allocating players to teams.
In the event that players are not graded into their preferred teams, feedback will be provided on the specific development requirements of the player.

6. Team Selection
For Under 12 level and up, a maximum of 22 players can be selected to play each week. Where squad numbers are in excess of 22 players (most cases) periodic resting of players will be required.
Coaches will be responsible for selecting teams on a weekly basis generally in accordance with the following criteria:
Attendance at Training
Attitude and Behaviour
Personal ability and form
Team composition
Criteria may vary between age groups.
AFLQ requires a core group of 18 players per team to be nominated where multiple teams are entered per age group.
Where possible opportunities will be provided for players in a lower graded team to be selected in a higher graded team for development purposes.

7. Playing Up
As a general rule SFC prefers that players primarily play in their correct age group.
Players will be encouraged to “play up” one age level on occasion for development purposes in the circumstance where it is to the players benefit.
Any players seeking to “play up” on a permanent basis will require the permission of the Youth Coaching Coordinator. Such requests will only be considered where:
The move does not displace an “of age” player from the recipient Age Group
The move does not compromise player numbers of the players correct age group
The player, in the opinion of the SFC Committee, is capable of meeting the requirements of the higher age group.
There may be circumstances due to squad numbers at the club where players will be encouraged to 'play up' one age level. This will occur only in circumstances where it is of mutual benefit to the club and player development.

8. Planning
Coaches are expected to take a formal approach to team preparation and planning comprising the following:
Game Plan (to be agreed between Coach and YC Coordinator and be in alignment with player development pathways).
Prepare a game plan taking into consideration composition and capability of playing list
Team rules (established between players/coaching staff)
Area rules (backs, mids, forwards, on ballers, defense, offense)
Strategy/Tactics
Playing style
Statistics – incorporate three key statistical measures into match day (i.e. inside 50’s, tackle count, clearances)
Refer to “Building a Game Plan” presentation AFLQ Youth Coaching Course
Season Training Plan – 30,60,90 day plans.
Individual Training Session Planning – prepared in advance and distributed to coaching staff
Refer “Preparation & Planning” presentation AFLQ Youth Coaching Course

9. Expectations of Coaches
Act as a role model for players and representative of the club at all times (i.e. professional behaviour and language, dress standards, etc)
Positive coaching (i.e. well organized, prepared, energetic and enthusiastic, fair and consistent, genuine interest in players)
Good communication (i.e. welcoming, encourage and build confidence, engage with parent group)
Avoid criticism, negativity, ridicule, and emotional outbursts
Information Evening – at the beginning of the season, present to parents and players plans for the season, expectations of parents and players, code of conduct, etc.

10. Player Pathway
SFC provides opportunities for players of all abilities to experience AFL football through the following pathway:
Western Magpies AFC
QAFL Reserves, Seniors
AFL Queensland
Sherwood JAFC
Under 8 – 11 (Juniors)
AFL Brisbane Juniors
Sherwood JAFC
Under 12,14,16 (Youth)
AFL Brisbane Juniors
Western Magpies AFC
Under 18 (Colts)
AFL Queensland
Woodsmen AFC
QAFA(B) Seniors
AFL Queensland

11. Codes of Conduct
It is SFC policy that parents, players, spectators and team officials comply with the Codes of Conduct published by the AFL
Any complaints or suspected breaches of these codes of conduct will be referred to the SFC Disciplinary Committee.
The committee will investigate and take action as it sees fit which may include reprimand or warning, suspension from match attendance and/or playing duties or in certain circumstances cancellation of club membership.