Junior League Match Play – What to expect!

Junior League Football is played under different rules and standards to Professional Football! This document briefly defines the key aspects, in order to help Parents understand why Coaches and Referees are acting in a certain way.

1. The Game. The game is about children experiencing playing against unknown players, and learning football skills. It is how well they play and develop not the end result that is most important.
2. The rules are simplified.  Not all of the sophisticated ules are enforced.
3. The Ref’s job is to keep the game flowing. You will not see every rule played out 100% correctly. 
4. Applaud good skills REGARDLESS of the team showing them. Young children must be encouraged if they play well.
5. The Coach will substitute many players or even all players. The League Rules dictate that ALL REGISTERED PLAYERS must be given a chance to play at every match.
6. The Ref is the final judge. Under NO CIRCUMSTANCE must any Parent question the Referee. If a Manager believes that the Ref was out of order, a report is sent back to the league. Remember, refs at junior level are generally untrained Mums / Dads / Teenagers!
7. Foul play will not be tolerated. If your child continually fouls other players, or is unable to show reasonable self control on the pitch, the Coach WILL remove them from the game. If the child is unable to learn self control and respect for other players the child will be asked to leave the team

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