Registration Questions and Answers

What is the minimum age to register?

The minimum age requirement is that your child must turn 5 in 2012 i.e. born between 1/1 and 31/12/2007. However, when considering if your child is old enough to commence their soccer, be mindful that some games may start at 8:00 am at a cold and windy “away’ location. This can be physically demanding for our youngest players.

Where are games played?

Games are played on a home and away basis between clubs affiliated with the Sutherland Shire Football Assoc (SSFA) and are confined to the Sutherland Shire. You may need to travel in a range extending from Cronulla to the east, Menai to the west, Heathcote and Bundeena to the south and Oyster Bay to the north.

Competition V’s Non Competition soccer

Players in U6 to U9 play in the “Roo ball” competition, which is a non-competitive, nursery form of the game, played on mini fields. Players in U/10 and U/11 will play a Small Side Football competition with only finals for U/11. The emphasis is on fun and enjoyment while learning the skills of the game. Players from U12 play in competition 11 a-side soccer, on full sized fields.

Where can I obtain the players kit?

The club supplies the playing jersey to all players. This jersey is on loan for the duration of the season and must be returned to the club at the end of the playing season. Socks and Shorts are available from the club on registration days). Shin guards and soccer boots are required for all grades

How long is the season?

The season proper extends over 18 weeks during the autumn and winter months. There is a break over Easter and for Small Sided Games there is a break during the July school holidays. Final series for competition grades are then played after the season proper.

In 2012 the season commences on Saturday 24th March and will conclude in August 2012. For teams U/12 and above should they finish in the top 4 places there will be a semi-final / final series in August.

What documentation is needed to register as a first time player?

If you or your child has not played soccer in the Sutherland Shire Junior Football Association or if you last played prior to 2001 then.

• If your child will turn 5, 6 or 7 in 2012, is living in the Sutherland Shire an original birth certificate or passport must be produced upon registration in order to verify the date of birth. It will not be necessary to produce the birth certificate when registering in later years.
• If you are 8-21 years or over 35 years or over 45 years in 2010, an original birth certificate, or passport or driver's license must be produced. O/35s and O/45s must also produce proof that you are a resident of the Sutherland Shire e.g. Bank statement, electricity bill, lease agreement
• If you want to play in the All Age comp, and have not played at all in the Sutherland Shire before then you must produce proof that you are a resident of the Sutherland Shire e.g. Bank statement, electricity bill, lease agreement.
• If you are a senior player and live outside the Shire but have been a registered player with the Sutherland Shire in the last ten years, you can register to play.
• If you are a junior player and attend a high school within the Sutherland Shire then your can also able to register for the coming season. (Proof must be presented at registration)
  

What documentation is need if I played for another club in 2010 or if I am making a return to soccer after an absence? (Within the Sutherland Association).

If you played for another club in 2011 and wish to play with Menai Hawks in 2012, please ensure that you register on one of our official registration days. It should be a relatively easy task to transfer your playing record to Menai Hawks. If you are making a return to soccer, welcome back! Please also attend one of our registration days and again it should be a relatively easy task to reactivate your playing record. However, if you last played prior to 2001, then you may need to register as a “new” player as your previous record may no longer exist

Can I play soccer with my friends?

The club has a policy of attempting to meet requests to play with friends for U6 -U8 but no absolute guarantees can be given due to the dynamics of balancing team numbers. However, for U9’s and above, teams will be selected based upon the matching of player’s abilities although extenuating circumstances, of course, will be considered. See comment on selection trials.

Selection trials- does my child need to attend?

The Club’s experience is that children will enjoy their soccer more if grading is aligned to their ability. No one wins if a child is under or over graded, so, in order to ensure accurate grading occurs, the Club conducts selection trials.. If this is not possible then the selectors will go by what they've seen or base the selection upon last year’s evaluation of the player.

Withdrawals?

Should you choose to withdraw; a full refund will be made by cheque provided the graded teams have not been submitted to the SSFA. If this submission has occurred, then it will be only possible to refund the portion of the registration fees that relates to the club component, as the SSFA does not refund its component of the registration fee. All withdrawals are to be made in writing to the Club Secretary. This is to ensure the Club has a formal request for withdrawal complete with date stamp.

Do I need to do anything during the season?

Yes, your services will be called upon during the year to assist with ground control, field setup/pull down and BBQ or a combination of all. It is only with your participation that games can be conducted in a safe and pleasurable environment for both players and spectators, so please volunteer when asked by your team manager.

Who can I contact for more information?

Registrar: - Steve Lambropolous 0414 437 197

Have a great season!!