2014
Mount Lofty Districts
Football Club
Prepared by:
Grant Baker
GUIDE FOR TEAM MANAGERS
AND JUNIOR COACHES
This document is prepared for assisting Team Managers of Football Teams from U13’s to ‘A’ Grade
-INDEXContents
1. Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 1
2. Pre-season commencing .................................................................................................................. 1
3. Official Club Registration Day ........................................................................................................... 2
4. Liaising with Players and Parents ..................................................................................................... 3
5. Preparing for the SEASON games ..................................................................................................... 3
6. Season Games preparation .............................................................................................................. 5
TEAM SHEETS ............................................................................................................................. 5
7. Game day duties for the Team Manager ......................................................................................... 5
Pre-game Saturday..................................................................................................................... 5
POST GAME-............................................................................................................................... 6
8. Permit to Play down in a lower grade .............................................................................................. 7
CONDITIONS- ............................................................................................................................. 8
9. Clearance Permit to Play at another club......................................................................................... 8
10. Attachments ..................................................................................................................................... 9
TEAM MANAGER...................................................................................................................... 10
RUNNER ................................................................................................................................... 12
JUNIOR COACH......................................................................................................................... 13
Mount Lofty Districts Football Club Team Manager duties & advice to Junior Coaches
Introduction
This document is a guide to enable the Coaches of Junior teams and all Team managers to effectively
assist the coach in managing the team. It is not designed to be a comprehensive guide, but to
effectively administer many of the administration tasks associated with the role of Team Manager and
general advice to the coaches on administration matters.
The HFL website is a very important source of information when in doubt and this guide should be read
in conjunction with information available from the HFL.
Pre-season commencing
The Mount Lofty Districts Football Club (MLDFC) coaches of U13’s, U15’s, U17’s and senior team grades
usually start their season training program in early February whilst the normal summer sports are still
occurring.
The Team Manager and/or Coach for any of the grades should start the administration work at this time
so that there is effective coordination of the players who do attend training within this period.
From information available from previous years it is important to commence the following, ensuring
that it is created in an electronic format for ease of updating and for eventual handover to other team
managers in the future.
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Prepare player list in excel with details of registration number, player Guernsey number, dob,
and email contacts for parents, identifying parents with main contact telephone number. The
player Guernsey number may be assigned at a later time, but preparing the RECORD sheet is
important. E.g.
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Mount Lofty Districts Football Club Team Manager duties & advice to Junior Coaches
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Identify whether there are players that will require a permit to play for the MLDFC, whether it is
a Permit to play down a grade (see further in this document) or is transferring from another
club (also see further in this document).
The applications needs to be starts ASAP due to the process required to undertake each application and
for approval by the HFL
Official Club Registration Day
The MLDFC registration day occurs in February. The document used for registering players is shown
below (this document refers to the Junior Footballers).
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Mount Lofty Districts Football Club Team Manager duties & advice to Junior Coaches
Liaising with Players and Parents
After the official MLDFC registration day in February when players register with the club, some of the
main functions of the Coach and/or Team manager now include:
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From the submission of the Registration Forms as above, the Team Manager Record subs being
paid/ manage subs being paid and forward payments and details to Junior Football Director.
Update you player list with details as they come to hand.
Maintain register of Guernsey numbers to the players to enable the collection at season end
Develop rosters for parent volunteers (goal umpire/time keeper/ runner / accredited trainer
/helpers in canteen & BBQ. It is very important to manage this aspect very early by emailing
each parent of the footballer to get the necessary volunteers. The TRAINERS will need to be
accredited by the HFL, hence the need to identify these volunteers very early to enable the
TRAINER training sessions to be planned and paid for by the Club, organised in consultation with
the MLDFC Head Trainer. e.g.
Role
Primary
Reserve
Trainer
Team Runner
Goal Umpire
Time keeper
Best Player Coordinator
Match Day Player consulting
and development
Preparing for the SEASON games
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All team managers, as with every coach, runner and trainers must have a police clearance
certificate relating to working with children. This is done through the football club Junior
Committee compiling a list of all coaches, team managers and runner and trainers up to and
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Mount Lofty Districts Football Club Team Manager duties & advice to Junior Coaches
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including the senior colt teams, having them all complete the application form from the police
and submitting this list of applications to the HFL.
Ensure that all players are treated in accordance with the MLDFC child protection policy,
including monitoring (and intervening) in any contentious behaviour involving filming of
children, use of mobile phones and cameras in change rooms etc. Also to ensure that no player
under the age of 15 is left on their own after a training session without a responsible adult
present.
Ensure that all players have paid their subs prior to the first match being played and record it on
the excel spread sheet record, referred earlier (this is because the subs include the ‘sport injury
insurance’ for the players health)
When subs are paid direct to the team manager, then they are to email/advise the treasurer
Ensure all players and parents are aware that each requires considering private health
insurance, and ambulance cover as this is not covered in the general sport injury insurance’ (ie
the HFL insurance does not cover Ambulance attendance and conveyance).
In consultation and with approval of the MLDFC Treasurer, Purchase 2 x new match-ball
footballs for home games
Attend HFL and collect HFL goal-scorers record card and HFL timekeeper records-card and HFL
best and fairest slips.
Have 2 AFL football whistles for boundary umpires
Have 2 flags for goal umpire
Have ‘timer’ for time keeper, and instructions to assist with timekeeping times for quarters and
yellow/red card duties
Manage polo shirts/ team jacket / football jumper distribution and lists
Work with coach to register players on sporting pulse website
Maintain list of players on sporting pulse (see section on Sporting Pulse)
Develop rosters with your team football leaders (CAPT/Vice CAPT) for duties in the games
immediately following theirs(2 boundary umpires/ one drink runner/ scoreboard)
Manage the printed information for publication in HFL Football Budget and notify HFL Secretary
of these details: player to guernsey numbers, identify coach, Capt, Vice-captains
Maintain reward vouchers issued to the volunteer rostered players performing duties in games
(2 boundary umpires/ one drink runner/ scoreboard)
Manage the distribution of MLDFC membership cards to the players once available and after the
subs have been paid
During the Season: Pre-game Thursday night
The Team Manager (or Coach) enters the details of the Team for Saturday game on Sporting pulse
website including all officials in appropriate areas (coach, team manager, trainer, runner, timekeeper,
goal umpire), printing out 4 copies of the official Team Sheet from Sporting pulse
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One for the Coach
One for the Team manager to keep on file
On the Saturday for the game, one for the Umpires Room before the game being placed in
the official baskets kept at the various grounds, and one sheet for the opposing team
The next 2 pages refer to this methodology for using the sporting pulse.
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Mount Lofty Districts Football Club Team Manager duties & advice to Junior Coaches
Season Games preparation
TEAM SHEETS
Most clubs do their team sheets on Thursday or Friday night.
In the COMPETITION MANAGEMENT box click “Match Results” this will open a new screen.
Choose the game you want to print team sheets for and click on PRE GAME. This will take you to
the below screen.
Click on the players and officials you want to put on this team sheet and save. Once you’re
happy with your team, click on team sheet (blue button at the top/right) and print 4 copies.
One for your coach, yourself as team manager, one for the opposition and one for the umpires.
You can put more than 21 on the team sheet, so long as you remember to cross off the ones
that don’t play, just with pen BEFORE the game. After the game you would need to come back
to this screen (can be done on Sunday) and make the adjustments of who didn’t play.
If you have trouble getting a player on the team sheet it may be because the age filter doesn’t
let you.
I’m not sure if any clubs use the AT GAME button. Most team managers are busy at this time.
Game day duties for the Team Manager
Pre-game Saturday
Home games
 Before game starts
 To umpires room, take
o HFL best and fairest slip and match football if it is a home game
o Official Team sheet from Sporting pulse website: distribution of copies before game- 1
to opposing team, 1 to umpires in umpire’s room, 1 retained by coach for match.
 Our Goal umpire is given flags and official HFL goal-scorers record card and pen
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Mount Lofty Districts Football Club Team Manager duties & advice to Junior Coaches
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Our Time-keeper is given folder with game time period instructions/ yellow and red card
sheet, Time Keeper Report Sheet and official HFL Time-keeper score card and pen; and
Timer.
 In consultation with the coach and the oppositions Coach and Team manager, ensure that
there is compliance with the ‘fair play’ rules applicable to junior football (evening up sides
to 18 on the field for each club).
 After game completed
 Collect our goal umpire flags and score card; and time-keeper scorecard, the timer, and
board for time-keeper containing documents
 collect official Team Sheet from Umpires room, complete details referring to goal scorers
and best players for our home team, complete the goals and points per quarter and total
scores, and any details regarding red/yellow cards being issued for your own team, and
then return completed form back to umpires room, together with the goal umpire card and
time-keeper card.
 Our own Official Team sheet is also to be completed as above for the coach.
 Collect match football and retain for next home game
 Tasks undertaken by players in next game
 Issue 2 football whistles to nominated goal umpires for following match, to be returned to
Team manage following completion of task
 manage reward vouchers issued by club
Away games
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As above for all points except do not have any duties relating to providing a football for the
match, or providing HFL best and fairest voting slip
POST GAMEALL results are to be in by 5.40pm to make it into the Sunday mail.
It’s up to the home club to put in both scores for all grades.
As soon as after the game this is done the better as it will upload to the web at set times
throughout the day.
Then you would click on the Player scores tab at the top and put in your goal kickers and best
players and hit save or update. Scores are progressive per Quarter as below.
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Mount Lofty Districts Football Club Team Manager duties & advice to Junior Coaches
Permit to Play down in a lower grade
The application form to be used is as above and is available from the HFL and internet site.
The conditions stipulated must be followed to enable any successful permit to be granted. The
application is to the HFL through the Club. The above documents (the permit and a sample letter from
the club) are some of the absolute requirements for a permit to be issued by the HFL allowing a player
to play in a lower age grade.
 A medical certificate is required from a medical practitioner doctor outlining /supporting the
reasons for the permit application of the particular player, (medical condition /injury /deformity
, stature, which may hamper them in playing a contact sport)
 Other criteria looked at when considering granting permits for players to remain in an age group
under their current age grouping include
a. Skill Level and playing ability
b. Confidence: this process is about development and getting the player to a stage where they
can go up into their proper age grouping
c. In line with development, both these categories would be monitored regularly.
 Letter from the players parents requesting the consideration
 Letter from the football club, that relates to
a. Length of involvement with current club, and reason the permit is required
b. Input of the president of the football club in the application and support
c. Recognition the player is unable to play at the higher level grade without revoking the permit
to play in the lower grade
d. Recognition the player will not be eligible for best player voting in the Mail Medal
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Mount Lofty Districts Football Club Team Manager duties & advice to Junior Coaches
CONDITIONSThe following HFL conditions apply.
Permits, if issued, will have the following conditions attached:
 The player cannot play any other competition other than that for which the permit is granted; and
 The permit can be rescinded at any time at the discretion of the Permit Committee; and
 If the permitted player’s behaviour during any match is such that:
1. Continually creates concerns, after warnings are applied, as the ability of the player to compete
within the lower age grouping, or such behaviour is creates such concerns as to the safety
and/or fear of injury or threat of any player within the lower age grouping; or
2. A yellow card offence is recorded
3. Player report is lodged against the permitted player;
The permit shall be rescinded immediately and no further permit will be issued to that player;
Also the following will apply:
 players falling within the current age group MUST have opportunity over the permit player
 A Club will not allow any more than three (3) permitted players to be on the oval at any one time.
 The permits will be continually reviewed, normally 3-4 weeks. (Even if this remained through the
season with permits issued on a 4 weekly basis. However in considering medical conditions a
permit can be issued for the entire season).
Clearance Permit to Play at another club
The application form to be used is as above and is available from the HFL and internet site.
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Mount Lofty Districts Football Club Team Manager duties & advice to Junior Coaches
The conditions stipulated must be followed to enable any successful permit to be granted.
The permit must be granted before the player CAN play for the new club
All of these documents when completed can be scanned and sent to the HFL via email, OR hand
delivered.
Attachments
The following pages provide a check list for the Team Manager, Runner and Coach as a one-pager sheet
for each.
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TEAM MANAGER
Objective
Responsibilities
 Ensure the coach and players are provided with sufficient equipment (within guidelines set down by the
Executive) to ensure the efficient operation of the team
 Ensure all players are either currently registered with the League or has an approved clearance from
previous Club
 Provide the applicable Football Operations manager (Modified or Senior) with a list, in jumper number order,
of all players and keep all players lists updated as every change is made
 Promote the importance of club members adhering to the AFL Kids First Policy, and HFL Fair Play Rule, and
the Mt Lofty District Football Club Code of Conduct and Child Protection Policy.
 Check jumpers are in good order at all times and have appropriate sponsors logos attached if required
 Ensure other support staff has been appointed and are in attendance as required
 Ensure the integrity of best and fairest voting in accordance with Club policy
Game day responsibilities
The following list of duties is intended to be used as a guide to assist Team Managers in completion of their
duties each Friday/Saturday. Duties may be varied to reflect an individual’s time commitment or the role as
negotiated with the team Coach.
Team sheets
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Complete, sign and give to umpire in accordance with league rules.
Ensure all players named on team sheet including runner and trainers and water boys are registered.
Full names are required, first and surname.
Goal kickers
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Ensure tally is kept during match.
Goal kickers are to be recorded on the days running sheet.
Goal kickers to be given to the opposition team manager or secretary at away matches and goal kickers
obtained from the opposition at home matches.
Club best & fairest
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Vote cards are to be distributed prior to the match and collected after the match.
Players property
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Ensure players property is collected prior to each game and safely secured during matches.
Boundary & goal umpires
JOB DESCRIPTIONS
 To ensure all off field football matters are dealt with efficiently and in a timely manner for the team manager’s
grade of competition.
 Provide administrative support to the coach and any football staff.
 Arrange the required support staff for games to take place.
 Support the coaching staff to make sure the required administrative and support arrangements are in place
so that coaches and players can concentrate on the game.
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Boundary and goal umpires are to be arranged as required
All club umpires are to be correctly attired according to league regulations.
Drinks
Ensure player’s drinks are on hand at all times (liaise with trainers on the provision of drinks).
Trainer’s equipment
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Liaise with trainers to ensure sufficient equipment including towels are on hand.
Footballs
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Prior to home matches, ball is to be given to the umpire for inspection.
Ensure ball is returned after the completion of the match.
Scores reporting
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Check your league procedures for this.
Statistician
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Statistician to be provided for the senior team (if required by the coach).
Scoreboard
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Team manager responsible for the organisation of scoreboard attendant at all home matches.
Transport of gear
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Team managers are responsible for the organisation of transport of gear to away matches.
Awards
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Determine, with appropriate football staff, best player awards for the team side
Prepare awards for distribution
Umpires
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Check with umpires within 10 minutes of finish of game that there were no reports (“all Clear”).
If reports collect report and return to Secretary and advise any player involved that he will be required to
attend the tribunal.
Relationships
 Reports to the Secretary
 Supports the coaches and match committee and other football staff as appropriate
Accountability
 The Team manager is accountable to the Club Secretary and the Coach of that team which he manages
JOB DESCRIPTIONS
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RUNNER
Objectives
To assist coach on match day by delivering messages to players during the match.
Responsibilities
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To deliver messages from the coach to players whilst each quarter is in progress.
To deliver the message as quickly as possible and return to the coaches box immediately.
The runner must not loiter on the ground.
The runner must not interfere with any players or officials throughout the game
The runner must be correctly attired in accordance with league requirements
Relationships
 Liaise with Coach, Coaching Staff and Team Manager
Accountability
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Reports to the team coach
JOB DESCRIPTIONS
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JUNIOR COACH
Objective
To provide the highest standard of coaching and development to the players of the appointed grade of
competition.
Responsibilities
 Coach in accordance with the AFL Next Generation Australian Football Match Policy for the conduct of the
game for players 5-18 years of age, and the Mt Lofty District Football Club Code of Conduct and Child
Protection Policy.
 Promote the importance of club members adhering to the AFL Kids First Policy, and HFL Fair Play Rule, and
the Mt Lofty District Football Club Code of Conduct and Child Protection Policy.
 Apply the code of conduct for coaching staff and players that supports the objectives of the Club on and off
the field.
 Contact all current players as soon as practicable after the completion of the previous season to outline plans
for the coming season.
 Develop and establish an appropriate pre season training program.
 Provide recommendations to the Junior Committee on the recruitment of appropriate football support staff.
 Instruct the players placed under their care generally and to see that all players carry out sufficient training.
 Liaise with other junior grade coaches to establish a consistent coaching policy throughout the Club.
 Assist with junior development outside the Club where possible or appropriate.
 Provide game day coaching expertise.
 Attend Club functions as agreed to
 Provide regular reports as required throughout the season.
Relationships
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Reports to the Junior Coordinator, Junior Committee and Club Committee
Accountability
 Modified Football: Accountable to the Modified Football Operations Manager, Junior Committee
 U13 Coaches to U17.5 Coacnes Junior Football: Accountable to the Senior Football Operations Manager,
Club Committee
JOB DESCRIPTIONS
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