MEMO
To:
FNSW Premier and State League Clubs
From:
FNSW State Technical Director
Date:
24 October 2013
Subject:
Relative Age Effect
Overview
We write to you at this time to communicate Football New South Wales (FNSW) implementing,
and encouraging, the application of Relative Age Effect (RAE) in the following 2014
competitions: Please note adjustment of ages from 2013 in particular U/16s for Men’s
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

U12 to U16 age groups of the Men’s Premier League 1 and Premier League 2 and,
U12 to U16 age groups of the Men’s Regional League and,
U13 and U15 age groups of the Women’s Premier League and Women’s State Leagues
RAE was implemented successfully in 2013 in these competitions and the Skill Acquisition
Program (SAP). FNSW will also continue with RAE for the 2014 SAP and 2014 FNSW Institute.
Rationale:
For those not familiar with the concept, RAE is a development policy to assist players who may
be adversely affected (developmentally) by their date of birth being later in the year than other
players with whom they are “competing” for football opportunities. RAE is referenced in the
Football Federation Australia National Curriculum, and is a program FNSW is committed to
offering in support of the national direction.
We are all aware of the differing growth patterns of young players and our national tendency to
select the biggest and most powerful players at young ages. Those players born in the last three
months of the year will, under strict guidelines, be eligible to apply to represent their teams in the
age group below if they are assessed as technically strong, but lacking psychological, emotional
or physical maturity due to being born in the last three months of the calendar year.
RAE Policy
Following are guidelines to assist Clubs assess, and apply for, RAE status for their players:
1. Trials
- All players must trial and be considered for their birth year age group.
- RAE candidate players must be born in October, November or December
- RAE consideration for any others will be on height / weight protocols only TBA.
- Coaches and TDs should be aware of any potentially eligible RAE players on trial.
- A player’s date of birth should be clearly defined in the registration process for trials.
This can be indicated on a typical grading sheet template as outlined below.
1
ST
NAME
SURNAME
BIB COL.
BIB NO.
COMMENTS
Y/N/M
RAE Y/N
2. Application
- Any player identified by Clubs during the trial process, that may be negatively affected
by playing in their actual age group due to developmental obstacles attributable to
their month of birth is eligible to be considered for RAE status.
- Any eligible player must be assessed independently by FNSW prior to being granted
RAE status.
- Any club that wishes to submit a player for RAE status assessment needs to apply
immediately in writing to the FNSW Technical Director with an outline of the rationale
behind his/her selection.
- The Technical Director of the Club is required to oversee and ensure that any RAE
application to FNSW is based on development principles outlined above and not to
strengthen a younger team.
3. Assessment
- FNSW assessments of new potential RAE status players will ideally take place in the
second week of the respective trial periods for the eligible competitions.
- The assessment will be conducted at Valentine Sports Park by the FNSW Technical
Director, FNSW Coach Coordinator and other FNSW Institute Coaches.
- Clubs will be notified the day following the assessment whether RAE status has been
approved.
4. Registration
- Registration as an RAE player is only possible if FNSW has granted RAE status.
- Each individual team in a Club is limited to one approved RAE player.
- Any proposed change to this by would need separate application for consideration.
- A FNSW approved RAE player will per permitted over the regulated squad maximum
of 16 players (i.e.16 players + 1 RAE player).
- RAE players should have the capacity to play up in his/her birth year team if assessed
as able by the Club TD or Coach.
5. Re-Assessment
- All players given RAE status by FNSW may be re-assessed during the 2014 season
to ensure that the RAE principles are being maintained.
- Re-assessment may result in withdrawal of RAE status, at which time the player will
be required to play in their actual age group.
- This movement will be permitted without impact on the players currently registered to
that age group (i.e. another player would not need to be de-registered to make way
for them).
Summary
In implementing RAE, FNSW will work closely with clubs to ensure development principles and
the promotion and emphasis on technical ability will be maintained. We will continue to strive for
the best possible standard of play and opportunities for all our players to play at the highest level.