CENTRAL FOOTBALL YOUTH/JUNIOR PLAYER DISPENSATION CRITERIA
1. Players shall remain within their age group as per NZF policy. For example, 11th grade, this is for
players turning 11 years old any time during the calendar year.
2. For players turning 15 in the calendar year they may play in 18th/Youth grade. There are no
restrictions to number per team.
3. Players will only be eligible to play in the age grade they have sought and been approved
dispensation for and their own age grade. Note; for grades in dual age-band competitions, one
“age grade” shall be applied.
4. Players who have been granted age dispensation to play in senior football can also play within
their clubs respective age or above.
5. The Dispensation Form must be completed and sent to the relevant Region’s Operation Manager
for consideration
Application for Age Group Dispensation
Clubs and Schools are able to apply for Age Group Dispensation to have the opportunity to compete
in grades higher or lower than their chronological age, by completing the CF Dispensation Form.
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The purpose: To provide better and more appropriate football competition for Junior &
Youth players and to recognise the need for Talent Centre identified players to be extended.
Junior Football (4-8yrs): Players to compete in their own age group, and be involved in the
NZF First Kicks and Fun Football Programme.
Mini Football (9-12yrs): Players to compete in their own age group. On application, players
who meet the below criteria, may qualify for dispensation to play ONE year up only.
Youth Football (13-18yrs): Players to compete in their own age group. On application,
players who meet the criteria below may qualify for dispensation to play ONE year up only.
Senior Dispensation: Players must be 14 (girls) & 15 (boys) at the time of the game to
compete in senior football Competitions. Any Dispensation will only granted to Talent
Centre identified players upon application.
Exceptions for dispensation, outside the above criteria, shall have consideration given, but not
limited to:
• Travel: If a player lives in a rural area, and there are not enough players to make up
complete teams in one age group.
• Physical Maturity: If a player is considered disproportionately above/below the average of
physical maturity for his/her age grade (details shall be required).
• Holistic development: If a player is considered to exceed a significant number of attributes
linked to the holistic four corner model of development
Physical
The physical size, speed, power and endurance of the player and ability to cope at an older
level
Mental
The capability to cope with greater levels of responsibility and independent decision making
Social/Emotional
The ability to manage/adapt to an older group in behaviours surrounding them on and off
the field
Technical/Tactical
Effectiveness to continue develop technically/tactically at an older age group