Welcome to the Season for all Junior players
(Boys and Girls, Under 8s - Under 18s)
Contact Name: Junior President - Aaron Roche
Email Address: Montrose Juniors Contact
.Register for 2024 Season: Click here
Welcome to the Montrose Football & Netball Club.
For those families new to the club, and our 'Auskickers' graduating into Junior footy, we extend a special welcome. Our Auskick program is the life blood of our club, and the skills that you have learnt will put you in good stead for your football career.
We will have around 400 junior players across our boys and girls teams, and are one of the strongest junior clubs in the EFNL in terms of participation. We ensure we provide quality, trained coaches, competent officials, including trained medical staff, a variety of (often expensive) equipment, both for matches and training, and strong administration, from a totally volunteer group. Together with brilliant facilities and the foothills of the Dandenongs as the back drop, we are one of the most respected clubs in the region.
We look forward to you being a part of this great club. Should you wish to discuss any aspects of the club’s program, you can message us at Montrose Juniors Contact or talk to the Junior Committee.
You can find info like a bit of history and the Club Song on our Club page.
Junior Age Groups and Teams
The following are the dates of birth applicable to each Team/age group for the 2024 season.
We recommend all players play in their designated age group, however if you have any queries regarding these age ranges or if you wish your child to "play up" an age group Montrose Junior Registrations team
Girls Age Groups
- Under 10*1/1/2014-31/12/2016
- Under 121/1/2012-31/12/2013
- Under 141/1/2010-31/12/2011
- Under 161/1/2008-31/12/2009
- Under 181/1/2006-31/12/2007
Boys Age Groups
- Under 8*1/1/2016-30/4/2017
- Under 91/1/2015-31/12/2015
- Under 101/1/2014-31/12/2014
- Under 111/1/2013-31/12/2013
- Under 121/1/2012-31/12/2012
- Under 131/1/2011-31/12/2011
- Under 141/1/2010-31/12/2010
- Under 151/1/2009-31/12/2009
- Under 161/1/2008-31/12/2008
- Under 17.51/7/2006-31/12/2007
PLEASE READ BEFORE CLICKING LINK.
- unsure of your previous GameDay email address
- no longer have access to your previously registered email address
- unsure of any part of the registration process
Register for Montrose FNC
All player registrations are completed online - card or bank payment will be required. Note that for the 2024 season, all fees must be paid in full at the time of registration.
IF YOU DEFINITELY KNOW YOUR LOG IN DETAILS, PLEASE CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
Current Montrose players
(last season or your most recent club)
If you registered to play with MontroseFNC in a previous season (AND have not transferred to any other club in between), or if you have never registered to play football before, you can commence your registration via PlayHQ by clicking link above.
Forgot your registered email address? If you don’t know the email address associated with your most recent registration or have changed your email address since you last registered, DO NOT PROCEED. Please contact junior registrations (see phone numbers above) for assistance
If your were registered to another club last season or the last year that you have played, please follow the Transfer to Montrose Football Club steps.
If you wish to transfer to Montrose, you can still do so "unofficially" until the formal transfer period opens
Junior Game Day Rules
Modified Rules
U8’s and U9’s match rules are modified to minimise risk.
There is no tackling in U8s or U9s, nor is kicking the ball off the ground permitted. Experienced coaching personnel and umpires keep a close watch on the game to ensure that unduly rough play is controlled and managed. It is rare to have serious injuries occur in very young age groups.
For U10s the following 'Modified Tackle' rules apply;
a player in possession of the ball may be tackled by an opponent wrapping both arms around the area below the top of the shoulders and on/above the knees. The tackle may be from either side or from behind, providing the tackle from behind does not thrust forward player with the ball (i.e. push the player in the back). Bumping is not allowed.
There will also be a reduced number of players on the field for U8s and U9s depending on rules set by the EFNL. Oval sizes will also be smaller.
Non Competitive Teams
Under 8, 9 and 10 teams play non-competitive games i.e. they do not play for premiership points.
These age groups are regarded as a chance for junior footballers to learn about the game, develop skills and practice playing in different positions.
To that end scores are irrelevant. Scores are kept (not visibly) during Under 10 games to be used for grading purposes only by the EFNL for the following season when they enter the competitive competition.
Team Roles for Juniors
Every team requires various officials to assist in officiating the game. Only these officials are allowed inside the boundary fence on game days:
- Coach
- Assistant Coach
- Runner
- Trainer ('First Aid' qualified & in competitive teams 'Level One Trainer' Certified)
Note, this training is provided to individuals. - Team Manager
Please note all Coaches are required to be accredited with the AFL. All Officials must also hold a Working with Children Check. We can help direct you with all of this if you do not currently hold these prerequisites.
If you would like to volunteer for any of these roles, please message Montrose Juniors Contact.
Match Officials
Each competitive team (U11’s onwards) needs to provide at least 11 team officials for each match: Coach, Assistant Coach, Team Manager, Trainer (at least one), Runner, Timekeeper, Interchange Steward, Goal Umpire, Boundary Umpire, Umpire escort, Water Carrier (has to be under the age of 16).
Teams are dependent on parents to fill these positions.
Coaches
Coaches must have undergone an accredited coaching course to be able to coach any team. New coaches have these costs paid for by the club. Coaches who have coached previously need to ensure their accreditation is up-to-date. We also ask our coaches to undergo a Working with Children’s Check to add to parents’ peace of mind. Contact details for all coaches are included on the last page of this document.
Every year, the Club calls for coaching nominations from the community. These applications are reviewd by the Junior President & Football Operations Manager. Nominations can be sent to Montrose Juniors Contact.
Team Managers
These are pivotal to the success of a team on Match Day. Team Managers will be provided with clear instruction on their role by the committee, and assisted along the way with a range of tasks. As parents we ask you to do the same by happily assisting when asked. Team Managers are to hold a current Working with Children’s Check Card.
Trainers
Trainers are required for all teams. Indeed a team cannot take the field without a qualified trainer. The club pays for individuals to attend these courses which are usually run in February/March. Volunteers are always needed in this area. Please contact the Trainer Co-ordinator if you would like to undertake the Course. Occasionally this can lead to paid work at a senior competition level. Trainers are to hold a current Working with Children’s Check Card.
Dress: White trousers or white pants, a white or club coloured top and EFNL Trainers bib.
Requirements:
- The minimum age for trainers is 15 years of age
- Each team is permitted to have a maximum of three trainers
Duties:
- Attend injured players on the ground. If any injury appears to be serious, qualified medical assistance should be obtained immediately
- Trainers are responsible for having a stretcher on the ground for each game
- It is also recommended that the phone numbers of each player’s parents or guardian are available and that any relevant medical condition of players is known
- Must not interfere with any players or officials throughout the game
- A trainer is not permitted to act as second runner
Runner
Dress: Fluoro yellow shirt, with the word "RUNNER" on the back and EFNL black tracksuit pants/shorts.
Requirements:
- A runner must be at least 18 years of age
- Only one runner per team is permitted
- In the under 9/10 competition the coach of each team is not permitted onto the ground during the match. An official runner is permitted to be used
- Must not interfere with any players or officials throughout the game
- Must not communicate with opposition players, team or match day officials unless a stretcher is required
- Must not loiter on the ground, deliver message and immediately leave the field
Duties:
- In all matches, it is their job to relay messages from coach to players
- Runners are only permitted on the ground when relaying a message. They must not remain on the ground continually. Umpires can order the runner from the ground if they feel the runner is on the ground too much
Drink Carrier
Dress:
- White trousers or white overalls with a white top (or their club’s windcheater/tracksuit top) must be worn
- All water carriers are to wear the league approved water carrier bib
Requirements:
- The minimum age for water carriers in the senior competition is 15 years of age
- The minimum age for water carriers in the junior competition is 12 years of age
- Each team is permitted to have three water carriers
- Must not interfere with any players or officials throughout the game
Duties:
- The job of the water carrier is to run water out to players when they require a drink and not stay out on the ground
- Water carriers are to be based in fence stations, behind the boundary line and not at the coach’s box
- Water carriers are not permitted to act as a second runner
Time Keeper
Dress: No specific requirements.
Requirements:
- A timekeeper must be at least 18 years of age
- Club supplied timekeepers are not permitted to coach, barrack, comment on play or any umpiring decisions
Duties:
- Each side must appoint a timekeeper who is a minimum of 18 years of age
- To keep the time of each quarter on time cards. Timekeeper cards are not required for under 9s and 10s
- To keep a record of scores for use by the controlling body in the event of the goal umpire’s cards not agreeing
- To ensure the game starts and finishes on time
- To sound a bell or siren at the start and finish of each quarter
- No time on is added in any junior competition matches
- Refer to the timekeeper’s card for a detailed explanation of timekeeping procedures and guidelines
Boundary Umpire
Dress: White shorts or skirt with white shirt or plain white windcheater. In junior competition white tracksuit pants may be worn on cold days only.
Requirements:
- In all under 15 to senior grade matches boundary umpires must be at least 15 years of age. In all under 11 to under 14 grade matches boundary umpires must be at least the same age as the grade in which they are officiating
- In both the under 9/10 competition boundary umpires are not required
- Club supplied umpires are not permitted to coach, barrack, comment on play or any umpiring decisions
- Must not interfere with any players or officials throughout the game
Duties:
- Determining whether a football is out of bounds or on the full and signalling to the field umpire when that has occurred
- Adjudicating on which team has last touched the ball before it crossed the boundary line and signalling to the umpire which team will receive the free kick (if applicable)
- Throwing the football back into play if it has gone out of bounds (if applicable)
- Determining whether a player has incorrectly entered the centre square (if applicable)
- Bringing the football back to the centre square after a goal has been scored (if applicable). If the field umpire determines that a boundary umpire in any match is unable to perform his or her duties competently, the field umpire shall request a replacement boundary umpire. If a competent replacement boundary umpire cannot be found the field umpire shall direct a player from the offending club to throw the ball into play
Interchange Managed by Team Manager
Dress: Must wear the appropriate EFNL team manager armband.
Requirements:
- Each side must appoint a team tanager at least 18 years of age
- Club supplied team managers are not permitted to coach, barrack, comment on play or any umpiring decisions
- Must not interfere with any players or officials throughout the game
Duties:
- There will be two lines, 15 metres apart, marked across the boundary line at which players can be interchanged. The team manager will be stationed in the vicinity of the coaches box and the interchange area
- The team manager shall note the numbers of all players from both teams that start each quarter on the interchange bench
- The team manager shall observe all interchanges that occur during the game
- Players shall leave and enter the playing ground through the interchange area during the match unless the player is removed from the playing arena by stretcher, in which case he may be taken from the playing ground at any point. His replacement shall enter the playing ground through the interchange area and the interchange steward notified of the injured player’s name and number. The replaced player must return to the playing arena by way of normal interchange after 20 minutes, not including breaks, has elapsed
- Where a player does not enter or leave the playing surface through the approved interchange area and subsequently continues to play in the game in breach of by law 14.8 (j & k), the team manager and/or field umpire(s) shall report the circumstances to the EFNL, including the scores at the time. The EFNL may determine the matter by way of fine, reversal of Match result or other sanction as it deems appropriate. – When a player has been, or appears to have been so seriously injured as to prevent his being removed immediately from the playing ground, the team manager may approve his being replaced prior to the injured player leaving the ground, but if a replacement shall be made pursuant to such approval, the replaced player shall take no further part in the match. The official runner or captain shall immediately inform the field umpire that the player has been so replaced. Players who are ordered from the field by the field umpire are to leave via the interchange area. Players are to report to the team manager for time notification. Team Managers are to note the time the player reported to the steward and not allow that player to resume playing until 15 minutes game time has elapsed, from the time play recommences following the yellow card being issued
- Should the team manager observe the teams being lined up for count under the AFL "Laws of Australian Football", he should assist the field umpire if requested
- Breaches of any of these instructions must be noted at the bottom of the interchange form
Goal Umpire
Dress: White coat and flags (supplied by the club on Game Day).
Requirements:
- All goal umpires must be at least 15 years of age.
- Club supplied umpires are not permitted to coach, barrack, comment on play or any umpiring decisions
- Must not interfere with any players or officials throughout the game
Duties:
- Before the match ensure details of the match have been entered on the scorecard supplied by the EFNL.
- During the match stand behind goal line in line with the flight of the ball. Wait for the field umpire to give the all clear before giving decision. Both goal umpires must wave the flags for each score. Enter score on card and check scores with other goal umpire at the quarter breaks and after the match. The scorecard must be handed to the team manager after the match
- Club supplied umpires are not permitted to barrack or comment on play. If the field umpire believes a club supplied goal umpire is making deliberately wrong or incompetent decisions he or she may demand the offending club to replace the goal umpire before re-commencing the match
Umpire Escort
Dress: Must wear the official EFL bib.
Requirements:
- All umpire’s escorts must be at least 18 years of age
- Club supplied umpire escorts are not permitted to coach, barrack, comment on play or any umpiring decisions
- Must not interfere with any players or officials throughout the game
Duties:
- To escort all umpires from the oval (where play ends) to the umpire’s room at half time and after the game
- Where the club is the home club, they should offer umpires cool drinks between each quarter.
- Remain in the centre of the ground with umpires during quarter time and three-quarter time break
Umpires escort must not abuse or criticise umpires and must show courtesy always.
Team Committee Reps
A representative from each team is asked to attend Committee Meetings. Essentially the Team Committee Rep provides an information conduit between the Junior Committee, Parent Rep and parents from each team, answering, or finding the answers to questions and queries, relaying information, and providing team perspectives to committee decisions
Parent Representative
The Junior Club have included the role of Parent Representatives into our team administrative arm. The role of Parent Representative is twofold – they act a the conduit for the families of players and the Junior Committee and they assist the Team Manager by organising on field rostering for the teams each week. By the Friday before game day, they will confirm to the Team Manager the family members who will be performing the on field duties for the coming Sunday. They will be responsible for compiling and distributing the rosters.
When families have any questions or concerns, please convey them to the Parent Representative who will pass any queries directly to the Committee. By families directing their queries this way, it enables the Coach and Team Manager to "get on with their duties" and then the Committee will be able to answer any questions in accordance with Club Policy.
Representatives can be elected from each team at a meeting of parents prior to the season beginning, or may be approached by the junior committee to take on the role.