Grading Day FAQs

 

When will grading take place?

 

Please click here for the 2024 Junior Grading Schedule.

 

Where will grading take place?

Grading is expected to take place at Oyster Bay Oval. In the event of wet weather we may move to 5 Sports or Seymour Shaw Stadium, but we will give as much advance notice as possible.

 

What time do I need to arrive?

Please arrive at least 10 minutes before your session starts to check in.

 

 

What if it rains, the air is really smoky, or it gets really hot?

We will be paying very close attention to the weather and air quality. If it is very hot, smoky, or raining, please keep an eye on grfc.com.au and our Facebook page for updates closer to time. We adhere to FNSW policy when it comes to heat and air pollution.

 

What should my child wear?

All kids will play a few short games and run through drills during their grading session, so shin-pads and boots are to be worn. Sneakers are okay if you don’t have boots yet.  Kids should also wear sunscreen and bring water.

 

Can my child register / play in an older age group?

Yes:  All kids can opt to play in their age group or the age group above their own. Just choose the preferred age group when you register via playfootball.com.au. 

NB: Age group is based on how old the child is turning this calendar year.

It is sometimes possible for children to play two years up however we need to provide the SSFA with special documentation for this to be approved.

 

But what if we just want to keep the same team?

We always get requests for kids to be together, but this is not always in the best interests of the children. We have been grading for many years and always work toward the best outcomes for our players.

Before contacting us, we urge you to review our Club Grading Policy. If you still have questions, concerns or want to flag anything having read these documents, please complete this form and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

 

Can I buy a uniform on the day?

Yes! Our gear stall will be open on all of our Registration and Grading Days, as well as Friday nights when Tiger Cubs is on.  You can always buy gear from the canteen during the season, or Click & Collect via our online store.

Our junior players need to buy socks ($15) and shorts ($20) and the club will supply shirts at a later date. We also have Georges River FC jackets and other merchandise on offer.

We accept cash and card.

 

My child wants to play with his/her friends, how can we make sure this happens?

We group younger kids (U6-U7s) in teams with their mates. We will have team sheets for you to fill in with names of players you would like to be grouped with on the day. If you already have a team ready to go, please email their names to Melissa: registrar@grfc.com.au

If your child doesn’t have any friends playing with us, they may run into someone they know or we will place them in a team with new friends :)

Kids U8 and up will be placed in teams based on their ability.

 

Do I need to register online first?

Yes please. It helps us manage teams if you register by 31 January you will also save $50.

You can register on the day, but it will still be following the online process via playfootball.com.au.

If you don’t register your team placement is not guaranteed. Teams can fill quickly so please register on time.

 

What documentation do I need as a brand new player?

For new players we need to see proof of age (birth certificate, driver’s licence or passport) and also a parent’s driver’s license or a recent council rates notice or bank statement as proof of address. You can bring copies on the day or email them in advance to registrar@grfc.com.au to expedite the process.

 

I can’t make it to my child’s grading session. What should I do?

For new U6-U7 players, please ask any friends coming down to add your name to the team sheet. Otherwise you can email registrar@grfc.com.au with a request to be in a specific team. 

For older kids – U8 and up, you will be placed in the most appropriate team based on your coach’s assessment already provided to the club.

If you have any concerns at any stage please email our grading team via registrar@grfc.com.au

 

At what age do you start grading players individually?

It is extremely important that players are graded in teams with players of similar ability, to play against teams of similar ability. This gives each child the chance to fully participate, enjoy the experience and develop to his/her full potential as a player.

We will be assessing individually players from U8 and up and will also be running optional A/B grading for our more developed U7 players. Please see our grading policy for more detail.

 

How many players in a team? 

  • U6-7: 4-a-side, so we recommend a maximum of 6 players to ensure all players get good playing time.
  • U8-9: 7-a-side including a goalie.
  • U10-11: 9-a-side
  • U12 and up: 11 players on the field

 

My child is only four, is he/she old enough to play?

Any child turning 5 years old by 31 December is eligible to play.

We encourage younger kids to take part in our Tiger Cubs program for 3-5 year olds. Please click here for details.

 

I don’t know the rules!

Here is a great resource for learning about the Mini Roo format: https://www.playfootball.com.au/sites/play/files/2018-01/14701_football_aldi-miniroos-collateral_playing-formats-rules.pdf

 

What time is training? 

Once your child is placed in a team a coach and manager will be appointed, usually parents will raise their hand. They will lead the discussion amongst the parents to decide the best time and day to train. 

The manager will filter out key information to the team throughout the season, but we recommend you check grfc.com.au to keep updated and follow our Facebook page for timely updates.

 

Still have questions?

Please get in touch with Melissa (registrar@grfc.com.au) who can help you out or put you in the right direction.

 

Welcome to the Tigers!