Coaches & Managers Update – Friday 15th July

Summerhayes Park Update/Status – CLOSED

Unfortunately Summerhayes Park along with all Blue Mountains fields have been kept closed by BMCC for the coming weekend.

For this reason U5-U7 Mini Roo’s matches and Lyrebirds program will not go ahead this weekend. Summerhayes Park will be closed and teams may find their games rescheduled to opposition teams fields or neutral venues depending on the availability of grounds in the Penrith and Hawkesbury districts.

Please keep an eye on your DRIBL application for rescheduling or cancellations for the weekend ahead.

Game Day Considerations

Referees have been advising that players continue to wear watches, fit-bits, jewellery, earrings and other non-playing equipment that is not permitted to be worn during games. Please ensure your players (male and female) remove all unnecessary accessories prior to taking the field.

Player Behaviour, Red & Yellow Cards and Fines
Coaches were forwarded emails during the week from age co-ordinators regarding an increase in Yellow and Red cards and poor behaviour being observed by NRG referees in recent weeks. Coaches are asked to ensure this communication is passed on to players and particularly parents of junior competition teams for their awareness.

Helping out at Neutral/Away Grounds for Make Up Fixtures

Many teams may find make up matches rescheduled to opposition or neutral grounds in the coming weeks. If you have games starting early or finishing late please allow time to arrive to help set up and/or ensure you assist with packing up if finishing late in the afternoon/evening. Other clubs Committee members have been giving of their time to be on hand for neutral fixtures and if the club expects our teams to be mindful of this and assist where possible.

SUFC committee members may also be in attendance at some matches so please ensure all other facets of your game management are considered. Coaches and Marshal vests etc. Good luck to everyone with mid-week matches coming up.

DRIBL Reminders

Whilst we are unlikely to see fines given to junior teams this season, NFA have advised there has been poor compliance from clubs regarding completion of electronic match sheets within the new DRIBL platform. Coaches and Managers are reminded that;
1. Please ensure all teams playing are ticked as being present.

2. U5 & U7 matches must have a score recorded. Simply put in a 1-1 draw into DRIBL when completing match sheet.

3. U8 – U11 teams are also required to include the score keeping in mind that NFA utilise scores to help regrade and move teams up and down so that they continue to play teams of similar ability. Please ensure accurate scores are recorded and agreed on by both teams when completing match sheets.

• Please remember to forward paper match sheets to Damon, Competition Secretary by the following Monday to: compsec@springwoodunited.com.au

“Washout Cancelled”…. What does this mean in DRIBL?

Some of you may have seen notifications in DRIBL indicating a round or game has been "Washout Cancelled".

NFA have reviewed the current and outstanding load of catch up games and remaining weeks of the season and have made the tough decision to cancel Round 1 fixtures that were to be replayed during the year.
Some teams (U16G, O35 Friday Comp, Waratah & Ruby teams) were able to play these matches but will now not count towards the overall games played and therefore will not reflect on the table, and there will be no points awarded.
This may occur again as the race to get make up rounds completed by the end of the season.

Junior & Senior Clubman Award 2022 – Nominations Close 31 July

Nominations are being taken from the clubs membership (coaches, managers, parents, players and associates for 2022 Junior and Senior clubman awards.

These awards recognise outstanding services to the club both on and off the field by a Junior (<18) or an over 18 senior member/player. Please complete the Jnr & Snr Clubman Nomination Form.

Long Service Awards – Nominations Close 31 July

Nominations for Long Service Awards will close at the end of the month. For teams likely to have eligible players (U14’s and above) Coaches and Managers are asked to ensure players and parents are aware of their players eligibility.

Please check out the Long Service Leave Nominations link on the clubs website for more information and link to the nomination form. Any questions can be directed via email to Sue Dunn, secretary@springwoodunited.com.au

NFA Changes to Championship Tournament Series for 6 & 8 Team Competitions

NFA have advised of the need to revise the format of the finals series for the end of the 2022 season.
With over 100 fixtures needing to be rescheduled and played in the coming weeks, NFA have advised that with 75 fixtures currently scheduled for the next two weeks that comprise of main rounds as well as Nepean FA Cups the NFA simply do not have enough field availability or resources available to schedule these games and to continue with the original structure.

There will be a revised schedule for 6 and 8 team competitions where there will be no second chances and teams that lose their first match will be out of the running to make the NFA Finals Day. Highest placed teams will play lowest placed teams etc.
This is yet to be confirmed and may be subject to change if further interruptions to the season occur. The NFA and Club will keep you posted.

Coaches & Managers Presentation 2022

To refresh yourself regarding Coach & Manager responsibilities and considerations, please check out the link:  Coaches Share Folder - C&M Presentations 2022

Best of luck to those teams able to play this weekend.

Football Committee.