2025 Premier Youth Leagues

[Hunter403]

Early days I know, but here is the latest Div 1 championship table sorted by points per round (PPR). Good to see Lake Macquarie and New Lambton doing well. North Coast and Broadmeadow are the biggest movers downwards compared to last year.

1875

Share it with NNSW as they still only have last year online.
Looking forward to seeing the other half if you get time.

[The Hacker]

Early days I know, but here is the latest Div 1 championship table sorted by points per round (PPR). Good to see Lake Macquarie and New Lambton doing well. North Coast and Broadmeadow are the biggest movers downwards compared to last year.

1875

Imagine Magic stay in the bottom 4 and go to Div 2. That would shake up the status quo in PYL

[Izzy]

Share it with NNSW as they still only have last year online.
Looking forward to seeing the other half if you get time.

Because you asked nicely...

1876

[GO AWAY]

Toronto v Wallsend results not updated. Think stags clean swept

[Izzy]

Latest...

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[mic22]

Latest...

1877

1878

Thanks mate!

[sapdad]

Looks like some clubmen will be dusting off the whistles this weekend.Lots of youth games on Sunday yet to have refs assigned.Hopefully its a by product of the system with unregistered refs not assigned in the system but will be added later.

[WOW2.0]

I thought it was cool to see a green T-shirt learner adult ref this week during a game

Should be something they encourage more of

[Izzy]

NNSW has delayed the kick off for Olympic v North Coast this weekend at Speers Point due to the risk of heat policy cancellation. Due to the later kick offs, the North Coast bus is expected to return to Coffs at 3am on Sunday morning! Forecast high in Newcastle on Saturday is 28 degrees, so it all seems very odd. I would be more concerned for the kid's welfare from a 3am finish rather than excessive heat.

[Addios]

I would be more concerned for the kid's welfare from a 3am finish rather than excessive heat.

Not ideal but if youre worried about kids health catching zzzz on a bus you need to sign up with the hysterical Greens. Rather avoid the heat.

[Imyourhero]

Why aren't the games at Darling Street?

[Izzy]

Not ideal but if youre worried about kids health catching zzzz on a bus you need to sign up with the hysterical Greens. Rather avoid the heat.

Not worried at all. 28 degrees? I think I know who is being hysterical.

[Izzy]

Why aren't the games at Darling Street?

I am assuming this is a pointed rhetorical question?

[northern_swan]

NNSW has delayed the kick off for Olympic v North Coast this weekend at Speers Point due to the risk of heat policy cancellation. Due to the later kick offs, the North Coast bus is expected to return to Coffs at 3am on Sunday morning! Forecast high in Newcastle on Saturday is 28 degrees, so it all seems very odd. I would be more concerned for the kid's welfare from a 3am finish rather than excessive heat.

A couple of points:
1- forecast max for Newcastle is set from the Nobbys weather station. This is a reasonable distance from Speers point where it is often much hotter than the Nobbys forecast. For example the current temp as I type this at Nobbys is 23.6 (feels like temp 21.6) while at Lake Macquarie (which is the cooranbong weather station) it is 27.9 (feels like temp 30.0)
2- wet bulb max is 26 for 13-16s games. While this doesn?t impact the 18s (wet bulb 30) it would be likely enough to postpone the other 4 grades that were due to kick off in the heat of the day
3- wet bulb readings are typically higher when taken on the synthetic pitches vs a grass pitch due to radiated heat coming from the synthetic surface. While playing all fixtures involving North Coast on synthetic provides insurance against washouts, it doesn?t really help in the case of hot weather.
4- there are an abundance of motels in the Newcastle/Lake Macquarie area, perhaps you could take advantage of one of these and drive yourself & your child to the game, stay overnight then head back Sunday. Much like the Newcastle parents do when we visit the land of the big banana.
5- being more concerned about a late night after a chaperoned bus trip than potential health impacts for your child from playing in potentially unsafe conditions is a very odd take.

[Addios]

A couple of points:
1- forecast max for Newcastle is set from the Nobbys weather station. This is a reasonable distance from Speers point where it is often much hotter than the Nobbys forecast. For example the current temp as I type this at Nobbys is 23.6 (feels like temp 21.6) while at Lake Macquarie (which is the cooranbong weather station) it is 27.9 (feels like temp 30.0)
2- wet bulb max is 26 for 13-16s games. While this doesn?t impact the 18s (wet bulb 30) it would be likely enough to postpone the other 4 grades that were due to kick off in the heat of the day
3- wet bulb readings are typically higher when taken on the synthetic pitches vs a grass pitch due to radiated heat coming from the synthetic surface. While playing all fixtures involving North Coast on synthetic provides insurance against washouts, it doesn?t really help in the case of hot weather.
4- there are an abundance of motels in the Newcastle/Lake Macquarie area, perhaps you could take advantage of one of these and drive yourself & your child to the game, stay overnight then head back Sunday. Much like the Newcastle parents do when we visit the land of the big banana.
5- being more concerned about a late night after a chaperoned bus trip than potential health impacts for your child from playing in potentially unsafe conditions is a very odd take.

Interesting. Why we put games on at midday in feb March is a joke.

All suburbs past adamstown can just use Maitland temps. Nobbys temp is a Newcastle myth

[Addios]

One for izzy
Was thinking about the travel for North Coast.
If its 4.5 hrs each way approx thats approx a 9 hr trip x say 15 trips for a 30 game season, (current w preseason) then thats 135 hrs. Which is 2.5hrs a week.

Think id rather be training extra for those hrs and playing local league an age or 2 up. At least until 16s or 18s.

[plague]

One for izzy
Was thinking about the travel for North Coast.
If its 4.5 hrs each way approx thats approx a 9 hr trip x say 15 trips for a 30 game season, (current w preseason) then thats 135 hrs. Which is 2.5hrs a week.

Think id rather be training extra for those hrs and playing local league an age or 2 up. At least until 16s or 18s.

Wait till you hear how much time these same kids are wasting going to school and sleeping.

Could be getting those extra shuttle runs in.

[Izzy]

Oh how I love the cesspit of an internet discussion forum.

Latest Div 1 championship table for those interested.

1880

[WOW2.0]

Oh how I love the cesspit of an internet discussion forum.

Latest Div 1 championship table for those interested.

1880

I've a friend whose also keeping a lid this year, but he's gone a far as to use PPG to extend out the season and come up with a relegation likelihood prediction

He put that together last week, but the result was the same as your bottom 4

How would the families of NCF feel about travelling all this way for Div2 football?

[WOW2.0]

If that prediction holds true of course

[Izzy]

I think NCF will sneak into the top 8, but it is certainly a fall from grace considering they finished 1st after the first round last year. Losing a very good and experienced TD hasn't helped, plus 4 of the 5 coaches are doing their first year coaching at a PYL level. The new TD (from Manly United) starts next week, so hopefully he can get us back on track. Lots of injuries to TSP players in key positions across the squads has made things difficult too with some kids playing nearly 2 games. Still, every club has to deal with that most weeks.

To answer your Q regarding if NCF drop into Div 2, I suspect the whole thing would fold for next season if that happened as there already seems to be less of an appetite for the huge commitment from players and parents. This was reflected in the trial numbers which were way down on previous years. No doubt many Hunter folk will be happy if NCF leave the program, and that is fair enough.

Q for the brains trust - has it been confirmed that there will be no U18s PYL next year as they will be joining with the seniors again? That is the rumour here.

[Taffy]

Q for the brains trust - has it been confirmed that there will be no U18s PYL next year as they will be joining with the seniors again? That is the rumour here.

That was the rumour this year as well, arguments given by the clubs that do want it never stack up, U18s will when possible play before seniors but results continue to count towards PYL.

[Izzy]

Updated + Div 2.

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[BS detecor]

I think NCF will sneak into the top 8, but it is certainly a fall from grace considering they finished 1st after the first round last year. Losing a very good and experienced TD hasn't helped, plus 4 of the 5 coaches are doing their first year coaching at a PYL level. The new TD (from Manly United) starts next week, so hopefully he can get us back on track. Lots of injuries to TSP players in key positions across the squads has made things difficult too with some kids playing nearly 2 games. Still, every club has to deal with that most weeks.

To answer your Q regarding if NCF drop into Div 2, I suspect the whole thing would fold for next season if that happened as there already seems to be less of an appetite for the huge commitment from players and parents. This was reflected in the trial numbers which were way down on previous years. No doubt many Hunter folk will be happy if NCF leave the program, and that is fair enough.

Q for the brains trust - has it been confirmed that there will be no U18s PYL next year as they will be joining with the seniors again? That is the rumour here.

You forgot to add ?not that I?m one to make excuses or anything?

[sapdad]

Looks like an early test of the zero tolerance policy.Ive been told a high profile club is about to cop its second long term suspension of a youth player for abuse.I am sure we were all told the 2nd infringement meant heavy sanctions for the club involved.It will be interesting to see what comes of it.

[Taffy]

Got to be in the same team.

[sapdad]

Got to be in the same team.

I didnt know that.For some reason weve been continually told any 2 infringements per club were punishable by fines and/or club championship points.Thanks for clarifying.

[northern_swan]

Looks like an early test of the zero tolerance policy.Ive been told a high profile club is about to cop its second long term suspension of a youth player for abuse.I am sure we were all told the 2nd infringement meant heavy sanctions for the club involved.It will be interesting to see what comes of it.

When you have a coach who encourages players to maim their opponents, what do you expect? They finished with 10, they could have been down to 8.

[WOW2.0]

I didnt know that.For some reason weve been continually told any 2 infringements per club were punishable by fines and/or club championship points.Thanks for clarifying.

Here is the list of infringements and fines


https://www.northernnswfootball.com.au/competitions/rules-regulations

[Skimmer]

When you have a coach who encourages players to maim their opponents, what do you expect? They finished with 10, they could have been down to 8.

I might have to take up reffing again. Best time ever to hand out cards to players or teams I dont like and they have little comeback.

There are the obvious indiscretions, like the ones we've all seen, no problem, they deserve the time.
Then there are the lopsided free kick count even though both sides are equally fouling each other. Seen this a few times this year. I like the zero tolerance rule. Should also apply to the officials.

[WOW2.0]

I might have to take up reffing again. Best time ever to hand out cards to players or teams I dont like and they have little comeback.

There are the obvious indiscretions, like the ones we've all seen, no problem, they deserve the time.
Then there are the lopsided free kick count even though both sides are equally fouling each other. Seen this a few times this year. I like the zero tolerance rule. Should also apply to the officials.

It is funny when you see a lino swear because the "wrong" team scored. 😅

[Addios]

It is funny when you see a lino swear because the "wrong" team scored. ��

Olympic recently. North Coast every week.

[Izzy]

Hilarious. At least North Coast will have 2 linos.

[finzee]

Biggest problem with the "no tolerance" policy is that some refs give it hard, others let it go. The difference is 6 weeks or more suspension for some, others get away with it. depends which clubs the refs, even the kids, don't really like. too much power & inconsistency never works.
Might be time to forfeit until they get it right.

[sapdad]

depends which clubs the refs, even the kids, don't really like. too much power & inconsistency never works.


An under 15s player just got 13 weeks for spitting on a ref*.But I guess that ref deserved it he no doubt had a grudge against the club.Just so you are aware the refs dont issue suspensions,thats the job of the adults at HQ.

*an edit to this post.I was told the player spat at the feet of the referee,Others on here have objected to where the spit landed.My point about the suspension remains.

[sapdad]

Just to add some context to some of the more lame statements Ive read on here.So far across all NNSW matches (outside of 1st grade) there has been 7 incidents of match official abuse resulting in suspension.Its not the epidemic some people on there are making it out to be and maybe the 7 who copped it were actually guilty and deserved it.If some people on here spent more time educating the guilty players rather than blaming the match officials they may get better outcomes long term.

[sapdad]

We arent talking about in game offences. Stop changing the subject. They're easy.
The above chat that I can see is you protecting refs who arent doing the right thing on major issues like send offs.
And casting aspersions without evidence on kids is a abuse. What a germ.

So why did the kid get a 13 week suspension?Its a simple question.Please answer it.If I am wrong I will gladly delete posts and apologise.I even amended my intiial post to make it clearer what I was told had happened.If it didnt,please fill me in.

[Aegon]

Locking the thread, as usual, adults can’t be trusted discussing youth football without behaving like children themselves.

EDIT

Re-opened the thread for people to be able to share good content like their own club championship tables, etc.

I had to re-read through 16 pages of conversation to clean up the many insults and posts against forum rules. My own fault, I haven't been paying enough attention to the thread.

4 forum members have been given a 1 month ban.

Lets hope we can keep this civil going forward because any further descent into petty name calling will result in the thread being closed for the rest of the 2025 season.

[Hunter403]

You would think Northern could keep the club championship up to date. Most recent version is March 19.

[sapdad]

You would think Northern could keep the club championship up to date. Most recent version is March 19.


In summary it looks like Cooks Hill, Weston and Mid Coast are dropping into Div 2.Everything else is pretty tight.

[Izzy]

Latest as @ 8/4.

1883

[Taffy]

Going to be a long year for some teams when they make top 8 because enough of the other clubs teams did well.

[sapdad]

Going to be a long year for some teams when they make top 8 because enough of the other clubs teams did well.

One club having 2 age groups with zero points after 5 rounds and their other 3 age groups being undefeated is a pretty interesting stat.I think the other 2 age groups will be fine by seasons end though.

[Hunter403]

Div 2 if you have the time? Looking at the tables Southy and Charlestown look like making B but the last 2 could be a lottery

[sapdad]

Div 2 if you have the time? Looking at the tables Southy and Charlestown look like making B but the last 2 could be a lottery

From what I saw Kahibah look good as well.4th spot is a close but 2 teams that stayed last year (Belswans and Rosebuds) are quite a bit back.Stags and Westy a chance.

[Izzy]

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[WOW2.0]

One club having 2 age groups with zero points after 5 rounds and their other 3 age groups being undefeated is a pretty interesting stat.I think the other 2 age groups will be fine by seasons end though.

Based on last year, Olympic had a team in this position...by the end of the 2nd phase they had gotten only a single point

Not sure anyone can just say those 2 teams will be fine by seasons end

[Izzy]

Based on last year, Olympic had a team in this position...by the end of the 2nd phase they had gotten only a single point

Not sure anyone can just say those 2 teams will be fine by seasons end

I am not sure that is correct. This is what I have for 2024.

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[sapdad]

Based on last year, Olympic had a team in this position...by the end of the 2nd phase they had gotten only a single point

Not sure anyone can just say those 2 teams will be fine by seasons end

I get your point but have seen one of those 2 teams a few times this year and how they havent won games let alone draw any surprises me.They play some good football and would still consider them one of the best 8 teams in their age group.It will be interesting to see where they are when the split happens.

[Jim]

In summary it looks like Cooks Hill, Weston and Mid Coast are dropping into Div 2.Everything else is pretty tight.

Add New Lambton to those. They're gone. too many pretend coaches

[WOW2.0]

I am not sure that is correct. This is what I have for 2024.

1885

You can take a look at the detailed break down I put into the 2024 PYL tab

You'll find what I said is accurate

[Grubby-081]

Looking at Northerns table it appears that they have their ranking based on how difference and not club points accumulated thus far.

Changes a few teams around if go off points and not goal difference in their table

[sapdad]

I wouldnt be shocked if New Lambton stay in the top 8 for the 2nd half of the year.

Looks like I will take an L on this one.

[Izzy]

Yep, the top 8 is pretty settled now I think. Edgeworth are such a weird one - zero points in the 13s and 18s but right at the pointy end in 14s, 15s and 16s. My son's team played them in the 16s recently, and I reckon they are the most well drilled side, with a real plan and structure. Their coach was way over the top in his yelling at players, but he is certainly getting the best out of them.

[WOW2.0]

Looks like I will take an L on this one.

I'm sure we all wanted to see after, 2 prior years of promotion/relegation, some changes in who goes up and down

Club championship model prevents that though keeps some underseving teams safe, etc...and ends up in greater cannabilisation of those nearly their teams (in some cases they are "there")

[Addios]

Add New Lambton to those. They're gone. too many pretend coaches
Nailed it.

Although this club championship model isnt perfect its better than what we had before and locally, the system is as good as its ever been.
Not sure how the draw goes if they decided to make individual teams go into different comps.

Back in the day Newcaste had 2 youth clubs in Sydney, bit like coasties have now. Not sure if this would be better or not now.

[Addios]

I'm sure we all wanted to see after, 2 prior years of promotion/relegation, some changes in who goes up and down

Club championship model prevents that though keeps some underseving teams safe, etc...and ends up in greater cannabilisation of those nearly their teams (in some cases they are "there")

It doesnt reward or entice that 1 team who have done well & have stuck by a "lower" club but then gets forced into a lower divison to stay with that club.

[WOW2.0]

It doesnt reward or entice that 1 team who have done well & have stuck by a "lower" club but then gets forced into a lower divison to stay with that club.

That's the flaw

I am sure there is a mathematical algorithm that could be applied to marry up a good draw with different teams in appropriate divisions and organise grounds...Victoria does it this way I believe, can't see why we couldn't.

Would help a club build something of themselves

[sapdad]

can't see why we couldn't.


I dont want to have our yearly disagreement on this as I actually agree with you that for a results based experiment it is the fairest way to go.But the logistics and downsides to it dont make it worth the hassle.It wont happen in our current structure.Any new system wont be without its flaws and its always the issue of weighing up what we are trying to achieve in youth football in this city.

[Izzy]

No referee or ARs for the U15s and U16s PYL games at Speers Point on Saturday, so a few parents had to do the job. Unbelievable at this age and level.

[The Hacker]

With the split not that far away and looking at both divisions the team I feel most for is Adamstown?s 13?s. They are 7 from 7 with a goal difference of +36 but because the rest of the club has gone backwards on last year they will end up in Div 3 where it looks like they can compete in Div 1. I wonder how many kids from that team stay next year.
Looking at last year the Buds stayed in Div 2 with 4 teams. They have a full compliment of teams this year and are struggling. Heard they picked up West Wallsends TD and some coaches from last year. I would think if you had ambition and you were Div 2 last year that you would chase TD and coaches from Div 1 not Div 3.
Least their first grades improved for a grand old club

[sapdad]

No referee or ARs for the U15s and U16s PYL games at Speers Point on Saturday, so a few parents had to do the job. Unbelievable at this age and level.

Its actually very believable.We have talked at length about the lack of referees for the last 2 years and the reasons why.For 15s and 16s they would ideally love to have a ref no younger than 17/18 on the game.Kids those ages now are dropping out of reffing due to HSC/Uni, other work, and the fact that if they are players (most are) they are expected to be available both days over every weekend of the season to play and ref.Kids that age have more interests and when the alternative is going to work just to cop abuse from parents and coaches then I can understand why they would rather be going to the beach or the movies or doing any other job which doesnt expose them to being abused.Add to that those age refs are now being offered ZPL gamedays which are better environments (better football/more respectful players/way less parent abuse/better money) the choice is pretty easy for a lot of them.They need more refs desperately,so all they can do is encourage kids to want to do it and do their best to keep the ones they already have.Hopefully theres plenty of kids in your sons team who are refs and everyone else on the forum is encouraging theirs to do it as well.

[northern_swan]

No referee or ARs for the U15s and U16s PYL games at Speers Point on Saturday, so a few parents had to do the job. Unbelievable at this age and level.

There were multiple venues where there were no referees appointments on Saturday. Not withstanding sapdads point on referee retention etc, there’s a disconnect between “Northerns referees” and “community referees” where it seems that officials are forbidden from doing both. Additionally the costs to become a referee are ridiculous, if northern and the zones were fair dinkum about getting referees on board they would make it free to register and provide free equipment for refs as well.

[Cunning stunts]

With the split not that far away and looking at both divisions the team I feel most for is Adamstown?s 13?s. They are 7 from 7 with a goal difference of +36 but because the rest of the club has gone backwards on last year they will end up in Div 3 where it looks like they can compete in Div 1. I wonder how many kids from that team stay next year.
Looking at last year the Buds stayed in Div 2 with 4 teams. They have a full compliment of teams this year and are struggling. Heard they picked up West Wallsends TD and some coaches from last year. I would think if you had ambition and you were Div 2 last year that you would chase TD and coaches from Div 1 not Div 3.
Least their first grades improved for a grand old club

Do you think they last the year?

Lots of player movement i think, specially players that think there Div 1 and drop to div 2 post decoupling?

I don't like it not many players play for the club now but this format has created it and you can't blame some kids moving to stay in div 1 specially when there team was competing well but other ages in the club aren't.

[sapdad]

there?s a disconnect between ?Northerns referees? and ?community referees? where it seems that officials are forbidden from doing both.

Correct.When you register to become a referee you have to choose between Community,NPL and I think back in the day it was ZPL.You couldnt move between the 3 levels.ZPL has been folded into the NPL space now so they share referees but I can only assume once you register for community then you are appointed by the different Football Zone on for matchdays.Im not sure but I was always under the impression that each Zone ran their own referees recruitment as well (could be wrong).I am on record wishing referees could move between community and NPL but I assume the logistics would be insane trying to organise so many games from one location.As for the cost,yes it can always be cheaper and younger kids growing at a rapid pace are replacing multiple shirts and socks several times over the years (to keep all colours available every week).Referees do get paid more than your average weekend kids job though and it is tax free so the net position is generally better long term compared to many other jobs.

[sapdad]

With the split not that far away and looking at both divisions the team I feel most for is Adamstown?s 13?s. They are 7 from 7 with a goal difference of +36 but because the rest of the club has gone backwards on last year they will end up in Div 3 where it looks like they can compete in Div 1.

Rosebuds 13s have had 3 x 1 goal wins (2 of them against clubs that will be in Div 3) and one 20 goal victory so the stats are a little misleading.Id be pumping the brakes if they think they can compete with the likes of Magic and Olympic just yet.For comparison Rosebuds had a good 13s team last year who were 1 point off first at the break then didnt even make the finals by the end of phase 2.My best advice would be to stick together if they are happy,enjoy their football and grow as a team and individuals.

[Game_over]

Rosebuds 13s have had 3 x 1 goal wins (2 of them against clubs that will be in Div 3) and one 20 goal victory so the stats are a little misleading.Id be pumping the brakes if they think they can compete with the likes of Magic and Olympic just yet.For comparison Rosebuds had a good 13s team last year who were 1 point off first at the break then didnt even make the finals by the end of phase 2.My best advice would be to stick together if they are happy,enjoy their football and grow as a team and individuals.

sapdad, hopefully they do stay together, from what I understand the majority of the team are from the Rosebuds JDL programe, so you would assume a fair investment has already been made by the club. Some may look for the shiny lights of DIV1, but honestly if the kids are having fun hopefully the parents can steer them away, plenty of stories of kids leaving only to be disapointed the next year.

[WOW2.0]

...For comparison Rosebuds had a good 13s team last year who were 1 point off first at the break then didnt even make the finals by the end of phase 2...

I wonder how many key players stayed after the drop, shifting clubs mid season, impacting how they went in the 2nd half of the season

[Taffy]

It doesnt reward or entice that 1 team who have done well & have stuck by a "lower" club but then gets forced into a lower divison to stay with that club.

It does entice the club to focus on their entire youth program rather than just 1 or 2 teams and ignoring the rest.

People who want the split to be at a team level never talk about what happens at the end of the season and how it will work for the next year.

[Izzy]

Latest Div 1 table.

1886

[Izzy]

Its actually very believable.We have talked at length about the lack of referees for the last 2 years and the reasons why.For 15s and 16s they would ideally love to have a ref no younger than 17/18 on the game.Kids those ages now are dropping out of reffing due to HSC/Uni, other work, and the fact that if they are players (most are) they are expected to be available both days over every weekend of the season to play and ref.Kids that age have more interests and when the alternative is going to work just to cop abuse from parents and coaches then I can understand why they would rather be going to the beach or the movies or doing any other job which doesnt expose them to being abused.Add to that those age refs are now being offered ZPL gamedays which are better environments (better football/more respectful players/way less parent abuse/better money) the choice is pretty easy for a lot of them.They need more refs desperately,so all they can do is encourage kids to want to do it and do their best to keep the ones they already have.Hopefully theres plenty of kids in your sons team who are refs and everyone else on the forum is encouraging theirs to do it as well.

Dude, I get it, I understand what the issues are surrounding referee retention. And yes my son is a ref.

It is just a bit hard to take when one of the AR has no shoes on and has literally no idea what he is doing or where he should be standing. We should be able to do better than this.

[sapdad]

I wonder how many key players stayed after the drop, shifting clubs mid season, impacting how they went in the 2nd half of the season

I dont think any from this particular team left but there was another example of a team that did well in the first phase but the club went down and a few of their better players left.Not an idea outcome at all.

[sapdad]

sapdad, hopefully they do stay together, from what I understand the majority of the team are from the Rosebuds JDL programe, so you would assume a fair investment has already been made by the club.

This is a great point and hopefully something that can be built upon.Theres some clubs out there with really good JDL programs that are starting to translate into good 13s and 14s teams.The hope is always to have those kids stay all the way through so if there are some incentives or rules around retention it might push all clubs to develop rather than recruit.But I understand its always a balance and sometimes kids just want to move clubs.Obviously theres no foolproof solution.

[sapdad]

We should be able to do better than this.
Clubs mandated to having 'x' amount of their registered players made to do the course and be active refs or at the very least have incentives for clubs that do have a lot of refs on their books.Nothing is going to change until we get a lot more kids (or parents) signing up to do the job.Its a simple equation at the moment.Not enough refs=more gamedays like what you just experienced.Everyone agrees no one wants that.

[WOW2.0]

It does entice the club to focus on their entire youth program rather than just 1 or 2 teams and ignoring the rest.

People who want the split to be at a team level never talk about what happens at the end of the season and how it will work for the next year.

There are neglected teams and players in a lot of clubs, including tier 1.

How does a club grow out of div 2 or 3...best players constantly poached, attraction of lower division to bring in good footballers (lack of), team success that an individual can impact drowned away by a collectivised under performance

However, putting through a good batch of say, 13s from your JDL can attract more success...and this is how clubs can improve as a whole

As for how it would work for the next year, simple, lower team in each grade is relegated, other promoted into their place...it's not hard

[Whistler Supporter]

My understanding is that most of the PYLB games were set down for Saturday. With many youth referees also playing PYLB, that would mean there were not enough available refs to handle all the games. Then on Sunday, with far fewer PYLB games, there were apparently new and young refs wanting to officiate and not enough young age games to give them. If this is true, a more equitable split of fixtures would help to get more games covered with official refs. And attracting new refs from outside those that play youth football would also assist.

[northern_swan]

It is just a bit hard to take when one of the AR has no shoes on and has literally no idea what he is doing or where he should be standing. We should be able to do better than this.

That’s a poor reflection on Northern & the home club (assuming they knew there were no refs appointed) than the guy who jumped in and had a go. He’s likely rocked up to watch his kid & got thrown in the deep end. Good on him for having a crack, but it’s the club & association that have to be better here

[northern_swan]

My understanding is that most of the PYLB games were set down for Saturday. With many youth referees also playing PYLB, that would mean there were not enough available refs to handle all the games. Then on Sunday, with far fewer PYLB games, there were apparently new and young refs wanting to officiate and not enough young age games to give them. If this is true, a more equitable split of fixtures would help to get more games covered with official refs. And attracting new refs from outside those that play youth football would also assist.

That again is a poor reflection on Northern. They need to balance the schedule better

[Taffy]

How does a club grow out of div 2 or 3...best players constantly poached, attraction of lower division to bring in good footballers (lack of), team success that an individual can impact drowned away by a collectivised under performance

Focus on all your teams, put in a good culture that makes most players want to stay. A lot of Div 2 clubs are no longer losing all the best players every year under this new model and are strengthing, look at how Charlestown, Southy and Kahibah are now going. Other clubs showing strong improvement and getting stronger.


As for how it would work for the next year, simple, lower team in each grade is relegated, other promoted into their place...it's not hard

And where do the 13s start?

[sapdad]

That?s a poor reflection on Northern & the home club (assuming they knew there were no refs appointed) than the guy who jumped in and had a go.

I think clubs are given the sheet of referee appointments when they come out on Tuesdays.Clubs should know at that stage if they have refs or not but to be fair to northern and the clubs there are a lot of changes made between the original allocation and who turns up on gamedays.This is down to referees getting their availabilities wrong,the ongoing issue with registering referees and last minute transport/sickness issues.In regards to your other comment about the schedule,I am certain grounds and games are allocated around November/December for the season but referees cant be locked in til pretty much the Monday of each game week.Theres not much anyone can do to plan any further out.I join you in applauding the referee who stepped up.

[WOW2.0]

Focus on all your teams, put in a good culture that makes most players want to stay. A lot of Div 2 clubs are no longer losing all the best players every year under this new model and are strengthing, look at how Charlestown, Southy and Kahibah are now going. Other clubs showing strong improvement and getting stronger.



And where do the 13s start?

I don't think that is accurate at all

Kids have still moved in to tier 1, and those who haven't are often dreaming about it (obviously hard to squeeze someone out in a division above you (a number of those clubs don't even have trials for those kids to be looked at)

I think we'll find again, that the same 4 clubs going down, will again come back up. Just like last season.

I don't believe any of the clubs you mentioned are improving at a rate that will see them enter tier 1...just like last year, they will have a tough time overcoming the bottom 4 of tier 1s when they go down (the longer phase2 might improve their chances though, more time to acclimatise to a higher pace of play, nerves, etc)...Having said that, it would be exciting if they did. The best chance of that would be individual teams being judged on their own merit

[Taffy]

I don't think that is accurate at all

Kids have still moved in to tier 1, and those who haven't are often dreaming about it (obviously hard to squeeze someone out in a division above you (a number of those clubs don't even have trials for those kids to be looked at)

I think we'll find again, that the same 4 clubs going down, will again come back up. Just like last season.

I don't believe any of the clubs you mentioned are improving at a rate that will see them enter tier 1...just like last year, they will have a tough time overcoming the bottom 4 of tier 1s when they go down (the longer phase2 might improve their chances though, more time to acclimatise to a higher pace of play, nerves, etc)...Having said that, it would be exciting if they did. The best chance of that would be individual teams being judged on their own merit

No one is saying kids don't move, just that all the best ones aren't leaving every year. I know of players that were approached by Div 1 clubs that have decided to stay, before they would've gone. Div 1 kids also happy to leave for the League B teams.

We shouldn't be expecting clubs to improve overnight, the U16s and U18s started before the new system, even the u15s were the first year of this system. The gap did close from the first year to the second year.


Considering teams can and do change it should be a club thing, that way clubs are held responsible for going up and down and not just focusing on one team or ignoring others. Want to be promoted or stay up? The clubs need to work on it.

Still like to know how the U13s would start each year if it is done at a team level.

[WOW2.0]

...Still like to know how the U13s would start each year if it is done at a team level.

First...does Edgeworth not care about their 13s and 18s? Because they are both pointless?

Second, u13s can be graded based on either U12s form...or, a grading mini comp at the beginning of the 13s season...doesn't seem an insurmountable problem, TBH

[Addios]

First...does Edgeworth not care about their 13s and 18s? Because they are both pointless?

Second, u13s can be graded based on either U12s form...or, a grading mini comp at the beginning of the 13s season...doesn't seem an insurmountable problem, TBH

Heard the Club doesnt know how to retain players. Coaches do their own if they care. JDL has little idea about recruiting. I think they still send letters.

[Taffy]

First...does Edgeworth not care about their 13s and 18s? Because they are both pointless?

Second, u13s can be graded based on either U12s form...or, a grading mini comp at the beginning of the 13s season...doesn't seem an insurmountable problem, TBH

I don't know about Edgeworth, but if what the other poster said is true, then it shows why it should be a whole club thing. Clubs need to look at ways they can improve, not just say we have some good teams and some bad teams and it doesn't matter. Perhaps look at why they lose players (the two groups that would be in 18s were very good, why have a lot of those players all left the club?) and what they can do to retain and attract.


As for your 13s idea, considering a lot of clubs have 2 12s which team are we basing form on? Some clubs have an A and B, others make the teams even. A grading mini comp, when? January? February? Then get the fixtures out? You're making it more complicated.

[Addios]

I don't know about Edgeworth, but if what the other poster said is true, then it shows why it should be a whole club thing. Clubs need to look at ways they can improve, not just say we have some good teams and some bad teams and it doesn't matter. Perhaps look at why they lose players (the two groups that would be in 18s were very good, why have a lot of those players all left the club?) and what they can do to retain and attract.


As for your 13s idea, considering a lot of clubs have 2 12s which team are we basing form on? Some clubs have an A and B, others make the teams even. A grading mini comp, when? January? February? Then get the fixtures out? You're making it more complicated.

A bit of tongue in cheek but recruitment isnt as good as it could or should be. A current div 1 club should be a bit more diligent to ensure all grades can have a crack. Most other areas are ok.
I can understand that div C clubs will struggle to retain kids regardless of how well they do it. Nature of the beast.

[sapdad]

A bit of tongue in cheet but recruitment isnt as good as it could or should be. A current div 1 club should be a bit more diligent to ensure all grades can have a crack. Most other areas are ok.

I wonder if the fact that Stags/Lakes/Westy and Southy are all stronger in youth than they were a few years back.Maybe theres kids who live out that way either going to or staying with those clubs instead of going to Edgeworth.

[Izzy]

Edgeworth 16s are a very good side who are well drilled and playing quality football. Their coach who I believe is new this season has certainly made a huge difference, but OMG he wouldn't be every parent's (or players) cup of tea. Very aggressive to his players and opposition coaches etc.

[prawnhead]

Edgeworth 16s are a very good side who are well drilled and playing quality football. Their coach who I believe is new this season has certainly made a huge difference, but OMG he wouldn't be every parent's (or players) cup of tea. Very aggressive to his players and opposition coaches etc.

Absolutely well coached, which is conducive to quality football. He?s just doing the right thing by these boys at a critical stage, as they transition to senior football.

[Dreamtime Yowie]

You don’t need to be a great coach to win these days, just play older players in your age group and find loopholes and expose them like valentine do. Some teams have 2 players that are older playing down. What happened to giving younger kids a shot and developing? Oh no no it’s about coaches ego these days. It’s plain old cheating that’s what it is.

[Taffy]

Edgeworth 16s are a very good side who are well drilled and playing quality football. Their coach who I believe is new this season has certainly made a huge difference, but OMG he wouldn't be every parent's (or players) cup of tea. Very aggressive to his players and opposition coaches etc.

Their coach has played over 100 1st grade games for Edgeworth, and has coached their youth teams for many years, including last year's 15s.

[sapdad]

You don?t need to be a great coach to win these days, just play older players in your age group and find loopholes and expose them like valentine do. Some teams have 2 players that are older playing down. What happened to giving younger kids a shot and developing? Oh no no it?s about coaches ego these days. It?s plain old cheating that?s what it is.

Other than the biological maturation rule what loopholes are you talking about?

[Izzy]

Their coach has played over 100 1st grade games for Edgeworth, and has coached their youth teams for many years, including last year's 15s.

Good to know, thanks. He certainly has them playing well and would have to be one of the favourites at this early stage.

[Dreamtime Yowie]

Other than the biological maturation rule what loopholes are you talking about?

Biological my ass, the kids don?t struggle in own age don?t worry about that. One is the captain of the above age and only just came back from the Jets system and more then holds his own in 16s. Plays full games vs the top sides in that age.

[Taffy]

Biological my ass, the kids don?t struggle in own age don?t worry about that. One is the captain of the above age and only just came back from the Jets system and more then holds his own in 16s. Plays full games vs the top sides in that age.

So his he playing his age?

[Taffy]

Other than the biological maturation rule what loopholes are you talking about?

You can play keepers down an age group if your keeper is injured. Gets used all the time, one team is playing their 16s keeper in the 15s because their 15s keeper is out long term. Should just be the 14s keeper they play but Northern have approved it.

[Dreamtime Yowie]

No he’s playing both ages. Normally gets dropped back to play the stronger teams. More than holds his own in own age group and played at Jets. Yes exactly give the younger keeper some experience. This older keeper garbage is a joke. And I know several clubs do it. Shouldn’t be allowed. It’s plain old cheating.

[Addios]

So his he playing his age?

Playing down an age on the "maturation rule" & own age. His old man is the arrogant fool who holds a club position & is making the descisions.

[sapdad]

You can play keepers down an age group if your keeper is injured. Gets used all the time, one team is playing their 16s keeper in the 15s because their 15s keeper is out long term. Should just be the 14s keeper they play but Northern have approved it.
I know of one outfield player playing down due to the Biological Maturation rule.Not one person I know has ever had an issue with it.Hes a good player and from what I understand wont be eligible for it next year.In his case I know for a fact hes not doing it to win trophies.As for keepers,I agree for the most part but think its an issue with 13s.Asking a JDL kid to play up is a huge change.I would be ok with the 14s keeper playing down but other ages would prefer to see the younger keeper play up.

[sapdad]

No he?s playing both ages. Normally gets dropped back to play the stronger teams. More than holds his own in own age group and played at Jets. Yes exactly give the younger keeper some experience. This older keeper garbage is a joke. And I know several clubs do it. Shouldn?t be allowed. It?s plain old cheating.

This seems like an abuse of the rule.If hes using the Biological Maturation rule then he should be ineligible to play up.The rule is clearly designed to help players who cannot physically play their age.If he plays his own age then how is he deemed unable to play his own age?Thats a weird one.

[Dreamtime Yowie]

I know of one outfield player playing down due to the Biological Maturation rule.Not one person I know has ever had an issue with it.Hes a good player and from what I understand wont be eligible for it next year.In his case I know for a fact hes not doing it to win trophies.As for keepers,I agree for the most part but think its an issue with 13s.Asking a JDL kid to play up is a huge change.I would be ok with the 14s keeper playing down but other ages would prefer to see the younger keeper play up.

You must be with valo if you?re defending it. Ok if it?s not about winning then why would a kid that?s one of the better players in his OWN age be dropping back down? And why would valo make him a captain of a team he?s biologically not string enough to play in? You?re joking right? Plus he was at the elite system in jets. They are cheating the system because he?s smaller and so are some of the best players in the world mind you.
And I know lots of people that have an issue with it. I?ve seen 2 or 3 ppl comment about it in here and I?m the 4th plus what the chatter is around the grounds.
You seem to know him, tell me you don?t think he?s more than a standout in his own age. Poor form by valentine, just like the code they share a field with who got suspended for a year for stacking footy teams.

[sapdad]

You must be with valo if you?re defending it. Ok if it?s not about winning then why would a kid that?s one of the better players in his OWN age be dropping back down? And why would valo make him a captain of a team he?s biologically not string enough to play in? You?re joking right? Plus he was at the elite system in jets. They are cheating the system because he?s smaller and so are some of the best players in the world mind you.
And I know lots of people that have an issue with it. I?ve seen 2 or 3 ppl comment about it in here and I?m the 4th plus what the chatter is around the grounds.
You seem to know him, tell me you don?t think he?s more than a standout in his own age. Poor form by valentine, just like the code they share a field with who got suspended for a year for stacking footy teams.

I have no idea how you got this reply from my post but let me clear it up.The example I was using was from another club using the rule.I know that kid involved and seen him play.In his case it looks like a fair use of the rule.I have no idea about the kid at Valentine and far from defending it,I said it seemed like an abuse of the rule if hes playing both grades consistently.I asked how he can be deemed too small for 16s if hes clearly getting picked in 16s.Thats why I said it seemed like and abuse.But I dont know any more about the Valentine situation.I was just asking questions to help me understand.If lots of people have an issue with the Valentine situation and its influencing results then you need to contact the governing body to get some sort of clarification on how this is allowed to occur.A simple fix would be that if a club/player is invoking the rule then that player is banned from playing up for the season.

[Dreamtime Yowie]

I have no idea how you got this reply from my post but let me clear it up.The example I was using was from another club using the rule.I know that kid involved and seen him play.In his case it looks like a fair use of the rule.I have no idea about the kid at Valentine and far from defending it,I said it seemed like an abuse of the rule if hes playing both grades consistently.I asked how he can be deemed too small for 16s if hes clearly getting picked in 16s.Thats why I said it seemed like and abuse.But I dont know any more about the Valentine situation.I was just asking questions to help me understand.If lots of people have an issue with the Valentine situation and its influencing results then you need to contact the governing body to get some sort of clarification on how this is allowed to occur.A simple fix would be that if a club/player is invoking the rule then that player is banned from playing up for the season.

Apologies I must have misunderstood your post.

[sapdad]

Apologies I must have misunderstood your post.

All good mate.

[sapdad]

With only a few weeks let the club championship and division split is almost sorted.Olympic clearly at the top of Div 1 with the same 4 teams as last season dropping down.Div 2 looks down to 5 teams competing for 4 spots in the middle group.NNSW has it updated on squaddie if anyone wants to keep check.Does anyone know how many weeks off the kids have before the 2nd half of the season starts?Our club has been told its only one but theres still a few catch up games to be had.
https://www.northernnswfootball.com.au/competitions/premier-youth-league

[The Hacker]

With only a few weeks let the club championship and division split is almost sorted.Olympic clearly at the top of Div 1 with the same 4 teams as last season dropping down.Div 2 looks down to 5 teams competing for 4 spots in the middle group.NNSW has it updated on squaddie if anyone wants to keep check.Does anyone know how many weeks off the kids have before the 2nd half of the season starts?Our club has been told its only one but theres still a few catch up games to be had.
https://www.northernnswfootball.com.au/competitions/premier-youth-league

It?s interesting that it?s the same 4 teams heading down

[sapdad]

It?s interesting that it?s the same 4 teams heading down

I am only basing my thoughts on seeing clubs play as you cant argue with results but I think New Lambton and Cooks Hill are much better than they were at this stage last year.Weston look to be in a bad situation (i havent seen them much).There is still a gap between the top 8 and the rest but I think its closing.Maybe its not the same 4 clubs coming back up at the end of year though.Azzurri and South Cardiff seem to have all ages near the top of the table so they might steal quite a few results off the other clubs.Toronto,Westy also look to have improved but Adamstown looks like theres a lot of work still to be done.Im still a fan of the promotion relegation system and would like to see it kept in place.Does anyone know if 18s are staying with youth next year?

[WOW2.0]

Same 4 clubs going down, same Div 2 clubs winning

Result will likely be the same with Charlestown missing out because their is still a gap between Div 2 and the bottom of Div 1

You know what I'd suggest...but I am glad we get the extra games through phase 1 (keeps us up near the number of games Sydney has)

Big winners out of the club championship model will be Edgeworth 13s and 18s who I think still don't have a point between them

[Izzy]

Latest PPR.

Div 1.
1887

Div 2.
1888

[northern_swan]

Belswans & Northern Inland have a lot of football to make up :shock:

[Taffy]

Does anyone know if 18s are staying with youth next year?

I don't believe so, no one has any valid reason (i.e. how it will make the game in the region or the competition better) as to why they shouldn't be part of youth.

Will also hamper the ability for Norther to schedule senior games, particularly Friday night football.

[Trigger]

18s should be with seniors. They should be getting game time at least in reggies.
13s to 16s is youth age.

[Taffy]

They should be getting game time at least in reggies.

They already do and have during the PYL years.

Further proves my point, no one has any valid reason as to why they need to play before reserves.

[Taffy]

Looking through the fixtures, are all games going to be played in time? Can see some teams have games this weekend and two next, with catchup games postponed again this week. Rules go to points per game, will it affect any standing?

[Izzy]

Looking through the fixtures, are all games going to be played in time? Can see some teams have games this weekend and two next, with catchup games postponed again this week. Rules go to points per game, will it affect any standing?

From memory last year, games that were not completed by a certain date were recorded as 0-0 draws. There were quite a few I think. From a relegation perspective ONLY on Div 1, it will have no impact as there is a significant separation between 8th (Edgeworth) and 9th (New Lambton).

[Game_over]

Looking through the fixtures, are all games going to be played in time? Can see some teams have games this weekend and two next, with catchup games postponed again this week. Rules go to points per game, will it affect any standing?

This is what I see as the biggest disadvantage to the mid season reshuffle, the same thing happened last year with teams having to jam in games mid week on consecutive weeks, not only over working the boys, but also parents and volunteers. Could just be Div1 and Div2 home and away with 2 up and 2 down at the end of the season to start the next season. It would still achieve Northerns desired competitive outcome with way less hassle.

[Taffy]

This is what I see as the biggest disadvantage to the mid season reshuffle, the same thing happened last year with teams having to jam in games mid week on consecutive weeks, not only over working the boys, but also parents and volunteers. Could just be Div1 and Div2 home and away with 2 up and 2 down at the end of the season to start the next season. It would still achieve Northerns desired competitive outcome with way less hassle.

I agree to an extent though players aren't getting overworked having to play a game on the weekend and a game midweek.

In terms of a full year, would be better to go into the 3 groups of 8 from the start with 2 up and 2 down to ensure there is a competitive outcome across the year. Play each other 3 times plus the 4 preseason cup games and you get 24 games in.

[sapdad]

From memory last year, games that were not completed by a certain date were recorded as 0-0 draws. There were quite a few I think. From a relegation perspective ONLY on Div 1, it will have no impact as there is a significant separation between 8th (Edgeworth) and 9th (New Lambton).

Hopefully they use the PPG system as last year it did have some effect on results that were probably not thought about at the time they just declared draws.I think PPG is fairer but of course it isnt perfect.

[ForeverRed]

They should declare draws, results are not imperative at this level, play offs should be abandoned, this age group should be development only, not results driven

[sapdad]

They should declare draws, results are not imperative at this level, play offs should be abandoned, this age group should be development only, not results driven

While I understand the sentiment its not how it works.It was decided that results do matter from 13s and up and with promotion/relegation in play the results will determine which level the clubs play at for the rest of the year which in its own way is best for the kids development.With 18s being included in this group it means that results at their age matter as well because they are one step away from seniors and whether we like it or not clubs do start at the top of Div 1 and work their way down when it comes to recruiting.

[sapdad]

play offs should be abandoned

Are you saying dont play finals in youth?

[WOW2.0]

[QUOTE=Game_over;280952]This is what I see as the biggest disadvantage to the mid season reshuffle, the same thing happened last year with teams having to jam in games mid week on consecutive weeks, not only over working the boys, but also parents and volunteers. Could just be Div1 and Div2 home and away with 2 up and 2 down at the end of the season to start the next season. It would still achieve Northerns desired competitive outcome with way less hassle.[/QUOTE
Only 1 club really suffered out of the forced draw last year, that was Olympic (they missed the club championship because of that)...5 draws recorded against NL and finished 2nd by 3 pts (I think it was)

Div 2 and 3 reset of course

[Taffy]

Only 1 club really suffered out of the forced draw last year, that was Olympic (they missed the club championship because of that)...5 draws recorded against NL and finished 2nd by 3 pts (I think it was)

I understand that both NL and Olympic were told to look to move the games to play midweek before the deluge and both clubs weren't interested.

[Taffy]

Are you saying dont play finals in youth?

Then ask him if he thinks finals should be abandoned at the 1st grade level across all 5 comps and just go on who finishes first.

[ForeverRed]

Are you saying dont play finals in youth?
Correct

[sapdad]

Correct

I always find this interesting.Pretty much every sport out there has some sort of winning/finals/competition element to it from the earliest possible age.From martial arts/tennis/golf/basketball/waterpolo you name it they all have a much greater competition element to them than football.Yet our sport is always the one that 'takes itself too seriously'.Being involved in JDL I absolutely agree that the program is better for not having tables and finals*,but the age we set for our sport to introduce the official competitive element is 13s and I think its more than appropriate.





*just remember if parents/kids want to have scoreboards and finals at those younger ages there is an option for them as well.I like that between community and JDL we cater to both options.

[sapdad]

Im hearing from a few clubs the season has gone back to only one round of games for stage 2 again like last year due to the weather.

[Hunter403]

Im hearing from a few clubs the season has gone back to only one round of games for stage 2 again like last year due to the weather.

hearing the same. Disappointing

[sapdad]

I just wish they put a solid end date on phase 1 and told clubs any games that couldnt be caught up were going to be decided on PPG and got on with it.Only 1 club will be left out due to phase 1 not being decided this way.The extension of phase 1 has made the original plan for phase 2 untenable.One round for phase 2 but 2 legged semis fits the time frame for ground availability.And no,double headers are off the table after last years issues and playing extra mid week games leaves no room for washouts for phase 2.They cant start the season any earlier and are obviously on and end date to hand grounds back.Try again next year I suppose.

[Imyourhero]

It's a shame, but the weather has been extraordinary. Two legged SF is decent though - I have always liked the home and away model

[Taffy]

I just wish they put a solid end date on phase 1 and told clubs any games that couldnt be caught up were going to be decided on PPG and got on with it.Only 1 club will be left out due to phase 1 not being decided this way.The extension of phase 1 has made the original plan for phase 2 untenable.One round for phase 2 but 2 legged semis fits the time frame for ground availability.And no,double headers are off the table after last years issues and playing extra mid week games leaves no room for washouts for phase 2.They cant start the season any earlier and are obviously on and end date to hand grounds back.Try again next year I suppose.

Should've been what they done, just end this weekend, declare it as PPG and then all of Phase 2 could still get in. As it is looking, looks like Phase 1 may still be decided on PPG anyway.

[Addios]

Cutting phase 2 is a joke. NNSW could have made it happen. Theyre too lazy and arrogant to do their job properly. Well done idiots.

[Taffy]

Cutting phase 2 is a joke. NNSW could have made it happen. Theyre too lazy and arrogant to do their job properly. Well done idiots.

They wanted to extend Phase 2 all the way till the end of October. Majority of clubs pushed back and said no, so the alternative was to go with the old system, but add the two leg semi-final and also an additional game for those teams that miss finals.

[Box2Box]

Very dissapointing to hear if true. Yep, should have cut phase 1 now and base off ppg system. To basically sacrifice phase 2 for phase 1 grading system is stupid.
So once again teams in B and C comps for phase 2 get a 7 game competition.

Any thoughts to put on a league cup type competition then to give some meaningful games?. They could do a league cup for each individual A, B and C. Would only be in a pool of 8, so quarter, semi and final meaning 3 extra games for the finalists and something extra to play for besides a 7 game sprint.

I mean last year they tried to do an overall Cup competition which fell away after the first round without even a word on why it was scrapped (i assume weather related).

[Supersub]

Just seen Newcastle football made the decision to call off the whole round given conditions.
What are the chances northern makes same call this weekend given how many pyl, and jdl kids would been in affected areas.

[Taffy]

I mean last year they tried to do an overall Cup competition which fell away after the first round without even a word on why it was scrapped (i assume weather related).

Yes was dropped after Round 2 because of weather and needing to fit in games.

It was scrapped entirely this year to get in the expanded Phase 2.

[Thefoolwhofollows]

Completely agree.
The 2 phase season doesn?t work.
With decoupling there is no reason that we need to start with 2 groups of 12. Just schedule a 3 tier competition with 21 games and either 1 up 1 down pro/rel or a 4 team playoff for top and bottom 2. Incorporate 2 leg semis and finals in the top tier to satisfy the original stated aim of more meaningful games. We can?t keep doing the same thing and expecting a different result.

[Game_over]

Completely agree.
The 2 phase season doesn?t work.
With decoupling there is no reason that we need to start with 2 groups of 12. Just schedule a 3 tier competition with 21 games and either 1 up 1 down pro/rel or a 4 team playoff for top and bottom 2. Incorporate 2 leg semis and finals in the top tier to satisfy the original stated aim of more meaningful games. We can?t keep doing the same thing and expecting a different result.

Agree with this, this is the second season in a row that the end of phase 1 has caused utter chaos. Not to mention the fact that families and volunteers have no idea what the schedule is for the second half of the year.

[Taffy]

Agree with this, this is the second season in a row that the end of phase 1 has caused utter chaos.

Only through choice, they could just follow the regulations and say it is points per game. Too many clubs jump up and down and complain about that though. Northern need to just say no.

[Game_over]

Only through choice, they could just follow the regulations and say it is points per game. Too many clubs jump up and down and complain about that though. Northern need to just say no.

The issue is that some clubs (im sure you know which ones) would look to utilise this as loop holes and not play games if it was to thier advantage. My personal oppinion is that its just an over complicated season, you dont see the premier league and Championship swap leagues halfway through the season. happy for people to not agree, just my oppinion.

[The Hacker]

Only through choice, they could just follow the regulations and say it is points per game. Too many clubs jump up and down and complain about that though. Northern need to just say no.

If your a parent and pay several thousands of dollars thinking you are getting X amount of games now they reduce it by 10 games do you get a partial refund?

Northern needed to get a set of balls and kick off all training at the facility 2-3 weeks ago and start scheduling games. Don?t wait for clubs to pick dates cause they all have a motive and becomes drawn out. The Federation should say X is playing Y at this date and time and if you don?t like it you can forfeit. That way the comp keeps moving.

Also how many days break do u/13 need between games I?d say if they play Monday they can go again Wednesday

[Addios]

Just play midweek and weekends when this slop passes over. We can fit the games in with a tiny bit of organisational common sense.

Yes i offered to help the peanuts being overpaid in the office. no, the NNSW morons didnt want free assistance.

[sapdad]

Completely agree.
The 2 phase season doesn?t work.
With decoupling there is no reason that we need to start with 2 groups of 12. Just schedule a 3 tier competition with 21 games and either 1 up 1 down pro/rel or a 4 team playoff for top and bottom 2. Incorporate 2 leg semis and finals in the top tier to satisfy the original stated aim of more meaningful games. We can?t keep doing the same thing and expecting a different result.

I personally like the 2 phase system but yes the weather hasnt given anyone a chance in the past 2 years.People will complain that making the promotion/relegation based on a 2 or even 4 leg phase isnt a true indication either.Which ever way we look at it there isnt a perfect system and Im happy for them to keep this plan in place until they get a few years of sample data.I think everyone agrees though the end of phase 1 is the real problem,NNSW just needs to have an end date and a plan in place and get on with the 2nd half of the season.

[sapdad]

Only through choice, they could just follow the regulations and say it is points per game. Too many clubs jump up and down and complain about that though. Northern need to just say no.

Strongly agree.

[sapdad]

Just play midweek and weekends when this slop passes over. We can fit the games in with a tiny bit of organisational common sense.


Lack of referees and the 3 travelling clubs make this virtually impossible on short notice.

[mic22]

What if councils stopped being so precious about playing fields?

The only reason a game gets cancelled should be when the field is unplayable.

In Newcastle, a 5 minute shower is enough to cancel training sessions and games.

Go anywhere in Europe, football fields where junior teams play have very little grass on them sometimes: playing is the priority, grass will grow back.

[Addios]

What if councils stopped being so precious about playing fields?

The only reason a game gets cancelled should be when the field is unplayable.

In Newcastle, a 5 minute shower is enough to cancel training sessions and games.

Go anywhere in Europe, football fields where junior teams play have very little grass on them sometimes: playing is the priority, grass will grow back.

Exactly. those weeks when fields were a bit "iffy" they couldve played, then when the real sh*t goes down it doesnt matter as much.

[ForeverRed]

What if councils stopped being so precious about playing fields?

The only reason a game gets cancelled should be when the field is unplayable.

In Newcastle, a 5 minute shower is enough to cancel training sessions and games.

Go anywhere in Europe, football fields where junior teams play have very little grass on them sometimes: playing is the priority, grass will grow back.
And you are probably the same person when little Johnny gets injured because of the state of the pitch you go complain to council 🤷*♂️

[mic22]

And you are probably the same person when little Johnny gets injured because of the state of the pitch you go complain to council ��*♂️

Hmm, can you elaborate please?
Where do you get that assumption? Why would I "probably" be that person?

And why the patronizing tone?
Little Johnny, really?

We're just having a discussion here.

[Taffy]

Exactly. those weeks when fields were a bit "iffy" they couldve played, then when the real sh*t goes down it doesnt matter as much.

Except playing early in the season when they are a bit iffy wrecks the grounds, takes out grass and means that it takes longer to recover later on in the season when we do get downpours meaning more games are missed than otherwise.

[The Hacker]

Are there any games scheduled for this weekend. You would think Northern would be driving this and rescheduling a whole round to this weekend

[Taffy]

Are there any games scheduled for this weekend. You would think Northern would be driving this and rescheduling a whole round to this weekend

Yes there are, quick look on Squadi will show which games are scheduled.

[outsider]

Yes there are, quick look on Squadi will show which games are scheduled.

heaps of washout games every night this week

[Trigger]

Except playing early in the season when they are a bit iffy wrecks the grounds, takes out grass and means that it takes longer to recover later on in the season when we do get downpours meaning more games are missed than otherwise.

Um, when there's downpours there's no games on so fields will still recover and have less catchups in short succession.

[Trigger]

Hmm, can you elaborate please?
Where do you get that assumption? Why would I "probably" be that person?

And why the patronizing tone?
Little Johnny, really?

We're just having a discussion here.

There's a few on here who do this infantile stuff.

[Taffy]

Heard Northern have now said get all games in over next two weeks but not all will be able to be played so they are using PPG to determine Phase 2.

Northern are now doing what they should've done the first time and we still could've got 14 games in for Phase 2 and unless one team loses all their games and the other wins all theirs there is no change to the make up of the 3 leagues.

Would like to know why Northern decided to finish Phase 1 and not just follow their own competition rules, which clubs were complaining to them about it?

[outsider]

Heard Northern have now said get all games in over next two weeks but not all will be able to be played so they are using PPG to determine Phase 2.

Northern are now doing what they should've done the first time and we still could've got 14 games in for Phase 2 and unless one team loses all their games and the other wins all theirs there is no change to the make up of the 3 leagues.

Would like to know why Northern decided to finish Phase 1 and not just follow their own competition rules, which clubs were complaining to them about it?

Phase 2 will be one round only.Teams will play each other once.

[Box2Box]

Northern should refund part of the clubs rego fees then. Less games played due to phase 2 reduction means less money they have to pay to council for ground hire and less payments for referees.

Will this happen or do they justify it by saying they had to use that money to pay for catch up games at Lake Mac synthetic.

[Taffy]

Phase 2 will be one round only.Teams will play each other once.

I know because they said they want to finish all Phase 1 games instead of following their own rules and just deciding Phase 2 on PPG so Phase 2 will start later. But they have now said not all the games will be played so they will be doing PPG on Phase 1 anyway.

They should've just done that in the first place and Phase 2 could be starting next weekend with the originally planned 14 games.

[sapdad]

Im usually pretty quick to defend NNSW but they have to admit they stuffed up here.They had procedures in place and the clubs all knew it but they once again changed direction and made things more difficult.As for any clubs complaining,they are the first people NNSW should ignore as they are only interested in themselves where as NNSW should be all about the whole program.Its a shame as the 2 round phase 2 would have been great but looks like we have to wait til next year again.

[Izzy]

It is a real shame that phase 2 will only be the 1 round. If phase 2 started on the weekend of the 7/8 June, then it would have been completed the weekend of 6/7 September, GF played weekend 20/21 September, which seems reasonable. If NNSW were really worried about equity, base the relegation on PPG (the relegated clubs are already locked in anyways) and reset the points for Div 1 as well.

As others have said, nearly 30% of the league season wiped off is a bit hard to take.

[mic22]

Seems like NNSW (and clubs, to some extent) are happy to do less and less.
Less games, less training... and then somehow they expect to develop young players?

An 18 games season is ridiculous.

For what is worth, I'll be sending a complaint letter and a request for a partial refund.

[Izzy]

A question without notice for the brains trust. My teenage son referees locally in the North Coast Football community competition. I noticed recently that there was a 10% 'fee' deducted from his referring wages each week. When I questioned NCF about this, the answer was that is to cover the 'cost of administration' for the referees department. Does NNSW do this for their refs? NCF wages match those published on the NNSW website LESS the 10% fee.

It seems very odd to me that the kids (and adults) are responsible for these costs and not registration fees from the players. Thoughts?

[sapdad]

A question without notice for the brains trust. My teenage son referees locally in the North Coast Football community competition. I noticed recently that there was a 10% 'fee' deducted from his referring wages each week. When I questioned NCF about this, the answer was that is to cover the 'cost of administration' for the referees department. Does NNSW do this for their refs? NCF wages match those published on the NNSW website LESS the 10% fee.

It seems very odd to me that the kids (and adults) are responsible for these costs and not registration fees from the players. Thoughts?

Yes they do and its just the cost of doing business IMHO.The refs get paid more than pretty much every other youth job and its tax free so they are well in front financially.

[Bremsstrahlung]

A question without notice for the brains trust. My teenage son referees locally in the North Coast Football community competition. I noticed recently that there was a 10% 'fee' deducted from his referring wages each week. When I questioned NCF about this, the answer was that is to cover the 'cost of administration' for the referees department. Does NNSW do this for their refs? NCF wages match those published on the NNSW website LESS the 10% fee.

It seems very odd to me that the kids (and adults) are responsible for these costs and not registration fees from the players. Thoughts?

When I was a ref, there were some fees associated with it. 10% sounds about right.
Clubs would pay cash on the day. Association would send a monthly statement.
I think it was acceptable as like a “finders fee” for them finding and allocating you the work.

I guess they need some funding to survive.
And each club used to do things differently with players too, especially with interdistrict comps, some clubs would say, add a bulk payment as part of rego to cover all match fees. Others would forgo this and teams would pay the referees per game. (Usually juniors were covered by club paying us and seniors was players passing the hat around haha).

I assume/hope things have become a bit more streamlined, but your post suggests otherwise.

[outsider]

A question without notice for the brains trust. My teenage son referees locally in the North Coast Football community competition. I noticed recently that there was a 10% 'fee' deducted from his referring wages each week. When I questioned NCF about this, the answer was that is to cover the 'cost of administration' for the referees department. Does NNSW do this for their refs? NCF wages match those published on the NNSW website LESS the 10% fee.

It seems very odd to me that the kids (and adults) are responsible for these costs and not registration fees from the players. Thoughts?

Referees have been charged a percentage of their fees (10% currently)for as long as I can remember-nothing new-You will find that each referees branch will charge a fee including NNSW.

[Box2Box]

Any whispers on when phase 2 of PYL will actually start. With games still to be played this weekend will Northern try and start phase 2 the following weekend 14 June or will they give themselves an extra week to sort out the draw and commence on weekend of 21 June.

[Taffy]

Any whispers on when phase 2 of PYL will actually start. With games still to be played this weekend will Northern try and start phase 2 the following weekend 14 June or will they give themselves an extra week to sort out the draw and commence on weekend of 21 June.

Poor that your club hasn't told you games to start the weekend 14th/15th June

[Izzy]

Latest Div 1 PPR table.

1891

[Izzy]

When I was a ref, there were some fees associated with it. 10% sounds about right.
Clubs would pay cash on the day. Association would send a monthly statement.
I think it was acceptable as like a “finders fee” for them finding and allocating you the work.

I guess they need some funding to survive.
And each club used to do things differently with players too, especially with interdistrict comps, some clubs would say, add a bulk payment as part of rego to cover all match fees. Others would forgo this and teams would pay the referees per game. (Usually juniors were covered by club paying us and seniors was players passing the hat around haha).

I assume/hope things have become a bit more streamlined, but your post suggests otherwise.

Obviously the 'ref dept' needs funding to survive, but I would question why it is not funded by the users of the service (players/parents via rego fees) rather than the providers of the service.

I will agreeably disagree with others on this one. It fails the pub test for me.

[Cunning stunts]

Div 1 is locked in, wonder if northern will get on the front foot and start to map out the draw for at least div 1 while finalising the positions for Div 2 and 3 to then map out the draw for them divs. but why put common sense into the argument.

[Izzy]

So has it been 100% confirmed that there will only be 1 round of games (7 matches) rather than 2 rounds (14 matches) for phase 2?

[WOW2.0]

So has it been 100% confirmed that there will only be 1 round of games (7 matches) rather than 2 rounds (14 matches) for phase 2?

Yes, and it's stupid...they put this artificial deadline on themselves for not good reason...it would have been better to have canned the rest of phase 1...set all points to zero and start the proper season with home and away if they were concerned about dates

[WOW2.0]

As the season gets close to the break thought I?d take a look at some lucky/unlucky teams (unlucky being relegated despite being in top 8)

Div1 the likely relegated: Weston, Cooks Hill, New Lambton and Mid Coast

13s
Unlucky: Mid Coast 6th (2 games in hand), New Lambton 7th (2 games in hand)
Lucky: Valentine 9th (1 game in hand), Edgeworth 11th (1 game in hand)

14s
Unlucky: Mid Coast 4th (2 games in hand)
Lucky: Valentine 9th (no games in hand)

15s
Unlucky: New Lambton 8th (1 game in hand)
Lucky: Maitland 9th (1 game in hand)

16s
N/A

18s
Unlucky: Cooks Hill 5th (1 game in hand), Weston 7th (3 games in hand)
Lucky: Valentine 9th (2 games in hand) Edgeworth 10th (1 game in hand)



Div 2 ? I believe the top 4 Charlestown, South Cardiff, NIR & Belswans (staying in div 2)
Unlucky = top 4 team, being relegated to Div 3

13s
Unlucky: Rosebuds 1st (1 game in hand), Kahibah 4th (no games in hand)
Lucky: Belswans 5th (2 games in hand), NIR 9th (1 game in hand)

14s
Unlucky: West Wallsend 4th (no games in hand)
Lucky: Belswans 8th (2 games in hand)

15s
Unlucky: Kahibah 2nd (no games in hand)
Lucky: South Cardiff 5th (1 game in hand)

16s
Unlucky: Kahibah 4th (1 game in hand)
Lucky: NIR 6th (3 games in hand)

18s
Unlucky: Kahibah 4th (1 game in hand)
Lucky: NIR 7th (1 game in hand)

[Box2Box]

Assuming it is this ridiculous 7 game competition for phase 2, with it starting weekend of 14/15 June and having 1 week off in middle of July school holidays, the season for non semi finals teams is over on weekend of 3/4 August. This is to me is ridiculous. They could still do a proper phase 2 with 14 games and simply schedule some midweek fixtures. If the rain came then I accept that a ppg system would have to be implemented. But to not even try to do phase 2 properly is extremely disappointing.

[sapdad]

Assuming it is this ridiculous 7 game competition for phase 2, with it starting weekend of 14/15 June and having 1 week off in middle of July school holidays, the season for non semi finals teams is over on weekend of 3/4 August. This is to me is ridiculous. They could still do a proper phase 2 with 14 games and simply schedule some midweek fixtures. If the rain came then I accept that a ppg system would have to be implemented. But to not even try to do phase 2 properly is extremely disappointing.

I think there are 3 weekends set aside in phase 2 for weather related catchups.I agree with the 2nd phase being an issue but they simply cannot do mid week games and double headers due to lack of referees and travelling clubs not being able to get here (or Newcastle clubs playing away).Phase 1 should have been shorter and PPG used from the start but we are now here and just have to accept it.We can only hope that NNSW reads this forum and understands that they got this one wrong.

[Taffy]

Phase 1 should have been shorter and PPG used from the start but we are now here and just have to accept it.

Couldn't be any shorter but also should have just done PPG as per their own regulations.


We can only hope that NNSW reads this forum and understands that they got this one wrong.

Doubt they will accept they got it wrong, hopefully clubs get into them over it, and I would also like to know if any clubs were going to Northern to insist all of Phase 1 games be played.

[Thomas477]

Obviously the 'ref dept' needs funding to survive, but I would question why it is not funded by the users of the service (players/parents via rego fees) rather than the providers of the service.

I will agreeably disagree with others on this one. It fails the pub test for me.

Who do you think pays the referee fees? :roflz:

If you don’t think that northern or the inter-district boards taking 10% of the appointed referee fees passes, then they’ll just drop the fees that refs get by 10% and charge the clubs that admin fee :roflz:

[sapdad]

Couldn't be any shorter but also should have just done PPG as per their own regulations.


I was meaning they should have kept it at its original length and introduced PPG instead of extending.

[sapdad]

If you don?t think that northern or the inter-district boards taking 10% of the appointed referee fees passes, then they?ll just drop the fees that refs get by 10% and charge the clubs that admin fee :roflz:

And the reason they dont charge clubs is that its an extra layer of admin (for clubs and NNSW) because they cant charge every club flat fee because not every club gets the same amount of referees.The current system works fine I have literally not ever heard a complaint about the amount of money NNSW pays referees compared to other jobs those kids could be doing at those ages.

[Taffy]

I was meaning they should have kept it at its original length and introduced PPG instead of extending.

Yes that's what I am saying as well. PPG was already in the regulations as well

[Izzy]

Who do you think pays the referee fees? :roflz:

If you don?t think that northern or the inter-district boards taking 10% of the appointed referee fees passes, then they?ll just drop the fees that refs get by 10% and charge the clubs that admin fee :roflz:

What? Why the condescending attitude? Of course rego fees are used to pay for the refs. Here's a thought though, just like every other department within NNSW (or any business for that matter) the revenue they receive is used to cover their expenses. If that means fees to players and NNSW cut goes up a couple of bucks a year then so be it.

[Izzy]

And the reason they dont charge clubs is that its an extra layer of admin (for clubs and NNSW) because they cant charge every club flat fee because not every club gets the same amount of referees.The current system works fine I have literally not ever heard a complaint about the amount of money NNSW pays referees compared to other jobs those kids could be doing at those ages.

Who is complaining about what the refs get paid? Typical internet strawman argument. I don't have an opinion on that really, but my son seems reasonably happy with what he gets paid. However, with the acute shortage of referees out there it might provide some evidence to the contrary. My beef is the model. As I said in the previous post - just like every other department within NNSW (or any business for that matter) the revenue they receive is used to cover their expenses. If that means fees to players and NNSW cut goes up a couple of bucks a year then so be it.

[sapdad]

Who is complaining about what the refs get paid? Typical internet strawman argument. I don't have an opinion on that really, but my son seems reasonably happy with what he gets paid. However, with the acute shortage of referees out there it might provide some evidence to the contrary. My beef is the model. As I said in the previous post - just like every other department within NNSW (or any business for that matter) the revenue they receive is used to cover their expenses. If that means fees to players and NNSW cut goes up a couple of bucks a year then so be it.

You said your son is happy with his wages but your issue is they could be higher(due to the 10% fee being shown on the invoice).So if the fee wasnt disclosed on the wage slip you would never know and everyone would be happy.Also,the referees are paid out of the total NNSW revenue pool so technically clubs and players are already funding it.The fee goes back to the referees department within NNSW to run that side of the business.The more referees that sign up,the higher the NNSW wage bill so eventually clubs and players will pay more anyway.

[Izzy]

Oh FFS, read my post again. Yes, if they were paid 10% less and therefore what the clubs were billed for the service went 100% to the referees I wouldn't have a problem. But they don't.

And no, they are not technically funding it, they are funding 90% of it.

[sapdad]

Oh FFS, read my post again. Yes, if they were paid 10% less and therefore what the clubs were billed for the service went 100% to the referees I wouldn't have a problem. But they don't.

And no, they are not technically funding it, they are funding 90% of it.

Ok,so I will petition NNSW to not write the fee on the invoice and you'll be none the wiser and happier for it.Glad we fixed it together.

[sapdad]

On another note we were told today that all 3 travelling clubs will be playing away in week 1 of phase 2 so no Newcastle based teams will be required to travel on short notice.No one is expecting games to be posted until mid week but it does give a small bit of clarity that there wont be any last minute long drives.Hope they have given those travelling clubs plenty of notice as well.

[mic22]

I think there are 3 weekends set aside in phase 2 for weather related catchups.I agree with the 2nd phase being an issue but they simply cannot do mid week games and double headers due to lack of referees and travelling clubs not being able to get here (or Newcastle clubs playing away).Phase 1 should have been shorter and PPG used from the start but we are now here and just have to accept it.We can only hope that NNSW reads this forum and understands that they got this one wrong.

Getting rid of the 4 week pre-season cup could be a good idea. Clubs can organise friendly games before the start of the season if they want.

Phase 1 would finish by mid-May, with a strict rule about PPG in case games can't be completed.

This way, there would be plenty of time for a full 14 games phase 2 plus finals.

The way this season has been managed is utterly disappointing: they identified a problem, set rules to solve it in case it happened, and then ignored their own rules.
I don't understand why they mentioned "volunteer burnout", when PPG was actually the best way to avoid that?

[Izzy]

Yeah f*ck it, those pesky regional teams can do the long drive at short notice. No doubt the promised 60/40 split for home/away regional team games will be another NNSW over promise under deliver BS again.

[Izzy]

Ok,so I will petition NNSW to not write the fee on the invoice and you'll be none the wiser and happier for it.Glad we fixed it together.

Yep, didn't read it. I knew I should have typed it slower.

A straw man argument is a logical fallacy that involves misrepresenting someone else's argument to make it easier to attack or refute.

[Thomas477]

What? Why the condescending attitude? Of course rego fees are used to pay for the refs. Here's a thought though, just like every other department within NNSW (or any business for that matter) the revenue they receive is used to cover their expenses. If that means fees to players and NNSW cut goes up a couple of bucks a year then so be it.

Because your argument is illogical and amorphous.

A quote from your previous post “question why it is not funded by the users of the service (players/parents via rego fees) rather than the providers of the service.”

The players/parents pay the match fees via rego already (at least at npl levels, in inter-district I’m not sure as clubs used to be charged monthly for the referee services provided). As part of that, northern set the fees that they charge clubs for referees at 111.111% of what the referees get paid to cover this admin fee, hence when clubbies do it, they may get that full 111.111% of the match fees. Ie, for a game that refs get paid $90 for, NNSW charge the club $100 which includes the admin fee.

As to if the entire department is covered by the revenue from game fees or not, I can’t say, but given the business that NNSW is in, does it matter if the referee department is fully covered by match fees or not? From what I can gather, NNSWF already has one of the highest investments in the referee department in the country, just look at who they’ve got as the high performance coach recently, so if your argument is that that money should be reinvested into the department, then we agree, but it’s quite clear they’re already investing in the department. Can more be done? Always, but they’re making a good effort at the moment.

[sapdad]

And no, they are not technically funding it, they are funding 90% of it.

One day,you will conquer maths and business and I will give you your flowers.Until that day though....

[sapdad]

Getting rid of the 4 week pre-season cup could be a good idea.

While I dont think we need to start much earlier and will always struggle with the heat if we do,the 2nd part of your post was the most poignant and the one thing we all seem to agree on.NNSW should just stick to the ppg rules they set out and get on with it.

[Game_over]

Yeah f*ck it, those pesky regional teams can do the long drive at short notice. No doubt the promised 60/40 split for home/away regional team games will be another NNSW over promise under deliver BS again.

All regional clubs where informed they would be playing in Newcastle for the 1st round of phase 2 in the memo from Northern on the 21/5, id say thats decent notice?1892

[Game_over]

Getting rid of the 4 week pre-season cup could be a good idea. Clubs can organise friendly games before the start of the season if they want.

Phase 1 would finish by mid-May, with a strict rule about PPG in case games can't be completed.

This way, there would be plenty of time for a full 14 games phase 2 plus finals.

The way this season has been managed is utterly disappointing: they identified a problem, set rules to solve it in case it happened, and then ignored their own rules.
I don't understand why they mentioned "volunteer burnout", when PPG was actually the best way to avoid that?

The easy solution would be to stop overcomplicating the season, start with 2 or 3 divisions, run it for the whole season with promotion relegation for the next year based of end of year club championship results.

[Eastwest]

The competition structure is great. Handling weather is incompetence.

[mic22]

Any reason why the draw for phase 2 hasn't been released yet?

Top 8 in Div1 and bottom 8 in Div3 have been known for weeks.

It would be great to know at least where/when we play next weekend. Too much to ask?

[northern_swan]

Any reason why the draw for phase 2 hasn't been released yet?

Top 8 in Div1 and bottom 8 in Div3 have been known for weeks.

It would be great to know at least where/when we play next weekend. Too much to ask?

Supposed to be out Wednesday.

While the top 8 of div 1 was sorted and South Cardiff & Charlestown were a given, with the number of games Belswans, Toronto & Northern Inland had to make up, it wasn’t really as clear cut as you’d think.

[sapdad]

Any reason why the draw for phase 2 hasn't been released yet?

Top 8 in Div1 and bottom 8 in Div3 have been known for weeks.

It would be great to know at least where/when we play next weekend. Too much to ask?

Our club has been told its Wednesday.The next problem will be getting referees for these fixtures.The majority of referees being players means they cant be available to referee until they know when they are playing.Hopefully they get plenty of notice as well so the games go ahead with the least amount of hassle possible.

[plague]

Youth fixtures are up.


Commence the outrage.

[Hunter403]

Any reason why the draw for phase 2 hasn't been released yet?

Top 8 in Div1 and bottom 8 in Div3 have been known for weeks.

It would be great to know at least where/when we play next weekend. Too much to ask?

Incorrect. Div 2 was still up for grabs until Saturday as Kahibah and Belswans could have taken fourth spot. After Saturday's round it was finalised. As it was a long weekend, the staff at Northern wouldn't have been back until Tuesday (yesterday). So yeah, I think you are asking too much.
What was known was that the 3 regional clubs would travel for round 1. As to the rest of the clubs, what difference does it make? Singo would be the longest drive and that is about an hour. Hardly an inconvenience.

[mic22]

Incorrect. Div 2 was still up for grabs until Saturday as Kahibah and Belswans could have taken fourth spot. After Saturday's round it was finalised. As it was a long weekend, the staff at Northern wouldn't have been back until Tuesday (yesterday). So yeah, I think you are asking too much.
What was known was that the 3 regional clubs would travel for round 1. As to the rest of the clubs, what difference does it make? Singo would be the longest drive and that is about an hour. Hardly an inconvenience.

Ever been in a busy sport family?
Saturday or Sunday, can make a huge difference. Planning is a constant challenge ;)

[Trigger]

Ever been in a busy sport family?
Saturday or Sunday, can make a huge difference. Planning is a constant challenge ;)

Yep. You roll with the draws that change an hour before the game without needing a tissue box. Grand parents back seat, kids in the boot gogogo
fk ive missed some weddings due to football & cricket finals that got changed. Made the reception but. best things Ive ever done.

[Game_over]

I see there are 5 PYL grounds without any referees this Sunday, I know the ref department can only allocate with the resources they have, but hopefully the clubs get onto this early so they are plucking parnt out of the crowd on the day :blink:

[Hunter403]

I see there are 5 PYL grounds without any referees this Sunday, I know the ref department can only allocate with the resources they have, but hopefully the clubs get onto this early so they are plucking parnt out of the crowd on the day :blink:

And I bet the shortage is evenly spread over all 3 groups...

[sapdad]

And I bet the shortage is evenly spread over all 3 groups...

FYI Theres 1 x Div 1,2 x Div 2 and 1 x Div 3 youth matchdays currently with zero referees allocated.

[Swanky]

I see there are 5 PYL grounds without any referees this Sunday, I know the ref department can only allocate with the resources they have, but hopefully the clubs get onto this early so they are plucking parnt out of the crowd on the day :blink:

How do you see what games do and do not have refs

[sapdad]

How do you see what games do and do not have refs

Refs who are allocated to games are sent the entire list of appointments in an email usually on a Tuesday.Im sure clubs are sent the same email.

[Trigger]

put adult club ref in Most clubs are quite good. 2 clubs cannot be trusted & need adult male refs.

[Taffy]

And I bet the shortage is evenly spread over all 3 groups...

Only 1 in Div3 I'm sure it will be your club again.

[sapdad]

Only 1 in Div3 I'm sure it will be your club again.

As of Tuesday.Adamstown v West Wallsend,Magic v Jaffas,Cooks Hill v Belswans,Weston v NIAS.In the past there have been plenty of solutions found between Tuesday and gameday so I doubt all of these fixtures will end up with no referees.

[northern_swan]

put adult club ref in Most clubs are quite good. 2 clubs cannot be trusted & need adult male refs.

Only 2 clubs?

[Whistler Supporter]

As of Tuesday.Adamstown v West Wallsend,Magic v Jaffas,Cooks Hill v Belswans,Weston v NIAS.In the past there have been plenty of solutions found between Tuesday and gameday so I doubt all of these fixtures will end up with no referees.

The latest I have heard is that an appeal by the Referees Department to referees to make themselves available on Sunday has had some success. At least 3 of the 5 grounds originally without referees are now likely to get them. I would think that no-one in the Referee Department would like even one ground going without refs.

[northern_swan]

The latest I have heard is that an appeal by the Referees Department to referees to make themselves available on Sunday has had some success. At least 3 of the 5 grounds originally without referees are now likely to get them. I would think that no-one in the Referee Department would like even one ground going without refs.

I really think these young referees are being set up to fail by Northern, so it’s unsurprising that availability is an issue. There was an U15 kid put in the centre of an U15 game on the weekend who had played against one of the teams 7 days earlier & the other team 18 days earlier. That puts a 14/15 year old kid in a very difficult situation, especially when there’s nothing put in place by means of support such as an older/more experienced person as an AR or a referee coach/mentor.

This goes further than zero tolerance. This goes to setting up a framework for referees that provides an adequate level of support and training, just like any other workplace.

[sapdad]

I really think these young referees are being set up to fail by Northern, so it?s unsurprising that availability is an issue. There was an U15 kid put in the centre of an U15 game on the weekend who had played against one of the teams 7 days earlier & the other team 18 days earlier.

So you would prefer a parent of one of the kids playing,or a club official of one of the teams playing?How about everyone not start their day convinced the referees are out to get them and cheat their little Johnny out of a win.Trust me the referees department are trying their best to make it as fair as possible.But some people need to maybe understand that the referees and players dont take it anywhere near as seriously as the parents and coaches all assuming the refs are cheats.

[sapdad]

so it’s unsurprising that availability is an issue.

Availability is an issue because most refs are players and are otherwise busy and there arent enough refs because players and parents would rather complain than do the course and grab a whistle.Its not that deep mate.Far from setting them up to fail,Northern are pretty much the only ones out there supporting the match officials.

[northern_swan]

So you would prefer a parent of one of the kids playing,or a club official of one of the teams playing?How about everyone not start their day convinced the referees are out to get them and cheat their little Johnny out of a win.Trust me the referees department are trying their best to make it as fair as possible.But some people need to maybe understand that the referees and players dont take it anywhere near as seriously as the parents and coaches all assuming the refs are cheats.

Since you’ve selectively quoted my comment, I’ll reiterate my key points:
That puts a 14/15 year old kid in a very difficult situation, especially when there’s nothing put in place by means of support such as an older/more experienced person as an AR or a referee coach/mentor.
Northern need to set up a framework for referees that provides an adequate level of support and training, just like any other workplace.

-Putting a kid out there to referee a game that has a team he played against 7 days prior is setting him up to fail.
-Having little to no game day coaching & mentoring is setting the young referees up to fail
I’ll add:
- Putting young referees out in high pressure games without enough experience and confidence is setting them up to fail
- Promoting young referees to higher age groups on a desperation basis rather than a competency basis is setting them up to fail.


It has nothing to do with an inference of cheating that I did not make. Nor did anyone else to my knowledge make a link to cheating.

My older son went and watched the game in question (he plays in that competition and watched the previous meeting where it ended up in punches being thrown) and was astounded that northern would put the young lad in that difficult spot. Players in the game (some of them referees themselves) made similar statements to my son after the match. So your assertion that the referees and players don’t take such negligence seriously is absolute rolled gold bullshit.

And as for the opening line - “So you would prefer a parent of one of the kids playing,or a club official of one of the teams playing?” In the case I’ve outlined above and in more than one instance I’ve observed with my younger sons u13 team, the answer is yes.

Yes I would absolutely prefer a parent/club official from either team refereeing the game, because as it stands, I believe it is only a matter of time before the negligent performance of the Northern NSW football referees department is going to end in a serious injury to a player, or another mass exit of referees who are under trained, under supported and massively out of their depth.

It has nothing to do with cheating, parent behaviour or coaches behaviour, zero tolerance or any other slogan you want to come up with. However it has everything to do with a negligent work environment for young referees.

[northern_swan]

Availability is an issue because most refs are players and are otherwise busy and there arent enough refs because players and parents would rather complain than do the course and grab a whistle.Its not that deep mate.Far from setting them up to fail,Northern are pretty much the only ones out there supporting the match officials.

Availability is an issue because referees are walking away because they are not being supported. Get your head out of the sand.

There is zero chance of my sons refereeing in the PYL system because there is no support or development happening. Both of my kids instead act as club referees at their local community club where they are supported, coached and feel safe. My 15 year old is beginning to take charge of all age and over 35 games because the club has deemed him competent to do so. I club referee when required. All 3 of us have done the club referees course, but there’s no chance of going into Northerns toxic environment.

[Whistler Supporter]

Availability is an issue because referees are walking away because they are not being supported. Get your head out of the sand.

There is zero chance of my sons refereeing in the PYL system because there is no support or development happening. Both of my kids instead act as club referees at their local community club where they are supported, coached and feel safe. My 15 year old is beginning to take charge of all age and over 35 games because the club has deemed him competent to do so. I club referee when required. All 3 of us have done the club referees course, but there?s no chance of going into Northerns toxic environment.

Northern recently held a meeting for clubs to understand how referees are coached, graded, appointed, assessed and supported. There was a good turnout. We heard about how mentors are appointed to matches refereed by green shirt first year refs, regular coaching sessions for all referees groups (including youth), video incident presentations sent to all refs; assessors appointed to youth matches (clearly there are not enough of them); referee coaches involved in the appointments process; a referee welfare officer who contacts youth refs to check up on their match day experiences; a match day report form for refs who have a tough day to complete so they get extra support; and senior referees being appointed with youth refs to give them match day support and coaching.

To us at the meeting, that sounded like pretty decent support for refs.

I'm sure that some referee appointments will not be the right ones, but I wouldn't envy them the job of trying to cover games with limited referee numbers, especially in another season of wet weather and rescheduled matches.

The main reason i would think young refs eventually give away officiating is because of the time factor. Many will eventually put playing ahead of refereeing (fair enough). Once they get a part-time job during the football season, they don't come back to ref the next season. And anything that happens on game days that makes refereeing unenjoyable just makes it easier for refs to make the decision to do something else with their time.

[sapdad]

Availability is an issue because referees are walking away because they are not being supported. Get your head out of the sand.

There is zero chance of my sons refereeing in the PYL system because there is no support or development happening. Both of my kids instead act as club referees at their local community club where they are supported, coached and feel safe. My 15 year old is beginning to take charge of all age and over 35 games because the club has deemed him competent to do so. I club referee when required. All 3 of us have done the club referees course, but there?s no chance of going into Northerns toxic environment.

I wont go over Whistle Supporters post other than to say I agree with it completely and to add that the whole Zero Tolerance program is designed to protect and support match officials.I am sorry if your lads had a bad experience when refereeing in the NPL system and applaud them for still turning up each week to help other people enjoy a game of football.

[Addios]

Saw a NPL youth team coach gave a stern lecture a teen ref at halftime on the weekend.
Lets say their team got the win in the 2nd half due to the change in attitude. The result isnt the issue. Grooming is. Not even surprised.

An adult male wouldnt have entertained that behaviour. Just what i heard and saw.

[northern_swan]

Northern recently held a meeting for clubs to understand how referees are coached, graded, appointed, assessed and supported. There was a good turnout. We heard about how mentors are appointed to matches refereed by green shirt first year refs, regular coaching sessions for all referees groups (including youth), video incident presentations sent to all refs; assessors appointed to youth matches (clearly there are not enough of them); referee coaches involved in the appointments process; a referee welfare officer who contacts youth refs to check up on their match day experiences; a match day report form for refs who have a tough day to complete so they get extra support; and senior referees being appointed with youth refs to give them match day support and coaching.

To us at the meeting, that sounded like pretty decent support for refs.

I'm sure that some referee appointments will not be the right ones, but I wouldn't envy them the job of trying to cover games with limited referee numbers, especially in another season of wet weather and rescheduled matches.

The main reason i would think young refs eventually give away officiating is because of the time factor. Many will eventually put playing ahead of refereeing (fair enough). Once they get a part-time job during the football season, they don't come back to ref the next season. And anything that happens on game days that makes refereeing unenjoyable just makes it easier for refs to make the decision to do something else with their time.

This support sounds fantastic on paper, however is it happening in practice?
First of all, I would suggest that Northern should make this presentation available to all stakeholders (i.e. parents & players) as well. The outcome would be twofold:
1- Parents/Players become aware of what Northern are trying to achieve in the refereeing space, so that in turn perceptions (such as mine) can be changed. and.
2- Accountability. Parents will be the first to come back at Northern if they aren't "walking the talk" of referee support.

In some of the initiatives that you've mentioned, such as video incident presentations, the work is only as effective as the referee themselves "doing their homework" and watching/reviewing the footage. Those who do are obviously more likely to have better outcomes on the pitch as referees, and those who don't may not.

In my experience, very rarely if at all has there been mentors at games green shirt referees have been present. Obviously, the younger age groups tend to get more of the green shirt referees, as they all have to start somewhere. I can't recall an occasion watching Under 13s this season where there have been mentors present at my younger son's games. I can't speak for my older son's club Under 13s (my boys are at different PYL clubs) as often the times clash, so by the time that I get there the 14's game is nearly over.

The Zero Tolerance policy seems to have lessened the scourge of referee abuse. I believe the next step needs to now be working on the retention of referees. This comes down to putting the plan you've articulated into action (in my opinion, better than they are doing it now).

As for reasons for leaving, I agree that it is not as simple as abuse being the whole cause. Time (jobs, school, football, social life), poor gameday experience, up-front & ongoing costs (other sports don't require officials registration fees & heavily subsidise or give equipment for free) are all other examples of barriers to recruitment & retention of referees.


One suggestion I would make is to beef up the role of the Referee Support Officer. Having done it a few times this season and having watched others do it, there doesn't seem to be much rigor to the role and is open to manipulation. I've seen RSO's stroll out on the field scrolling through their phone, other RSO's providing a running commentary on how poorly their team is being treated and many things in between. What I'm yet to find however is a clear definition of the role and a job description to give the role a clear purpose.

Are the RSO's simply there to walk the referees on and off?
Should RSO's be intervening when coaches/managers/parents lose it?
Should RSO's be providing feedback to referees?

The Zero tolerance section of Northern's website makes the role seem very tokenistic:

4. Mandated Referee Support Officer

All clubs will be required to provide a Referee Support Officer for premier competitions matches on top of the current Duty Officer requirement. The Referee Support Officer will be clearly marked in a specific vest, supplied by NNSWF, and must remain inside the fence for the duration of the match, and escort the match officials to and from the pitch.

A question for discussion: Could or should Northern mandate that clubs have Referee Support training (as happens with similar roles in other sports)?

I am making these comments because I want to see positive change/improvement. I believe it is incumbent on Northern to do more, as I do believe the clubs/parents/players to continue to make improvements in their behaviour.

[sapdad]

One suggestion I would make is to beef up the role of the Referee Support Officer. Having done it a few times this season and having watched others do it, there doesn't seem to be much rigor to the role and is open to manipulation. I've seen RSO's stroll out on the field scrolling through their phone, other RSO's providing a running commentary on how poorly their team is being treated and many things in between. What I'm yet to find however is a clear definition of the role and a job description to give the role a clear purpose.

Are the RSO's simply there to walk the referees on and off?
Should RSO's be intervening when coaches/managers/parents lose it?
Should RSO's be providing feedback to referees?


A great observation.Because the support officer is provided by the club there is little the referees or nothern can do about it.You are correct that the majority dont need to do anything and its a token job but good on people for stepping up.There are clearly people unfit to be anywhere near the role as they not only do nothing when referees are being abused and some even join in with the abuse which is mind boggling.Theres one bloke at an NPL club who is a running joke amongst the referees group who does the job for his club most weekends and usually does a few grades at a time.He is constantly carrying on to referees about decisions and refusing to police the behaviour of his coaches.Ive seen several referees remind him of his role as a support officer for them but it does nothing.The guy is an embarrassment to his club but at the same time the club should have stepped in ages ago and not let him do the role.Im sure Northern have instructions on what the role entails but clubs need to take it seriously for it to work.

[sapdad]

Saw a NPL youth team coach gave a stern lecture a teen ref at halftime on the weekend.
Lets say their team got the win in the 2nd half due to the change in attitude. The result isnt the issue. Grooming is. Not even surprised.

An adult male wouldnt have entertained that behaviour. Just what i heard and saw.

I saw a young referee red card a coach on the weekend for abuse towards officials.Whats your point?

[sapdad]

This support sounds fantastic on paper, however is it happening in practice?

Yes it is.And if theres any young refs out there that dont feel like they are supported I can only suggest getting in touch with NNSW as they have replied and been available for every single issue my lads have had across several years of work both big and small.

[northern_swan]

A great observation.Because the support officer is provided by the club there is little the referees or nothern can do about it.You are correct that the majority dont need to do anything and its a token job but good on people for stepping up.There are clearly people unfit to be anywhere near the role as they not only do nothing when referees are being abused and some even join in with the abuse which is mind boggling.Theres one bloke at an NPL club who is a running joke amongst the referees group who does the job for his club most weekends and usually does a few grades at a time.He is constantly carrying on to referees about decisions and refusing to police the behaviour of his coaches.Ive seen several referees remind him of his role as a support officer for them but it does nothing.The guy is an embarrassment to his club but at the same time the club should have stepped in ages ago and not let him do the role.Im sure Northern have instructions on what the role entails but clubs need to take it seriously for it to work.

I think that Northern can do something about it. Coaches and Managers need an accreditation, why not create an accreditation for ref support? It could be as simple as them doing a quick tutorial outlining what the role entails, the do's & dont's and signing (even digitally) a code of conduct.

It could:
-give consistency to the role, as in the same person doing the role each match day.
-make the person doing the role accountable (and punishable) if they are displaying the behaviours you have mentioned. (I'm 90% sure I know the identity & club of individual you are talking about)
-make the club accountable to eradicate the behaviours you have mentioned.
-make the referees feel safer and more comfortable in approaching the RSO if the referees have noticed something that may have been honestly missed by the RSO

Personally, I enjoy doing the RSO role most of the time I'm asked. You get an uninterrupted view from halfway, you get to hear the coaches from up close which gives a different insight on the game (when done positively) and you are out of earshot of parents telling all & sundry how their kid is going to be the next Messi :lol:

[sapdad]

I think that Northern can do something about it. Coaches and Managers need an accreditation, why not create an accreditation for ref support? It could be as simple as them doing a quick tutorial outlining what the role entails, the do's & dont's and signing (even digitally) a code of conduct.

It could:
-give consistency to the role, as in the same person doing the role each match day.
-make the person doing the role accountable (and punishable) if they are displaying the behaviours you have mentioned. (I'm 90% sure I know the identity & club of individual you are talking about)
-make the club accountable to eradicate the behaviours you have mentioned.
-make the referees feel safer and more comfortable in approaching the RSO if the referees have noticed something that may have been honestly missed by the RSO



All good points and I can only hope that it would be on the long term wish list for Northern but theres probably a few more pressing issues in front of them right now.

[sapdad]

Personally, I enjoy doing the RSO role most of the time I'm asked. You get an uninterrupted view from halfway, you get to hear the coaches from up close which gives a different insight on the game (when done positively) and you are out of earshot of parents telling all & sundry how their kid is going to be the next Messi :lol:

:lol:

[mic22]

Yep. You roll with the draws that change an hour before the game without needing a tissue box. Grand parents back seat, kids in the boot gogogo
fk ive missed some weddings due to football & cricket finals that got changed. Made the reception but. best things Ive ever done.

Thank you, tough man ;)

[Jim]

Thank you, tough man ;)

Tough man? you mean normal person

[sapdad]

I see the mid season split has seen a bit of player movement again this year.Sounds like its just going to be how it is from now on.For the record I dont have an issue with it.

[Taffy]

I heard with two clubs movements occurred because the coach was fired and those players weren't happy with that.

[Addios]

When is the rego cutoff?

[mic22]

I've heard of a coach sacking (or similar) at a DivA U13 team and if true... just wow.

[sapdad]

When is the rego cutoff?

I thought it was June 30.Not 100% sure though.

[Addios]

I saw a young referee red card a coach on the weekend for abuse towards officials.Whats your point?

Ok for you morons who cant comprehend english then get all defensive.

Point was the coach was allowed to try to influence a game and pressure the young ref to favour his team.
Why are coaches or team officals getting away with this. NNSW should be ensuring no club is pressuring the ref.

[sapdad]

Ok for you morons who cant comprehend english then get all defensive.

Point was the coach was allowed to try to influence a game and pressure the young ref to favour his team.
Why are coaches or team officals getting away with this. NNSW should be ensuring no club is pressuring the ref.

And my point was that you named one example that in your opinion was a young referee being influenced by a coaches behaviour(it is possible that the other team just played better in the second half and won the game fairly).My point is that there are many cases with factual evidence of young referees not being intimidated by coaches.So across the hundreds of games per weekend you are upset by one instance then thats fine but dont disregard the rest of the games that are done at the appropriate level.So if you are after perfection in the refereeing ranks then thats great but can we also get rid of the players,coaches and parents that arent good enough as well?

[prawnhead]

And my point was that you named one example that in your opinion was a young referee being influenced by a coaches behaviour(it is possible that the other team just played better in the second half and won the game fairly).My point is that there are many cases with factual evidence of young referees not being intimidated by coaches.So across the hundreds of games per weekend you are upset by one instance then thats fine but dont disregard the rest of the games that are done at the appropriate level.So if you are after perfection in the refereeing ranks then thats great but can we also get rid of the players,coaches and parents that arent good enough as well?

Can you please hit the space button after finishing your sentences with a full stop. Your posts are sometimes hard to read.

[WOW2.0]

With so few games left of our very tiny season, thought I?d take a look at the Div 2 standings (Pro/Rel battle - most interesting part of the comp)

Northern may not have updated all recent games (Charlestown and South Cardiff 18s has not been updated (was a 2-0 win to S.Cardiff, but rather than tinker I?ve left as per Northern?s records?looks like very few 18s games have been updated)

1: Cooks Hill (GD+12)
2: New Lambton (GD+17)
3: Belswans (GD-5)
4: Northern Inland (GD-2)
5: Charlestown (GD-5)
6: Weston (GD-4)
7: South Cardiff (GD-17)
8: Mid Coast (GD+4)

Weston and Mid Coast have the lowest numbers of games recorded (10 each?highest is 14 games)

[Taffy]

Points would help too, how fare ahead is Northern Inland to Charlestown? 1 point? 9 points?

[Game_over]

Points would help too, how fare ahead is Northern Inland to Charlestown? 1 point? 9 points?

I did this up with known results included, just CH vs NIAS U18s not known.

[Taffy]

Thanks, that looks pretty tight then, New Lambton to go up and I'd put in Cooks Hill as well. Only 4 points between 3rd and seventh

[hanger123]

I did this up with known results included, just CH vs NIAS U18s not known.

Cooks Hill won 5-0

[sapdad]

4 rounds down and I think the only clubs who can confidently plan for next year are New Lambton in Div A and Weston+Southy in Div B.

[Jim]

.............................................P W L D PTS
1 New Lambton FC..................19 12 4 3 39
2 Cooks Hill United FC.............19 11 7 1 34
3 Mid Coast FC (Premier).........19 10 6 3 33
4 Northern Inland Rangers FC...19 8 8 3 27
5 Belmont Swansea United FC..19 8 9 2 26
6 Charlestown Azzurri FC.........19 6 10 3 21
7 Weston Workers Bears FC.....19 6 10 3 21
8 South Cardiff FC (Premier)....19 5 12 2 17

Charlestown, Weston, Southy struggling

[RightFoot]

Rumour is Dudley and South Maitland are applying for JDL and/or PYL licenses for 2026...

NNSW pushed Nelson Bay for a license due to a need for some sort of development team in that area but haven't heard any word from the club, nor any rumours circulating

[sapdad]

NNSW pushed Nelson Bay for a license due to a need for some sort of development team in that area but haven't heard any word from the club, nor any rumours circulating

It would be great to see this happen.Loads of good kids up there.

[Trigger]

might have to do the old play with a club within a 3-5km radius depending on club proximities.

Yep the inner city clubs can choose a lot but the outer suburbs can maybe keep some talent

[Izzy]

Does anyone have some inside knowledge of when the 5th/6th and 7th/8th 'play off' games will be played?

[The Hacker]

Any word on when they announce any new PYL teams. It was meant to be a few weeks ago if you go off what Northern posted as a timeline