Parents FAQ

“One of the main positive outcomes children get by playing sport is self-esteem. That is not necessary linked to winning and children can learn a lot by being defeated. Particularly in younger age divisions, it is important to encourage and praise effort and attitude. This is important when commenting on officials and oppositions performance.

As the first role model for your child, you are their best supporter. Encouragement from you as their parent means a lot and positive praise is needed. Your support will lead your child to a better involvement in the sport, therefore learning and enjoying it more.”

What are the dates of the Junior Spring competition?

Our Spring Junior Competition 2022, Round 1 of the competition will tap-off on Monday 12th September. The competition comprises 10 rounds culminating in a knock semi-finals/grand finals round in December. No games played during term 3 holidays.

Where are games played?

Our home ground where all junior competition games are played is Bark Huts Reserve, Elliot Street, Belfield.

Are you setup to be COVID-Safe?

Yes, we have a return to play plan which has been endorsed by NSW Touch Association and Strathfield Council. We adhere to NSW Health orders and at times this may result in changes for players, parents and families as our primary focus is to keep our community safe. Changes may include vaccination requirements, limiting spectators, observing physical distancing, standing in certain areas and/or following a general approach of arrive, play and leave. Your understanding and patience would be appreciated.

My child has never played before – is that catered for?

Yes absolutely! Our game caters for all ages and skill levels with our junior competition being run in a friendly, family-first manner and being a non-aggressive sport. Wests Touch are focussed on your kids having a fun and healthy experience with the sport of Touch Football.

How old do you have to be to play? What age divisions do you have?

We have age and gender-based/mixed divisions from Under 6 (must have turned 4) right up to our Youth Divisions (16-17 years of age). Players 18 years and over are directed to play in our separate senior competition (refer Local Competitions section of our website). See our registration links for competitions available. We are all about inclusion, so speak to us if there are specific circumstances we can help you with.

What times are games played?

We play on Monday evenings, with the youngest age divisions first at 5.00pm. Games are 30 minutes turn-around. Times will then be allocated from 5.35pm subject to the number of teams in the age groups. The Competition Co-Ordinator, Barbara Farhat will advise times to team contacts once team entries/perspective draw is finalised ready for publication on the My Sideline portal.

What does my child wear?

Wests Touch as part of the player registration, will supply each child with a playing shirt. Footwear is normally plastic moulded footy boots (no screw-ins or metal studs allowed), touch-specific playing shoes (runners with very good grass grip if that is your choice).

How many players in a team?

Under 6s-10s: there are 5 players on the field, it is recommended that 7 regular players may be sufficient in this age group to allow plenty of game time experience.

Under 12s and over: there are 6 players on the field, it is recommended that 7-8 players may be sufficient similarly to allow plenty of game time experience

.Players without a team may register online – “Individual into the Player Pool” and you can request to be placed in the same team as friends if required. We will always do our best to link up players, but obviously cannot guarantee this due to numbers in a particular team.

Is there any training required?

The answer is no, simply turn up and play. In fact, for the younger age divisions, the Junior Competition is very much about development and learning the game, which will be supported by our on-field referees and team coaches. Training generally occurs is a player moves into a rep team.

Wet Weather/ground closures?

Ground closures are generally made by Strathfield Council by 2pm on game day. The Council wet weather phone no. information is on our website menu bar at weststouch.com.au

– in the event of closure for any reasons we will contact Team Managers who will notify parents