Football

10. All matches will be played at school venues where available and other venues around Launceston and the northern region.
11. Venues must have toilets available (changerooms if possible), however players are encouraged to come ready to play due to limited time.
12. Ovals are to have correct field markings and padded goal posts. Please let the EO know if grounds do not have correct markings or goal coverings.
13. First Aid facilities/personnel will not be supplied at either school or non-school venues. According to the current DECYP policy, schools are encouraged to have a first aid qualified person in attendance and at minimum a fully stocked first aid kit.

14. Games should start on time.
    1. Games against Country schools should begin at 1.00 or no later than 1.10.
    2. In the case of a late start, quarters and breaks are shortened to ensure the game finishes at an agreed time.
    3. Games involving city schools should start at 1.10 and no later than 1.20.
15. Game length:
    1. all matches are 4 x 15 minutes each (no time on)
    2. 1/4 & 3/4 breaks – 2 minutes each
    3. 1/2 time – 4 minutes (shortened if running late)

16. 1. Teams
       1. are to be school based.
       2. players may only play in one team per round.
       3. are to consist of 18 field players(boys) and 16 field players(girls) with unlimited interchange players.
       4. must have a minimum number of fifteen (15) players per boys’ team to start a match (1sts)
       5. must have a minimum number of fourteen (14) players per girls’ team to start a match (1sts girls)
       6. must have a minimum of fourteen (14) players per boys’ teams to start a match (2nds/3rds)
       7. must have a minimum of twelve (12) players per girls’ team to start a match (2nds/3rds girls)
       8. must always have the same numbers of players on the field as the opposing side in all divisions. The exception is where a player is issued a card, the opposition is not required to adjust their number of players.
       9. Should a player be injured during a match, player numbers are to be adjusted before the match continues.
       10. must forfeit the game if it is not ready with the minimum number of players fifteen minutes after the rostered time.
       11. A practice match can then be played if the coaches agree, and schools can offer the other team players in the practice match to make the game competitive but forfeit rules will apply regardless of the outcome.
       12. are to include all players’ names, including interchange on the team board (NOW IN PLAYHQ) prior to the commencement of play. Any reserve player who takes the field should also have their name entered.
       13. may have any number of interchanges at any time and any place during a game. In finals an interchange area will be defined for use.
17.  Home Teams (listed first on the roster regardless of venue)
    1. are to supply a match ball in good playing condition.
       1. JNR Girls Leather Size 3 footballs
       2. JNR Boys and SNR Girls size 4 Leaver footballs
    • SNR Boys size 5 Leaver footballs
    1. must supply a responsible timekeeper with a stopwatch and whistle. The visiting team may provide a check timekeeper. These positions can be held by coaches.

18. In Senior 1sts /AFLW it is expected that Grade 9/10s are only to play. Special exemption must be given by the Executive Officer if a player from Grade 8 is to play – this would only be permitted in exceptional circumstances.
19. Smaller District High Schools may have combined teams from 7-10 as long as the student is not taking the place of a Grade 9/10 student who may be available.
20. It is assumed that schools who have teams in both the Wednesday 9/10 comp and the Thursday 7/8 comp will only play senior students on the Wednesday and Junior students on the Thursday.
21. Where a player has played more than half a roster in a higher division, they shall not continue to play in a lower division.
22. A player must have played at least half the roster games for a team in that season, in that competition, to qualify to play for finals for the same team. *If a school has two or more teams in one Division and one of those teams qualifies for the Grand Final, the players selected for the Grand final team must have played at least half the rostered matches for that team. NB: Players selected for Senior 1sts – must have played half the matches with the school but not necessarily with the Senior 1sts (best team on form, injuries etc.)

23. The finals will have the following structure:
    1. Semifinals – 1v4, 2v3 – week prior to GFs
    2. The winners of the Semifinals then play in the GF.
    3. Where two teams are equal on the ladder prior to the semis, then the percentage is calculated in the matches between the teams to determine who goes through to the SF. Obviously if only one match was played between these teams, then the team that won that game goes through.
    4. If a SF final is washed out, and no alternative date is available to play the Semis, the teams occupying 1 and 2 on the ladder go through to the GF.
    5. If a SF final is drawn the highest placed team goes through.
    6. In a GF extra time will be played – 3mins each way. If the score is still tied, then Captains will toss for ends and the first scoring team will be declared the winner.
    7. In a GF, the interchange bench shall consist of any players that have qualified for their respective teams.

24. The umpire(s) is in sole control of the game, but coaches are in charge of their team and must accept responsibility for the conduct of their team before, during and after the game, taking appropriate action to ensure proper conduct, especially, as on most occasions, there may only be one officiating umpire.
25. Coaches should be prepared to remove and discipline players for inappropriate conduct, regardless of whether the incident was seen by the umpires.
26. Central umpires are responsible for reporting players for any misdemeanors.
27. NHSSA will provide a central umpire or two where possible for senior games on Wednesday.
28. Schools will need to provide their own central umpire for all junior games on Thursdays.
29. Each team is responsible for supplying:
    1. a boundary umpire – if a boundary umpire cannot be supplied, the last player touching the ball rule will apply.
    2. one goal umpire (adult or mature student) – The goal umpire must work alone and must be free of distraction from other students. Each team must score the game with regular score checks by the respective coaches and a final clarification at the end of the match.

30. Bothcoaches must agree on the scores at the completion of each game.
31. Resultsare to be emailed to the Executive Officer as soon as practicable after the match or entered into PLAYHQ as soon as possible. (LIVE preferred)
32. Points for roster games to be allotted as follows:

Win – 5 Points

Draw – 3 Points

Loss – 1 Point

Wash Out 3 Points

Forfeit (Win) 5 Points

Forfeit (Loss) 0 Points

33. Results will be updated to PLAYHQ and the website as soon as possible.

34. Teams are to wear full playing uniform with numbered guernsey in school colours, shorts, football socks AND PROPER FOOTBALL BOOTS
35. Umpires will be instructed to prevent players from taking the field if they are not correctly attired. Supervising staff should do this anyway.
36. Mouthguards are encouraged. Schools can mandate this according to school policy. Players choosing not to wear mouthguards do so at their own risk.

37. It is vital that all players treat the venues with respect. Any vandalism/smoking/vaping will mean our privileges being withdrawn. Offenders caught will be barred from the venue.

38. All players will line up after the game and shake the hand of every opposition player.

Coaches will lead this by shaking hands with each other.

39. As started earlier football games will be played under the current laws of football as applied by the Australian Football League, subject to the variations listed within this document.
40. The normal free kicks awarded for: High Tackles, Push in the Back, Tackling without the ball etc.
41. Last touch rule only between the 50’s.

42. Games will commence with the 6, 6, 6 rule. 6 players in the Forward and Defensive 50s along with 1 player in each goal square
    1. Teams will be given a warning on the first occasion and will be rewarded with a free kick from the centre circle for each offence thereafter when this rule has been breached.
    43. Modified Anti-density – to allow for a free-flowing game each team shall always have a minimum of 2 players in each 50 (forward and back).
    1. Exception when the ball is close to the 50m arc.
    2. If teams are playing with less than 15 players p/team the number drops to 1 player per 50.

44. Sending Off
    1. In all cases except for physical abuse, direct verbal abuse at an opponent or the umpire, or where a player has lost control and continues to swear, the umpires should be encouraged to use the 50m penalties and/or free kicks. If a player is penalised by a 50m penalty, a coach should consider pulling him from the ground to explain his error. He may be replaced immediately, once across the boundary line. The length of time he spends off the field is at the discretion of the coach. The game will continue during this process.
    2. In the case of a player sent from the field under a “green or red card”, the umpire shall escort the player from the field and explain to the match manager/coach the reason and the length of time of the suspension.
       1. A “green card” – For “cooling off” or a warning. Time off the field is stipulated by the umpire. Player may be replaced. No report.
       2. A “red card” for more serious offences – off for the remainder of the game and the player cannot be replaced. Automatic report.
    45. Set Penalties
        1. Sent off for repeated swearing or swearing at the umpire – Rest of game plus the next NHSSA game.
        2. Sent off for violence – rest of game plus the next two NHSSA games.
        3. If an umpire considers two weeks is insufficient for the offence, he should recommend a further penalty in his report.

46. Procedure
    1. Any report must include full details of the incident concerned. Specific details of unwarranted actions or behaviour are required to be made within the report.
    2. If a player is reported by an umpire, the report is sent to the NHSSA Executive, and the school and AFL Tasmania are notified.
    3. The outcome is to be communicated to the opposition school. They can choose to accept or appeal.
47. Appeals Tribunal
    1. A tribunal system may operate in the case of an appeal by a reported student.
    2. The tribunal will be comprised of a school representative (coach, Sports coordinator or similar) member of the NHSSA Executive, a representative from AFL Tas, and game officials.
    3. The opposition team will be notified of their decision. They can choose to accept or appeal.
48. Suspension by other bodies
    1. When a player is suspended by another body, he is not eligible to play for NHSSA until he is cleared to play with that body.
    2. Any suspension implemented by the NHSSA may also be reciprocated in any other league that player may play in.
    3. In addition to the above set penalties schools can choose to impose their own additional penalties in consultation with the Exec Officer but are quite within their rights to request a tribunal sitting if they feel it is necessary and warranted by the incident.

49. 1. Generally, PICs of football will be informed if there are cancellations due to weather or forfeits from teams as soon as practicable. It will be PIC’s responsibility to then inform their teams and coaches.

    Forfeits

    1. Teams must forfeit the game if it is not ready with a minimum of 14 players 15 minutes after the rostered time.
    2. If you need to forfeit prior to match day, please notify NHSSA EO as soon as possible to give every opportunity for the opposition to be informed (preferably prior to the end of previous school day).

    Cancellations

    10. Wednesday and Thursday – if games are to be cancelled, schools will be notified by 10.00. If schools need to leave prior to 10.00am an attempt will be made to notify earlier.
    11. If games have not been cancelled officially, but heavy rain begins falling during or just before the game, the game can be called off if either team refuses to play due to safety considerations.
        1. Common sense mustprevail in such a situation. If there is still strong disagreement, then the Executive Officer shall have the final say and both teams then must abide by that ruling. In the case of a match not proceeding because of bad weather 3 pts will be awarded to both teams.
        2. If a match has started and is then called off due to bad weather, the game will be considered a game if the match has played until at minimum half time.
        3. In the event that a ground is deemed unfit for play, a match may be transferred to a ground within that region provided a ground is available.
        4. If a game is unable to be played on the scheduled day owing to ground conditions, both schools will make every effort to re-schedule the match within the roster to decide final ladder placing’s.
        5. In the event that a change of venue or cancellation is imminent, the host school must inform the Executive Officer and opposition school by 9am.

50. First Aid facilities/personnel will not be supplied at either school or non-school venues. According to the current DECYP policy, schools are encouraged to have a first aid qualified person in attendance and at minimum a fully stocked first aid kit.
51. Concussion Policy will apply for all NHSSA games. 2024 AFL Concussion Protocols: Community football to adopt minimum 21 day return to play protocols
    1. In summary, under the new community football guidelines, the earliest that a player suffering a concussion can return to play is on the 21st day post the concussion incident provided they get medical clearance.
52. It is important that coaches/managers be aware of any specific medical conditions or needs of their players and have the necessary individual medications on hand.
53. Students’ safety and wellbeing is always a priority so if you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to call me, Rachel Buck – Executive Officer, on 0407432329.
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