Frequently Asked Questions

Need to know more about registering to play junior footy with SMDJFC in season 2025, see below answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

If your are unable to find the information your require below, or have a specific question that needs answering please email the registrar.

Season Club Sponsor

 

REGISTRATION

What do I need to do to register for footy in 2025?

Player Registration:

1.     Log onto Play HQ to register your child as a player

2.     If new to junior footy email the registrar with your proof of birth

3.     Order club footy gear for your child

 

Parent / Guardian Volunteer Registration:

4.     Complete a Working with Children Check (WWCC) online (no cost) for at least one parent/guardian noting SMDJFC

5.     Register one parent/guardian as a volunteer on Play HQ (no cost) noting your WWCC

What is included in the Registration fee?

The registration fee includes:

    • access and use of facilities (clubrooms and ovals)

    • pre-season squad training sessions

    • season team training sessions (including under lights)

    • participation in league competition fixture

    • league insurance

    • accredited coaches at each training session and match

    • accredited first aid officer at each match

    • training and match equipment

    • loan of match footy jumper

Is a transfer from another club automatically approved?

Usually, applications to transfer club are straight forward and approved however, SMDJFC can approve, refuse or cancel a player’s registration in our absolute discretion and for any reason. 

When requesting a club transfer additional information may be requested, such as the player’s conduct while previously playing for another club.  If the player’s previous conduct is inconsistent with South Melbourne District’s junior footy code of conduct, we may not approve the transfer.

RELEVANT DATES

What are the relevant dates for 2025?

The proposed dates for season 2025 are outlined on our Match Fixture & Dates page.

COMMITMENT / TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

What commitment does participation in junior footy require?

Participation in junior footy includes attending pre-season squad training sessions, being eligible for team formation, attending season training sessions and playing matches. 

 

Is there pre season training?

Yes, pre season starts in late February and once registered, players are expected to participate in pre-season squad training sessions, season training sessions and matches.

For pre-season squad training sessions, season training sessions and matches venue see Training schedule, or Bloodlines newsletter or Teamapp.

 

When are season training and matches played?

Throughout the season, there’s one training session during the week and one match held on Sundays, excluding byes and school holidays. 

Once registered, players are expected to participate in pre-season squad training sessions, season training sessions and matches.

For pre-season squad training sessions, season training sessions and matches venue see Training schedule, or Bloodlines newsletter or Teamapp.

FOOTY GEAR

What Footy Gear do I need for training for SMDJFC?

No specific gear is required for training however training tshirts, and white shirts may be purchase from the SMDJFC shop. Mouthguards must be work to train and football boots are always recommended.

 

What Footy Gear do I need to play matches for SMDJFC?

On game days players will need to wear:

·      South Melbourne Districts junior footy jumper (on loan for the season)

·      Red club shorts ONLY  (for matches for all teams)

·      Red and white club socks

·      Footy boots

·      Mouthguard (for all training sessions and games)

The shorts, socks and other optional club gear you can only be bought from our online shop.

VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION & ROLES

Why do parents/ guardians need to volunteer?

The ongoing success of our club relies on our parents and guardians who fulfil important roles volunteering at Committee, Team, and Matcnhday levels.

 

Team related roles include:

Seasonal roles ,-  Coach, Assistant coach, Team manager, Trainer

Match day roles - Goal umpire, Boundary Umpire, Umpire escort, Timekeeper, Runner

 

 In registering a player, a parent or caregiver is expected to volunteer to fulfil one of these roles for the season or at each match.

There is no cost to register as a volunteer just two steps:

·      Complete online Working with Children Check (WWCC).

·      Register as a volunteer via Play HQ.  

 

How to I apply for a Working with Children Check (WWCC)?

A WWCC can be obtained or renewed you must start the application online at www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au  

 

You will be asked to provide two identity documents online  to be approved and ensure that your club is added as one of your volunteer organisations. Our club details are:

South Melbourne Districts Sports Club

PO Box 135
Albert Park Vic 3206 0405 223 732

 
I provided my working with children check last year, do I needed to apply again?

If you have a current WWCC with an expiry date outside of the upcoming footy season then just add your existing number to your Play HQ registration. 

If your WWCC has expired or expires during the season you will need to repapply for a check.

 

  • You can renew your check from 6 months before to 3 months after it expires.

  • If your check is more than 3 months expired, then you can’t renew. You’ll need to apply for a new check.

 

Why do I need to include our Working with Children Check to register as a Volunteer?

It is law in Victoria to have a Working with Children Check if you are doing child-related work which includes sporting clubs.  

In addition, the Club takes child safety very seriously, and has policies and procedures in place to provide players with a safe, supportive and inclusive environment.

It is an offence for you to work in a Volunteer role and for the Club to permit you to work in the Volunteer role without a valid WWCC. The League performs audits to ensure all Volunteers have all appropriate accreditations. If not, the Club receives a financial penalty by the League.

 

What are the different Club Volunteer Roles? What does each role entail?  

It is expected that each player has one or both parent(s) / guardian(s) who will volunteer to fulfil a role throughout the season. This role may be shared with other parents. You will be asked to indicate your preferred volunteer role during the registration process. We cannot play games without the assistance of parent / guardian volunteers each week.

Refer to our Match Day Roles page for further information on each role and responsibilities.