The Aim of the Game

First and foremost remember that, particularly in the youngest age groups, the emphasis is very definitely on having fun, developing skills and encouraging teamwork. Winning is not the aim! Most coaches and referees at this level are parents just like you and they might well have limited knowledge about the game themselves. If you feel you can help, please offer it at an appropriate time and in an appropriate manner!

Players in the Under 6 through Under 9 grades play a modified game of soccer called RooBall, in which some of the usual Laws of the Game are waived or modified. If you want to learn about the rules, review the RooBall section of the Competition Rules, available under General Documents in Download Central.

Before your child's first game, please review the Club's Code of Conduct. Our Club actively supports the campaign against Sports Rage.

When and Where Do We Play?

Coaches should have received a copy of the draw well before the first game and should have relayed that to the team. The draw is also available on this website in Download Central, and is usually published in the Junior Advertiser section of the Wagga Daily Advertiser each Wednesday. All RooBall games are held on Saturday mornings.

RooBall games are played on the fields on the Angel St side of Rawlings Park. U/6 through U/8 games are played on the small fields directly in front of the canteen, while U/9 play on the mid-sized fields to the east of the creek. Parking is available around the canteen area, however it is always in high demand during the soccer season so be prepared by arriving early. All fields are numbered and there is usually a field plan on a board under the awning at the canteen.

What if it's Raining?

See the Bad Weather FAQ for information about cancellations.

I Still Need to Buy Shorts or Socks

The Clubhouse, in the middle of Rawlings Park, is usually staffed for the purchase of clothing for a couple of hours during the first couple of Saturday mornings of the season. Opening hours will be published in the News section of this website. Otherwise, contact the Property Officer to arrange a time to meet at the Clubhouse.

Before the Game

You can assist your coach by filling out the official Team Sheet. The Home Team (listed first on the draw) for each game is responsible for preparing the Team Sheet by completing the date, grade, team etc and listing the names and registration numbers of its team's players. The sheet should then be given to the opposing team for them to complete their team listing before being returned to the Home team.

During the Game

Game start and end times are signalled by a central hooter at the canteen. Teams must be on the field ready to kick off when the hooter sounds. U/6 through U/8 play 2 20-minute halves while U/9 play 2 25-minute halves. In all cases there is a 5-minute break at half time. Parents and spectators are not allowed on the field or behind the goal line during play. By all means encourage your child and his/her team, but do not scold or berate anyone!

After the Game

Encourage good sportsmanship by cheering both teams and have the players shake the hands of the opposing team.

The Coach or Manager of the Home team is responsible for completing the remaining details on the official Team Sheet after the game. Both teams should include a match summary (best player etc) on the reverse of the sheet, and a member of the Home team is to place it in the bin provided at the canteen.

The Club does not permit players to keep shirts for the season. All shirts must be collected at the end of every game and placed in the kit bag supplied. It is normal for each team to have a roster for washing the shirts - cold water only and do not iron please!