Match Day
PMCJFC match days are full of excitement and opportunities for young players to showcase their skills, develop teamwork, and enjoy the game. Whether it’s a friendly game or a more competitive fixture, the emphasis is always on fun, development, and community spirit.
Pre-Game Preparation
- Arrive Early: Please arrive at the ground 30–45 minutes before the game starts. This gives players time to get ready, warm up, and listen to instructions from the coach.
- Uniform and Gear: Players should come in their full match-day uniform (team jumper, shorts, socks, and boots). Don't forget your mouthguard and water bottle.
- Check In with Coaches/Team Manager: When you arrive, make sure your child checks in with the team manager to ensure they are accounted for in the team list.
Warm-Up
- Team Warm-Up: The Coach and/or Assistant Coach will lead a warm-up before the match. This might include stretches, ball skills, and team drills to ensure the players are physically ready for the game. It's also a chance for the coach to go over game strategies and expectations.
Game Time
- Match Duration: Matches consists of 4–quarter sessions, and the length of each quarter depends on the age group. For younger teams, each quarter can be between 10–12 minutes each, while older teams can be between 15-20 minutes.
- Coaching Support: The coach will give instructions from the sidelines, focusing on the team's game plan. There may be changes in positioning or tactics based on how the game is unfolding.
- Break-Times: Players will gather for a brief team talk and a chance to hydrate. Coaches will offer feedback on what's working well and where improvements can be made.
- Spectators: Parents and families are encouraged to cheer on the team, but it's important to respect the rules and guidelines of the ground, especially around appropriate language and noise levels.
Post-Match
- Cool-Down: After the match, there's usually a brief cool-down session, which includes stretching to help prevent injuries and recover from the physical exertion.
- Team Debrief: Coaches will take a few minutes to review the game, praise the players' efforts, and highlight areas for improvement. This is also a good time for players to reflect on their performance.
- Awards: Some teams award a 'Player of the Match' or similar accolades, acknowledging standout performances, teamwork, or improvement.
Match Day Volunteers
PMCJFC relies on volunteers to help with various aspects of match day, such as scoring, timekeeping, and managing the team bench. If you're able to lend a hand, it's a great way to get involved and help the club run smoothly. All volunteers are required to have a Working with Children check.
| Role | Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Team Manager | The Team Manager serves as the key communication link between the coach, players, parents, and the club. This includes passing on important information such as training schedules, game times, club events, and any other team-related updates. All communication by the Team Manager will be done via the WhatsApp team groups. |
| Coach | One of the main responsibilities is helping players improve their individual skills, such as kicking, marking, tackling, and decision-making. This involves planning and running training sessions that focus on skill development. The coach is responsible for selecting the team each week and to make strategic changes based on how the game is unfolding. |
| Assistant Coach | The Assistant Coach is involved in planning, organising, and running training sessions. They will work with the Head Coach to ensure that the training plan is executed effectively, helping the players develop their skills in line with the team's objectives. On match day, they will help with warm-ups and managing substitutions during the game, ensuring the right players are rotated in and out based on the coach's game plan. |
| Runner | The runner's main responsibility is to deliver messages from the coach to the players on the field during the play. These messages could include tactical adjustments, motivational advice, or any other instructions the coach wants to relay to the players. |
| Trainer | The trainer is primarily responsible for providing first aid and managing injuries that occur during games. They will help to maintain and restock the team's first aid kit, which includes ensuring that the kit has essential supplies such as bandages, antiseptics, ice packs, and other basic first-aid equipment. |
| Water Carrier | The role helps to ensure players stay hydrated and ready to perform. You will be responsible for filling the water bottles and distributing them to players during breaks. |
| Umpire Escort | The role primarily involves accompanying the umpires onto the field before the start of the match and ensuring their safety and comfort during the game. |
| Boundary Umpire | The primary responsibility of a boundary umpire is to ensure that the boundary lines are respected. This includes making sure that when the ball goes over the boundary line, the correct decision is made. (Boundary Umpires are NOT REQUIRED for Modified Rules competitions and Under 12 Girls competitions.) |
| Goal Umpire | The primary responsibility of the goal umpire is to determine when a goal has been scored. This is done by observing whether the ball has passed completely between the two goalposts, above the line of the goal height, without being touched by any player. |