Fees

• Under 8s Player membership special $180 + EDFL Registration (usually $10 per child)

• Single Player Under 10s or older Membership $280 + EDFL Registration (usually $10 per child)

Multiple Children Memberships (multiple children in the same immediate family)

• 2 or more Players - 50% off the second and all subsequent kids + EDFL Registration for each child (usually $10 each child)

Discounted Membership Fees apply if registered from 19 - 29 Feb 2024. 

• Registration special Under 8s Player Membership $150 + EDFL Registration,
• Registration special Single Player Membership $250 + EDFL Registration,

Your child may be eligible for a Get Active Victoria Voucher towards annual fees and/or uniform of up to $200.  When funding runs out the vouchers are no longer available so, please ensure you get in now if possible. If available, you can apply to have the club paid $200 (supply the voucher number to the club) or be reimbursed directly if you have already paid fees. The link above will help you to understand if this applies to your child and what you need to do.

Round 7 is open at the moment and can be redeemed up until the end of April 2024

What's Included?

Membership fees include liability insurance, match payments, umpire fees, grounds and facilities fees payable to Merri-Bek Council, administration fees and use of the Saints football jumper for the season.

How do I pay?

You can pay in the following ways:

• PlayHQ app is the easiest way.
• by direct deposit into the clubs account, please reach out for an invoice to be created which will include payment details for the club and remember to add your child's surname and invoice number (if applicable) to the payment reference,
• EFT POS at the club on registration day or when training commences - this is not the preferred payment method but please speak to the committee to work out the best payment method for you.

We prefer the first 2 options for payment if possible to maximise club funds.

When do I have to pay?

Membership fees must be paid at the point of registration, unless you have made prior arrangements with the club. Using PlayHQ as the registration system you are not able to register a child without payment of fees or by prior arrangement with the club.

Experiencing financial hardship?

If you are experiencing difficulties in paying your membership fees, please speak to the Saints President or Treasurer and we can work out an arrangement to make sure no one misses out.

Game Day Uniform

Use of the player guernsey is included in your membership fee and guernsey's are presented to each player at the start of the season. Its your responsibility to keep it looking good and wash it regularly. At the end of the season, hand it back ready for the next season.

Players need to buy the game day uniform from the club direct,  available to purchase through the Stack Team App.

Grey shorts (Home Games), White shorts (Away Games), Footy socks.

Players supply:

• A fitted Mouth Guard which is required for all players, if you forget your mouth guard you can't play on the day.
• Football boots for matches.
• Helmets if you would like to wear one, they are optional.

We have a variety of merchandise available to help you look the part. The Game Day Uniform can be included in a discounted pack with a Saints Footy Bag included. For more information please refer to the Teams App.



We have great quality Saints weatherproof jackets, Saints beanies, Saints training singlets, Saints hoodies and other items available also.

EDFL Rules and Guidelines

Information for new members to EDFL Junior Football League

We are a part of the Essendon Districts Football League (EDFL) Competition and as such follow the rules set out by the EDFL. These Rules and Guidelines are updated annually and available on the EDFL website each season.  It is the Clubs responsibility to ensure compliance with the various rules in the competition. If we fail to comply or follow the rules we may incur unnecessary fines with the EDFL so it is a great idea to familiarise yourself with the up to date information, including the Operations Manual each season. You'll find these on the below link.

EDFL Rules and Guidelines

To help families understand some of the jobs on game day and some of the responsibilities, requirements and rules around those roles, we have included some helpful information below. Team work makes the dream work and we have the best families in our club.

Further information can be found on the EDFL website on the link above or by contacting the Saints Secretary. 

Team Manager

The go to for all things team

Team Manager is an integral coordination role for each team.

They ensure the team has Game Day information including game time and location details sent via the Team App. Let your team manager know if you aren't able to play in a game day match as soon as possible so they can ensure we have enough players. If we don't have the right amount of players, we may need to forfeit the game and receive large penalties in doing so.

Team Managers also ensure:

• all players are registered with the League,
• they keep up to date player lists and share them with the club secretary,
• they check that the club jumpers are in good order,
• they communicate the weekly roster of official and support staff roles for game day and ensure that they are present and that the they understands their role.
• they issue all paperwork to the club officials and ensure they are wearing the required attire e.g. relevant bib to identify them as the role allocated,
• they also need to complete the team sheet correctly and accurately and submit these with official scores and goal kickers in the game by 6:30PM on game day.

If the team sheet is incorrectly or inaccurately filled in or late the club will incur fines from the EDFL.  Contact the club secretary or president for more info or see the EDFL Rules and Guidelines link above.  

Runner

One of the chosen few who can be on field briefly

The runner is an important and slightly physical role on game day. 

The runner is the Coaches connection to the players on the field.

• They must stay in the coaches box (10 M) and only leave this position as instructed by the Coach to deliver important messages to specific team members.
• Once they have delivered the message as quickly as possible, they are required to return to the coaches box and not loiter on the ground during play. 
• Runners must be careful not to interfere with players or officials throughout the game and wear the official yellow "Runner" bib to identify them.

Umpires Escort

Basically you're security for umpires

Lots of our umpires in the Junior League are not much older than the kids playing. For this reason they need to be protected as we do with our players.

As an Umpires Escort you need to:

• Escort the umpires from their change rooms to the centre of the field prior to the start of each match.
• Escort the umpires from their assembly point on the field to their change rooms at half time.
• Escort the umpires from their change rooms to the centre of the field after the half time break.
• Escort the umpires from their assembly point on the field to their change rooms at the conclusion of the match.
• Stand with the umpires during the quarter and three-quarter time intervals and provide / offer water.

Match Day Official

If you see any trouble... be cool but sort it out

Match Day Official is a role in Juniors footy, and being trialled in seniors. The Match Day Official must wear a yellow bib including their club name.

During the course of the match, in conjunction with their opponents Match Day Official, both shall deal with any “unsavoury behaviour”.

The duties and responsibilities of this official should be in accordance with the AFL Kids First program philosophies.

The Match Day Manager cannot undertake any other role during a match where they are the Match Day Official.

Match Day Official duties are:

• Encouragement – at all times encourage parents and spectators to observe the Code of Conduct and display positive behaviour.

• Public Relations – assume a public relations role with parents and supporters and reinforce the philosophy of AFL Kids First and Code of Conduct.

• Observance and Presence – maintain a clear but calm presence at all times. Monitor and communicate with appropriate club personnel and parents as required.

• Report – where necessary, report serious and/or continued breaches of the Code of Conduct to their club officials.

This is a serious role and plays an integral part in keeping junior football supportive and positive for our kids.

Trainers (First Aid/ Medic)

Player welfare superstars

The trainer must attend and be available at each match the Saints play for the duration of the match. All junior coaches and trainers are to wear identification bibs. 

The trainer ensures that players wellbeing and health is looked after during each match. They will each have formal first aid qualifications (accredited to minimum Emergency Response Coordinator (ERC)).

All clubs must provide access to Defib machine, Stretcher, First Aid Kit and Ice.

The Saints need to make sure that our trainers have correctly filled and lodged their registration on Game Day prior to the commencement of Round 1 or their first game. All Trainers must also be listed on the EDFL Club Officials Form. This form must be lodged by the club with the EDFL by April 1 or before an individual Trainer’s first game of the season. Trainers cannot to be listed on the team sheet without valid accreditation or an interim permission letter from the EDFL Football Operations Department.

If a person carries out the duties of a Trainer unaccredited,  then the EDFL Board at their discretion may apply the following penalties:

• A fine will be issued per trainer, per week until all trainers are registered.
• Other sanctions may be imposed as decided by the EDFL Board following a hearing.

Time Keeper

Always on time - this might be the job for you!

Pretty self explanatory, this job is all about game time.

The official Timekeeper needs to: 

• Keep time for each quarter of the match.
• Record on timekeeper sheet the time taken to play each quarter and the time in which quarters commenced.
• Record the score for each quarter.
• The Home Team is to lodge completed timekeeper sheet with the Team Manager after the game has finished.
• Sound the siren in accordance with the procedures contained in the EDFL’s rules and regulations.
• Stop the clock used for timing of each quarter as required by the EDFL’s rules and regulations.

Scoreboard Attendant

Are numbers your thing?

This job is only for home games at the Saints ground. No need to worry when we have away games. The scoreboard attendant needs to update the scoreboard accurately at all times during the match.  If you are 12 or over and can add in 6s (Goals) and 1s (Behinds) then you can do this job!

*Scoreboard attendants must be at least 12 years old or, in the opinion of the Field Umpire, of sufficient age to be competent to perform the task.

Goal Umpire

Like flying a flag? (with restraint of course)

This a great position on game day. You get to be part of the action, well a very small part but one where we celebrate goals and behinds using flags! We've all been to the footy and seen the Goal Umpires and their finger pointing and flare with the flags - this could be you on Game Day!!

As the Goal Umpire you stand at one end of the field, and exactly as you would imagine, if there is a goal at either end of the field (your end or the opposite end) you raise both hands 90 degrees to your elbows and point straight ahead with both pointer fingers. Then you pick up and use both flags to wave them in an infinity pattern in the air indicating that a goal was scored. This lets the officials know that there has been a goal kicked and to update the score board.

If there is a behind kicked at either end of the field, you do the same thing but using 1 finger and then just one flag instead of two.

Simple!!

As always, if you need a crash course, let your Team Manager know and they can help you.

Coaches

Got footy skills and a want to mentor the next gen?

If you have experience in the game and want to get involved in coaching, we are always looking for new coaches and mentors for our club. 

You'll need patience, positivity and passion as well as a genuine interest in developing the next generation of players in order to be a great coach here!! You'll commit to running or assisting in Wednesday night training sessions and game days.

All coaches must be accredited to at least level 1 (CoachAFL) and assistant coaches cannot perform the role of head coach in a match unless they also are accredited to Level 1. So the Saints require that all coaches and assistance coaches are accredited for this reason.

Junior Coaches must be clearly identifiable and wear a red bib during matches.

The Saints must ensure that coaches have correctly completed and paid for their coaching accreditation on CoachAFL as per AFL requirements, prior to the commencement of Round 1 or their first match as a coach.   

All Clubs must complete the EDFL Club Officials Form, including details for all nominated coaches. This form must be lodged with the EDFL by April 1 or before an individual coach’s first game of the season. Coaches shall not be listed on the team sheet without valid CoachAFL accreditation or an interim permission letter from the EDFL Football Operations Department. If a person coaches when not accredited, at the discretion of the EDFL Board the following penalties may apply:

• A fine will be issued per coach, per week until such time as all coaches are registered for the season.
• Other sanctions may be imposed as decided by the EDFL Board following a hearing.

Saints Players and Parents agree to follow the conduct rules:

• Express positive encouragement at all times "Great goal" "what a mark" "well done"
• No calling out negative remarks like "ball" as this is directed at the umpires and is not acceptable. Also don't direct players to "get" other players - they are all kids and trying their best - they should try and get the ball. Not the players.
• No swearing or disrespectful behaviour to umpires, coaches, team mates/ players or spectators.
• No excessive rough play, players must never deliberately hurt anyone.
• Players go after the ball, not other players.
• Football is played for enjoyment and fun.
• All players commit to training each week with their team.
• Coaches set expectations for players that must be followed.
• Treat club property with respect and care, its there for us all to use and enjoy.
• The Saints have zero tolerance for violence and bullying - these behaviours will result in expulsion.
• Participate in the club, activities and social events to get the most out of your club. You never know when you may need your fellow members help you - relationships matter.
• Volunteer Rosters are distributed each week to ensure we all share the load, if you can't do your job, you need to talk to your parent peers to organise someone to help you (the previous bullet above helps with this!!)

Saints Coaches are expected to:

• Educate and guide players across all elements of the game.
• Get to know your players, their abilities, skills and motivations.
• Inspire and encourage players to learn and improve everyday.
• Engage with players and parents with respect and positivity.
• Treat all players equally and fairly.
• Teach kids to respect officials, umpires and each other.
• Teach kids to have resilience and not engage in sledging and verbal abuse on or off the field.
• Set clear expectations for behaviour, training and games so that kids know what they have to do, when and how.
• Treat all kids fairly and equitably, know your players profiles and coach with empathy and understanding.
• Where required modify your approach for individual players to get the best out of the team.

Any behaviour that brings the club into disrepute, from Players, Parents, Coaches or Volunteers will be referred to the Saints Committee for review and where necessary, appropriate consequences.

EDFL and AFL Policies

Our Club abides by the various policies set down by the EDFL and AFL VIC.

Information on policies can be found at:

• EDFL Policies
• EDFL Football Operations Manual
• AFL VIC Policies & Resources