+ Pre-Season

The first step of being a manager is to Register as a Volunteer on the Play Football Website.

If you are managing any Junior teams (Under 18 and below) or All Age teams with players U18, you will also need to apply for your Working with Children Check (WWC) Valid 5 years.

NB: There is no cost involved with eitherrequirement.

ACCESSING YOUR TEAMS:

Once all players are registered, teams can be finalised by your Age Coordinator - registered team managers will be attached to the team. NSFA then needs to 'activate' before you will be able to sign into DRIBL and see the tean admin system.

DRIBL is used to manage players, allocated shirt numbers (12+) record results and to prepare the team for upcoming games. NB you need to be registered in Play Football before your AC can attach you to the team - see above.

How to Guide: DRIBL

Link to Manager's Login

To LOG INTO DRIBL you will need your email address and password that you used to register in play football.

Establish communication with all team members

• Utilise an App such as: Teamer, WhatsApp, Team Snap, TeamApp, TeamStuff

Distribute a team list to all team members.

How will I know what information needs to be distributed to team members?

• Regularly check your email for information from the club and your Age coordinator

• Check the LFC website: [www.lindfieldfc.com.au] frequently for news and updates (e.g. grading dates, trial game dates, coach and field requests)

• Attend the Managers & Coaches Meeting to find out all you need to know for the upcoming season. The meeting is usually in person and is a great opportunity to meet other managers, your AC and get all your questions answered, (although this Handbook is comprehensive if you can't make it and a copy can be downloaded from the top of this Managers Page).

Training Options

• LFC Development, Super and Diamond League Teams will have their coach and Training Days allocated.
• Social Team Managers must collaborate with volunteer coaches and parents to organise weekly training sessions for the season. It is important that the team works together to find a mutually agreeable day and time that accommodates everyone involved.

There are 2 options for Junior Social Teams but only Option #2 for Senior Teams

1. Training HUB paid LFC provided coaching, managers need to sign the team up, then players confirm their spot and pay individually. Limited availability.
2. Book a Training Field. Managers need to fill in the Coach and Training Field Request Form.

NOTE: it is important to check the days and times available on the form for each ground before getting agreement from all team members.

Expected Training Times guide:

• U6-U11: 60 min session between 3pm-5pm
• U12-U14: 60 min session between 5pm-7pm
• Seniors teams 90 min session between 7.30pm–9pm

If your coach is a volunteer, please ensure they are registered in Play Football and have their WWC. Then please confirm their details to your Age Coordinator so they can attach the coach to the team in the Dribl admin system. NB Assistant coaches ie those who occassionally stand in as coach also need to be registered and must have their WWC, (if coaching kids 18 and younger) and they also need to be attached to the team in the Dribl so match officials can see who they are on game day.

We don’t have a coach, can we get a LFC paid coach?

If your team does not have a parent or team member available to coach and you wish to request an LFC paid coach, you can do this on the Coach and Training Field Request Form. . Please note there are very few addtional coaches available, but we will put your request in the system and see if we can help find you one. This is why we introduced the coaching HUB for juniors

Where possible we aim to provide you a Lindfield FC coach for the duration of the season.

PLEASE NOTE this is at an additional cost to be shared across the team. It will be invoiced generally in May.

If you wish your coach to attend Matches on Game Day, you can note this on the form. However, whilst we try and match up your requirements with a coach you will need to discuss this possibility with them. This is a separate cost and will be billed at the end of the season as attendance can vary across the season.

PLEASE NOTE: once your LFC coach has been confirmed please let your Age Coordinator know so they can attach the Coach to the Team in the Dribl Admin system. More than one coach can be listed so if you have a LFC coach during the week but a parent on game day, they both need to be listed. Assistant coaches ie those who occassionally stand in as coach also need to be listed and must have their WWC.

Preseason Training

If you are arranging any informal (non LFC sanctioned) pre season training sessions at local parks and grounds, please ensure that your players and officials DO NOT wear ANY LFC kit and do not wear studded boots.

Kitbags

Someone from the team must pick up your team Kitbag on Distribution Day. Sometimes this will be at the Manager's Meeting or a separate weekend day. Your AC will be able to advise. Any issues with the kitbag or ball replacement, please contact our Operations Admin:operations@lindfieldfc.com.au

• The kitbag will include: Bibs, Training Balls, Match Ball, Ball Pump and Cones. Individual whistles (which are not to be shared) can be picked up from the uniform shop. Extra ice packs are also available upon request, however, it is preferred if you use a refreezable icepack and keep this single use icepack for an emergency.

Uniforms

• Teams are required to wear the LFC Kit (blue McGrath jersey, shorts and socks)
• Shin pads & boots are mandatory
• Uniform shop is open Friday nights during the season - see the website for Hours during preseason.

• It is the coach/manager's responsibility to ensure players are in correct attire and advise players if they are not meeting NSFA Player Equipment requirements: No caps (goalies excepted), no jewellery or watches. Spectacles must meet safety standards.

Player Shirt Numbers

You will need to check every player has a number on their shirt and that this is not duplicated ie no two players can have the same number

Shirt numbers need to be entered in the backend so we can download them into a master list at the end of the season, (preventing having to ask for each one again next year. If you enter in The App, this data isn't stored. Don't ask us why - its just an annoying tech thing!) Log into the website version of Dribl. Go to your team, add the ‘Shirt Number’by player. If you have trouble doing this, make sure your AC has all your team shirt numbers and they can upload them. click ‘Update’ to save. Repeat for each team member.

Policy for duplicate shirt numbers

• Returning players in same team have preference over new to the team players

• Numbers eg #1, can be added to the number on the shirt so a 2 can become 12 or a 21. See Dee in the uniform shop to assist/advise.

• Use the Age Group WhatsApp to connect with other managers to arrange a swap or use the Facebook 2nd Hand Uniform Page.

• There is NO CHOICE of Shirt Numbers - the uniform shop will use the Shirt Number Master List to determine what numbers can be used and then check what number they have available in the size. Players need to advise the manager what number they received and this should be relayed to the AC. Easy solution if get a double up is to SWAP the shirt back at the club BEFORE tags removed and shirt used/played in.

How to get a Number put on a White Shirt:

• Advise the parent, to get the number added to the player’s shirt at the Uniform Shop. Please ask them to attach a piece of paper with their name, phone number and shirt number required before dropping it to the club. It is possible when the shop is not too busy, to wait and collect the shirt on the same day.
• If your team has a few shirts to do, collect them at training and handle as a group - only one person needs to visit and queue at the shop. Bulk numbers can rarely be done on the day unless it is at a quiet time. Make sure each shirt is labelled with name, phone contact and required number.

Confirm Player Identity

Managers must confirm each player’s identity: Not in 2024

• Ensure their photo is visible in the Dribl system. It must be current (no more than 3 years old) and be a reasonable likeness.
• If picture needs updating ask parents to upload into their Play Football account so it will be right for next season, but it will have to be manually uploaded into Dribl by the Registrar this year, so send it also to info@lindfieldfc.com.au.

• Ensure the player’s age has been verified by sighting a birth certificate, passport or similar. Please be aware if parents supply this information via email/electronic messenger service, please ensure you delete the information once confirmed.

Preseason Matches

Make sure you have your team communications ready to communicate any preseason trial matches that the club may organise.

+ During the Season

• To find out where and when your team is playing each week, go to the NSFA Fixtures and Results and ground locations pages.

• Always use the links on the LFC website for wet weather updates and field closures for both training and game day.
• Communicate the information to your team in a timely manner. It is a good idea to encourage players to check these details themselves just in case your message doesn’t get through.
• Make sure you understand all the relevant Health and Safety guidelines found here

• Ensure all details needed for the Match Card are current and complete.

Special Requirements

It is the coach/manager's responsibility to ensure players are in correct attire and advise players if they are not meeting NSFA Player Equipment requirements:

• No Caps (goalies excepted)
• Spectacles must meet safety standards - see above policy
• Hearing Aides - OK
• ‘Puffers’ to be kept at sideline
• No Jewellery including fitbits & watches
• No plaster casts

Shirt Clash

Know when to use the White Away Shirt by consulting this NSFA Shirt Clash Matrix. The HOME team must wear the alternate strip. For social teams that don't own their white shirts, you can borrow a set of loan shirts from the Club order them via the Uniform Shop. These must be signed out and back in. We have many teams and need the kits each week, so please wash and fold shirts nicely back in bag - the same way you would like to receive them - and return them promptly before the next round.

+ For Training

• Encourage 100% player attendance at training and provide clear information on pickup and drop off times.
• In Junior age groups, encourage assistance by parents.
• Players should never be left alone at the end of a training session. Make sure you have a list of emergency contact numbers for each player.
• At all junior sessions there should always be a minimum of 2 parents (including coach) in attendance in case of injury or other unforeseen circumstances.
• Plan to arrive 10mins before your evening session to ensure lights are on if required. Contact Admin 0425 286 020 or your Age Coordinator if they haven’t been turned on.

+ For Matches

1. Ensure you have the Dribl (Electronic Match Card) updated and ready for the match.

   Log in to Dribl and complete the steps below.

• Register your players for each game by ticking yes or no. (Tip: only 16 players are eligible to play in each match, each player must be registered and showing on the match card).
• Review and agree to your opponent’s match card before kick-off
• Know who your team is playing each week and ensure there is NO KIT CLASH - see list of potential clashes here. If you are the HOME team, players must change their shirt to the alternate white kit. If your team needs to borrow a set of loan shirts, these can be organised via the uniform shop - simply order online BEFORE you need them. They must signed in and out and be returned, clean and folded nicely, the following Wednesday ready for other teams. We have limited sets and lots of teams so this is essential.
• Record the game results by Sunday night at the latest
• Record if a game is in dispute (ineligible players, incorrect score or other issue)
• Always have a few printed paper match cards on hand in case you or the opposition have trouble accessing Dribl.
• Keep a printed copy of the Player ID sheet in the kit bag. It will contain each player's name, FFA ID, shirt #number and photo. Managers should bring a copy of the team ID Sheet to all games, as it will be required to complete the match card.
• For info graphics and full details on this procedure or how to submit a paper match card, view the Managers Presentation or the Dribl Video guides on the NSFA website

2. Bring your LFC Kit Bag with your spare paper match card, print out of Player IDs, match ball, goalie shirt, icepack and bibs. Whoever is refereeing should have a whistle - these are not provided in the kitbag for hygiene reasons

3. Role Model Respect and Fair Play.

4. When the opposition arrives, introduce yourself to their manager and the referee if attending.

5. If NSFRA hasn't assigned match officials or if they don't show up, the home team is responsible for keeping time and also for supplying a referee. Most teams agree to take one half each. The FIFA Laws of the Game can be viewed HERE

6. Ensure you have an adequate number of players. Contact the other Lindfield teams’ managers to borrow players if you are going to be short on the day.

   • Always remind players to notify you if they are going to be unavailable.
   • Check with them (and parents) each week that they will be there next week.
   • If you know you are going to have numbers problems, don't leave it until the last minute to seek help or to Forfeit the match.

FORFEITS MUST be notified before the game at the latest by:

• Thursday for Mens and Mixed
• Friday for Women and Girls

If there is a forfeit with no notice, the result will be recorded as a 3-0 loss. Read more on how to correctly forfeit here. **

How to Get in Touch with your Opposition

• Log into Dribl
• Select the match
• Click Matchsheet
• Select Contact Details - if the team manager/coach has provided a phone number or email it will be displayed here. Please be sensible in the timing of your call - we recommend prior to 9pm, perhaps text if it is urgent but very late or early.

Borrowing Players

• Players can’t play in a lower division within their own age group (ie. A U13 Division 2 player can’t play in a Division 3 or lower division)
• If a Club has more than one team in a division, players can ONLY play for their own team ie they can't play for more than one team in that division. This includes anyone borrowed by one of those teams, in subsequent matches, they can only play for the team that originally borrowed them.
• Players can play up to a maximum of 8 games in a higher division in the same age group than they would normally play in. If they play more than 8 games they then become a part of the team that borrowed them, the Club can be fined by NSFA if this is ignored.
• Female players may play for a mixed team as long as they meet the age criteria and for female adults wanting to play in the Mens comp, they now need to sign a consent form.
• U/G12-18 players (mixed or girls) cannot play in an age group more than two years higher than the one they are qualified for without dispensation from NSFA
• Junior players cannot play in a lower age group than the one they are registered for, even if they meet the age requirements, unless granted medical dispensation by NSFA.
• Super/Diamond League players from a lower age group can only play Super/Diamond League in the next highest age group, not for lower divisions in the older age group.

PLEASE NOTE Players must wear the correct uniform including correct shirt number matching the information on the match card. If ignored, the player may not be allowed to participate.

+ At Season End

• Please Return the Kit Bag at the end of season celebration or other advertised date - we have 160+ teams to collect and restock so appreciate you or a team member ensuring it is returned promptly
• End of Season Trophy information is found HERE
• Work with coach to determine player awards: Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Most Improved Player (MIP). Complete the Trophy form with the winner's details. No charge for these 2 trophies.
• Organise any other awards/trophies eg Golden Boot. These are optional and are requested and paid for by the teams directly with trophy supplier.
• Communicate end of season plans to team and be on hand to award the trophies at the presentation evening which is usually held in late August/September.
• Assist the coach on player reports. These are all online and we strongly encourage them from all teams as it assists with grading the following year.