Dear Coaches and Team Managers,

The Association has provided us with updated by-laws, and it's important to understand what you can and can't do if you need a fill-in player. Getting it wrong can cost your team the game, so please take a few minutes to read through the key points below.

The key rules

• You may not need a fill-in at all. It's great to have a sub for every game, but you can start and play with as few as four players. Before looking for a fill-in, think about whether your team could get by.
• Maximum of seven players. If you use a fill-in player, you can only have a maximum of seven players for that game. If you use a fill-in and have more than seven players, you will forfeit the game and receive no points. That's right, not even the one point for a loss.
• Use the fill-in matrix. The Association has provided a fill-in matrix (below). The coach, team manager and parent group are responsible for finding their own fill-in, and must do so using the matrix.

Don't wait until you need a fill-in!

Once grading is over, have a look at the matrix and work out which Kangas teams could help you out with a fill-in player. Reach out to your Age Group Coordinator, get the mobile number of the coach or team manager of that team, and introduce yourself. A quick hello now makes game-day scrambles much easier.

Common questions

Can we use a fill-in player from another competition or night at Nunawading?

Yes, but the player must:

• meet the requirements of the fill-in matrix, and
• not play for another club on the day they are filling in, and
• be pre-approved by the Competition Manager.

Can we use a fill-in player registered with another association, such as Knox?

Technically yes, but there are so many hurdles and restrictions that it isn't really a workable option.

Can we use a fill-in player who hasn't registered anywhere this season?

Yes! Think about players you've played with before who haven't registered with Kangas or anywhere else this season. Friends and family members might also be able to help out.

What if we need someone for more than one game?

If you need something more permanent than a one-game fill-in, please contact your Age Group Coordinator. We can help you find a player who may not meet the fill-in rules but could be permanently registered to your team. This might be a player from another night at Nunawading, from another competition, or someone who hasn't registered but could play.

Walkover vs forfeit: what's the difference?

Walkover

A walkover happens when you can't get a team together to play. If this looks likely, the team manager needs to notify the Club as soon as possible so we can try to organise enough players. A walkover means:

• a penalty payable by all members of the team
• no competition points for your team
• it reflects poorly on Kangas as one of the biggest clubs in the competition.

Remember, you can start and play a game with as few as four players.

Forfeit

A forfeit happens when you use a fill-in player who doesn't comply with the competition by-laws. It's better than a walkover, but your team still gets no competition points, and with a bit of planning it's easily avoided.

If you're unsure whether a fill-in player is eligible, please contact your Age Group Coordinator or email Compcoordinator@nunawadingkangas.com.au as early in the week as possible.

The fill-in matrix

Each table shows which grades in the next age group up a player can fill in for. A tick means that fill-in is allowed. For example, a player from a U13 B grade team can fill in for a U15 team graded A, B, C or D.

Questions about fill-in players? Contact your Age Group Coordinator or email Compcoordinator@nunawadingkangas.com.au.