Dutchy wrote:That is what it is all about, high emotions at this time of year for all the kids but this gets them engaged in the game and their local club, win or lose.
My son is playing in SANFL Juniors again this year (u17.5's) and I can't speak highly enough of how playing in it has improved his footy, while its only a 5 team comp every game is very competitive which has been fantastic and enhanced the development of the lads significantly. We have to travel nearly a hour to every away game (we have only had 5 homes games) but we are more than happy to do it when you see the benefits it delivers.
2 great close games at Gaza yesterday confirmed how close the comp is, special mention to the umps who copped some unfair abuse from over the fence in both games which is still disappointing to witness, but they handled it very well in giving the clubs some warnings which defused the situation. Im sure its a resourcing issue but it would be great to see a umpire coach of some sort there to support the kids and assist with any issues.
I was out at Glenunga yesterday and there appeared to be an umpire's coach for the field umpires, as well as the boundary umpires. I'm not really sure that 3 field umpires are required for a girls' game, though.
On another note, I'm not a fan of the SANFL Juniors leaving it up to opposition clubs to decide whether to enforce the equalisation policy or not. The policy is in effect all season, so I don't know why it isn't for the finals. It's the same for game day squads for the Grand Finals. You can only take 20 (girls) to each game during the minor round and the early finals, so I don't know why the GF should be any different. And, if it is different, why don't SANFL Juniors say that clubs can use ALL qualified players, rather than, again, leaving it up to individual opposition clubs??