** For information on getting started with the Dribl app please look here. **

  • Pre-Season games can only be played if sanctioned by Football Canterbury.
  • Only players registered with the club are allowed to compete in trial games and only registered players will be covered by Insurance if an injury occurs.
  • If the games are played without official sanctioning, players will not be covered by the Football Canterbury insurance coverage.

There are two types of trial games: Internal games and Out of Association games.

Internal Club Games or against other Football Canterbury Clubs (Internal)
These games do NOT require a sanctioning form to be filled out, however it is imperative that an email is sent to competitions@balmainfootball.com.au to ensure the game is sanctioned.

Games vs clubs from associations other than Football Canterbury (Out of Association)

These games require a sanctioning form to be filled out and sent to competitions@balmainfootball.com.au a minimum of 5 days prior to the game being played to ensure both associations sanction the game. Without dual sanctioning the game can not be played. Once actioned we will send back to the team a confirmed and sanctioned form.

OUT OF ASSOCIATION COMMUNITY TRIAL GAME FORM

IF A FIELD IS CLOSED AND ANOTHER FIELD IS AVAILABLE, GAMES MAY BE TRANSFERRED TO DIFFERENT FIELD AT VERY SHORT NOTICE, SO PLEASE CHECK THE DRAW REGULARLY.

When there is a risk of damage to pitches or injury to players, fields may be closed for play by local councils, clubs, or referees. This can happen at any point, even after you arrive at the ground or even mid-match.

  • The club will use Facebook to notify wet weather closures of training and home grounds as soon as they are known
  •  For competition matches check the status of your game by referring to the draw on Dribl – https://cdsfa.dribl.com. The status will appear as one of the following:
    • PENDING: means the game is going ahead as per the details that appear on the draw, i.e.: date, time, field.
    • WASHOUT RESCHEDULE: means the field is closed, the game is washed out, and will be rescheduled to a later date.
    • WASHOUT CANCELLED: means the field is closed, the game is washed out and cancelled completely.
  • It also pays to check local council hotlines or websites for the most up-to-date ground status, but the draw on Dribl is the final word

Note: During wet weather, grounds may be closed at any time – even once you have arrived at or started a match.

IMPORTANT: A game is ONLY deemed as being officially washed out when the status of that game appears on the draw in Dribl as being WASHED OUT. This is the case even if Council wet weather hotlines and club information have contradicting information. If a team does not arrive for a game due to contradicting information which has been accessed from anywhere other than Dribl, that team will be seen as having forfeited the game.

Age Group Max. number on Match Sheet Max. number of Registered Players in a team Number of Players on the field
Under 6 to 7 See note 10 to 11 4-a-side
Under 8 and 9 11 players 11 (10 to 11 is recommended) 7-a-side
Under 10 to 12 13 players 15 (13 is recommended) 9-a-side
Under 13 to U18 16 players 20 (up to 15 or 16 is recommended) 11-a-side
WIL/U21/All Age (incl. GMT) 16 players 20 (up to 18 is recommended) 11-a-side
O35 MEN / O35 WOMEN 16 players 22 (18 to 20 is recommended) 11-a-side
Over 45 MEN / O50 MEN 18 players (as of 2024) 22 (18 to 22 is recommended) 11-a-side
BBC 16 players 25 (includes those borrowed from feeder teams) 11-a-side

Note: Match sheets are not required for under 6/7, but given the format of the games a maximum of 10 to 11 players is recommended.

The normal duration of matches is as follows:

Age Group Duration
U6/U7 20 minute halves (5 min half-time break)
U8/U9 20 minute halves (5 min half-time break)
U10/U11/U12 25 minute halves (5 min half-time break)
U13/U14 30 minute halves
U15/U16 35 minute halves
U17 (not currently active) 40 minute halves
U18 and above 45 minute halves

Matches, including any shortened match, must be played in equal halves.

Matches shall commence at the stipulated time, however a team is permitted a MAXIMUM ten minutes grace beyond the scheduled starting time where the team has an insufficient number of players with which to commence the match. Once a team has sufficient number of players, the referee shall immediately start the match and the grace period shall end.

There is NO added time (or “injury” time) permitted in normal home and away games. Where a match starts late the Referee (or Game Leader) must shorten the total match time to avoid delaying the start of subsequent matches. The match may be shortened only by the time lost, and must still be played as two equal halves.

Match times are available:

All Abilities – Games are at Birchgrove Oval from 9am-10am on Saturday mornings. Any changes will be communicated to the group by the Age Coordinator.

Tiny Tigers, U6, & U7 – Games are scheduled by the Age Coordinators on a weekly basis and are sent to team leaders prior to each weekend. They are also displayed at the ground for reference (e.g. on the canteen window at Waterfront Oval).

U8 & above – through Football Canterbury’s (FC) scheduling tool DRIBL

** Match sheets and player ID cards are electronic and managed through the DRIBL App.

Coaches and Managers still have physical ID cards that they need to display on match days**

** The Dribl app is available for Apple and Android devices. This has been updated, so always make sure you have the latest version installed**

Dribl – Guide for managing electronic Match Sheets, digital ID cards, and entering scores: Football Canterbury – Dribl Competition Management – Teams

Video guides:

Dribl – Guide for match-day process, including checking of digital ID cards – Football Canterbury – Match Day

Football Canterbury – Instructions for Match Sheets and Scores  – please read carefully as fines apply if not done properly

Football Canterbury Bulletin explaining rules for borrowing players – please read carefully as fines and point deductions apply if these are breached

Important points for match sheets (see Match Day Procedures section below for more detail):

  • All players (including any borrowed players) must be recorded on the match sheet with their correct shirt number
  • Players who are not playing MUST be removed from the match sheet before it is submitted
  • Injuries can be recorded on the match sheet to enable processing of insurance claims
  • Details of the match sheet need to be complete and correct including jersey numbers, scores, winning team, and borrowed players
  • Referees and both team’s Managers must enter and submit the results after each match.

Submission of Match Results : There are fines imposed by Football Canterbury for late submissions of scores that will be passed onto teams. All results must be submitted by 6:00pm on your match day. We strongly encourage all team managers to submit the result in the Dribl app as soon as the match is completed (after the final score is confirmed with the Referee).

How to print a Match Sheet from Dribl (only to be used as a backup if the Dribl app is not available)

Match day checklist for Managers/Coaches

** If you are playing another Balmain DFC team, then the AWAY team has to wear the black strip. This can be picked up from the canteen at Waterfront Oval on match days. **

Football Canterbury – Process for electronic match sheets and checking of ID cards – Please read and be familiar with this.

Football Canterbury –  Instructions for Match Sheets and Scores  – please read carefully as fines apply if not done properly

Canterbury Referees Association (CRA) – Information for Clubs

DRIBL Game Day articles and guides

Before you leave for the game (or the day before the game)

  • Confirm the time and location for the match in DRIBL
  • Check on wet weather status
  • Check the Match sheet using the Dribl app or website
    • all players (including borrowed ones) are added to match sheet and marked as available if playing
    • REQUIRED – click on the A next to each player and Team Official (Coach/Manager) that will be available so that it turns green – tap again to reverse
      • the maximum number of players you can mark as available is shown at the top of the match sheet screen (e.g. 16 for U12 and above)
      • the maximum number of Team Officials (Coaches and/or Managers) that can be in the Technical Area is two (2)
    • OPTIONAL – click on the S next to each player that will be starting the game on the field so that it turns green – tap again to reverse
      • the maximum number you can mark as starting is shown at the top of the match sheet screen (e.g. 11 for U12 and above)
    • OPTIONAL – click on the C next to a player to mark them as Captain for that game – tap again to reverse
    • absent or non-participating players are marked as not available (the A is left as red)
    • REQUIRED – borrowed players are added and marked as available
  • Have your manager card around your neck (and check your Coach brings theirs as well!)
  • Have a match ball

Before the start of the match

  • 30 mins before kick-off
    • Add any borrowed players to the match sheet and/or remove any others not playing
    • Ensure all players shirt numbers are recorded correctly
    • Final check of electronic match sheet and submit it. Check that the opposing team has also submitted their match sheet
  • 10 mins before kick-off (for U13 and above ONLY)
    • Coach/Manager have their Team Official vests on and ID cards around their necks
    • The Referee will check the digital player cards for each team (methods may vary)
    • If there is a dispute over any of the IDs, the Referee will resolve it to their satisfaction as to whether the player is able to participate or not
    • If all is OK with the opposition team, open their Match Sheet and click the CONFIRM option to finalise it
      • Make sure you do this, as fines will apply if it’s not done
    • Complete the Referee Verification in the Match Sheet
      • click on “Referee Verification” in the Match Sheet
      • Confirm the IDs of any Match Officials and tick them off as present (green tick)
      • Mark the cross next to any Match Officials that are not present (red cross)
  • 5 minutes before kick-off
    • Bring players in and get them ready to take the field for the start of the game
  • Kick-off time
    • You’re in position and ready to play!

After the match is completed

  • Confirm the result with the referee and opposition manager
  • Check any Yellow/Red cards have been entered properly and are against the correct players
  • Enter the final score (in the Recorder section for the match) in the Dribl app and save it
    • Make sure to do this at the field immediately after the game – that way you won’t forget!
    • BOTH teams need to enter and save the result after the game
  • Ensure that ANY injuries for your team that occurred during the game are recorded via our online reporting form

Note: Fines will be levied by Football Canterbury if Match Sheets and/or Scores are not completed correctly, so please make sure you are familiar with the all the steps above. Any fines will be passed on to the team responsible.

What happens if a referee does not turn up to referee my match?

  • If an official referee does not arrive to referee your match:
    • Complete the Referee Verification in the Match Sheet (in DRIBL) indicating they were not present;
    • Both parties must agree on one person to referee the WHOLE match (the HOME team is repsonsible for providing a Referee)
    • The nominated person should referee the entire match
    • The volunteer referee (Match Official) must be added to the electronic match sheet (Video Guide: Add Official – Dribl)
  • If both teams cannot agree on a suitable person to referee the match, then:
    • The game shall not proceed
    • The match sheet shall be filled in and state that the match was not played, and the reason why (Could not find/agree on a referee)
      • If one team agreed to a suggested referee but the other team did not, this should be noted
    • The Football Canterbury Fixtures Committee shall then decide the outcome of the match
  • Where a person is appointed to referee the match, they shall have all the powers of an official referee, including red cards etc..
  • Volunteer referees should not be paid, and they should not request (or demand) any payment in order to proceed (unless they have completed the official CRA Associate Referees course).

** Match Official payments for age groups from U13+ have moved to digital payments  **

Cash payments for Referees are no longer applicable and should not be made (or requested). It is all managed via the DRIBL app, and payments will be drawn directly from each club by the Canterbury Referees Association.

Before the start of each match, each Team Offical (Coach or Manager) will need to verify the Match Officials (Referees and Assistant Referees) that are present on the Match Sheet in the DRIBL app. This is a critical task that MUST be completed prior to the start of a match.

  • Please click this link for instructions on how to complete the Referee Verification Process (DRIBL)
    • The Referee Verification option will not appear in your Match Sheet until game day
    • If a Match Official turns up late, or leaves after being verified, you will have a window after the scheduled kick-off time (up until approximately half-time) to verify or unverify them
  • If, for any reason, there are any issues with the Dribl app that don’t allow Referee Verification to be completed, please do the following:
    1. take a photo or, or write down, the name and ID number of each Referee and Assistant Referee present
    2. note down how many Match Officials were present and what type (e.g. 1 x Centre Ref, 1 x Asst Ref)
    3. email competitions@balmainfootball.com.au with the above details, plus the following information about the game:
      • Date, location, and time of match
      • Age group (e.g. (14 GIRLS)
      • Teams present (e.g. Balmain 14 GIRLS 03B vs Burwood 14 GIRLS 03)

Referee payments will be managed via DRIBL directly and as such no physical payments need to take place anymore, nor should they. A Referee should NOT ask for cash payment and cannot force a team to do so. If they ask for cash, they should be directed to the digital payment policy and advised that payment will be completed digitally via the Canterbury Referees Association.

NOTE: If a Referee is not allocated to your game, or one is not present, and a volunteer Referee is agreed to, please ensure you add them to the Match Sheet by following this process: Add Official – DRIBL. Volunteer Referees should not be paid and should not demand payment to oversee a game.

For U8 to U12 age groups, matches are run by Game Leaders (GL). GLs are paid directly by the hosting club and do not need to be paid by the teams.
Game Leaders cannot, and should not, ask for payment directly from teams. If any do so, please direct them to the hosting club’s ground staff for assistance.

These are the published Match Official Fees for 2024 (this table if for informational purposes only):

Age Group CRA Referee (Centre) CRA Assistant Referee (each)
Under 8 to U12 Game Leaders – paid directly by the host club N/A
Under 13/14 $40 ($20 per team) $20 ($10 per team)
Under 15/16 $50 ($25 per team) $30 ($15 per team)
Under 18 BOYS $70 ($35 per team) $35 ($17.50 per team)
U19 GIRLS & U21 MEN $80 ($40 per team) $40 ($20 per team)
O35M/O45M/O50M & O35W $80 ($40 per team) $40 ($20 per team)
AA WOMEN 1st Division (GMT) $90 ($45 per team) $45 ($22.50 per team)
AA WOMEN (all other Divisions) $80 ($40 per team) $40 ($20 per team)
Bill Brackenbury Cup (BBC) $90 ($45 per team) $45 ($22.50 per team)
AA MEN (all other Divisions) $80 ($40 per team) $40 ($20 per team)

Coaches and managers are urged to read the Football Canterbury Judiciary Disciplinary & Appeals Regulations, to understand actions that can lead to the Football Canterbury issuing the club with a fine.

Where Football Canterbury issues the Club with a fine, the responsible player, coach, manager or team will be required to pay the fine (and in some cases an administration fee) to the Club.

Fines for team offences are the responsibility of the team’s Manager to collect and pay.  The Club will issue a payment demand to the registered Manager (or Coach if no Manager is registered), which must be settled by the due date to avoid additional team sanctions.

Common fines & charges for teams (this list is not exhaustive and is subject to change):

  • First Red Card – $75 plus an automatic suspension for a period advised by the Association
  • Five Yellow Cards for a player in a season – $75 plus an automatic 1-match suspension
  • Second and subsequent Red Cards in the same season – $100 plus double the stndard suspension for the offence committed
  • Borrowing or playing an ineligible Player (U13 and above):
    • Fine of additional Registration Fee ($440) PER incident
    • Loss of 3 competition points
    • Match deemed as lost
    • Suspension of ineligible player (if 18+) for:
      • 2 matches if administratively ineligible (e.g. incorrectly borrowed)
      • 12 months if disciplinarily ineligible (e.g. playing while suspended)
    • Suspension of Team Officials
  • Late or No Notice of a Forfeit – Competitive (U12 & above) – $120 plus opposition match official fees
  • Late or No Notice of a Forfeit – Non-Competitive (U11 & below) – $60 plus opposition match official fees
  • Match Sheet Late/Not submitted – $12
  • Match Sheet Incomplete/Incorrect – $12
  • Results Late/Incorrect/Not submitted – $12
  • Playing Strip Incorrect/Incomplete – $120
  • Ground Official Not Visible (Home or Neutral Ground fixtures)
    • First offence by club (not team) $120
    • Second and subsequent offences by club $230
  • Five (5) or more Red Cards for a team in a season, or Twenty (20) or more Yellow Cards for a team in a season – The team manager will be required to show cause in writing to BDFC as to why the team should be permitted to continue in the competition in that season. If this is not provided by the specified date or is deemed unacceptable, the team will be withdrawn from competition for the remainder of the season.
  • U13+ Team (minimum 7 players) failure to attend premiership final presentation – $230
  • Use of prohibited area on Football Canterbury controlled venues – $120

Link to BDFC Red & Yellow Card Fines and Penalties
Link to BDFC Team Fines & Penalties

More information on Football Canterbury fines and charges

It is a Football Canterbury requirement for clubs to provide a Ground Official (GO) for each of their home fields upon which a match is being played (note that a ground may have more than one field – a GO is required for each field).

Apart from it being a serious responsibility to help ensure that games run smoothly and any incidents are reported correctly, severe sanctions can be applied by Football Canterbury if GOs are not present.

Teams must provide GOs as follows:

For Senior Mens teams (BBC, AAM, O35M, O45M, O50M) playing at a BDFC home ground on Saturday afternoons ONLY

Senior Men’s teams that are playing at BDFC home grounds on Saturday afternoons will cover each other’s game in pairs. Teams playing in the early game (kick off at around 1pm) will supply a GO to the late game (kick off at around 3pm). Teams playing in the late game will supply a GO to the early game.

  • BDFC home grounds used on Saturday afternoons are as follows:
    1. Waterfront Drive (WFD)
    2. Glover St Sporting Ground
    3. Birchgrove Oval
    4. Easton Park

For example, if AA/2 are playing on WFD #1 at 1pm and 35/4A are playing on WFD #1 at 3pm then AA/2 would supply a GO for the 3pm game and 35/4A would supply a GO for the 1pm game.

If your game is a derby, only the home team is required to provide a GO to cover the game prior or after. For example, if 35/2A (home team) were playing 35/2B (away team) in the early game then 35/2A would supply the GO for the late game.

  • The exceptions to this, where you must supply a GO for your own game instead of covering the other game in the pair, are as follows:
    1. Your game is the only game scheduled at that field that afternoon (i.e. a single game that is not in a pair);
    2. The other game in your pair is a neutral game and does not involve BDFC (e.g. Earlwood versus Hurlstone Park);
    3. The other game in your pair involves a BDFC team that is not a Senior Men’s team (e.g. 16/1A playing a catch up game).

At ALL other times (for all teams)

You must provide a GO to cover your own game if any of the following apply:

  • You are playing a game at a Balmain DFC home ground. It does not matter whether you are listed as the home or away team. Our home grounds are as follows:
    1. Waterfront Drive
    2. Birchgrove Oval
    3. Easton Park
    4. Glover St Sporting Ground
    5. Cohen Park
    6. Leichhardt Oval No. 3
  • You are the home team at an away ground. For example, you must supply a GO if you are playing Marrickville at Mackey Park and you are listed as the home team. (If you are listed as the away team you do not need to supply a GO.)
  • You are playing at a neutral ground. For example, your team might be playing Concord at Henley Park in Enfield. A GO must be supplied whether you are listed as the home or away team.

Further Information and FAQs

Teams short on players/officials/spectators should try to organise with another BDFC team playing prior/after to provide a GO if possible, otherwise they must find a volunteer themselves. Teams playing on BDFC fields as the away team must also provide a GO for their game – including for local derbies.

Ground officials are required to:

  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Be available at least 10 minutes before the game commences
  • Be wearing the orange Ground Official vest (included in Team Kit bag)
  • Make themselves known to the Referee before the start of the match
  • Not be in the Technical Area or near the team benches during the game
  • Ensure that spectators stay behind ropes and/or fences and do not enter the field of play
  • Ensure that the area behind the goals is kept clear at all times
  • Ensure no person, including coaches and managers, enter field of play until signalled by the referee
  • Assist the referee as requested at any time
  • Enforce NO SMOKING/NO VAPING on or near fields (including for themselves)
  • Enforce NO ALCOHOL zones (including for themselves)
  • Ensure alcohol is not consumed in the vicinity of playing fields until after the completion of the last match of the day, and then only in the permitted zones
  • Remind last team of the day that they must help pack down the field

NOTE:
There are times when an unfortunate incident may occur, such as a fight which becomes physical. If you can safely assist in helping stop an altercation, do so, but at no stage should any BDFC official get themselves in harm’s way by getting in the middle of a physical fight.

It is however, very important that the BDFC volunteer/official takes a detailed summary of the incident including recording player numbers and the sequence of events.  THIS IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT as the association will require the club to make a written statement in due course. The report needs to be recorded in the match day folder situated at the canteen, or emailed to the club at competitions@balmainfootball.com.au.  BDFC staff at home fields will be able to provide assistance if required. The club’s General Manager must also be notified immediately on 0432 813 499 or by email at gm@balmainfootball.com.au.

Frequently asked Questions:

How do I add a GO to the Match Sheet?
Although it’s not mandatory, it’s very useful in many circumstances to know who the GO was for a game, especially if a club needs to gather information about an incident. To add a GO to the Match Sheet in Dribl, follow this process: Add Official – DRIBL.

What happens if you are the last game of the day (except for Senior MENS on Saturdays)?

  • You will need to provide a Ground Official (GO) for your own game, OR
  • For Senior MENS games on Saturdays ONLY (BBC, AAM, O35M, O45M, O50M), you MUST provide a GO for the Senior MENS game either before or after yours
    • The only exception to this is if you are the only game scheduled at a field (e.g. you play at ~3pm and there is no game prior or you play at ~1pm and there is no game after). In this case, you are to cover your own game.

What happens if you are playing a HOME game away from home or ANY game at a NEUTRAL ground?
You are required to provide one GO volunteer for your own game. This also applies to mid-week (evening/night) games at home, away, or neutral fields.

What happens if you are playing an AWAY game at a BDFC ground?
Your team needs to provide a GO volunteer for your game. This includes club derby games.

What happens if you are playing a mid-week night game at a BDFC ground?
You’re required to provide a GO volunteer for your game.

Do I only need to provide a GO for my own team’s games (except for Senior MENS games on Saturdays)?
Yes, unless you come to an greement with a BDFC team playing before or after you to provide a volunteer a GO for them and vice versa. In any event, you are responsible for providing/resourcing a GO for your own game.

The price of not attending:
If a team fails to provide a Ground Official, the Referee is within their rights to not proceed with the game. Football Canterbury will also levy a fine of $120 (equivalent to a forfeit fee) for the first offence as a club. This will be passed on to the team, and all player cards will be deactivated until this is paid. Subsequent offences by the club will incur a fine of $230 per instance. To summarise:

  • The referee may not allow play to start
  • The HOME team can be fined $120 by Football Canterbury for each match this occurs (in the first instance)
    • The fine levied by FC to the cub for second and subsequent instances is $230. This is per INSTANCE, not per TEAM
  • All fines issued to teams or players are passed onto, and payable by, the team(s)/player(s) responsible
  • Where issues with the game lead to judiciary proceedings, the absence of a ground official is a distinct disadvantage.

Link to Football Canterbury Ground Officials (Orange Hi-Vis Vest) – Policy (February 2024)

Minimum number of players needed to start a match

Age Group Minimum Players
Under 6 and 7 Not applicable
Under 8 and 9 5
Under 10 to 12 6
Under 13 and above 7

Borrowing Players

The Borrowing rules are detailed in section 5.2 of the Football Canterbury Rules of Association. In summary:

If a team needs to borrow players for a match, they can do the following:

  1. For SSF non-competitive age groups (U8-U12):
    • Additional players may be sought from any team in a younger age group (apart from Division 1), or from any team in your own age group in a LOWER division than your own.
      • Division 1 players can only play up in another Division 1 team
    • MIXED & GIRLS SSF teams can borrow girl players from both GIRLS and MIXED SSF teams (from 2025)
    • Teams cannot borrow players from the U6 or U7 age groups.
  2. For Youth Premiership teams (U13 to U18):
    • Additional players may be sought from a younger age group, or from any team in your age group, in a LOWER division than your own.
    • Players are permitted to play for teams up to two years above their actual age (it is NOT based on the age group they’re coming from). They must be added to the match sheet as a borrowed player for any match where they are filling in for another team. Coaches or managers should contact the Age Coordinator for the appropriate age groups to seek additional players.
      • If playing up two age groups, a player can play in a team in the higher division that is not more than 3 divisions lower than their own (e.g. an U14 Div2 player can play in an U16 team in Div 5 or above.
    • Notwithstanding the above, a maximum of two players from the lowest team in a particular division may play up into the lowest team of the next highest age group. eg: a 15/1 player may play up into a 16/2 team if both of those teams were the lowest graded teams in their respective age groups
    • Players cannot be borrowed across different silos. E.g. An U11 Girls player cannot be borrowed to play in an U11 Mixed team, they can only be borrowed into another Girls age group.
  3. For Senior teams:
    • Additional players can be sought from a team in a LOWER division than your own only, except:
      • If an U21 or AA Women’s team needs to borrow players, they can borrow from the age group below theirs as long as the player is turning 18 during the year. For example, an U21 team can borrow from an U18 team (in the matching division or lower than their own), but only if the borrowed player is turning 18 during the calendar year. The same applies for AA Women’s team looking to borrow from a WIL team.
    • All Age MEN teams can borrow from U21 teams (from 2025)
      • They cannot borrow from U18 teams (except for the BBC team under certain circumstances).
    • All Age Men, O35 Men, O45 Men, and O50 Men’s age groups can only play within their own age group. E.g. An O50 player cannot be borrowed into an O45, O35, or All Age Men’s team.
    • For All Age Women (AAW) and O35 Women (O35W) ONLY:
      • O35 Women (O35W) can be borrowed into an All Age Women (AAW) team in a Division no more than 2 below their own. E.g. O35W Div 1 can play in AAW Div 3 or higher
      • An AAW (who has attained the age of 35 prior to January 1) can play in an O35W team in the same division or higher only. E.g. An AAW Div 2 player can be borrowed into an O35W Div 2 or higher team.
    • Notwithstanding the above, a maximum of two players from the lowest team in a particular division may play up into the lowest team of the next highest age group. eg: a 15/1 player may play up into a 16/2 team if both of those teams were the lowest graded teams in their respective age groups
  4. There are strict rules around when and how many players can be borrowed, and how often individual players can play “up” in another team or age group. Please consult the Football Canterbury rules or your Age Coordinator for clarification. A breach of these rules can result in forfeits, suspensions, and substantial fines for the players involved, the team, and the club.
  5. As of 2024, a player can play up for other teams up a maximum of FIVE (5) times in total. After that, they must remain in their original team for the remainder of the season.
  6. The maximum number of players that may be borrowed by another team for any given match is:
    • for under 8 and 9 age groups: 2
    • for under 10 to 12 age groups: 3
    • for all other age groups and competitions: 4 (or 2 if borrowing from a higher division than your own due to it being the lowest graded team in the age group below yours)

Forfeiting Matches

** The process for forfeiting was changed from the 2024 season onwards. Please read the information below carefully. **

A forfeit is the last option that should be taken after ALL other avenues have been exhausted. If you know your team will be short for a game, please:

  • contact your Age Coordinator as early as possible to try and see if any players can be borrowed for your team from your (or adjacent) age group
  • if you will have enough players to meet the minimum required (or are just one or two short) to start a game, we recommend you play the game and try your best. This is grassroots football and it’s better to play than miss out completely!

To avoid incurring a fine, any forfeits must be lodged via DRIBL no less than 48-hours prior to kick off for any Association fixture (U8 and above)

      • e.g. to avoid incuring the fee for a 1pm game on Saturday you will need to lodge the forfeit prior to 1pm Thursday; for a 9am Sunday game the forfeit would need to be lodged prior to 9am Friday, etc…

      • If you unable to lodge the forfeit via the Dribl app yourself, please ensure you notify the club at least two hours prior to the deadlines shown above in order to allow time for us to process it and notify the Association in time to avoid a penalty

How to Forfeit a match:

If there is no other option but to forfeit a match, teams are required to:

    1. Submit the forfeit via the DRIBL app prior to the 48-hour notification deadline (or, if this is not possible or available, provide the club’s General Manager and Registrar with sufficient notice to submit it on the team’s behalf prior to the 48-hour deadline)

    2.  Notify:
  • Late (or no) notification of a forfeit will result in a fine from Football Canterbury that will be passed on the team. The team will also be liable to pay the match official fees for both teams
    • As this is electronic notification, the 48-hour deadline is strictly enforced by Football Canterbury. Any notifications submitted after the deadline (even by minutes), will automatically trigger a fine.
  • Include the following information in your message:
    • Your team code, age group, and division
    • The opposition team code/name
    • Date, time, and location of the match being forfeited
  • If the forfeit notification is sent after the deadlines specified above, an accompanying fine may be levied and the team will be invoiced for payment
  • Regardless of when the forfeit is submitted the above three club contacts must still be notified.

Penalties for forfeits:

  • Competition points (U13+ only):
    • 1st forfeit in a season: no points penalty
    • 2nd and subsequent forfeits in a season: 1 competition point deducted (each instance)
  • Fines for late forfeit notification (after deadlines specified above):
    • U8-U12: $60 fine
    • U13+: $120 fine plus full cost of Match Official Fees

CRA Temporary Dismissal (TD) Rules – U13 and above

2024 – Football Canterbury Rules of Association (February 2024) – changes from the previous version are highlighted in yellow

2024 –  Football Canterbury Judiciary Disciplinary & Appeals Regulations (December 2023)

IFAB Laws of the Game

IFAB Laws of the Game – Latest Changes and Clarifications

IFAB = The International Football Association Board

** Note that the Football Canterbury Rules of Association take precendence over standard IFAB Laws if they overlap (for any competitions/tournaments run by Football Canterbury).