JSC U12's & U14's Playing Numbers

Recently there has been feedback and opinion received in relation to the player numbers for the U12’s & U14’s at the 2013 Junior State Cup. As you are aware that the position of the NSWTA has been that the 12’s and 14’s divisions have played 7 aside at Junior State Cup.

We have only moved to 6 a side for higher representation for the 14’s at the Junior Regionals.

Feedback at that level related to coaches finding it difficult to make the adjustments for players from the two (2) events. While this may say something about the development needed in the coaching ranks it also shows a juxtaposition of difference between the JSC divisions, Junior Regionals and the School systems.

At this year’s AGM Parramatta TA raised the issue of NSWTA considering going to 6 aside for both the U12’s and U14’s. There was considerable discussion both in support of the notion but also in support of the status quo. The Board then asked for further feedback and discussed the matter with the Regions at the September Board of Management meeting.

Following the feedback the staff prepared a position and recommendation for the Board on the issue.

The Board, based on the feedback of the members, Regions and the staff recommendation have agreed with the original notion put forward by Parramatta TA that for the 2013 JSC and beyond both the U/12’s and U14’s divisions will be played at 6 aside.

In adopting this change it can now be demonstrated that the entire junior development pathway is consistent in both community and school touch programs.