What do I need to know as a team manager of a WA Football junior team in Years 3-6 (ages 8-12)? Team sheets, eligibility, home team duties, talking to umpires, injuries, forfeits and match day volunteers.
Each team must supply a Team Manager, the primary contact for umpires, League officials and the opposing team. Under section 22 of the 2026 handbook you are responsible for:
You may be inside the Coaches Box during play and may leave it for another football-related matter, but you may not enter the playing surface unless the Field Umpire instructs you to. You must wear the approved League identification (uniform, vest or lanyard) and follow the WA Football Code of Conduct. A WA Working With Children Check is required where someone has an agreement to work (paid or volunteer) in child-related work and no exemption applies; sport commonly falls under Category 12, "Club, Association or Movement".
A team sheet must be prepared for every match using PlayHQ, and you are responsible for its accuracy. It must list:
Rules:
The Team Manager must ensure every player is registered, active in PlayHQ, holds a current permit if needed, and is not under suspension. Playing an ineligible player forfeits the match.
Key checks (2026 handbook):
Team managers are responsible for inspecting the ground before the game to assess whether it is suitable and safe, using the AFL/Marsh Match Day Checklist (required for each ground check). The check is done before the first match of the day and again whenever the oval size or weather changes.
Other home-side duties:
You coordinate your team's game day volunteers, including scorekeeping and timing. Each team must supply for every match:
Coaches Box (Years 3-12): permitted are the coach, one assistant coach, team manager, runner, First Aid / Medical Officer, and anyone named as playing in the match. Not permitted: interchange steward, goal umpire, home independent scorer or timekeeper, ground marshal, and anyone not named as playing (spectators or previously injured players). Coaching staff must be on the team sheet and stay in the box during play.
Each venue hosting junior matches also needs a Ground Marshal.
WA Football has zero tolerance for umpire abuse and dissent, and nobody may approach an umpire except those listed in section 48. As Team Manager you (and the Captain) may approach an umpire only to:
Home and Away Team Managers may confer with the Field Umpire at breaks to help keep the game day environment safe and positive. Coaches may approach only to shake hands before and after the match. Other players, officials and spectators must not approach umpires.
The Home Team Manager is responsible for the welfare of the umpires on match day. Feedback on umpiring goes from the Club President to WA Football through the online form, and should be specific and objective.
Team managers must maintain accurate game day records including team sheets and injury reports, and ensure any concussion reports are submitted.
All teams are expected to make every effort to play their fixtures, including negotiating a reschedule with the opposition.
Safety concerns: no coach or official may remove a team from the field during play. If you have a safety concern, speak to the Field Umpire at the next available break. If it continues, contact your Club President, who notifies the League. Only the Field Umpire, Umpire Coach or League Administrator can call a match off.
Vilification: if an alleged vilification incident occurs, you must inform your Club President in line with the Vilification Policy.
Photography: make the opposing Team Manager aware of any photographer. The opposing manager identifies anyone who does not consent to their image being taken (for example because of a court order or safety). Agree where images will be displayed and who to contact with concerns. If a parent or club official raises privacy concerns, the two team managers must meet immediately, and requests not to publish photos or videos must be respected.
Behaviour: you must promptly address negative behaviour from players, volunteers or spectators, and follow the WA Football Code of Conduct. Team managers face the same investigations and penalties as players, including suspensions, sanctions and fines.