Information for Parents and Guardians

 

Leichhardt Saints FC is a not-for-profit, volunteer-run organisation. We rely on the energy of our parents to provide a great experience for the kids. From coaching to oranges, every bit of help makes a difference.

 

1. Supervision: Not a “Drop-Off” Activity

Leichhardt Saints FC is a community club and not a childcare service. To ensure the safety of our players and support our volunteer coaches, the following supervision rules apply:

  • Under 6 to Under 12: Supervision is mandatory. A parent or responsible guardian must remain at the field for the entire duration of all training sessions and games.

  • Under 13 to Under 18: Players in these age groups may be dropped off for training or games only with prior approval from the Coach.

Important Considerations for Older Age Groups:

1. Communication: Parents must ensure the Coach has their current mobile number and is aware that they are leaving the grounds.

2. Emergency Pick-up: Parents must remain contactable and be able to return to the field immediately if a session is cancelled due to weather or if an injury occurs.

3. Punctuality: Parents must be back at the field 5 minutes before the session ends to collect their child. Volunteer coaches cannot be expected to wait at the park after hours.

Note: Coaches have the final say. If a Coach feels that a player requires a parent on-site for behavioural or safety reasons, that parent must remain at the ground regardless of the player’s age.

 

2. How You Can Help (Team Roles)

Every team needs a support crew. Do not worry if you have never done it before. We provide training and resources.

  • Coaches: Lead the training and match day. We offer coaching courses at the start and during the season.

  • Managers: The “engine room” of the team. They handle communications and rosters.

  • Ground Officials: Helping ensure games run safely.

  • Referees: For small sided games (U6 to U12), parents often step in to be the game leader for home games.

Note: To hold an official role, you must register with Football Canterbury. This ensures you are covered by insurance and meet all Working with Children Check (WWCC) requirements.

 

3. Match Day Duties

Football is a team sport on and off the field. Here is what is expected of Saints families:

  • Field Set-up and Pack-up: If your team is the first game of the day at King George Park, Balmain Road Sporting Ground, Rozelle Parklands, or Sydney Secondary College Leichhardt (SSCL), arrive 45 minutes early to help set up nets and flags. If you are the last game, please help pack up neatly.

  • Canteen Duty: The Canteen is our biggest fundraiser. It helps pay for balls, kits, and trophies. Each junior team is rostered for duty about twice a year.

  • Washing and Oranges: We recommend teams use a roster for washing the jerseys and bringing half time oranges. Remember that jerseys must be kept together as a set and returned at the end of the season.

 

4. Support the Canteen

The Canteen is a major source of fundraising for the club. These funds contribute directly towards player equipment and end of season trophies.

 

5. Respect the Volunteers

Every official you meet, whether the person in the canteen, your child’s coach, or a Committee Member, is a volunteer giving up their time for free. Please treat them with the respect and patience they deserve.

 

Quick Checklist for Parents

  • Read the Parents Code of Conduct.

  • Review the Uniform Policy

  • Be prepared to join the team roster for canteen or washing duties.

  • Support the canteen. Every bacon and egg roll helps the club.