When do games take place?
The majority are on Sundays, though some night games may be scheduled.

Can my child play Under 8s and 9s and still stay in Auskick?
Not only can they, but they should. Auskick is ideal for improving football skills, and many players continue Auskick training until age 11 or 12. Under 8s and 9s should train with Auskick in addition to their weekly club training session.

Are there finals?
Yes, for Boys U11+ and Girls U11+. For younger age groups, a Lightning Carnival is held.

What if it rains?
Games will go on unless the field conditions are unsafe.

Do I have to play Auskick first?
There is no requirement to have played Auskick before participating in SMJFL competitions.

What exactly are the modified rules?
The SMJFL publishes a Rule Variation Matrix which summaries the rule modifications each year and how they apply to each age group. To the view the matrix, click here.

For modified rules competitions are played by the U10 and U12 girls (excluding Div 1), the following applies:

• Zones – ground split into 3 equal zones. Players wear different coloured wrist bands to show which third they are allowed to in

• Positions are rotated throughout the game

• Modified Tackle – players can be tackled but must not be brought to ground.

Can girls play with the boys in a mixed team?
Girls can play in mixed teams with the boys up to and including U14s. After this time, girls must play in girls only competitions.

What pathways are available for players that want to continue after they finish playing at BJFC?
BJFC has a close alignment with Bentleigh Football and Netball Club which generally sees approximately 80% of junior players continuing together in there football journeys.  Whilst playing junior football there are various elite pathways and training programs available from U15 to open age.  These include interleague competitions, TAC Cup (Oakleigh Chargers and Sandringham Dragons), and the ultimate level of the AFL and AFLW.

How old does my child need to be to join?
Auskick is for boys and girls ages 4 to 12. They need to turn 5 in the year they are playing Auskick.

What is required of family members?
In Auskick nothing is achieved without the help of parents, family, and friends, you can always ask our Auskick Co-ordinator where help is required. NAB AFL Auskick encourages the participation of parents, of all abilities and fitness levels! Many parents see Auskick as a time to spend quality time with their children, and research indicates that children are more likely to persist with and enjoy activities when their parents are involved. Parents are invited to join in skills sessions and activities with their kids and may even learn a thing or two!

Can girls play?
Girls are very much encouraged to join Auskick.

What sort of boots / clothing do we need?
Football boots can be worn, but runners are fine as well. Most players wear their favourite teams football jumper.

What happens if it rains, hails, snows, or is very hot or windy?
Bentleigh Auskick is always on rain, hail or shine. However, if the coaches believe that the ground conditions are not suitable play may be cancelled. This decision will be made on the morning of the Auskick session at the ground.

Do we need a mouthguard?
At Auskick level, the benefits that a mouth guard provides are negligible as the games are slower, tackling is not allowed, and players cannot kick off the ground.

My son or daughter is in grade 5. Can he/she still do Auskick?
Yes, the Auskick program is designed for players from grade Prep to grade six. At Bentleigh we break up the playing group into three groups i.e. Preps, One and Two and Three to Six. This allows us to fit the drills to the relevant age group.

Can my child play Under 8’s and 9s and still stay in Auskick?
Playing both is possible, but times may overlap, requiring parents to decide based on scheduling.

My child does not have the same ability of other children. Is there any point in joining?
Absolutely. Auskick gives children of all ability levels an opportunity to learn in a relaxed and enjoyable environment, whilst early participation in physical activity develops important motor skills and social abilities that can become the foundation for a lifetime participation in sport and recreation.

When does my child get to play a half time game in an AFL game?
The AFL allocates games to Auskick centres across Australia, Bentleigh Auskick has no control over the scheduling. The AFL’s policy is for older children (grades 5 and 6) to play the central game. If numbers from those grades are insufficient, grade 2 players may occasionally be invited.