South Auckland Rangers AFC

Junior football at SAR AFC is grade 5 -12 (5 - 12 years). 

First Kicks & Fun Football (5 - 8 years)

The SAR philosophy in these introductory grades is fun. Nurturing the love of the beautiful game is @ the heart of developing the youngsters.

First kicks (5 - 6 years) & Fun Football (7 & 8 years) are members of the Auckland South Cluster, combined with Papatoetoe United, Papatoetoe AFC, Otahuhu United and Manukau AFC and play on each of the club’s field on a roster basis.

The junior section of the club continues to grow as the popularity of football in New Zealand increases. 

SAR uses the Whole of the Football Plan. South Auckland Rangers was one of the first clubs to adopt the NZF Whole of Football Plan (WoFP). This is a NZ Football award-winning initiative were players:

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• have a complete football experience in one hour

• rotate through 3 x 8 minute stations where they learn football skills

• have 2 x 12 minute games.

09 - 12 Grade Football

Player skill development & introductory to team concepts become a priority in these grades. A level of fitness is required & team trainings will incorporate a portion of time to fitness & conditioning.

09 & 10 grade football is 7 a side football played on a junior sized pitch with a size 4 football. These grades enter into the Auckland Football Federation club competition.
11 & 12 grade football is 9 a side football played on a larger junior sized pitch with a size 4 football. These grades enter into the Auckland Football Federation club competition.
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SAR Junior Club contact:
Dan Amosa
dan.amosa@sarfootball.org.nz
021 024 11139

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​Small-Sided Game Rules and Playing Format

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6th Grade​

The 6th grade plays on 1/8 of a senior pitch.
The game day format includes 2 8-minute Skill Sessions followed by a game of 2 13-minute halves.
The 6th grade uses flags for goals.
The 6th grade uses a size 3 ball.
The 6th grade plays matches with 5 players per side.
Girls' only teams may have an additional player in their squad.
If a girls' only squad has an extra player present (i.e. 1 more than the 'regulation' number of players) on the very rare occasion they might play an all boys team then it may play with an extra player, provided that:

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• A girls' only team that has the same number of players as the opposition is not able to insist on the opposition playing with 1 less player;

• A girls' only team may only have one extra player than the opposition on the field at any time (so if the girls' only team has 2 extra players than the opposition for any reason it can only have 1 extra player on the field at any time);

• If 2 girls' only teams play each other then they shall ensure that they have the same number of players on the field at any time (whether that is 1 more than the regulation number or the same as the regulation number).

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Notwithstanding the above, all coaches must try to ensure that there is a fair matchup between opposing teams.
That may require lending or swapping players, temporarily reducing the number of players on 1 team, or (our preference) requiring the players on 1 team to comply with restrictions (i.e. 3 passes before shooting; shooting only with the left foot, etc).
At this level, the result is not important and there is an overriding obligation on all coaches and none of the aforementioned rules shall be used a justification for a coach to let their team produce a significantly disparate result (e.g. 10 – 0).
Most teams may have at least 1 substitute.
These teams must play with rolling substitutes, and give equal game time for all players.
If a team is 1 short, then that team will play with 1 fewer.
If a team is 2 short, then the teams must be evened up.
No older player can play down in any grade, but a younger player may play up to make even numbers of players in a team that is short.
Both team coaches can be on the field assisting their players in all Junior grades.
1 coach should referee each half, unless one coach referees both halves by mutual consent.
Supporters must be on the sideline and not behind the goals.
Goals can only be scored from within the opposing team’s half of the field.
Goals can not be scored directly from a kick off, or kick-ins in the 6th grade.
No player (or coach) is to wait near or guard their own team’s goal.
If this occurs the referee should ask and encourage the offender to move.
All goal kicks are to be taken by any member of the defending team from on the ground within 5 metres of the goal.
The attacking team should move well clear of the goal area, at least another 10 metres back.
The defending team should be at least 10 metres back when a kick off is taken from the centre of the pitch.
All corner kicks are to be taken from within 1 metre of the corner.
In the 6th grades there will be no throw-ins, but a restart by kicking the ball back into play.
Tackles from behind, dangerous and jump-in tackles must be whistled as a free kick.
Deliberate hand-balls (for hand to ball, not ball to hand) should also be penalised and a free kick is given against the offending team.
A direct free kick may be awarded to the attacking team if there is an infringement within the goal area.
This is a free shot at goal from 10 metres.
There is no offside rule applied in any Junior grade.
However, players should be discouraged from taking up a position near the opposing team’s goal, unless there is a defending team’s player nearby.
At corners, defending players should be encouraged to mark attacking players, and not stand in the goal mouth.

 

7th Grade

The 7th grade plays on 1/8 of a senior pitch.
The game day format includes 2 8 minute Skill Sessions followed by a game of 2 13 minute halves.
The 7th grade uses flags for goals.
The 7th grade uses a size 3 ball.
The 7th grade plays matches with 5 players per side.
Girls' only teams may have an additional player in their squad.
If a girls' only squad has an extra player present (i.e. 1 more than the 'regulation' number of players) on the vary rare occasion they might play an all boys team then it may play with an extra player, provided that:

• A girls' only team that has the same number of players as the opposition is not able to insist on the opposition playing with 1 less player;

• A girls' only team may only have 1 extra player than the opposition on the field at any time (so if the girls' only team has 2 extra players than the opposition for any reason it can only have 1 extra player on the field at any time);

• If 2 girls' only teams play each other then they shall ensure that that have the same number of players on the field at any time (whether that is 1 more than the regulation number or the same as the regulation number).

Notwithstanding the above, all coaches must try to ensure that there is a fair match up between opposing teams.
That may require lending or swapping players, temporarily reducing the number of players on 1 team, or (our preference) requiring the players on 1 team to comply with restrictions (i.e. 3 passes before shooting; shooting only with left foot etc).
At this level the result is not important and there is an overriding obligation on all coaches and none of the aforementioned rules shall be used a justification for a coach to let their team produce a significantly disparate result (e.g. 10 – 0).
Most teams may have at least 1 substitute.
These teams must play with rolling substitutes, and give equal game time for all players.
If a team is 1 short, then that team will play with 1 fewer.
If a team is 2 short, then the teams must be evened up.
No older player can play down in any grade, but a younger player may play up to make even numbers of players in a team that is short.
Both team coaches can be on the field assisting their players in all Junior grades.
1 coach should referee each half, unless one coach referees both halves by mutual consent.
Supporters must be on the sideline and not behind the goals.
Goals can only be scored from within the opposing team’s half of the field.
Goals can not be scored directly from a kick off, or kick-ins in the 6th grade.
No player (or coach) is to wait near or guard their own team’s goal.
If this occurs the referee should ask and encourage the offender to move.
All goal kicks are to be taken by any member of the defending team from on the ground within 5 metres of the goal.
The attacking team should move well clear of the goal area, at least another 10 metres back.
The defending team should be at least 10 metres back when a kick off is taken from the centre of the pitch.
All corner kicks are to be taken from within 1 metre of the corner.
In the 7th grades there will be no throw-ins, but a restart by kicking the ball back into play.
Tackles from behind, dangerous and jump-in tackles must be whistled as a free kick.
Deliberate hand-balls (for hand to ball, not ball to hand) should also be penalised and a free kick is given against the offending team.
A direct free kick may be awarded to the attacking team if there is an infringement within the goal area.
This is a free shot at goal from 10 metres.
There is no offside rule applied in any Junior grade.
However, players should be discouraged from taking up a position near the opposing team’s goal, unless there is a defending team’s player nearby.
At corners, defending players should be encouraged to mark attacking players, and not stand in the goal mouth.

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8th Grade

The Mixed 8th grade plays on 1/4 of a senior pitch, and the Girls Only 8th grade play on a 1/8 of a senior pitch.
The game day format includes a game of 2 15 minute halves.
The Mixed 8th grade uses plastic goals and the Girls 8th grade use flags.
The 8th grade uses a size 3 ball.
The Mixed 8th grade plays matches with 6 players per side and the Girls 8th grade play with 5 players per side.
Girls' only teams may have an additional player in their squad.
If a girls' only squad has an extra player present (i.e. 1 more than the 'regulation' number of players) on the vary rare occasion they might play an all boys team then it may play with an extra player, provided that:

• A girls' only team that has the same number of players as the opposition is not able to insist on the opposition playing with 1 less player;

• A girls' only team may only have 1 extra player than the opposition on the field at any time (so if the girls' only team has 2 extra players than the opposition for any reason it can only have 1 extra player on the field at any time);

• If 2 girls' only teams play each other then they shall ensure that that have the same number of players on the field at any time (whether that is 1 more than the regulation number or the same as the regulation number).

Notwithstanding the above, all coaches must try to ensure that there is a fair match up between opposing teams.
That may require lending or swapping players, temporarily reducing the number of players on 1 team, or (our preference) requiring the players on 1 team to comply with restrictions (i.e. 3 passes before shooting; shooting only with left foot etc).
At this level the result is not important and there is an overriding obligation on all coaches and none of the aforementioned rules shall be used a justification for a coach to let their team produce a significantly disparate result (e.g. 10 – 0).
Most teams may have at least 1 substitute.
These teams must play with rolling substitutes, and give equal game time for all players.
If a team is 1 short, then that team will play with 1 fewer.
If a team is 2 short, then the teams must be evened up.
No older player can play down in any grade, but a younger player may play up to make even numbers of players in a team that is short.
Both team coaches can be on the field assisting their players in all Junior grades.
1 coach should referee each half, unless one coach referees both halves by mutual consent.
Supporters must be on the sideline and not behind the goals.
Goals can only be scored from within the opposing team’s half of the field.
Goals can not be scored directly from a kick off, or from throw-ins.
No player (or coach) is to wait near or guard their own team’s goal.
If this occurs the referee should ask and encourage the offender to move.
All goal kicks are to be taken by any member of the defending team from on the ground within 5 metres of the goal.
The attacking team should move well clear of the goal area, at least another 10 metres back.
The defending team should be at least 10 metres back when a kick off is taken from the centre of the pitch.
All corner kicks are to be taken from within 1 metre of the corner.
In the 8th grade throw-ins should be taken correctly.
If a player has not done this correctly, then the referee should show the player how to do it, and ask them to retake the throw-in.
If it is taken incorrectly again, the referee should award the throw-in to the opposition.
Tackles from behind, dangerous and jump-in tackles must be whistled as a free kick.
Deliberate hand-balls (for hand to ball, not ball to hand) should also be penalised and a free kick is given against the offending team.
A direct free kick may be awarded to the attacking team if there is an infringement within the goal area.
This is a free shot at goal from 10 metres.
There is no offside rule applied in any Junior grade.
However, players should be discouraged from taking up a position near the opposing team’s goal, unless there is a defending team’s player nearby.
At corners, defending players should be encouraged to mark attacking players, and not stand in the goal mouth.

 

9th Grade

The 9th grade plays on 1/4 of a senior pitch.
The game day format includes a game of 2 18 minute halves.
The 9th grade uses plastic goals (except for Platinum teams).
The 9th grade uses a size 4 ball.
The 9th grade plays matches with 7 players per side, including a Goalkeeper.
All coaches must try to ensure that there is a fair matchup between opposing teams.
That may require lending or swapping players, temporarily reducing the number of players on 1 team, or (our preference) requiring the players on 1 team to comply with restrictions (i.e. 3 passes before shooting; shooting only with the left foot, etc).
At this level, the result is not important and there is an overriding obligation on all coaches that none of the aforementioned rules shall be used a justification for a coach to let their team produce a significantly disparate result (e.g. 10 – 0).
Most teams may have at least 1 substitute.
These teams must play with rolling substitutes, and give equal game time for all players.
If a team is 1 short, then that team will play with 1 fewer.
If a team is 2 short, then the teams must be evened up.
No older player can play down in any grade, but a younger player may play up to make even numbers of players in a team that is short.
Both team coaches can be on the field assisting their players in all Junior grades.
1 coach should referee each half unless one coach referees both halves by mutual consent.
Supporters must be on the sideline and not behind the goals.
Goals can only be scored from within the opposing team’s half of the field.
Goals can not be scored directly from a kickoff, or from throw-ins.
All goal kicks are to be taken by any member of the defending team from on the ground within 5 meters of the goal.
The attacking team should move well clear of the goal area, at least another 10 meters back.
The defending team should be at least 10 meters back when a kickoff is taken from the center of the pitch.
All corner kicks are to be taken from within 1 meter of the corner.
In the 9th grade, throw-ins should be taken correctly.
If a player has not done this correctly, then the referee should show the player how to do it, and ask them to retake the throw-in.
If it is taken incorrectly again, the referee should award the throw-in to the opposition.
Tackles from behind, dangerous and jump-in tackles must be whistled as a free kicks.
Deliberate handballs (for hand-to-the-ball, not ball-to hand) should also be penalized and a free kick is given against the offending team.
A direct free kick may be awarded to the attacking team if there is an infringement within the goal area.
This is a free shot at goal from 10 meters.
There is no offside rule applied in any Junior grade.
However, players should be discouraged from taking up a position near the opposing team’s goal, unless there is a defending team’s player nearby.
At corners , defending players should be encouraged to mark attacking players, and not stand in the goalmouth