In 2016 AFL Sydney Juniors is introducing a new reward-based system, called Reward E Points, in an effort to promote good conduct on and off the field.

It is important to acknowledge that an appropriate response to issue management is only one part of the objective of the initiative. Beyond the management of any issues, a better and more enjoyable environment for all could reflect in a club's capacity to retain players and recruit volunteer support. Great clubs have great cultures!

Reward E Points is an approach where wins and losses are supplemented by Reward E Points that a team can accumulate for good or acceptable behaviour. It is a measurement whereby 'environmental issues' such as Yellow and Red Cards, Reports and Code of Conduct breaches may ultimately have an impact on a team's position on the ladder. It provides a reward that's available to all clubs.

Simply, four additional Reward E Points are allocated to each club for each game. These additional points can be deducted for Yellow and Red Cards, Reports and Code of Conduct breaches during the game.

• Reward E Points apply to players, coaches, volunteers, clubs and spectators.
• Non-allocation of Reward E Points for non-competition age group teams (ie. Under 9 & 10) will be recognised in the Club of the Year award.
• Each participating team may incur the non allocation of a maximum of four Reward E Points per game for any bylaw breach.
• No Yellow Card infringement appeal is permissible. AFLSJ Administration will continue to review all Yellow and Red Cards issued by umpires, understanding that umpires involved are of varying levels of experience. Where AFLSJ Administration and the Umpire Manager believe that a Yellow or Red Card was not appropriate in the circumstances, then this will be removed from the record of the team/player, and the umpire will be provided with the necessary education.
• It is anticipated that any non-allocation of Reward E Points would normally be resolved weekly, after any Tribunals or PPO's are completed. Sometimes where delays occur in resolving matters, the weekly update on Reward E Points will be noted.
• It is not anticipated that matters that occur in the last Home & Away match round will affect the allocation of Reward E Points
• When Reward E Points are not awarded, a general advice of all the round points variations will be issued post-round on the AFLSJ website.
• 'Calm Down'. Occasionally when players may become 'overheated', overexcited, angry in their behaviour, and is just short of a formal report for an errant action, they may be given a Yellow Card. In such cases, defined as a 'Calm Down', non-allocation of Reward E Points will not occur.
• Crowd behaviour. When a field umpire believes that the behaviour of spectators is inappropriate in actions and words, at the next break he/she will advise the ground manager to address the behaviour for it to be stopped. If the behaviour does not stop after the break, or recurs later in the match, the field umpire will report such behaviour in the match report for review by the regional committee for determination of the allocation of Reward E Points
• Where an individual is involved, at the next break the field umpire will advise the ground manager to address the behaviour for it to be stopped. If the behaviour does not stop after the break, or recurs later, the field umpire will report such behaviour in the match report, and AFLSJ Administration and the umpire manager will determine the allocation of Reward E Points.

For full details, download the AFL Sydney Juniors Reward E Point bulletin (103kb)

RETURN TO RULES & POLICIES

After lying dormant for five months, Goanna Park came alive on February 28 with the inaugural Cumberland Cup Family Fun Day.

Around 200 kids from the Holroyd Parramatta Goannas and Parramatta Lions clubs enjoyed a day of fun and games in a celebration of junior AFL.

First off were fun activities including Tug-o'-War, Water Balloon Toss, Banana Lolly Catch, Sponge Squeeze, Footy Relay, Dodge Ball and Hula Hoop Handpass.

On the edge of the field, GWS Giants inflatable goals, handball practice targets and a jumping castle were popular with the littlies. The canteen was kept busy with free sausage sizzles on offer!

After the Coaches and Team Managers Sprint over a tortuous (for some!) 30 metres, it was time for footy games between teams of Auskickers, Under 9/10s, Under 11/12s, and Under 13/14s.

AFL and GWS Giants staff helped to run the event, which was held under a sunny sky at the Gipps Road Sporting Complex.

AFL NSW/ACT Local Area Manager Greg Talbot was delighted with the large turnout.

"These two great clubs temporarily put aside their traditional on-field rivalry to come together for a family fun day outdoors – running around, kicking a footy, sharing a sausage sizzle and a smile," Greg said.

"It was fitting that when we tallied the points from all of the day's activities to award the Cumberland Cup, the result was a draw. AFL was the real winner on the day!"

Goannas President Sharlene Cormack agreed that the day typified everything that's good about junior AFL.

"Today wasn't so much about competitive games as bringing together families from different backgrounds to share the experience of being active and having fun outdoors," Sharlene said. "It was great to see mums, dads, brothers and sisters joining in the fun games and having lots of laughs.

"We signed-up another 29 kids to play footy with the Goannas this year. These kids will enjoy playing the great game of Aussie Rules in a safe, fun and welcoming environment.

"Thanks to the GWS Giants and AFL NSW/ACT for their support in running the day, and our friends from the Parramatta Lions who I hope enjoyed our 'Go Goannas!' hospitality.

"We're looking forward to another great season in the Western Sydney Junior AFL competition," Sharlene said.

ABOUT HOLROYD PARRAMATTA JUNIOR AUSTRALIAN RULES FOOTBALL CLUB

The Holroyd Parramatta Goannas club fields teams in most age groups from Under 9-17. Girls under 9/10/11 can play in the club's mixed teams, and girls under 12/13 have the opportunity to play within our new Western Sydney Under 15 Youth Girls Team.

Age teams play home and away games from late-March until mid-August, followed by finals for Under 11-17 teams. Some Grand Finals are played at Spotless Stadium, home ground of the GWS Giants.

The club also hosts weekly NAB AFL Auskick sessions from 8.30-9.50am on Sundays, beginning on Sunday April 10. Auskick is an introduction to junior football for girls and boys from 5 to 12 years, with skills training and games – and an emphasis on fun!

To register go to our Registration page, or for more information contact our registrar Therese Scicluna by email or phone 0421 312 548.