Clovelly Eagles JRFC is committed to providing a safe, enjoyable and community-minded rugby experience for all players. These guidelines explain how teams are structured, how squads are planned each season and how the club manages changes such as uneven numbers or team dissolution. They ensure fairness, safety and compliance with Randwick District Rugby Union and Sydney Junior Rugby Union (SJRU) requirements.
1. Club philosophy
Our goal is to grow participation, keep children safe, develop strong rugby skills and foster a positive club culture. We aim to retain players, welcome new families and create balanced age groups that support long-term enjoyment of the game.
Families join the club, not a specific team. We support friendships where possible, but safety, balance and fairness come first.
2. Team numbers and squad sizes
Squad sizes increase as players progress through age groups:
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U6: 5 players on field
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U7: 7 players on field
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U8–U9: 10 players on field
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U10–U11: 12 players on field
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U12+: 15 players on field
Squad sizes must allow for safe substitutions, injuries, illness and availability across the winter season.
SJRU also sets maximum squad limits for each competition. When an age group reaches these limits, new players are added to a waitlist.
3. Recruitment and new players
Recruitment happens through:
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the annual September–December Expression of Interest process
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siblings and school networks
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returning families bringing friends
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social media promotions and flyers
New players are welcome, but their placement is determined by age-group needs, not preference for a specific team.
3.1 Allocation of new and unsolicited players
New players who join without requesting a team are reviewed by the Age Manager and Registrar and placed based on:
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balancing team numbers
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positional requirements (especially at U10+ where contested scrums begin)
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ensuring no team is overloaded with one position group
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maintaining even teams across the age group
Friendships are considered where possible, but cannot override safety or balancing requirements.
3.2 New players who request a specific team
If a new player has classmates or family friends in a particular team, this is noted.
However, placement still depends on:
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squad limits
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positional balance
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team viability
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SJRU and district requirements for even teams
The club will try to support friendships, but cannot guarantee team requests.
4. Start-of-season team planning
Each season, the following process occurs:
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Registrar confirms returning coaches and managers with the Age Manager.
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Prior-year team lists are reviewed to identify returning players.
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Coaches and managers are informed of:
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squad size changes
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new age-group rules
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positional needs
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Age Manager and Registrar assess:
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minimum viable squad sizes
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maximum allowable squad sizes
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expected number of teams
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Coaches may flag positional gaps, but do not determine team lists.
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Expected team structures are drafted for Committee review.
This process helps determine whether the age group can field the same number of teams as the previous year or whether changes are needed.
5. Allocation of players across teams
Final player allocation is made by the Age Manager and Registrar, with input from coaches, using the following priorities:
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Safety (especially in scrum-age groups)
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Balanced team numbers
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Positional spread across all teams
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Even teams, as required by district policy
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Friendships and continuity, where feasible
This age-group-first approach ensures players have the best possible experience and teams remain competitive and safe.
6. Team imbalance or recruitment shortages
If numbers are unbalanced across teams, the Age Manager and Registrar may:
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move individual players
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move small friendship groups (“pods”) to support comfort
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redistribute new or waitlisted players
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adjust expected team structures
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ask teams to recruit further within their networks
Any changes will be communicated clearly and with sensitivity.
7. Team dissolution or mergers
Sometimes an age group cannot safely support the same number of teams as the previous year.
Team dissolution may be required when:
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a team does not have enough players for a viable squad
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positional shortages create safety risks
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too few returning players nominate for that team
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new players are insufficient to fill gaps
When a team is dissolved:
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The Age Manager meets with all coaches to review options.
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Players from the dissolved team are allocated to other teams in friendship pods where possible, but safety and balance remain the priority.
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Teams receiving players must accept placements to keep the age group viable.
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The Committee approves final decisions.
Team dissolution always prioritises:
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player safety
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even squads
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age-group stability
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minimal disruption to friendships
8. External transfers
Players transferring from another club follow the same allocation rules as new players.
Placement is guided by:
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available squad space
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positional needs
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balancing requirements
Friendships are considered second to safety and team viability.
9. Communication and transparency
The club commits to:
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clear, timely communication with families
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explaining the rationale for any player movement
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handling reallocation with sensitivity
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supporting players socially and emotionally through changes
Allocation decisions are consistent, documented and focused on player welfare.
10. Summary
These guidelines ensure Clovelly Eagles:
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puts the age group before individual teams
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fields balanced, safe and compliant squads
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supports friendships where possible
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manages growth and change responsibly
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provides a fair, transparent and enjoyable rugby experience
These principles keep rugby fun, safe and sustainable for all players as they progress through Minis and Juniors.