PJFC Newsletter, Issue #10 - May 21, 2025

PJFC passed the 700 players mark on the weekend, which includes a new record of 215 girls. There are some teams who are still actively recruiting for more players - U9 & U10 Mixed  / U14 Girls / U16 & U18 Boys. Please reach out to our Registrar, Peter Cotter, if you have questions or know anyone interested in joining us - registrar@prahranjfc.com.au

Division grading has now concluded and changes will be released with the Round 5 fixture. Round 6 will be released early next week.

Game Day Volunteers: Urgent Action Needed

ALL game day volunteers, whether it be timekeeper, water carrier or coach, need to be registered as a volunteer on PlayHQ so the SMJFL can track Working With Children Certificates (WWCC).

We ask that all parents take 5 minutes to register as a volunteer and add your WWC number in PlayHQ using this link: https://www.playhq.com/afl/org/prahran-junior-football-club-smjfl/9c0efe6d/register

SMJFL audits of game day volunteers will commence soon and game day volunteers will be checked against PlayHQ, so we hope to avoid any fines.

For reference, all the roles below are expected to be registered on PlayHQ, with their valid WWCC’s entered in correctly:

• Committee Members

• Child Safety

• All Coaches & Assistant Coaches

• Trainer

• Goal & Boundary Umpires

• Water Carriers

• Umpire Escorts

• Runner

• Timekeeper

SMJFL

There are some new rules and timely reminders for everyone to be across.

White Cards

In Season 2025, unacceptable coaching box behaviours can be managed by the umpires in real-time by the White Card System.

Alcohol

Strictly forbidden at all games and SMJFL will hand out fines to clubs in breach of this.

Team Official Roles

An SMJFL reminder to specific by-law sections regarding the following roles:

• Coach

  • Responsibility to maintain appropriate team, Team Official and Match Official behaviours and to instruct the Players and Officials to always act within the rules and spirit of the game.

  • Unacceptable behaviours from the team bench area may see the Head Coach receive a White Card

  • Must always remain in the Team Bench area. * this means that coaches must stand off the boundary line, so that boundary umpires can safely run past.

• Runner

  • May deliver a message to a maximum of two Players before leaving the playing field and must leave the playing field immediately after the messages have been delivered.

  • Runners must not coach, barrack or in any way deliberately obstruct play or interfere with a Player or Official from the opposing team.
    

• Umpire Escort

  • Both teams must supply an Umpire Escort, who shall escort the Field Umpires to and from the ground at the commencement of the match, at half time and at the conclusion of the match. Each Umpire Escort shall remain outside the Umpires’ room during half time. The Umpire Escort must remain with the Umpires until all SMJFL paperwork has been finalised.

  • During play the Umpire Escorts shall act as Interchange Stewards to ensure Players enter and exit the ground via the designated Interchange Area. The Umpire may stand immediately inside the fence near the Interchange Area.
    

• Water Carrier (only allowed in non-modified competitions)

  • May enter the field of play from any position on the ground

  • Are not permitted to communicate with the Team Bench other than during the breaks between quarters

  • Must not at any time other than during the breaks between quarters be within 15m of the Team Bench

  • Are not permitted to pass messages or give instructions to Players or disrupt play.

Raffle Winners

Congratulations to our previous winners:

• Salon Mace Voucher and Products - Andrew Nash

• Paqme Trench Raincoat - Kelly Healey

• Tahbilk Hamper - Sam Haydon

• Peter Boucher Voucher - Rob Ashton

• Champagne and Flowers Hamper from Izzy Monaghan - James Cotton

After a break last week, we will be back with the raffle this week to double down on Peter Bouchier vouchers, so 2 x $150 vouchers are up for grabs. You do need to be at the club to purchase tickets.

If any local businesses would like to donate raffle prizes, please reach out: sponsorships@prahranjfc.com.au

Jack, Dylan and Caleb from U12 Pitts celebrated 50 games on the weekend!

Friday Night Volunteers

Please keep an eye out for your team Whatsapp chat messages as we have teams allocated to volunteering for BBQ, bar and raffle on Fridays. We encourage everyone to chip in to help out.

Mad Bunday at Grill’d

If your AFL team gets a win on the weekend, the burgers are on Grill’d! Register your details and team and rock up to celebrate the win on Monday.

All details found here: https://grilld.com.au/mad-bunday

Congrats to our Favourite Butcher!