This page explains how to nominate for selection in the 12 years and under boys and girls Australian football state teams to compete at the School Sport Australia championships in 2024.

Who can nominate to be selected

To nominate for selection, students must be:

• enrolled at an affiliated school.
• born in 2012, 2013, 2014.

Where and when

Geelong, Victoria from Saturday 3 to Saturday 10 August 2024.

Travel dates may vary due to flight availability.

Team officials

• Boys coach - Chris Slattery, St Joseph's School - Clare
• Boys assistant coach - Tom Arborn, Nazareth Catholic College
• Boys team manager - Shane Arbon, St Joseph's School - Gladstone
• Girls coach - Matt Bradley, Angaston Primary School
• Girls assistant coach - Dakota Williams, School Sport SA
• Girls team manager - Ella Mickan, Nuriootpa High School

The team will be under the supervision of the team officials to meet supervision ratios.

How to nominate for trials

A trial cost of $10 inc GST per student is to be paid when nominating online. Complete the nomination form by

• Boys - due Thursday 28 March
• Girls - due Wednesday 10 April

You will receive a confirmation email within 2 business days once your nomination has been processed. Your school will also be sent a copy as confirmation of your nomination. Your school has the right to not approve a child’s involvement based on behaviour, attendance and other grounds as determined by the school.

Trial details

Trials are run in a safe and supportive learning environment to select the state team to compete at the School Sport Australia Championships.

• Students are to wear appropriate school sports top, footwear any sport specific equipment.
• Parents/caregivers are responsible for organising transport to and from the trials.
• If unforeseen circumstances mean the trials are unable to go ahead, families and schools will be notified as soon as possible. Trials will either be rescheduled if time permits, or an alternative option will be organised.

Boys

This is a state team intended for players who are predominantly 12 years old in 2024. Parents and caregivers, please ensure that your child is at the right skill level to compete against others who are in this age group.

Students will be allocated 1 trial day to attend on either.

• Wednesday 17 April at Thebarton Oval, 1 Meyer Street, Torrensville (updated 3 April 2024)
• Thursday 18 April at Woodville Oval, Oval Road, Woodville South

Arrive at 9am for registrations. The trial will finish at approximately 3pm.

Team officials will email trial day allocations within 1 week of nominations closing.

Parent/caregivers who are available to help umpire trial games on the above days, email Education.StateTeams@sa.gov.au with their availability.

After the above trials, students will be advised of their selection or non-selection. Students selected will attend 2 trials held at Norwood Oval, Corner The Parade and 4 Woods Street, Norwood 3pm to 5pm on

• Sunday 28 April
• Sunday 5 May

Girls

The first 3 trials will be held at Campbeltown Memorial Oval, Darley Rd, Paradise from 9am to 12pm on

• Monday 15 April
• Tuesday 16 April
• Wednesday 17 April

After the above trials, students will be advised of their selection or non-selection. Selected students will attend  2 trials at a venue to be confirmed 5pm to 7pm on

• Friday 3 May
• Friday 10 May

Selection process

Students will be involved in drills and competitive scenarios to select the team based on

• Ability and game sense in the sport
• Willingness to listen and learn from feedback
• Teamwork
• Level of skill and sport knowledge
• Fitness level and effort
• Positive attitude at trials and school
• Demonstration of being a good sport and behaviour on and off the playing arena

Parental permission must be obtained to be selected to attend the championship.

School endorsement

Selection in a School Sport SA state team requires endorsement from the student’s school principal before confirming their place in the team. Therefore, parents are advised not to make any arrangements that incur costs until the school has confirmed that the student fulfils all requirements.

Training and championship expectations

All selected team members will be required to attend all team trainings and a team photo shoot.

Country team members travelling more than 2 hours can negotiate their commitment.

The selected student agrees to attend the competition for the full duration including the opening and closing ceremonies and the educational excursion.

Accommodation, flights, and daily transport

Parents/caregivers who can accompany their child must book and manage accommodation, flights and daily transport for the entire championship.

Should this not be possible then the family will need to negotiate with School Sport SA to arrange appropriate flights, accommodation, meals and daily transport for their child which will be an additional cost. Negotiations must begin within 1 week of the team being announced.

Championship costs

An individual itemised account will be provided for every student selected in a School Sport SA state team.

The anticipated cost to School Sport SA is approximately $600 which includes levies to participate at the championship and any training costs. Walkout and competition uniforms will be approximately $500 depending on the number of items ordered. This will be a separate online ordering process where payment is made directly to the supplier.

Accommodation, flights, meals, daily transport and personal spending money will be an additional cost for families and will not appear on the invoice from School Sport SA.

Fixtures and results

See School Sport Australia Australian Football for fixtures and results as they are available.