Should there be a minimum age for amateur players?

[To Mati]

Ive increasingly noticed over the years that there appears to be more youngsters playing in the SAASL than ever before. Do you think this is a good thing or a bad thing?

I think there should be a 'youth' amateur league for those youngsters that just wanna kick it around socially or if they prefer to be competitive, drive them to the Federation leagues. Surely 16-18 yr old kids can do much better. Besides, how are fat fuks like me supposed to keep up with little shits?

[swannsong]

Ive increasingly noticed over the years that there appears to be more youngsters playing in the SAASL than ever before. Do you think this is a good thing or a bad thing?

I think there should be a 'youth' amateur league for those youngsters that just wanna kick it around socially or if they prefer to be competitive, drive them to the Federation leagues. Surely 16-18 yr old kids can do much better. Besides, how are fat fuks like me supposed to keep up with little shits?

There usually aren't too many younger than sixteen.
I started in goal for Elizabeth Downs when I was 16 (1975) as did my brother before me (1971).
Others that come to mind for the Downs are current Downs coach Alan Mottram who was 15, as was Andrew Thompson. Nathan Day started with Inter ~15 years and there are probably plenty more others could think of.
They often get the chance to learn from the experienced players around them ie. the youngster at the Downs Cockerill, Hains, Andrews etc can learn from the likes of Fuda, Reeves, Butler etc.
If they're not up to it then they probably won't be selected.
Maybe the older guys would become fitter or play in the >35's.

[grouse n' ice]

There's nothing worse for me than to look at the oppositions left winger and see a young wiry lad. The type that's so thin they only need one eye!

As I have legs like a snooker table, I know I've got a hard shift in front of me

Maybe we could have a handicap system where they have to wear a weighted back-pack.

And thongs! (The underwear kind )

[OldRedback]

Do Brahma Lodge have a minimum age for their Over 35s?

[on the side]

agree with swannsong, if they are good enough to play in the league let them, they themselves and the coach and club that put them on the park are well aware of what they are getting into.

Some of the players over the years that have started young in the league become true champions and actually learn what it's like to be dedicated to a club, for all the right reasons.

Though that is from a 'sideline' view, not currently playing at the momment so can understand the views of Frappe and Grouse n Ice. Love the handicap system idea

[Missing Post Count]

agree with swannsong, if they are good enough to play in the league let them

I think this goes for the older players too. If they're good enough, their date of birth should be irrelavant

[swannsong]

Some of the players over the years that have started young in the league .......... and actually learn what it's like to be dedicated to a club, for all the right reasons.

Totally agree with that, I ended up playing ~450 Senior games, mostly first team, for the Downs (plus ~50 with Noarlunga Lions) in the SAASL despite at various times living at Gawler, Enfield, Mile End, Colonel Light Gardens, Bridgewater, Darlington, Happy Valley....(often by bus). Just wish I could get there more often these days!

[Hawkesy]

If you're good enough, you're old enough.

Just don't expect an easy ride and extra protection because of your age.

[SquishedMidden]

If you're fast enough... you're young enough.. seen enough of every shape size and speed to see that "if you're good enough - you're good enough" it takes all sorts....

[Old Master]

Amateur League football is a great way to 'toughen up' young players and at the same time learn about the way the game is played by grown-ups.

Most teams who play young kids have experienced players who act as protectors and mentors to the youngsters and encourage them to use their skills effectively.

I have long believed that young players shoulds skip the U/15 & U/17 age-groups and play amateurs for a year or two before moving up to U/19's and Reserves.

They will learn far more about the game mixed in with older players than they will playing against each other.

[ozzie owl]

I would normally say if they good enough let them play.

I refereed a reserves some years ago where Victor Harbour had 12 year olds playing. The opposition were concerned about injuring them.

[adam]

i played for VH with those 12 yr olds... i remember them both scoring in the same game...

[nugget66]

I would normally say if they good enough let them play.

I refereed a reserves some years ago where Victor Harbour had 12 year olds playing. The opposition were concerned about injuring them.

when your parents lets y u ! PLAY