As our junior competition continues to grow, Northern Beaches Touch is proposing the following framework for the 2026 Summer Junior Competition. The introduction of individual age-group divisions reflects the growth of the competition and aims to provide a more enjoyable and development-focused experience for all players.
Season Information:
Competition Start Date: Friday, 11th September 2026
Player Registration Fee: TBC
Age Divisions
The competition will be offered in the following age groups: (5 years old is the minimum age)
Under 6 (you must be 5 years of age at the time of competition)
Under 7
Under 8
Under 9
Under 10
Under 11
Under 12
Under 13
Under 14
Under 15
Please note that age groups are subject to participation numbers. Where insufficient team numbers exist within an age division, Northern Beaches Touch reserves the right to combine age groups to create a viable and competitive competition. This is most likely to occur within the Under 14 and Under 15 divisions if required.
Team Composition Guidelines-
To support balanced competition and provide development opportunities for all players, the following team composition guidelines are proposed:
Representative and Development Player Limits
Teams may have:
Maximum of 3 Representative Players and 0 Development Players
Maximum of 2 Representative Players and 2 Development Players
Maximum of 1 Representative Player and 4 Development Players
Maximum of 5 Development Players and 0 Representative Players
Teams must not exceed these limits. These rules are for all genders and every age group. Rules apply no matter what age group you play in.
Rationale
These guidelines are designed to maintain a fair and balanced competition while still allowing players to participate with their friends and teammates.
The inclusion of Development Player limits recognises that many players narrowly miss representative selection and are often of a similar standard to those selected. By managing the number of Development Players within a team, we aim to minimise the formation of overly strong teams and maintain competitive balance across all divisions.
Competition Structure
The move to individual age-group competitions will naturally grade the majority of teams and reduce the need for extensive grading processes.
This approach will:
Provide age-appropriate competition.
Simplify grading requirements.
Improve player development and retention.
Create a more balanced and enjoyable competition experience for all participants.
Transparency and Team Accountability.
To support transparency and integrity within the competition, Northern Beaches Touch will maintain a register of teams containing Representative and Development Players.
A Google Form/Register will be made available when registrations open, and team managers will be responsible for submitting their team information.
This process will:
Promote transparency across the competition.
Assist with monitoring compliance with team composition guidelines.
Provide confidence to players and families that competition rules are being applied consistently.
Support the integrity and reputation of the Northern Beaches Touch junior competition.
PLEASE NOTE-
How do age groups work if my team has players of different ages?
If your team consists of players from multiple age groups, the team must be entered into the age division of the oldest player(s).
For example, if your team has four players turning 9 this year and three players turning 10 this year, the team must be entered into the Under 10s competition.
Players are welcome to play up an age group if they wish; however, players cannot play down into a younger age division than the one they are eligible for.
We look forward to another successful junior season.