What are the FNSW match day requirements?

FNSW match day requirements cover everything from team sheets and substitution rules to jacketed officials and stadium standards. As TD, you're responsible for ensuring your club meets these requirements at every fixture.

Match durations vary by age grade:

Rules differ between senior/senior-pathway and youth competitions:

Senior and senior-pathway (1st Grade, U20, U23):

• Maximum 7 substitutes, with 18 players on the team sheet (18th must be a substitute goalkeeper)
• Maximum 3 substitution opportunities during the match (half-time doesn't count)
• Once substituted, a player cannot return

Youth Leagues (BYL and GYL — U13 to U18):

• 18 players on the team sheet
• Unlimited return substitution (interchange) until the final 10 minutes
• In the final 10 minutes, each team gets one substitution of one player only
• In extra time: unlimited interchange in the first half, one substitution in the second half

Important: A player given a Technical Dismissal (TD/sin bin) in the final 10 minutes must return to the field after serving the dismissal — they cannot be substituted for another player during that period.

All teams must submit a digital team sheet before each match. The sheet must include:

• All starting players and substitutes
• All Team Officials in the technical area (up to 5)
• Three jacketed officials (names recorded)

In Clubhouse, coaches build their lineup and team sheet through the Match Day feature. The lineup submitted becomes the basis for match event tracking.

Every club must supply three jacketed officials for all matches. They must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Wear easily identifiable clothing (brightly coloured bibs)
• Have read and understood the FNSW Jacketed Officials — Roles and Responsibilities document
• Be recorded on the digital team sheet

Failure to supply three jacketed officials results in a $100 fine per offence.

Additional rules:

• Only one person at a time may convey tactical instructions
• All substitutes must remain seated unless warming up
• Players must wear contrasting bibs; officials must wear clothing that doesn't clash with players or match officials

• Clubs must supply an alternate warm-up area near the field
• During play, a maximum of 6 players per team may warm up at the same time, assisted by 2 Team Officials, without a ball (except the goalkeeper)
• Both teams must have equal access to warm-up areas

As the home club, you're responsible for:

• Supplying a minimum of 3 match balls (same brand, colour, weight) per match
• Providing seating in the technical area for both teams
• Ensuring the stadium meets FNSW requirements (playing surface, changing rooms, toilets, fencing, ambulance access)
• Inspecting the ground by 6:00am on match day if weather is a concern
• Notifying FNSW and the away club if the ground is closed

The Club Standards assess match day delivery across several criteria including coach interactions, coaching observations, matchday planning, adherence to the development model, TD presence and involvement, player behaviours, spectator environment, and facilities. This is worth a significant portion of the Delivery assessment — ensure your coaches understand what's being observed.