General Information Girls

NSJWHC Turf Substitution Guidelines 2026

Background

Northern Suburbs Junior Women’s Hockey Club uses player substitutions (“sub-ups”) to support team performance, team numbers, player development, and the overall success of the club.  These guidelines outline how turf substitutions will be managed in 2026. 

Club Commitment

We are committed to creating a positive, transparent environment where sub-ups are used to strengthen the club and support player growth.

Players are encouraged to focus on consistent effort, strong teamwork, and development within their own division, knowing opportunities may arise throughout the season.

General Principles of Substitutions

• Sub-ups are first and foremost for the benefit of the club to ensure teams have the right players available each week and that all divisions remain competitive.
• Sub-ups can provide valuable development opportunities for individual players, but selection is not guaranteed and depends on team needs and suitability.
• Sub-up opportunities may not be equal for each individual given the complexity of fielding teams at multiple venues across multiple age groups.
• Players who will be subbing up for a game will be invited to train with the higher team in the week preceding the game (if practically possible)
• The final decision regarding substitution is made by the coaches
• The committee will oversee the implementation of the policy guidelines and will not input on substitution decisions
• Questions regarding substitution should be directed to the committee in writing

Substitution Criteria

1.      Readiness to Play in a Higher Division

Players may be asked to play in a higher division when coaches believe they are ready, based on:

• Skill level

• Game understanding

• Physical readiness

• Maturity and attitude

The aim is to provide appropriate challenges while ensuring the player can contribute positively at the higher level.

2.      Demonstrated Readiness to Play in Higher Division

Players will be considered for sub-up opportunities based on a combination of factors, including:

• Performance in their current division

• Previous performance when playing in the higher division

• Effort and performance at training

• Positional requirements within the higher team

• Team balance and match-day needs

3.      Weekly Allocation and Match-Day Practicalities

Final sub-up allocations each week may change depending on match-day logistics and game flow.  For example:

• If the higher division team plays before the player’s own team, another eligible player who has already played may be selected instead.

• Coaches may adjust selections based on availability, location of matches, and other factors such as ability to attend training sessions.

• Communication will generally occur during the week prior to the match, however changes may occur closer to game day due to availability or team needs.

• Selection for one week does not guarantee selection in future weeks.

Parent Role in Substitution Management

We ask parents to:

• Support coaching decisions

• Encourage their child to focus on effort, development, and team contribution

• Direct any questions respectfully in writing through the committee rather than directly to coaches

• Confirming availability when sub request is made. 

Our coaches are committed to fairness and player development, and we appreciate the partnership of families in supporting a positive club environment. 

SUBSITUTION PROCESS

Coaches will follow the following process when substitutions are required:

1. Identify need for substitutions as early as possible in the week prior to the fixture
2. Review draws to determine which team is available to provide substitutions in line with policy above
3. Coaches to discuss subs within the coaching group
4. Coach to advise the team manager regarding which substitutes will be required for the fixture
5. Team manager will contact the parents of the relevant player and invite them to the team training once availability to sub is confirmed. 

Note: 

Communication will be via parents (not the players themselves) and substitute players should not be invited into the regular communication method (eg Heja/ WhatsApp) of the higher team.