This handbook is designed to guide all participants, parents, caregivers, coaches, and clubs involved with the NRF Community Youth Competitions. 

It aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how the competitions operate within Northern Region Football, while promoting an inclusive and enjoyable football environment for youth players. 

NRF Youth Competition Framework 

The NRF Youth Competitions operate within a framework that emphasises inclusivity, development, and the provision of quality match experiences for all young players. Our goal is to cater to the diverse needs and aspirations of rangatahi (youth) within the Northern Region Football area. 

See our youth calendar and competition structure outline

Team Grading & Composite Performance System 

Over a six week period, the NRF Composite Performance System is used to grade and group teams to ensure fair and balanced competition throughout the season. This system integrates Elo ratings (used by FIFA) and adjusted goal differences to create dynamic tiers that reflect each team's performance and capabilities. 


Home team field change requests

Home clubs can request changes to field and kickoff times, but this must be done by the Friday the week before the game (ie 8 days before kickoff) at the very latest. Requests made seven days or less before kickoff will be declined. 


NRF disputes / complaints process - youth

We will endeavour to respond within 48hrs as a receipt of receiving the concerns/complaint (excluding weekends)
Please refer to Section 6 of the NRF Youth & Senior Community Regulations


Late team entry guidelines - youth

Clubs submitting team entries after the cutoff point will be accommodated in the competition where possible. The following conditions apply based on the timing of the late entry:

  • Registration timeline - Auckland
    • Registrations open: 3 February 
    • Regular registration deadline: 28 March 5pm
  • Registration timeline - Northland
    • Registrations Open: 3 February 
    • Regular Registration Deadline: 11 April 5pm
  • Grace period 
    • A 48-hour grace period will follow the regular registration deadline
  • Entries Between Cutoff and Start of Grading
    • The team may not be placed in their preferred regional grading hub.
  • Entries During Grading
    • The team may not be placed in their preferred regional grading hub.
    • The team will have limited games to determine their challenge point.
    • Entries After Grading
    • Entry is subject to competition availability and space.
  • Communication 
    • All registration and late entry requests must be submitted through official NRF channels and relevant comps manager. 

This late entry process ensures organised and fair participation while providing flexibility for teams and individuals unable to meet initial registration deadlines. 

Age dispensation process

Northern Region Football aims to ensure that players participate at an appropriate level for their age and development stage. The age dispensation process provides flexibility for players who may need to play in an age group different from their chronological age. Applications for dispensation are assessed on a case-by-case basis, with the player's welfare being the primary consideration. Please find the information below and reach out to tyler.lewis@nrf.or.nz for requests:

Dispensation guidelines
Further info:

Girls competitions 2025 

In 2025, the NRF Community Youth Girls' Competitions will undergo changes to streamline and improve the experience for young female players. The age groups have been restructured from U13, U14, U15, U16, and U19 to Girls 13 (12yrs-14yrs), Girls 15 (14yrs-16yrs), and Girls 17 (16yrs-18yrs, with dispensation available for 19-year-olds). This change aims to provide a more balanced competition and improve the quality of match experiences. 
Key Changes: 

  • Simplified Age Groups: Moving to Girls 13, Girls 15, and Girls 17 will help increase the number of teams in each age group, creating deeper tiers and promoting healthy competition. 
  • Increased Competitive Balance: The new structure will ensure more appropriate challenge points, enhancing player enjoyment and development. 
  • Player-Centred Development: This new structure aligns with the development needs of female players, allowing for appropriate progression through the age groups. 
  • Growth and Gender Equity Goals: These changes align with the NRF Strategic Plan and Gender Equity Plan, targeting a growth of 10% in youth participation and aiming to have 10,000 female players registered by 2026. 
  • Future Vision: The long-term plan is to move towards single-age bands when team numbers allow.

These changes are designed to provide a sustainable, competitive, and developmentally appropriate structure for girls' football, ensuring that every girl who steps onto the pitch has a positive and enriching experience. 

Please find the attached documents relating to the changes:

  1. Implementation plan for 2025 change
  2. Consultation pack 2024
  3. Memo: Updated age grade naming conventions for 2025

Good Sports and sideline behaviour

Good Sports is an initiative aimed at creating positive sporting experiences for children by educating and supporting the key adult influencers in youth sport. We encourage all parents, whānau, coaches, managers, and volunteers to promote positive behaviours and help create a supportive environment for our young athletes. 

Useful links

  
This has been developed to ensure that all club-based representatives working in the youth space are well-informed and aligned with the values of Northern Region Football. We believe in fostering a positive environment that prioritises the development, enjoyment, and long-term involvement of our young players in the beautiful game. 
Thank you for being part of our football community, and we look forward to another successful season!