Fair game time: the policy and the log
Most clubs have a game time policy. Fewer can show that every player actually got their time. This pack covers both: the policy text, and a logging method that works with or without an app.
What's being asked
Football NSW's Club Standards & Benchmarking Framework asks clubs for "a detailed policy and process for logging players' game time", updated after each game week and used for player development decisions. It also asks for an attendance register that records reasons for absence, and for individual development plans.
It applies to Junior Development League clubs now, and associations are rolling out a community tier from 2026. In the 2025 framework, planning documents were due in early February and the evidence was due in the final submission mid-year. Check the current framework for next season's dates.
Football Victoria has no equivalent submission. Most VIC clubs still run a game time policy by club rule.
The policy
This is Football Australia's template. Adapt it to your club.
Under 6 to Under 11: equal game time. Every player gets equal game time in every match, with time in both halves. Coaches rotate players through all positions, including goalkeeper. A player can keep goal for one half and play outfield in the other.
Under 12 to Under 18: at least half a game. Every player plays a minimum of half of every match, rotated across halves. Above the minimum, game time can reflect ability, effort and attitude. Goalkeepers may stay in position.
Exceptions. Injury, poor attitude or a code of conduct breach. Time lost to an exception is not made up in later matches.
Source: Football Australia, Game Time Policy Template.
Want it in your club's own words? Build your policy in a few minutes.
→ Make your club's game time policy
Logging it, the simple way
Keep one row per player per match: date, opponent, minutes played, started yes or no, and the reason if they played under the minimum. Log it after each game week, as the framework asks. The coach or manager fills it in, and a club coordinator checks once a month for players under the minimum.
Logging it in Mingle Sport
Coaches run the match from the sideline in the app. Minutes per player are recorded as they make substitutions, and each player's season total sits in the team's stats, next to attendance with reasons for absence. Teams that set player goals can track development in the same place. Minutes tracking and player goals are part of Team Boost.
Still deciding how your teams should share minutes? Our guide walks through the options.
