Bunbury Bulldogs Yr8 Team
welcome to the 2026 season

COMMUNICATION
The best way to communicate is via the Heja app, or feel free to come and have a chat after training or on game day. If something requires a more detailed discussion, we can arrange a suitable time to talk.

OUR APPROACHWe are aiming to create:
A fun, engaging team environment where kids enjoy the game, build their skills, compete, and grow into confident players and good team mates.A strong team focus, where players learn to compete both individually and as part of the group.Coaching:
We will use questions and feedback to help the boys reflect, learn, and work things out for themselves, while reinforcing key behaviours and keeping things simple to execute.Training will always involve the ball, with warm ups and fitness built into drills. Sessions will focus on skill development and game based activities to build awareness, decision making, and the ability to execute under pressure.Our Framework:
We want to be clear, consistent, and fair, and to ensure all players understand what is expected and how they can continue to improve.If players bring good Attitude, Compete, and Team first each week, they are doing exactly what we ask. We have defined this with the boys as 'how we ACT' (ACT framework). A copy of this is at the end.

GAME DAY
We would like all players at the ground at least 30 minutes before the scheduled game.Playing time and rotations will be managed to ensure every player has the opportunity to participate
This includes managing when players may need to sit out due to team size. We can ony play 24 boys each week, so we will have a rotation process.
We will communicate directly with parents through Heja when your child will be required to miss a game.
This will generally be done on Thursday after training.
If you have a preferred week for your child to miss, such as a planned holiday or other engagement, please let us know ASAP (send via Heja).Players will have the opportunity to play in their preferred positions, while also developing in a variety of roles.COACHABILITY AND SELECTIONWe focus on coachability because it reflects the behaviours that help players improve, contribute to the team, and get the most out of their football.We will provide feedback to players so they understand how they are tracking, and we will communicate with parents if expectations are not being met.At junior level, our focus remains on development, opportunity, and enjoyment for all players.Year 9 Football:
Some players have shown interest in playing year 9 football, whcih helps our team rotations and the older playing group for numbers. We will notify parents each week on Tuesday or Wednesday if your child is selected to play in a year 9 team that round.

PARENTS SUPPORTA few simple ways we hope you can use to support the team:Encourage, do not direct play:
Positive encouragement is great. Calling out instructions can be confusing, especially when it differs from the coach/team message.Keep it team focused:
Calling out individual kids names can create pressure. General encouragement for the team helps keep things positive.Respect the umpires:
Umpires are learning too. Please be mindful that questioning decisions or making loud comments from the sidelines can negatively impact everyone's enjoyment of the game.Respect all players:
This includes both teams. We ask that no comments are directed toward opposition players, and that we support and encourage our own players in a positive manner.E Points:
Environment Points are used in WA Country Football to encourage positive behaviour and respectful environments across junior football. They focus on how players, coaches, parents, and spectators conduct themselves towards umpires, opposition teams, volunteers, and each other.Teams can receive penalties (loss of points) and other ramifications for poor behaviour or breaches of expected standards.Concussion:
Your childs health and welfare is priority. If a player shows signs or symptoms of concussion, they will be removed from play or training and will not return until medically cleared.Parents also play an important role in identifying any concerns after games or training, as symptoms can sometimes appear later. If you notice anything unusual or have concerns, please let us know and we can assist.Additonal Support:
There will be a goal umpire and jumper roster across the season. From time to time, we may also seek help in other areas. Any support is appreciated.Thanks and see you at the game!