Relative Age Effect (RAE)
What is Relative Age Effect?
As part of the Football NSW youth competitions policy, players who are disadvantaged from a physical perspective, in comparison to those of the same age, may be eligible to play in the age grade below. This would provide players who may be physically disadvantaged to play with players of a more similar physicality.
In implementing the FNSW Relative Age Effect process, the FNSW Relative Age Effect process is applicable to FNSW Girls JDL and FNSW Mixed JDL competitions only.
Any consideration or application of RAE outside of the JDL programs would be at the discretion of the Community Football Association.
Clubs wishing for a player to be considered for RAE approval will need to complete the FNSW RAE Application Form. The Application Form will need to be either completed or endorsed by a suitably qualified JDL Technical Director.
Who is Eligible?
Players whose standing height and weight, when assessed, below the 50th percentile of their respective sex/age, would be considered eligible for RAE approval. Please refer to the table below:
| Age Group | Height (cm) - 50th percentile - Male | Height (cm) - 50th percentile - Female | Weight (kg) - 50th percentile - Male | Weight (kg) - 50th percentile - Female |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 years | Less than 136.7 | N/A | Less than 33 | N/A |
| 10 years | Less than 142.5 | Less than 144.5 | Less than 38 | Less than 39 |
| 11 years | Less than 149.3 | Less than 150.7 | Less than 42.4 | Less than 43.3 |
| 12 years | Less than 153.4 | Less than 156.7 | Less than 49.2 | Less than 51.4 |
| 13 years | N/A | Less than 159.5 | N/A | Less than 52.3 |
Football NSW’s Relative Age Effect process allows Clubs to assess each player against the percentile guidelines prior to submitting for approval.
Players seeking to play an age grade down in Girls JDL (U10 – U13) or Mixed JDL (U9 – U12) will need to seek RAE approval. Players seeking to play an age grade down in the Boys Youth Leagues (U13 – U16) or Girls Youth Leagues (U14 – U15) will need to seek assessment for Biological Maturation.
How many RAE approved players can a Club register?
Clubs are limited to a maximum of two (2) RAE approved players per age group. RAE approved players are to be included in the permitted squad totals. Players are not to be registered in addition to the maximum squad totals.
How long does an RAE approval last?
The RAE approval lasts for the respective season. Clubs will need to submit the FNSW RAE Application Form each season for a player to retain their RAE status for the following season.
How does a player get assessed for RAE?
Clubs are required to complete the FNSW RAE Application Form. Once approved, FNSW will advise the Club that they can register the player as an RAE approved player.