Frequently Asked Questions?

1. Does the ASFA have a constitution?
2. Who are the "ASFA"?
3. What does the "ASFA" do?
4. Who runs the "ASFA"?
5. Is the "ASFA" affiliated?
6. How does a team join?
7. How does a player join?
8. Who can play?
9. What does it cost?
10. What does a team need to do to join?
11. When should a team join?
12. How long is the season and when does it start?
13. What is the format of the league?
14. Do you have social teams?
15. What time do teams play?
16. Where do teams play?
17. Is there a limit to where teams can be located?
18. Are there any referees?
19. How many players can be in a squad?
20. Do players need to be registered?
21. Can a player play for more than one team?
22. What does a team need to do on the day of the match?
23. Do teams have to train?
24. What other games does the "ASFA" control?
25. Does a team need a home ground or is a club affiliation required?
26. Are numbered, uniform T-Shirts accepted as a football strip?
27. What are the costs for a division 3/4/5 team?
28. Does a team need Referees attainment badge holders?
29. What are the rules and regulations regarding SATURDAY Players?

1 Does the "ASFA" have a constitution?

Yes, the constitution of the "ASFA" outlines and regulates topics as follows: Registration, Clearances and Transfers; Competitions; Composition of Divisions; Matches; Knock-out Competitions and Tournaments; Trophies; Colours and Uniform; Referees; Results; Ground Fees; Misconducts; Judicial Sub-committee and Hearings and Appeals and Disputes. Thus the "ASFA" constitution is a prime source to get many questions answered and it complements this FAQ section perfectly.

  2 Who are the "ASFA"?

The Auckland Sunday Football Association (ASFA) is the only Sunday league based in Auckland (New Zealand), previously known as the Auckland Businesshouse League. The Association has been established for over 35 years and is recognized throughout the Auckland region. 

  3 What does the "ASFA" do?

The ASFA runs a local football league consisting of a wide variety of footballers, in skill and age.

4 Who runs the "ASFA"?

The ASFA is run by a group of volunteers elected from the teams within the league. The Executive Committee consists of a Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer and a sub-committee. Their job is to assure the smooth running of the Association.

  5 Is the "ASFA" affiliated?

Yes. The ASFA is affiliated to Auckland Football Federation (AFF), New Zealand Football Association (NZFA) and FIFA.

  6 How does a team join?

A team can join by submitting an entry form to the ASFA. This can be done either by fax, e-mail, by post or by presenting it at the A.G.M. Forms are available on request from the Committee. Certain teams are also affiliated to clubs. Although this is favourable it is not compulsory, and a team may enter on its own merits.

  7 How does a player join?

A player who is not currently part of a team may join by approaching an existing team or by posting a request on the web-site.

  8 Who can play?

The majority of players in ASFA teams are male. Females and youngsters are also welcomed but entry will either be through a team or by posting an article on the web-site for a team to register their interest. We do not run a separate ladies, mixed or midget division.

  9 What does it cost?

The ASFA charges per team. Certain factors will determine how much a team has to pay. Depending on circumstances the range is between $1500-$1700 approximately. The charges include all affiliate fees to ASFA, AFF & NZFA, player registration (up to 20), Referee's expenses and ground charges. Cautions and sendings off are not included in the cost.

  10 What does a team need to do to join?

After filling in the entry form and submitting it to the ASFA, a team then has to be deemed 'financial'. A team has to pay the entry fee before the start of the season and be able to pay any other outstanding balances (fines etc). A team will also need to have a full player uniform for both home & away matches (a set of differently numbered, identical shirts including shorts and socks. Home kit must be a different colour to the away kit), match balls, nets, corner flags and a first-aid kit.

  11 When should a team join?

A team can join at any point during the year. It is better to get your entries in before the end of February. If a team misses the cut-off point they may be considered for that season only if an existing team drops out. Otherwise, the entry form is held until the next season.

  12 How long is the season and when does it start?

The season usually starts the first weekend of April although actual dates can vary depending on Easter. The season will run till the end of August.

  13 What is the format of the league?

The ASFA generally has five divisions comprising of a maximum 8 teams per division. If there is a large number of 'financial' entrants, this may allow for a sixth division to be put in place. There is a relegation/promotion format in all divisions with the top and bottom two teams competing for the honours. There is also a cup and plate competition run alongside the league games. All teams compete in this knockout competition.

  14 Do you have social teams?

The fourth/fifth divisions of the ASFA are considered our 'social divisions' with teams preferring a less intense battle. However all teams compete for honours despite the label.

  15 What time do teams play?

Kick-offs vary from team to team, but generally teams kick off in the afternoon.

  16 Where do teams play?

The majority of teams are based in central Auckland and a few teams play in the west, east, south and north of the city. Generally, teams will not travel outside of the Auckland area although there are times when a team based in Howick may have to travel to Oratia and vice-versa.

  17 Is there a limit to where teams can be located?

There is no set limit, although the ASFA would have to take into consideration a team applying from outside the Auckland Metropolitan area like Warkworth or Huntly for example. This does not mean that a team applying from these places cannot play in the ASFA but merely that the application may take longer to consider.

  18 Are there any referees?

The ASFA has a base of referees which are supplied by the Referee's Association. The ASFA attempts to cover as many games as possible with officials, although some games cannot always be guaranteed an official. The ASFA is gaining more referees each year so the majority of games can quite often be officiated. However, we recommend all teams have at least one 'Attainment Badge' holder on their squad to officiate a home game that has not been appointed an 'official' referee.

  19 How many players can be in a squad?

The ASFA has no limit to the number of players registered to a team. However, should a team register more than 20 players, further charges will be incurred for each additional player registered.

  20 Do players need to be registered?

Yes. All players must be registered to the team they wish to play for through AFF, via the ASFA.

  21 Can a player play for more than one team?

Yes. A player may play for an ASFA team as well as a Saturday team (refer F.A.Q. #29). However, a player may not play for two ASFA teams at the same time.

  22 What does a team need to do on the day of the match?

Each team usually appoints a manager to control its responsibilities. The manager is responsible for communicating with the opposing team's manager on the day of the game. He must also fill in a match card, assure that his squad is at the correct venue on time, ensure that the nets and corner-posts etc are up prior to kick-off (home team managers only) and telephone in the result to the ASFA. His other responsibility is to post the match-card by mail to the ASFA's post-box.

  23 Do teams have to train?

Not necessarily. Although some teams in the league do train, it is not compulsory.

  24 What other games does the "ASFA" control?

The ASFA holds a 'Charity Shield' day to signal the start of the season. The league also holds its Finals games including Prize-giving at the end of the season. The ASFA has a number of teams that compete in the Chatham Cup each year.

25 Does a team need a home ground or is a club affiliation required?

No. A home ground can be found for you, although it is often useful or beneficial to have links with a club.

26 Are numbered, uniform T-Shirts accepted as a football strip?

The ASFA has rules that say teams must have a matching strip consisting of : numbered shirts, shorts & socks. Teams should also have an "away" strip in case of colour clashes. Full playing strips are compulsory to play in the ASFA.

27 What are the costs for a division 3/4/5 team?

Due to the increase in games covered by referees in recent seasons, the initial cost in division 3, 4 or 5 is now the same as that of the Premier or Second Division. Fees remain around $1500 - $1700 (approx). 

28 Does a team need Referees attainment badge holders?

Referees attainment badge holders are recommended. The ASFA runs courses through the year for those players wanting to become attainment holders. These courses are paid for by the ASFA.

29 What are the rules and regulations regarding SATURDAY Players?

Please refer to our registration page for further details.