Why is NSWTA implementing a new membership system?
It is important that we innovate to ensure we continue to meet the needs of an increasingly digitalised community. A key benefit of the new membership system is it provides a quick and simple online registration and payment experience for all participants.
It is also our desire to ease the burden on our volunteers. This system shifts the management of member information from paper to digital while removing the inconvenience and workload of collecting the affiliation and insurance fees.
And, for those who play multiple competitions it removes the duplication of affiliation fees. Currently, every time a player plays in a competition a portion of those fees contribute to the administration of the sport and the cost of insurance. The new system is a one-off payment making it cheaper for those who play regularly.
How much is membership?
All participants will pay $60.00 a year for membership. This fee includes TFA’s $30 National Membership and the cost of insurance, NSW Membership, GST, and transaction fees.
That’s $1 a week to play touch football as much as you like anywhere in NSW – Touch football remains one of the most affordable sports to play!
How do I pay membership?
The payment process is completely online via the MySideline system and is payable the first time a participant registers into a competition after 1 July each year. The NSW Membership ($30) GST inc will appear as a second line item below TFA’s National Membership ($30).
What if I have paid the National Membership since 1 July in another State?
The National Membership line item will be $0, but you’ll be required to pay the NSW Membership ($30).
Can participants use Active Kids vouchers to pay for my membership?
No, vouchers for your TFA and membership component can’t be used at this stage, however Active Kids vouchers can still be used for your local competition expenses.
If I have paid membership and stop playing, will I get a refund?
Regardless of how many games you have played once you have registered and paid your membership through MySideline you will not be eligible for a refund.
Why would I want to be a member of TFA and NSWTA?
You’ll be joining players, referees, coaches, and officials across the state in participating in the most accessible participation sport in the land. Your contribution as a member will be invested in the ongoing promotion and development and growth of the sport while providing you access to our:
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National Insurance Scheme,
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Exclusive discounts,
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Access to competitions everywhere in NSW,
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Development opportunities,
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Affiliate, Regional, State and National representative opportunities and pathways.
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You also get access to our Referee, Coach and Player pathways that include courses, certifications and opportunities to grow your involvement in the game we all love.
So why wouldn’t you want to join us as a member and contribute to the ongoing growth of Touch Football in NSW!
I’ve never registered online before; how do I do that?
You will need to create an NRL account and a profile to create your unique ID in MySideline. Instructions on how to do this can be found here: MySideline Resources and Support – Touch Football Australia.
What happens if I register and play in multiple competitions within the same season/year?
The membership is an annual membership running from 1 July – 30 June each year.
During this 12-month period, a participant can register and play in as many competitions as they choose.
Please keep in mind that you will still need to pay local competition or event fees for each of these competitions.
How will I know when I need to pay the fee again?
Your membership expires on 30 June each year. When you register into your first competition after 1 July your membership will be due again. It will appear automatically on your MySideline profile.
Why are junior and senior fees the same?
Since our sport was founded in 1968 senior participation has been higher than junior participation and senior fees have been used to subsidise junior players.
However, as participation levels between juniors and seniors have reached parity in recent years, a decision was made to equalise fees across all age groups. This change reflects the evolving structure of our membership and ensures a fair, consistent approach for all participants.
Importantly, our sport continues to be one of the most affordable grassroots options available, maintaining accessibility for individuals and families alike.
Will this increase my cost to participate?
Some people may experience a slight increase but for most people it will be the same or even cheaper. Junior players who play only once a year may see an increase but those who play in multiple competitions should see a decrease.
The current affiliation fees have previously been built into your competition costs so you may now pay less at your local competition.
Touch football remains one of the most affordable sports to play.
Do participants pay the membership for programs and events?
Both Regional and NSWTA events require players to be members before they can participate, in this case the answer is Yes – you will pay the Membership. Others are social events, which don’t require players to pay Membership to participate.
Participants in programs designed to grow competitions or enhance development do not pay the Membership.
Do referees or coaches need to pay?
While non-playing referees and coaches are required to register via MySideline, there is no cost.
My Affiliate doesn’t use MySideline or take online registrations. What do we do now?
Reach out to your Affiliate committee urgently – if you aren’t registered online you aren’t insured.
Our Member Service Coordinators can provide training for your committees to make the transition to MySideline.
How will affiliates know which players are financial?
Players will not be able to complete the registration process into your competition if they are not a member so they won’t appear in a team’s registration or on sign on sheets or scoresheets.
Affiliate administrators can view each team to see how many individuals are registered in each team.
A team needs a minimum of eight (8) players in order for the team to appear in the fixturing system.
What happens if affiliates let non-members or teams of non-members participate?
Anyone that takes the field without being a member is uninsured. If an affiliate is found to be knowingly allowing non-members to play they may be held liable in the event of injury.
The updated Affiliate Regulations will require all players to be national members as a prerequisite for retaining affiliation status with the sport.
Does insurance include cover for Loss of Income?
TFA and NSWTA Membership does not cover Loss of Income insurance. Loss of Income insurance is optional, and available for $49.95 per team. Please contact your Affiliate Committee for further information.