At Ōtūmoetai Football Club we are committed to providing a safe, healthy, and supportive environment for all our
players, coaches, and members. We believe that prioritising physical welfare helps players perform at their best, stay in
the game longer, and enjoy football in a safe, inclusive setting.
Below is some useful resourse for our Concussion Guidelines and also Warm up protocols.
Purpose
This guide outlines New Zealand Football’s recommended age-appropriate physical preparation practices for clubs. It
aligns with NZF’s Performance & Prevention Framework and Whole of Football 2.0, supporting safer participation,
enhanced player development, and long-term enjoyment in both football and futsal.
These guidelines can be embedded within your club’s physical welfare plan or broader strategic approach, or used as a
standalone reference to strengthen how your club prepares, protects, and develops its members.
Kids Warm ups
Ages 4–9 | Junior FUN-damental Phase
Focus: Fundamental movement skills through fun, game-based activities
• Warm-Up Objective: Develop basic movement patterns in a playful, enjoyable environment.
• Recommended Approach:
➢ Performance & Prevention (11+ Kids) activities within fun games.
➢ Emphasise locomotor motions (running, hopping, jumping) and balancing to improve stability (including on one-leg).
➢ Examples of short and varied activities can be found on Coachmate.
Ages 13 Youth Team Development Phase - 18+ Senior Competitive
Focus: Injury prevention and performance development using 11+
• Warm-Up Objective: Enhance movement efficiency and reduce injury risk.
• Recommended Approach:
➢ Use the 11+ warm-up before every session or match.
➢ Incorporate the RAMP protocol: Raise, Activate, Mobilise, Potentiate.
➢ Prioritise good form (e.g., stable knees, controlled landings).
➢ Emphasise female specifics (Change of Direction, decelerations, plyometrics)
Masters & Futsal | Futsal & Lifelong Phase
Focus: Efficient, effective preparation using FastSTART
• Warm-Up Objective: Quickly prepare players for play in time-constrained or social settings.
• Recommended Approach:
➢ Use FastSTART (5–8 min neuromuscular warm-up)
➢ Emphasise mobility, balance, core activation, and direction change
➢ Ideal for indoor spaces and low equipment environments