HOW TO JOIN AND REGISTER
Returning Member Instructions
The renewal period for returning Members will be from Wednesday, 1 July 2026, to Friday, 31 July 2026.
Returning Members are to renew their Membership (renew & pay fees) via their Members Hub account.
Returning Members are to renew their Membership (renew & pay fees) via their Members Hub account.
Expressions of Interest to JOIN OR TRANSFER to Coogee Minnows (Nippers) NSW 2026/2027 Season
Link active 10 am 1 August 2026 and closes 31 August 2026
CLOSED: U6 Gold Caps DOB 1 October 2020 to 30 September 2021 inclusive
CLOSED: U7 Blue Caps DOB 1 October 2019 to 30 September 2020 inclusive
CLOSED: U8 Silver Caps DOB 1 October 2018 to 30 September 2019 inclusive
CLOSED: U7 Blue Caps DOB 1 October 2019 to 30 September 2020 inclusive
CLOSED: U8 Silver Caps DOB 1 October 2018 to 30 September 2019 inclusive
We would love to welcome every family into the program, and it genuinely saddens us that we must limit numbers. Unfortunately, our beach size places natural constraints on how many children we can safely accommodate. As a result, it is highly unlikely that new members without an already‑enrolled brother or sister last season or a parent volunteering within the club will receive an offer of a place in the U7, U8, or U9 age groups (see age group table below). Expressions of Interest (EOI) for U7, U8, and U9 will only remain open for a few days. The allocation of places is conducted carefully and consistently, following the process outlined below. A banner on the Google form indicates the status of each age group, if we are accepting new EOI to join\transfer or if we have closed that age group.
We’re working hard to ensure this process runs smoothly for everyone. As a small team of parent volunteers managing registrations for around 1,000 children and 300 adults, we rely on families to follow the steps carefully. To help us keep things running efficiently, we kindly ask that you refer to the handbook and FAQ (below) before reaching out, as they contain answers to most questions. This allows us to focus our time on processing registrations as smoothly as possible for all families.
We’re working hard to ensure this process runs smoothly for everyone. As a small team of parent volunteers managing registrations for around 1,000 children and 300 adults, we rely on families to follow the steps carefully. To help us keep things running efficiently, we kindly ask that you refer to the handbook and FAQ (below) before reaching out, as they contain answers to most questions. This allows us to focus our time on processing registrations as smoothly as possible for all families.
Before you begin, please have the following information ready:
(Providing accurate details from the outset helps us manage the back‑end data effectively and ensures a smoother process for everyone.)
(Providing accurate details from the outset helps us manage the back‑end data effectively and ensures a smoother process for everyone.)
- Your child’s first name, last name, and date of birth. Please have the DOB correct.
- The parent or guardian’s name, mobile number, email address, and state.
- Information regarding any medical conditions. Please refer to the FAQ below or pg. 9 of the handbook before completing this section.
- If your child has a brother or sister enrolled in Coogee Minnows last season, you will be asked to provide the sibling’s name and cap colour.
- If either parent or guardian is a member of the club, you will be asked to provide their name(s) and the role(s) they hold.
- If your child was a member of another club last season and is seeking to transfer to Coogee Minnows NSW, you will be asked to specify the club.
- The number of EOI applications you are submitting.
- You will be asked to read the Code of Conduct.
If you are submitting an Expression of Interest for more than one child, please complete a separate form for each child, one after the other, using the same parent or guardian details.
We understand that some parents may be unavailable during the submission period. If needed, you may ask someone else to complete the EOI on your behalf. Please ensure they enter your name and contact details.
We aim to email you the outcome of your EOI within 3 business days, so please keep an eye on your inbox and check your spam folder. If 5 business days have passed and you still haven’t heard from us, please contact us at [email protected]. We’re unable to respond to general questions by email; all the information you should need is provided below.
Age group table
* The only exceptions to the below guidelines are for medical reason.
We understand that some parents may be unavailable during the submission period. If needed, you may ask someone else to complete the EOI on your behalf. Please ensure they enter your name and contact details.
We aim to email you the outcome of your EOI within 3 business days, so please keep an eye on your inbox and check your spam folder. If 5 business days have passed and you still haven’t heard from us, please contact us at [email protected]. We’re unable to respond to general questions by email; all the information you should need is provided below.
Age group table
* The only exceptions to the below guidelines are for medical reason.
The Coogee Minnows Handbook has everything you need
Priority of New Members
The prioritisation of new members follows the process outlined in the Coogee Minnows Handbook, Page 6. Our junior program begins at U6, and we strongly encourage families to start at this age. Each season, existing members are given priority to continue before new places are offered. Because the U7, U8, and U9 groups are already close to capacity with returning members, only a small number of spots become available, and these typically fill within a few days of EOI opening, sometimes on the first day. We have not previously needed to cap numbers in U10 and above.
We take new members in this order.
P1 and P2 typically fill the open spots in U7 to U9, so we take very few, if any, P3 and P4. It is often frustrating for parents who put in an expression of interest to join U7, 8, or 9, with ten minutes of EOI opening and missing out because of the priority waterfall. We empathise deeply; however, we believe we run a transparent and rigorous registration process.
We recommend that parents who miss out join one of the other surf clubs, and we recommend Maroubra and South Maroubra being Randwick Council Clubs with large beach space that can take larger groups that are reasonably close by.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does it take to get back to me for my EOI?
We aim to get back to you in 3 business days. If you have not heard from us after 5 business days, email [email protected]
Is there a swim test?
New members in U8 and above must complete a swim test, organised by parents/guardians, after a place is offered and registration is completed. We provide a form that must be signed by a qualified swim instructor. Details for the pool proficiency test can be found in the Handbook on page 4 under “New Member External Pool Proficiency.” The Ocean Proficiency Assessment is completed by us at the beach once your child joins the program.
Many new U10s struggle to meet the pool swim requirement, so we encourage you to take your child to the pool early, time their swim, and arrange additional lessons if needed—school holiday programs can be especially helpful. If your child is unable to complete the swim test, we will provide a refund in line with the Nippers Refund Policy.
My child can’t swim?
The swim proficiency is on page 4 of the handbook. You can see what we expect of U6 and U7 (not that much).
Do you teach my child to swim?
As per above, we expect children to have the swim proficiency required to ensure they are confident and have an enjoyable time. We don’t teach swimming.
Can you put my child in an age group to be with a friend?
Your child is allocated to an age group defined by their DOB. If your child has a medical condition or disability, we can make exceptions. Coogee Minnows validates each new child's DOB.
My child has a medical condition or disability. Can they still participate?
Coogee Minnows is proudly aligned with Coogee SLSC’s value of inclusivity and celebrates diversity within our community. Children with medical conditions or disabilities are welcome to participate, and we are committed to supporting them wherever it is safe and practical to do so. When completing your registration, please provide full details of your child’s condition so our Age Managers and Water Safety team can understand their needs and plan appropriately. In some cases, we may need to discuss reasonable adjustments or assess whether the program can safely meet your child’s specific requirements. Our aim is always to work collaboratively with families to create the best possible experience for every child. Children with disabilities may be eligible for an exemption from the age-based swim proficiency requirement. Please read the handbook pages P8 and 9 for more information.
Does it help if I know someone at the club?
Knowing someone at the club does not influence the registration process. To keep things fair and consistent for all families, we ask that you please don’t name-drop or ask others to contact us on your behalf. All Expressions of Interest are assessed using the same criteria.
When does the season start and end?
For U7 to U14, late October to late March. U6 late January to late March. We break for 6 weeks over Christmas. Printable calendar will be available here - https://www.coogeesurfclub.com.au/nippers-calendar.html
Do I need to prove my child’s date of birth?
If you are offered a place and register, we require you to prove your child's date of birth with appropriate documents.
How much does it cost?
See the Nipper\Pricing page on June 26. The uniform is supplied; however, a small fee is collected for the coloured skull cap. If you want a second uniform because of shared care, a second uniform can be purchased. Refer to handbook page 7.
Do the parents need to be involved?
We encourage parents/guardians to be active members of our community, and for U6 and U7 families, we ask that at least one parent/guardian registers and is prepared to volunteer on the beach. We understand this isn’t always possible due to weekend work or other commitments, but the program relies on shared participation to run safely and smoothly. There are three key volunteer roles, which are outlined on page 11 of the handbook
What happens if my child does not like Nippers?
If your child discovers that Nippers isn’t for them, that’s completely okay. We understand that every child is different, and Nippers won’t suit everyone. We want families to feel supported in making the right choice, and our refund policy is designed to be fair and generous in these situations. Please refer to the Nippers\Refund Policy for full details.
The prioritisation of new members follows the process outlined in the Coogee Minnows Handbook, Page 6. Our junior program begins at U6, and we strongly encourage families to start at this age. Each season, existing members are given priority to continue before new places are offered. Because the U7, U8, and U9 groups are already close to capacity with returning members, only a small number of spots become available, and these typically fill within a few days of EOI opening, sometimes on the first day. We have not previously needed to cap numbers in U10 and above.
We take new members in this order.
- P1: Sibling of existing junior members, or children of parents/caregivers involved in the club.
- P2: Transfers from another surf club
- P3: Two or more new members
- P4: Single new members
P1 and P2 typically fill the open spots in U7 to U9, so we take very few, if any, P3 and P4. It is often frustrating for parents who put in an expression of interest to join U7, 8, or 9, with ten minutes of EOI opening and missing out because of the priority waterfall. We empathise deeply; however, we believe we run a transparent and rigorous registration process.
We recommend that parents who miss out join one of the other surf clubs, and we recommend Maroubra and South Maroubra being Randwick Council Clubs with large beach space that can take larger groups that are reasonably close by.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does it take to get back to me for my EOI?
We aim to get back to you in 3 business days. If you have not heard from us after 5 business days, email [email protected]
Is there a swim test?
New members in U8 and above must complete a swim test, organised by parents/guardians, after a place is offered and registration is completed. We provide a form that must be signed by a qualified swim instructor. Details for the pool proficiency test can be found in the Handbook on page 4 under “New Member External Pool Proficiency.” The Ocean Proficiency Assessment is completed by us at the beach once your child joins the program.
Many new U10s struggle to meet the pool swim requirement, so we encourage you to take your child to the pool early, time their swim, and arrange additional lessons if needed—school holiday programs can be especially helpful. If your child is unable to complete the swim test, we will provide a refund in line with the Nippers Refund Policy.
My child can’t swim?
The swim proficiency is on page 4 of the handbook. You can see what we expect of U6 and U7 (not that much).
Do you teach my child to swim?
As per above, we expect children to have the swim proficiency required to ensure they are confident and have an enjoyable time. We don’t teach swimming.
Can you put my child in an age group to be with a friend?
Your child is allocated to an age group defined by their DOB. If your child has a medical condition or disability, we can make exceptions. Coogee Minnows validates each new child's DOB.
My child has a medical condition or disability. Can they still participate?
Coogee Minnows is proudly aligned with Coogee SLSC’s value of inclusivity and celebrates diversity within our community. Children with medical conditions or disabilities are welcome to participate, and we are committed to supporting them wherever it is safe and practical to do so. When completing your registration, please provide full details of your child’s condition so our Age Managers and Water Safety team can understand their needs and plan appropriately. In some cases, we may need to discuss reasonable adjustments or assess whether the program can safely meet your child’s specific requirements. Our aim is always to work collaboratively with families to create the best possible experience for every child. Children with disabilities may be eligible for an exemption from the age-based swim proficiency requirement. Please read the handbook pages P8 and 9 for more information.
Does it help if I know someone at the club?
Knowing someone at the club does not influence the registration process. To keep things fair and consistent for all families, we ask that you please don’t name-drop or ask others to contact us on your behalf. All Expressions of Interest are assessed using the same criteria.
When does the season start and end?
For U7 to U14, late October to late March. U6 late January to late March. We break for 6 weeks over Christmas. Printable calendar will be available here - https://www.coogeesurfclub.com.au/nippers-calendar.html
Do I need to prove my child’s date of birth?
If you are offered a place and register, we require you to prove your child's date of birth with appropriate documents.
How much does it cost?
See the Nipper\Pricing page on June 26. The uniform is supplied; however, a small fee is collected for the coloured skull cap. If you want a second uniform because of shared care, a second uniform can be purchased. Refer to handbook page 7.
Do the parents need to be involved?
We encourage parents/guardians to be active members of our community, and for U6 and U7 families, we ask that at least one parent/guardian registers and is prepared to volunteer on the beach. We understand this isn’t always possible due to weekend work or other commitments, but the program relies on shared participation to run safely and smoothly. There are three key volunteer roles, which are outlined on page 11 of the handbook
- Age Managers
- Age Assistants
- Water Safety
What happens if my child does not like Nippers?
If your child discovers that Nippers isn’t for them, that’s completely okay. We understand that every child is different, and Nippers won’t suit everyone. We want families to feel supported in making the right choice, and our refund policy is designed to be fair and generous in these situations. Please refer to the Nippers\Refund Policy for full details.
