So I turn 17 next year, birthday is in september, State titles are held on feburary. What my question is, is that is it possible for me to join the U17 state team as I am not quite 17 yet thanks.
It usually goes by your birthdate at the end of the current year. From your given info, you must join the U19 group. Since you are 17 by December 31st, 2012, you are not qualified to play under 17 in that whole calendar year.
From your location, you are in Melbourne. That means it's in a state called Victoria in a country called Australia. That lead me to the following website. http://www.badmintonvic.com.au/ You'd probably find your answer in the entry forms of the junior tournaments. Just read the instructions carefully.
so apparently they changed the rules so that you can join if you're not 17 yet when the competition is held