FIELD OF PLAY
An AFL 9s field is rectangular in size and divided into 3 zones, Forward, Midfield and Defensive zones. At the start and restart of play, the 9 players on each team must be divided so that 3 players of each team are in each zone of the field. After each start / restart of play there are no restrictions on player movement around the field.
START & RESTART OF PLAY
The game commences with a ball up.
After a goal, play is restarted in the centre of the field via a ball up.
If a behind (1 point) is scored the ball is required to be kicked back into play from between the goals by a defender.
OUT OF BOUNDS
When the ball goes out of bounds (ball completely over the line) by hand or foot, the nearest opponent shall kick the ball back into play.
If there is any doubt as to which team last touched the ball before it went out of bounds, the umpire shall call a ball-up 5 metres in from the boundary line.

POSSESSION OF THE BALL
A player may stay in possession of the ball for a maximum distance of 30 metres involving one bounce, unless the player is touched with one or two hands (touch) or directed to dispose of the football by the umpire
A turnover occurs when the ball touches the ground as a result of a kick, handball or marking attempt and when the ball goes out of bounds. If a turnover occurs, the game stops and the opposing team gains possession of the ball from where the ball went out of bounds.
Players may attempt to intercept the ball in flight, however must not make contact with an opposing player.
A player is not permitted to touch an opponent unless the player is in possession of the ball.
MARKING
A Mark is awarded if, in the opinion of the umpire, a player catches or takes control of the football after it has been kicked by another player irrespective of the distance travelled.
No player (except for the player on the mark) may be closer than 2 metres away in any direction.
It is not a mark if the ball touches the ground or has been touched by another player during the period when the ball was kicked until it was caught or controlled by the player.
When a player is awarded a Mark or Free Kick an opposing player may stand at the position on the playing surface where the mark or free kick was awarded known as “the mark”
There is to be absolutely no contact in a marking contest. The player in the position where the ball is expected to drop is given every opportunity to mark the ball.
The player taking the mark will have a reasonable opportunity to dispose of the ball or play on. If he/she delays the umpire will place a five-second count for play to resume.
SCORING
Only designated forwards can kick for goal within their forward scoring zone. This can be during general play by receiving a kick or handball; or upon marking the ball and taking a set shot for goal. A designated forward may kick for goal from a from a Free Kick (initiating contact, holding the ball etc. but not from a turnover from either the ball hitting the ground or going out of bounds. To be eligible to shoot from a set shot, the player kicking for goal must be inside the scoring zone.
In mixed competitions, a goal scored by the female forward is worth 9 points
The field umpire will be the sole judge of whether the kick for goal was successful.