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RULES FOR JUNIOR FOOTBALL

Creating the optimal experience for junior footballers across the country.

PLAY YOUR WAY

The Junior Football Rules video and Program Handbook detail the rules, structure and environment for the delivery of junior football across the country to create an optimal experience to drive participation and foster a lifelong connection to the game.

VIEW THE HANDBOOK

This handbook will provide you with a clear understanding of how football should be delivered across all junior and youth age groups to build a structure and environment which provides people a great experience, helping keep more players playing the game for longer and most importantly, increasing people’s enjoyment of footy!

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AFL

EXPLANATION VIDEOS

Scroll across to view how junior football should be delivered, for each age group.

UNDER 8's
UNDER 9's
UNDER 10's
UNDER 11's
UNDER 12's
UNDER 13's & 14's
UNDER 15's
UNDER 16 to 18's BOYS
UNDER 16 to 18's GIRLS

JUNIOR FOOTBALL RULES

Competition Age Range: Where possible single age groups. Second option – 2 year age span (8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18).

The AFL encourages leagues, clubs and coaches once an unassailable lead is reached during a game (e.g. 60 points) to appreciate that it serves no purpose to inflict massive losses on teams. In these instances, a mercy rule should be applied that suits the local competition circumstances.

All leagues and competitions to adopt a baseline Game Environment initiative that aims to enhance the experience and environment of participants.

It is recommended that the number of games that a player participates in across all levels and segments of football is monitored (including Talent, Club and School games) and that measures are put in place to support the welfare of the individual player, once a player gets to Under 14’s.

Across Youth Football Competitions it is recommended that players are not playing more than 25 games per season across talent, club and school competitions, and ideally should not be playing more than 2 games per week.

As a game, we all (Governing Bodies, Leagues and Clubs) must provide safe and inclusive environments that provide equal opportunities and access to funding, resources and facilities for women and girls, and that we equally value their contribution to Australian Rules Football.