The guidelines for such matches are defined in what is termed AFL Auskick rules - match rules for children 5-12 years of age.
The AFL Auskick rules are:
- The rules and procedures for conducting modified matches at varying age levels, particularly for primary school-aged children
- Recommended for primary schools, community clubs and leagues that have a responsibility for delivering football to this age group.
AFL Auskick rules games are heavily modified at the early age levels.
As children proceed through middle to later age levels, less modification occurs until by age 13, the standard rules are recommended. The rules are modified to ensure the emphasis is clearly placed on skill development, safety and enjoyment.
In AFL Auskick rules football:
- The spirit of the game is important: players and coaches should shake hands before and after the match.
- The umpire (possibly a coach) should instruct the players on the rules and procedures.
- Children rotate through different positions and the interchange bench.
- Boundary throw-ins are replaced by awarding a kick against the player kicking the ball out.
- Restrictions on tackling are enforced primarily to ensure that players develop possession and disposal skills free of the pressure of being pushed, bumped or tackled.
- Similarly, to require that children must either hand pass or kick the ball, the ball is not to be kicked off the ground.
- Barging (fending off or chopping past opponents) is not permitted.
- To encourage disposal skills and develop team play, players may take only one or two bounces of the football.
- Procedures are in place for misdemeanors, including the possibility of being ordered off.
- In younger age groups, pairs of players of similar size and ability are restricted to an area as this prevents ball chasing and subsequent congestion.
- Coaches are allowed on the ground to coach and encourage in games involving players aged 5-10.
The complete AFL Auskick Rules are explained in the attached PDF file.
AFL Auskick Rules [PDF]
