Gungahlin Junior AFC

JUNIOR RULES 8 - 11's

As of 2006, the AFL Canberra Junior League have developed a set of rules for the age groups 8 thru 11. They generally follow the Junior Rules as set by the AFL.

The rules for the grades above the Under 11's (Under 12's and above) that play at the competition level are in the Senior rules section.

While these rules here are provided as a guide and are consistent with AFL provided data, you should always refer back to the Admin Resources page for local rules and laws. These rules were effective as of 2001 and have had some changes made so please keep an eye out for alterations to these.

As of 2005, some ball size changes have been directed by the Junior League. The sizes given below now reflect these. Ball sizes for competition teams are:

  • Under 12 - Size 3,
  • Under 13 - Size 4,
  • Under 14 - Size 4,
  • PD1 & PD2 (U15/16) - Full size.

 

These rules have been superceded by recent AFL Canberra changes, however they have been kept to show the sorts of changes that have evolved. The following was taken from initial Auskick guidelines. For those unaware, Auskick in the southern states typically spanned the formative years 5-11.
 
5-8 Years
9-10 Years
11 Years
Purpose

Rules & games for kids in this group are focussed towards skill development, maximum involvement and having a good time.

 Rules & games for this group is still focussed at the skill development, fun and participation but conducted within team structures. Rules are focussed towards the move to competition rules. Clubs can be exempt from Under 12 rules (which the Jets are as part of the ACTAFJL approach).
1. Playing Field Three zones on the field (plus an interchange):
6-a-side 20/20/20 x 40m
9-a-side 25/25/25 x 50m
12-a-side 30/30/30 x 60m		 Three zones(plus an interchange):
9-a-side 25/25/25 x 50m
12-a-side 90 x 60m
15-a-side 110 x 80m		 110 x 80m
2. Ball Size Synthetic for 5-8 year olds. Size 2. Synthetic for 9-10 year olds. Size 2. Synthetic for 11 year olds. Size 3.
3. The Team 6, 9 or 12 in a team. No rucks/rovers and everyone gets a run - whatever the reserves. 9, 12 or 15 in a team. No rucks/rovers and everyone gets a run too - at least half a game if possible. Unlimited reserves. 15 in a team. While no rucks/rovers is recommended refer to local rules.
4. Player Rotation Players to rotate through the zones so they all get an opportunity in different areas - even the interchange. Rotation through the zones (and interchange). Generally kids are encouraged to stay in their zones and the concept of positions is introduced. Under 10's may begin to play to the positional game. Consolidation of positional play and encouragement to play in other positions to learn them.
5. Playing Time Generally:
5-8 year olds = up to 10 mins per quarter.
 max 10 mins per quarter max of 15 mins per quarter.
6. Start of Play A. Ball up between 2 centre players.
B. Approx equal size players.
*C. Full possession rule.
D. Max 3 players from each team closer than 20m to the ball up.		 A. Ball up between 2 centre players.
B. Approx equal size players.
*C. Full possession rule.
D. Max 3 players from each team closer than 20m to the ball up.		 A. Ball up between 2 centre players.
B. Approx equal size players.
*C. Full possession rule.
D. Max 3 players from each team closer than 20m to the ball up.

* Full Possession.
- Player contesting a ball-up can't grab the ball and play-on,
- Player must knock, palm or punch the ball to a team mate or open ground, and can't play the ball again until touched by another player or it has hit the ground.
7. After a Goal Try to use this as a rotation point to give others a goal scoring chance. Try to use this as a rotation point to give others a goal scoring chance. Try to use this as a rotation point to give others a goal scoring chance.
8. Ball Transition When the ball is in transition from the back zone to the forward zone it must be touched by a player in the mid zone. A free kick ensues from the point of entry in the forward zone. When the ball is in transition from the back zone to the forward zone it must be touched by a player in the mid zone. A free kick ensues from the point of entry in the forward zone. Not applicable.
9. Scrimmage No diving on the ball or pulling/raking it back in. Free kick awarded to nearest player. General scrimmage sees the umpire stop play. General scrimmage sees the umpire stop play. Players sent back to positions and ball-up occurs. General scrimmage sees the umpire stop play. Players sent back to positions and ball-up occurs.
 
5-8 Years
9-10 Years
11-12 Years
10. Out of Bounds

A. From a kick then nearest opponent from where ball crossed the line gets a free kick.
B. Doubt on who kicked then ball up 5m in.
C. Off hands or body then ball up 5m in.
D. Full possession rule.

A. From a kick then nearest opponent from where ball crossed the line gets a free kick.
B. Doubt on who kicked then ball up 5m in.
C. Off hands or body then ball up 5m in.
D. Full possession rule. 		A. From a kick then nearest opponent from where ball crossed the line gets a free kick.
B. Doubt on who kicked then ball up 5m in.
C. Off hands or body then ball up 5m in.
D. Full possession rule.
11. Tackling Nothing whatsoever! Accidental bumping is ok and light shoulder to shoulder stuff when going for the ball, however, umpire discretion is final. Players can't hold opponents with their hands, knock the ball out of an oponent's possession or push in the side. Two types here that can be used depending on the age group:
a) the Hand Tackle (under 11) which is where a player grabs the opponent correctly but doesn't cross hands/arms in the tackle. A free kick can be awarded if the wrap-around occurs.
b) the Wrap-around Tackle (under 12) where an opponent is correctly tackled and the tackler has wrapped both arms around the body.

No deliberate dumping or slinging to occur.
12. Bumping No deliberate bumping or contact. A restrained bump only. After a bump the ball must be released within 3 steps or 3 seconds. Allowed in the U12's as per AFL rules. However, the U11's play a modified tackling game to allow players to transition to U12's level.
13. Barging No barging, fending or chopping past opponents. No barging, fending or chopping past opponents. No barging or chopping past opponents?
14. Stealing/Smothering Not allowed. Players can attempt to snatch or steal the ball but if unsuccessful then a free is awarded to opponent. No smothering allowed. Both allowed.
15. Shepherding Nope. No pushing, shouldering or blocking opponents not in possession of the ball. Nope. No pushing, shouldering or blocking opponents not in possession of the ball. Shepherd allowed within 5m of the ball.
16. Marking/Playing on Any reasonable attempt to mark from a kick irrespective of distance constitutes the mark of the year, sort of. No playing on is allowed. Catching the ball from a kick irrespective of distance constitutes a mark. Play on is allowed. Normal marking situation. Ball must have travelled at least 10m.
17. Bouncing Only one bounce (or touch on the ground) then player must dispose of the ball. Only one bounce (or touch on the ground)then player must dispose of the ball. Normal bouncing/touching on ground rules.
18. Kicking off the ground No deliberate kicking off the ground - especially when packs exist. No deliberate kicking off the ground - especially when packs exist. No deliberate kicking off the ground - especially when packs exist.
 
5-8 Years
9-10 Years
11-12 Years
19. Order-off rule Applicable. Umpire's discretion on return to field (or local rule). No bad behaviour. Applicable. Umpire's discretion on return to field (or local rule). No bad behaviour. Applicable. Umpire's discretion on return to field (or local rule). No bad behaviour.
20. Staying in position Applied to stop congestion. Umpire to police the staying in the zone rule. Applied to stop congestion. Umpire to police the staying in the zone rule. Applied to stop congestion. Umpire to police the players to stay in positions.
21. Coaches Allowed on the ground to instruct. Allowed on the ground to instruct. The rule is explicit about no coaches on the ground but runners can be used. However, talk to the umpire and opposition coach to get the ok if it is necessary to be out there. Some sensibility here.
22. Spirit of the Game Handshakes and pats on the back all round. Umpire to encourage and instruct the kids on rules/decisions. Handshakes and pats on the back all round. Umpire to encourage and instruct the kids on rules/decisions. Handshakes and pats on the back all round. Umpire to encourage and instruct the kids on rules/decisions.
23. The Game No competition points, awards, finals, wins or losses etc. Everyone's generic. No competition points, awards, finals, wins or losses etc. Everyone's generic. No competition points, awards, finals, wins or losses etc. Everyone's generic.
24. Awards Mainly only participation, effort and improvement recognition. Mainly only participation, effort and improvement recognition. Mainly only participation, effort and improvement recognition.
25. Other Rules You will need to refer to the ACT Australian Football Junior League Inc By-laws for information regarding other rules/laws not displayed here. Issues such as Tribunals and Disciplinary action is generally left in the hands of the club. No clearances exist - it's all automatic.
Play for Fun and Play Fair