AFL Rules
TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE SSV RULES
PLEASE NOTE BENTLEIGH DISTRICT HAS ELECTED TO CONTINUE
AFL 18-A-SIDE FORMAT FOR OUR WEEKLY WINTER SPORT
There will be an AFL 9s (girls & boys) Gala day in November
Team / Players: One Boys/Mixed team of 18 per side plus 5 inter change (no rucks)
Maximum of 25 players per team.
Match Duration: 4 x 15 minute quarters, where possible. Will depend on bus travel.
Umpires: Divide the field in half and umpire the entire game or umpire a quarter alternately, by negotiation between staff.
Equipment: Schools supply 1x size 3 football: 12 -13 y.o. Synthetic balls preferred, better in the wet
Padding for (4x) posts
Mouthguards are highly recommended (SSV), schools may elect to make them compulsory.
DISTRICT RULES:
Schools should alternate using their match ball
The game is started by a BALL-UP in the centre
A BALL-UP is conducted between one player of equivalent height from each team. The player may not grab the ball at a ball-up. The ball must be knocked, palmed, or punched from the ball-up
BDS has elected to adopt the new (2019) kick in rule, after the opposition has scored a behind.
The player who takes the kick can now choose to play on without kicking the ball to themselves.
Their opponent must stand 5 metres further back than they previously did.
Players are not permitted to DELIBERATELY KICK the ball off the ground. Should the kick be deemed accidental, no advantage may be made from the kick. Penalty: Free kick to opposition
OUT OF BOUNDS Where the ball is kicked out of bounds without being touched, a free kick will be awarded to the nearest opponent. Where the ball is touched out of bounds, play will be restarted by a ball-up 5 metres away from the boundary.
The ball must travel a minimum of 10 metres before a MARK is awarded
A player is permitted ONE BOUNCE ONLY (10m run) and then must attempt to kick or handpass the ball to another player.
BUMPING is permitted from the side only.
FENDING, contact must be mader & remain below the shoulder
TACKLING is permitted. No sling or lift action is permitted. No high tackles will be allowed.
NO RUCK Umpire selects one playerof similar height from each team
Players can be INTERCHANGED through the Umpire and any break in the play. Any number of `exchanges' can be made during the game.
CROWDED PLAY: The field umpire should sent children back to their respective playing positions at an appropriate stoppage in play
Coaching messages cannot be sent onto the field via `RUNNERS'.
The BLOOD RULE shall apply. Open wounds must be covered. Bloodied clothes should also be removed. Children sent off under the `Blood Rule' can be replaced and exchanged back onto the field immediately when ready.
ORDER OFF RULE, as per School Sport Victoria applies. Depending on the nature of the issue, a warning may or may not be given.
SAFETY - POST PADDING (2008) It is expected that all BDPSSA schools will share responsibility for providing padding for footy posts.
Each school will supply 1x set = 4x.
Failure to supply padding will result in cancellation of the game and school who failed to supply the necessary padding shall forfeit all points
The `MERCY RULE' shall apply after a team has established a lead of 6 goals (36pts). The trailing team may add one player to the field. Note: The extra player may not enter the centre square until after the ball is bounced. If the leading team establishes a lead of 60 or more points they must remove one player (no replacement). The player to be removed, shall be nominated by the opposition coach (adult). The player removed may resume playing when the lead is reduced below the 60 point difference. If at half-time, there is a 60+ point differential, the game is over. Teams mixed together and a social game played for the remaining time. Results are double half-time score for both teams.
Refer to School Sport Victoria site for examples of team sheet, playing positions and score sheets
FOOTBALL TEAM LIST - Attached below