TO  BE  READ  IN  CONJUNCTION  WITH  THE  SSV  RULES

2026  BENTLEIGH  DISTRICT  HAS  ADOPTED
SSV  PRIMARY  AUSTRALIAN  FOOTBALL  FORMAT  9-A-SIDE

Team / Players:  TWO  Boys-Mixed PAF teams of 9 per side plus 3 inter change 
                            Maximum of 12 players per team.
                            NOTE:  There will be an SSV PAF (girls) Gala day in November
Match Duration:  2 x 20 minute halves, where possible > Will depend on bus travel.
                              Both matches are played simultaneously > Set up 2x match areas
Umpires:  1x Staff umpire for each match
Ground Size:  85m x 65m Maxium
Equipment:  Each school to provide 1x size 3 synthetic football:  12 -13 yo   
                      HOME  &  AWAY  TEAM to bring 2x sets of portable goal posts & boundary markers 
                      Mouthguards & football boots are highly recommended 
                      BDS schools may elect to make mouthguards compulsory.

DISTRICT  RULES:

Schools should alternate using their match ball

The game is started by a BALL-UP in the centre

PLAYERS 
9 on field + 3 additional players BDS Maximum team size 12 BDS (Division & beyond 15 players)
Player management: All players must play 50% of match time & should be rotated through the zones
Interchange of players can be done at anytime Interchanged players may return
Change over must take place at the boundary line
Players removed due to an injury CANNOT RETURN

SOFT ZONES
Different coloured boundary markers should be used to mark Forward, Mid & Back zones
Three players in each zone at the start of the match & half-time restart
Umpires should direct players to return to their zone prior to all BALL Ups & THROW Ins

SCORING
Any player can score, provided they have not skipped over the ‘MIDDLE ZONE’  

BALL UPS
Field ball-ups are to be contested by 2 similar players, selected by the umpire
Not necessarily the tallest
Players are required to tap or punch the ball back into play from the bounce or throw-up/in
A FREE KICK is awarded against a player who takes full possession of the football at a bounce or throw up/in

OUT OF BOUNDS
When a ball is kicked out of bounds without being touched, a FREE KICK is awarded to nearest opposition player
When a ball is touched out of bounds, play will be restarted by a BALL-UP 5m in from boundary

MARKING: Any distance & show control of the ball

TACKLING
Modified 2 arm wrap tackle is the ONLY PHYSICAL CONTACT allowed
No bumping, pushing, slinging of players.
Smothering or stealing the ball from a player in possession is not allowed

BOUNCES
Players may have one bounce, then must dispose of the ball by hand or foot TO ANOTHER PLAYER

KICK OFF GROUND
Deliberately kicking a ball on the ground is not permitted
 A FREE KICK shall be awarded to the nearest opponent

REMINDER CROWDED  PLAY
The field umpire should send children back to their 'zones' at an appropriate stoppage in play

RUNNERS:  Coaching messages cannot be sent onto the field via 'runner'

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. 

The `MERCY RULE'   to  be  confirmed  

Refer to School Sport Victoria site for examples of team sheet, playing positions and score sheets