Aim:
To provide football for grades, other than the Senior grade, where insufficient numbers exist prior to a match commencing
Spirit of the Policy
- To have a game played
- To maximise player involvement
AFL Laws of the Game state:
- Minimum playing numbers is 14
- Maximum playing numbers on the field at any one time is 18 per team
- Maximum playing numbers per team is 22 (leagues may have a different by-law which allows for greater numbers per team that has been approved by the Area Manager ie. increased number of interchange players)
Procedures (not in any specific order)
- Even playing numbers on the field at the beginning of the match (by agreement of both teams)
- If one team has less than 18 players then both teams must have the same number of players on the ground
- In the above scenario the team with less than 18 players cannot have players on the interchange
- Field umpires in control of the match to be made aware of the agreement (does it need to be documented âÃÂàform provided)
- Excess players (above the agreed starting number) will form an extended interchange bench
- If team unable to field 14 players, and is unable to borrow players from the opposition the match is declared a forfeit, although a match is encouraged to take place with even numbers taking the field
- Clubs are encouraged to liaise with each other with respect to team numbers should (1) or both teams have trouble fielding 18 players on the field
- On loan players must appear on the teamsheet of the team they represent on the day and be indicated as "on loan players"
- Loaned players are unable to change teams mid match
- Players may be loaned to even up the numbers and give more players game time with less players on the bench
- Additional players above (22) can be provided for (extended interchange bench) only after agreement by both teams, Field Umpires and respective WorkSafe VCFL Area Manager
- Once a game commences, if the numbers of either team are reduced due to injury or "order-off" rule the game is to proceed
- Underage players cannot take the field for the Reserve team if they have previously played in a 3rds or 4ths match on the same day, in situations where an Equalisation Policy is applied
- If playing numbers are reduced below 16 a side, match could be reduced in game time (2x15 min quarters)
- Equalisation Policy does not apply in finals
