Tackling reduced in junior footy part of a raft of changes to the sport

Juniors will be forced to not tackle in certain age groups this year after the AFL announced shock new new rule changes for underage footy.

Five junior players from Trentham Football/Netball Club L to R Darcy Thompson, 10, Ellie Handley, 10 Harley Thompson, 12, Mason Thompson, 6, and Taylah Handley, 11 Wearing helmets. The club has introduced compulsory helmets for under-14s, which follows on from under-11s having to wear them. Now the team will have new changes to deal with this year. Picture: Tim Carrafa

Juniors under the age of 10 will not be able to fully tackle an opponent in football under new rules to be implemented by the AFL.

The AFL has updated its rules for junior football, which will be introduced for the next two years in all age groups, with the focus being on keeping girls and boys playing the game.

This is the first time in 11 years an update has been made to rules in junior competitions.

Among the changes, juniors in under-8, under-9 and under-10 will not be able to tackle fully.

In under-8 there is a blanket ban on tackling with players also unable to bump, shepherd, smother or steal the ball or fend off an opponent player.

The concepts of kicking and catching the ball are the major focus in the age group.

When the junior rises to under-9 and under-10 modified tackling becomes allowed.

Players can wrap their opponents from below their shoulder to above their waist but cannot put the opposition junior on the ground.

From under-11 to under-18 a normal tackle is allowed with players able to steal the ball and fend off opponents from the same age group as well.

Changes have also been made in relation to the number of players on the ground and requirements for how much time each player is given.

In under-8 there are just six players each on the field with the number rising to nine in under-9 and 12 from under-10 to 12.

From under-13 to under-15 the number rises to 15 before the normal number of 18 on the field is implemented from under-16 to under-18.

In girls the number from under-16 to under-18 is 16, in line with AFLW rules.

AFL Auskick juniors in Sydney. All will play under different playing conditions this year. Picture: Nigel Hallett.

From under-8 to under-12 there is also a rule players cannot play more than 75 per cent of match time with all players to at least play half the game.

In under-8 games are held for 40 minutes, rising to 48 minutes in under-9 and under-10 and 60 minutes from under-11 to under-12.

All grades after that play for the full 80 minutes.

There is also a mercy rule in place which can be implemented when teams get 60 points up.

“We identified the need to rework the existing framework to ensure we’re delivering best practice, industry leading guidelines for our young players, and we strongly encourage all leagues, clubs and families around Australia to support the modifications,” AFL executive general manager of game development Rob Auld said.

“Research tells us that when boys and girls are playing age-appropriate rules it increases player involvement, creating a positive match experience and a fun, inclusive environment for all participants.

“This then leads to players being more likely to return each season, ensuring they stay connected to our game and their community, while developing their skills in a safe manner over time and increasing their chance to succeed as they progress through the pathways.

“More kids playing makes for stronger clubs and leagues, everyone in footy saw that as a common goal.

“There’s been a lot of collaboration and thorough research analysed during the process to ensure this is what’s best for young players and the future of our game as we strive to have footy in every home in Australia.”

The rules follow concussion changes made to community, junior pathway and state level competitions on Wednesday.

The junior rules have been endorsed by AFL and AFLW legends Matthew Lloyd and Erin Phillips and comes as part of the AFL’s commitment to grassroots with one billion dollars set to be invested in the next decade.

“The new AFL Junior Rules allow skills to be learnt at the right time developmentally for players and allows them to action those skills effectively in a suitable game situation, leading to a more exciting play and more importantly, players wanting to play the game for longer,” Lloyd said.

Teams and competitions will now have a few weeks to implement the rules with the new season starting next month.

To check out the handbook of the rules, head here.