EDFL proposes changes to junior tackling and finals rules

A Melbourne footy league could introduce rules banning full tackles in a junior competition while also cutting finals and individual awards.

Change could be on the way to the EDFL’s under-10 competition.

A football league in Melbourne’s northwest could ban tackles which bring players to the ground in its under-10 competition.

The Essendon District Football League is also considering changing its junior competition structure to prevent under-10s from playing for premiership points in the 2024 competition.

It may also cease playing finals and will stop presenting league goal kicking and best and fairest awards.

It plans to continue keeping score in under 10 matches but will not display them online.

In a memo sent to its clubs, the league said the proposed changes were being considered “to assist in creating a positive environment for young participants in our game”.

Amee Carrick, a parent of a player in the competition, has since launched a petition to stop the proposed rule changes.

“It would basically be a kick-to-kick,” she said.

“When you explain what might happen to the kids, they’re not happy about it. Everyone at these games is going to know the score, who is winning and losing.

“We need our kids to know winning and losing is part of life, it helps them to build resilience.

“It’s about teaching younger players sportsmanship when they’re winning and losing.

“Just let the kids play.”

Under the current model, the Essendon District Football League is the only metropolitan league which has its under-10s play for premiership points.

But it could now fall in line with other competitions.

An EDFL spokesperson said the league was still awaiting feedback from clubs on the proposed changes.

This masthead understands clubs have until later this week to provide their answers.

The EDFL’s memo said it was important for under-10s participants to be “provided with the opportunity to develop a variety of skills”.

“Research shows that skill development is one of the strongest factors in determining whether players will continue playing football into the future,” it said.

“Not scoring also takes the pressure off coaches to only play their best players in certain positions and allows for all players to have an even amount of playing time.”

Carrick said the no scoring system could see parents seek a new competition for their children or another sport.

“Basketball, cricket and tennis are just some examples of sports that keep score at the same age,” she said.

“The WRFL has premierships awarded an age group above at under-11s, so maybe people will look at that if these rules go through.”