The AFL supports school sport associations through nationally aligned standards, resources and expert guidance that help deliver safe, inclusive and well-managed football competitions.
This includes competition handbooks, policies, PlayHQ support, coaching and umpiring resources, women and girls initiatives, grants and funding opportunities, and practical tools that build capability, improve participant experiences and support the sustainable growth of school football across Australia.
Connect with your State or Territory Competitions Lead to discuss how the AFL can support your association in creating and enhancing school football opportunities in your region.
Adopting PlayHQ to operate competitions, the association is elevating the overall experience of everyone involved and increasing player safety & wellbeing.
Explore the Australian Football Laws of the Game to learn more about the rules and regulations that govern Australian football.
Full Format (Junior Rules): Grades 3 to 12
Full format offerings vary depending year level at school. The junior rules are age-appropriate and developed based on research and best practice, creating the optimal experience for junior footballers across the Country.
Learn More about Full Format Junior Rules
New Format: Grades 7 to 12
AFL’s newest format is competitive, flexible and fun. ‘Tackle free with touch’ rules mean more people can get involved.
The new format stays true to the essence of AFL, it’s about free-flowing ball movement, kicking, marking and scoring goals. There are no stoppages so the game flows freely. Quick starts & restarts from the goal square mean things never slows down. With seven players to a team, there’s heaps of room to run.
School football competitions couldn’t happen without Team Green. Explore the resources, training and support available to help field, boundary and goal umpires develop their skills and succeed on game day.
The AFL Schools Grant Program provides funding and support to help schools deliver quality Australian football programs and reduce barriers to participation in school football opportunities and competitions.
The AFL are committed to keeping the participation of women & girls a top priority, whether that be as a player, coach, umpire, volunteer, or administrator. The Women’s Football Vision, and the Women & Girls Game Development Action Plan sets out the priorities and initiatives being undertaken in this space.
Learn more about how the AFL is committed to support associations and schools facilitate safe and welcoming competitions for women and girls across the country.
Want to keep kicking goal after the competition? The AFL have collaborated with educators to develop a number of professional learning sessions for school teachers looking to incorporate AFL into their classrooms. There are currently three session options, so teachers can select those that best meet their own developmental and professional needs.
All professional learning options are aligned with Australian Professional Standards for teachers and come with accreditation in the form of a certificate of completion.