The AFL offers a range of formats to ensure everyone can get involved, no matter their prior footy experience, your school will select what format to compete in based on a range of different factors. The differences between the two formats can be seen below.

Full Format:
Full format offerings vary depending on student year level and are aligned to the Junior Rules. From field, ball and team size to duration of game play and rules like bouncing, marking and tackling.

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

AFL Switch: Grades 7 to 12
AFL’s newest game is competitive, flexible and fun. ‘Tackle free with touch’ rules mean more people can get involved and play in a safer why while still experiencing that footy feeling.

Switch 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 slow down. With seven players to a team, there’s heaps of room to run and plenty of opportunity to get involved.

Pending the school competition, lengths vary from gala day commitments to seasonal competitions. Participation is the focus in Primary School, with secondary options including both participation and Competitive offerings.

In all competitions, it is highly encouraged that participants wear mouthguards and are registered participants to increase student safety & wellbeing.

AFL is Australia’s Game. We are passionate about ensuring everyone in our game plays safe, happy and healthy. The AFL provides teachers, parents and students a range of resources to support the safety and wellbeing of all school footy participants. From Injury Prevention to Injury Management the priority is, and always will be, the short and long-term welfare of every player who participates in our great game at any level.

Not sure how to spot a concussion? Level up your knowledge of concussion with the Concussion Explained series. In three simple episodes you’ll learn:

• What concussion is and how you can tell if players might have one
• What to do if you see a possible concussion, and how to tell if something’s wrong
• How to help players recover and return to play

Girls across Australia are discovering confidence, friendship and community through football. All girl environments help girls feel comfortable, confident and connected as they learn the game, make friends and enjoy being part of a team. The AFL is committed to creating experiences that keep girls in the game.

Explore the Parent FAQs for helpful information about participating in school football competitions managed through the PlayHQ platform.