Australian Football Match Policy for the Conduct of the Game for Players Aged 5-18 Years

NEXT GENERATION Australian Football Match Policy For the conduct of the game for players aged 5-18 years In partnership with AFL State and Territory affiliates Introduction This policy is designed to promote measures that will maximise the enjoyment and development of young players. As Andrew Demetriou explains – they are the Next Generation … he Australian Football League (AFL) communities across Australia but we also T is the governing body of Australian recognise two other factors determine choice Football. As the “keeper of the code” of sport. Firstly, young people today have an we aim to actively support all levels of unprecedented amount of choice in terms Australian Football from NAB AFL Auskick of sporting and leisure activity. Secondly, we to the elite level of the game and every understand family time has become more point in between. The AFL’s investment precious than ever before with the pressures in the development of the game exceeds on parents today. Both factors lead me to one more than $40 million and is designed to conclusion – that Australian Football must be introduce and retain the next generation of the best experience possible. young players and their families. Given the experience is most often delivered We want to maximise the recruitment by our army of volunteers, who are also and retention of players and umpires. under much pressure, we do hope this Our research tells us that retaining both policy provides a practical, easy-to-follow groups in the game is a function of quality guide that makes effective implementation as and, at its most basic level, the quality of easy as possible. the experience is assessed by how the game is conducted. For this reason, in It is vital that providers of junior football are collaboration with our state affi liates and familiar with, and adopt, the procedures expert consultants, we have developed a contained in this policy to ensure comprehensive junior policy to provide clear participating boys and girls have a fun, direction for the provision of appropriate safe and positive football experience. pathways for all boys and girls in safe, enjoyable and accountable environments. We do know participation in our great game, in safe and enjoyable NAB AFL Auskick and junior club environments can signifi cantly contribute to the physical, psychological Andrew Demetriou and social wellbeing of young people. Chief Executive Offi cer We recognise the value this sport has in Australian Football League NEXT GENERATION AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL MATCH POLICY 7 BACKGROUND Why do we need a junior policy? The AFL and its state affi liates have a view that any person It should be noted: wishing to participate in our great game should be able to do the Laws of Australian Football as administered and so in a manner that is appropriate to his or her skills, needs and controlled by the AFL apply to and guide this policy. aspirations, and that takes into account the facilities available. This policy explains how variations to the Laws of With this in mind, it is appropriate young players are introduced Australian Football have been made to ensure the to the game through a sequentially modifi ed match program appropriate organisation and running of a junior match that consists of modifi cations to the Laws of Australian Football. of football; In other words, young players have different needs to adults. the procedures outlined in this document have been refi ned over a long period through experience, We want to maximise participation in the game. This is best consultation and continual research; achieved by providing non-discriminatory and inclusive practices the AFL recognises the need for various controlling bodies when delivering junior football in an environment where all to determine their own arrangements within, but not children – regardless of their capability, cultural background, outside, these guidelines; social or geographic situation, gender or sexuality – can young people grow and mature at different rates. sequentially develop their skills through appropriate activities, This policy is considerate of this growth and maturation games and match rules. This policy is designed to support diversity and provides an appropriate and sequential range such an environment by outlining what is recommended as of programs and match rules to cater for the individual appropriate conduct of the game at junior levels. differences and needs of participating children; and this policy is broadly divided into: The overriding objective of this policy is: 1. AFL Junior Policy (5-12 years); and To provide an environment where young players can play the 2. AFL Youth Policy (13-18 years). game and inexperienced umpires can sequentially develop their skills through activities, games, match rules and conditions commensurate with their stage of learning and level of ability. 8 NEXT GENERATION AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL MATCH POLICY BACKGROUND AFL Stages of Development The following descriptions have been developed to ensure a For talented players, selection into state and national talent clear understanding of the objectives and focus of the policy development programs, including the AIS-AFL Academy, at each stage of a young player’s development. It begins continues. This includes the provision of an optimum with the Fundamental Stage (AFL Junior), which includes all competition program for player development that also provides participants in the game and culminates in the Maintenance opportunities to be drafted to the AFL. e.g. TAC Cup or state Stage (senior players). league competition. Stage descriptions 5. Investment Stage (19-22 years) 1. Fundamental Stage (5-11 years): AFL Junior Objective: complete development of all higher-level skills and Objective: participation and learning fundamental movement capacities required for optimum performance. and game skills. This is the fi nal stage of development, where the focus of The program is well-structured and fun. The emphasis is the training in on completing a player’s development and on the overall development of the participant’s fundamental optimising performance. motor skills and physical capacities using game-related, skill-development activities. This is a critical period for motor For talented players, the refi nement of physical, technical, skill development. Correct running and jumping, and basic tactical, mental and ancillary capacities is completed in the game skills should be taught, and participation in a range of professional club environment. sports encouraged for all-round development. Simple rules and ethics are also introduced. 6. Maintenance Stage (23-30+ years) Objective: maintaining and maximising performance. 2. Sampling Stage (12-14 years): AFL Junior/Youth Objective: learning all the fundamental skills of the game The players’ physical, technical, tactical, mental and ancillary and developing basic physical capacities, while continuing capacities are fully developed. The program is focused to develop all-round sports skills. on competition and the training is aimed at optimising performance. Training is characterised by high intensity, Players learn how to train and consolidate the basic skills of relatively high volume and regular preventative breaks. the game. They are introduced to technical and tactical skills, including positional skills and basic performance-enhancing 7. Retirement and transition stage (individual) techniques, e.g. warm-up, cool-down, nutrition, hydration, Objective: a successful transition from being a professional recovery, goal-setting, etc. This is a critical period for physical athlete to another productive role in life, including and skill development. The focus of training is on learning opportunities to remain in the sport. rather than competing, and a balance between training and playing is struck. Participants should continue to play a range This is the end of the high-performance competition stage, of sports for their all-round development. This stage also when players retire and move to other levels of competition includes initial identifi cation for regional development squads. or other roles, or out of football altogether. Continued physical activity is encouraged. 3. Identifi cation Stage (15-16 years): AFL Youth Objective: developing higher-level skills of the game and physical capacities. Optimise the development of fi tness, individual, positional and team skills. Develop higher-level competition skills and provide appropriate competition to enhance learning and the opportunity to be identifi ed for talent pathway programs. At this age initial selection into state talent development programs including the AIS-AFL Academy are introduced. 4. Specialising Stage (17-18 years) Objective: developing higher-level skills of the game and physical capacities. Optimise the development of fi tness capacities and individual, positional, team and competition skills. NEXT GENERATION AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL MATCH POLICY 9 BACKGROUND Participation and talent pathways AFL player pathways have the dual purpose of developing individual player’s abilities The AFL player participation pathway has been developed to and preparing teams to participate in state championships at ensure it contains the following principles: under-14 level and above. Comprehensive (levels of participation that link); Inclusive and equitable (accommodates all young people); Australian Football coaches who are coaching at youth level Coherent (prescribes links between levels); should have a good understanding of the AFL participation Developmental (meets children’s

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