Tackling is bear hug only and should not take the player to ground.
Players may leave their zone, however, can be asked to return at a stoppage at the umpires discretion.
Forwards should be wearing bibs or braids and are the only players that can score.
Players cannot play up or down between Jnrs and Snrs.
Mouthguards are compulsory for all players.
The Team
A team shall consist of 12 players with any number of reserves. There must be a minimum of three (3) girls in each squad and there must be a minimum of two (2) girls on the field at all times.
The team will be divided into three (3) even field zones (i.e. a team of 12 will have 4 forwards, 4 centres and 4 backs).
Players are to remain in nominated position for the entire third. Interchange is permitted during the break at the conclusion of a third.
Once the ball-up has taken place, players may move out of zone. To stop congestion the umpire may ask players to return to their zone during a stoppage.
At the completion of each third, players must change position.
Replacement of injured players may take place at any time. The new player taking the field must play the replaced players position until the end of the third.
Start of Play
The game shall be started by a ball -up (and restarted after each goal) between two players in the centre of the ground. Players contesting the ball-up should be of similar size and will be rotated.
A player may not grab the ball at the ball-up and play on. They must tap the ball and cannot play the ball again until another player has touched it.
Players to stay within their zones until the ball-up.
Out of Bounds
When the ball goes out of bounds a free kick is awarded against the team to last touch the ball. A player cannot kick for goal from an out of bounds free kick. If the umpire cannot determine which team last touched the ball then play will be restarted by a ball up from where the ball went of bounds.
Tackling
Players can -
Hold or bear hug an opponent in possession of the ball with their hands between the shoulder and knees only.
Knock or steal the ball from an opponent’s hands.
Shepherd (no rough shepherding allowed)
Players cannot -
Throw another player to the ground.
Push the opponent in the back.
Pick the opponent up and drive them into the ground.
Fend another player in a dangerous manner.
NB: -umpires can award a free kick against a tackle that is considered unnecessarily rough.
Mark
A free kick is awarded to any player who fairly catches a kick providing the kick travels approximately ten (10) metres. If the ball is touched in flight the umpire will call “play on” and play will continue.
When the player takes their free kick, a member of the opposing team may stand on the “mark” with their hands up. They must not move forward from the “mark” until the ball has been kicked, handballed or the player has played on.
Bouncing the Ball
A player in possession of and running with the ball is permitted to bounce the ball once only before kicking or handballing. A player must bounce the ball before taking 10 steps or a penalty free kick is awarded to the other team.
Ball Transition
Players may kick or handball the ball, but not throw the ball.
The ball must be touched by a different player in each zone.
If the ball is kicked from the back zone to the forward zone without being touched by a player, the opposing team will receive a free kick from their back line.
Scoring
A goal (6 points) is awarded when the ball is kicked between the two major posts without being touched by the opposition.
If the ball is touched before passing the two major posts or passes between the minor and major posts, 1 point is awarded.
Goals can only be scored by forwards (who are designated by a bib) within their team’s forward zone. Scores from other positions or from outside the forward zone do not count and a free kick is awarded to the opposing team where the kick was taken.
After a goal is scored play re-starts with a ball up in the centre. After a point is scored play restarts with a kick from the defending team from between the two major posts.
The maximum winning margin in each match will be capped at 50 points. At the conclusion of the game, if the winning margin is greater than 50 points, the score of the winning team will be adjusted to reflect a 50 point lead.
Timing
Games should commence by 9:30am and be completed by 10:45am.
As a general guide the juniors play 7 minute thirds and the seniors play 9 minute thirds, however, this can be negotiated prior to the commencement of a game by both coaches.
Mouthguards
Mouth guards MUST be worn by all players. No mouthguard = no play.
Sportsmanship
At the conclusion of the game, students will shake hands with the opposing team.
All students are to have signed the code of conduct for participating in PSSA and be aware of their responsibilities.
Any students who are not playing the game in the spirit of good sportsmanship (eg talking back to the umpire or questioning their decisions) will be referred to their teacher/coach for a warning. Any student who continues this behaviour may be sent from the field.
Ages
Students turning 8, 9 or 10 in 2020 are to play in Juniors
Students turning 11, 12 or 13 in 2020 are to play in Seniors.
Under no circumstances are students allowed to participate in a game that is not their correct age group in AFL.
