03/06/2021
Please take the time to read the below notes from the STJFL Executive Officer.
Tagging of players has also been highlighted.
No “Tagging” players whose sole purpose is to prevent an opposition player gaining possession are permitted at any time.
One on One play is fine so long as both players are allowed a fair contest at the ball.
Sling Tackles - Coaches please convey message to players that sling tackles are not to be applied, no place in the game for them.
Umpires are asked to be more observant and apply penalties for incorrect tackles, late tackles penalty down field or 50m which ever applies.
Repeat offenders may require to be served with a 15minute cool off period.
Swearing by players on field is another matter that has come to attention.
Umpires are asked to stamp this out by being observant and applying penalties - 50m penalty first offence, send off for repeat offence or if language is directed at the umpire.
In Youth League feedback been received that some teams take too long to interchange players after a goal holding up the 6-6-6 re start of play.
2021 COMPETITION GUIDE Anti-Density Rule - U11 to U17.5 Competition
“To provide an environment that best develops and showcases
each individual’s talents regardless of shape or size”
(2017 AFL National Talent Development Philosophy)
…. the use of negative defensive tactics, where the opposing player’s sole objective is to prevent a player from gaining possession, is strongly discouraged at this age level. It could be argued tactics such as tagging and flooding are elements of the modern game, however, they are detrimental to the philosophy of providing an environment that maximises the desired fairness, fun, speed, skill and competitive elements of the game. (Australian Football Match Policy - AFL guidelines for the conduct of Australian Football for players aged 5-18 years)
Purpose
• To reduce the density of player numbers around the football in order to provide an opportunity for the less physically developed players to showcase their skill sets.
• Eliminate any form of “Full Ground Press” which doesn’t allow forwards & defenders (tall, medium or small) to develop their craft of leading to or defending the ball coming Inside 50.
• To promote and teach the art of one-on-one football to all underage players.
• To continue to promote and harbour learning environments which encourage players to develop and showcase their repeatable skills (kicking, hand passing, decision making, marking, speed, lateral movement, etc.) without relying on their physical size.
Guiding Principles
• 5 Forwards to play inside their attacking half (2 Inside Forward 50) Note: Defenders must also abide by the same principle though not necessarily man on man.
• No “Tagging” players whose sole purpose is to prevent an opposition player gaining possession are permitted at any time.
• No rolling zone or press is permitted at any time. Once the ball is in general play it is important to encourage players to be responsible for their opponent, therefore creating more one on one football.
• At stoppages, 5 Forwards and Defenders must re-set to their required starting position and be in position by time of ball-up.
Centre Bounce Set-up
18 a side 6-6-6 back – mid – forward 4 inside centre square + 2 wings outside square
16 a side 5-6-5 back – mid – forward 4 inside centre square + 2 wings outside square
15 a side 5-5-5 back – mid – forward 3 inside centre square + 2 wings outside square
14 a side 4-6-4 back – mid – forward 4 inside centre square + 2 wings outside square
12 a side 4-4-4 back – mid – forward 4 inside centre square - no wings outside square
• All 6 Forwards are to start inside the 50marc. Wings are the only players to start around the sides of the square.
• Minimum of 1 Forward are to start inside goal square.
• Defenders must abide by the same principle. (Note: They don’t necessarily have to play man on man however they must start in the same zone.
Kick-Ins (Slow Play)
• The team kicking-in must have minimum of 5 Forwards within its Attacking Half (minimum of 2 players inside Forward 50) until the ball is brought into play.
• Defenders must abide by the same principle (Note: They don’t necessarily have to play man on man however they must start with a minimum of 5 Defenders inside the Defensive Half and must also have 2 inside Defensive 50).
Penalties/Sanctions
If players are out of zone by time of ball up, a free kick on goal from CHF on the (50) metre arc will be given to one of the opposition forwards
or if stoppage is inside the 50m arc the free will be awarded where the stoppage is.
In youth age games umpires can advise League of breaches of these rules.
Youth Teams can be deducted E Points for continual breach of this rule throughout a game.
Coaches of teams persistently not following the rules may be suspended from competition.
