Junior Footy Modifications: A Complete Rules Checklist

So you’ve got a young footy fan at home who’s keen to pull on the boots and join a local club. Or maybe you’re a coach looking to make sure your under-8s are playing the game the right way. Either way, you’ve landed in the right spot.

Junior footy isn’t just a scaled-down version of the AFL you see on TV. It’s a carefully designed system of modifications that prioritise safety, skill development, and—most importantly—fun. The rules change as kids grow, ensuring they’re not thrown in the deep end before they’ve learned to dog paddle.

This checklist will walk you through every key modification for junior Aussie Rules, from the little tackers in Auskick right through to under-12s and beyond. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to expect when your kid hits the field, and you’ll have a practical reference to keep handy for game day.

Let’s get into it.

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What You’ll Need Before You Start

Before we dive into the step-by-step, here’s what you’ll want to have sorted:

• A copy of your local league’s age-specific rules (most clubs provide these at registration)
• The right-sized footy (size 1 for under-8s, size 2 for under-10s, size 3 for under-12s and up)
• Appropriate safety gear (mouthguard is non-negotiable; shin guards are optional but recommended)
• A supportive attitude (kids learn best when they’re having fun, not being yelled at from the boundary)
• Patience (junior footy is chaotic, glorious, and nothing like the NRL Grand Final you watched last weekend)

Right, let’s run through the modifications step by step.

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Step 1: Understand the Age-Based Tiers

Junior footy isn’t one-size-fits-all. The AFL has structured modifications into clear age brackets, and each one has its own set of rules. Here’s the basic breakdown:

Under-8s and Under-9s (Auskick and AFL Junior Programs)

• Non-competitive format
• No scoring or ladders
• Focus on basic skills: handballing, kicking, marking

Under-10s

• Introduction of scoring
• Modified tackling (no sling tackles, no tackles below the knees or above the shoulders)
• Smaller field sizes

Under-12s

• Full tackling introduced (with restrictions)
• Larger field but still smaller than senior dimensions
• Interchange rotations managed

Under-14s and above

• Rules gradually align with senior footy
• Contact levels increase
• Full tackling, bumping, and contest work

The key takeaway? Don’t expect your under-8 to come home talking about their three-goal haul. At that age, it’s all about getting a feel for the ball and learning to work as a team.

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Step 2: Get the Field and Ball Sizes Right

This is one of the most common mistakes I see at local clubs. Parents turn up with a full-size Sherrin for their six-year-old, and the poor kid can barely get their hands around it. Here’s the cheat sheet:

Ball sizes by age:

• Under-8s: Size 1 (very small, lightweight)
• Under-10s: Size 2 (intermediate)
• Under-12s and older: Size 3 (standard junior size, eventually moving to full-size)

Field dimensions:

• Under-8s and Under-9s: Approx 60m x 40m (think a large oval, not a full MCG)
• Under-10s: 80m x 50m
• Under-12s: 100m x 60m
• Under-14s: 120m x 80m (getting close to senior size)

The smaller field isn’t just about making it easier for little legs. It means more touches on the ball, more involvement in play, and less time standing around wondering what’s happening on the far wing.

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Step 3: Master the Modified Tackling Rules

Tackling is where junior footy changes most dramatically as kids get older. Here’s what you need to know:

Under-8s and Under-9s:

• No tackling at all
• Two-handed “tag” or “touch” instead
• Players must attempt to smother or spoil without contact

Under-10s:

• Limited tackling introduced
• Tackles must be below the shoulders and above the knees
• No sling tackles, no dumping, no lifting
• Players must attempt to wrap the arms

Under-12s:

• Full tackling permitted
• Still no sling tackles or dangerous throws
• Bumping allowed but not above the shoulder

Pro tip for parents and coaches: Teach kids the “cheek to cheek” technique early. When tackling, the head should be on the correct side (cheek to opponent’s cheek), not across the body. This reduces head injury risk dramatically.

If you’re coaching, spend at least one session per term on safe tackling technique. It’s the single most important skill for player safety.

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Step 4: Learn the Marking and Kicking Modifications

You’ll notice junior footy looks different from what you see on TV. That’s by design.

Under-8s and Under-9s:

• No kicking off the ground (must be picked up first)
• Handballing encouraged over long kicks
• Marks can be taken on the chest (no overhead marking required)
• Players cannot kick more than 15 metres (this keeps the ball in play and encourages teamwork)

Under-10s:

• Overhead marking introduced
• Kicking distance restrictions removed
• Players can now kick off the ground

Under-12s:

• Full marking rules apply
• Players must control the ball cleanly for a mark to be paid
• Play-on rules similar to senior footy

One thing that catches parents off guard: in under-8s, if a player kicks the ball more than 15 metres, the umpire calls a “too long” and the opposition gets a free kick. It sounds strange, but it stops one kid booting it 50 metres while everyone else chases after it.

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Step 5: Understand the Scoring System (or Lack Thereof)

Here’s a surprise for parents used to watching the NRL or senior AFL: under-8s and under-9s don’t keep score.

That’s right. No goals, no behinds, no ladders. The focus is entirely on participation and skill development.

Under-10s:

• Scoring introduced
• Goals worth 6 points, behinds worth 1 point
• Results recorded but no finals or premiership tables

Under-12s:

• Full scoring system in place
• Ladders and finals introduced
• This is where competition starts to matter

Why no scoring for the little ones? Research shows that kids under 10 learn better when the emphasis is on doing their best rather than winning. It reduces anxiety, increases participation, and stops parents from treating the under-9s grand final like it’s the NRL Grand Final.

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Step 6: Manage Interchange and Playing Time

Every parent’s nightmare: your kid sits on the bench for 15 minutes while the star player stays on the field. Junior footy rules are designed to prevent this.

Under-8s to Under-10s:

• All players must have equal playing time
• Interchange is rolling (players can come on and off freely)
• Teams typically have 12-14 players on the field at once (smaller than senior teams)

Under-12s:

• Equal playing time still expected
• Interchange managed by a team official
• Maximum of 16 players on the field per team

Under-14s and above:

• Playing time expectations relaxed
• Interchange follows senior rules (4-5 players on the bench, rolling interchanges)

If you’re a coach, keep a simple rotation system. Use a whiteboard or a spreadsheet. Nothing kills a kid’s love for footy faster than sitting on the bench for half the game while their mate gets all the game time.

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Step 7: Know the Bounce and Boundary Rules

Junior footy modifies how the game restarts, too.

Under-8s and Under-9s:

• No boundary throw-ins (players restart with a kick-in from the goal square)
• No centre bounces (umpire throws the ball up instead)
• After a behind, the full-back kicks from the goal square (no rushing)

Under-10s:

• Boundary throw-ins introduced
• Centre bounces still replaced with throw-ups
• Kick-ins after behinds remain

Under-12s:

• Full boundary throw-ins
• Centre bounces introduced
• Kick-in after behinds is optional (player can play on)

The centre bounce is a big milestone. It’s the moment when junior footy starts to look like the real thing, and kids get excited about winning the tap from the ruck contest.

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Step 8: Prepare for the Transition to Senior Rules

Around under-14s, the modifications start to fade and the game becomes recognisable as Aussie Rules. But there are still some differences:

• No third-man up at ruck contests (this was removed from all levels a few years ago)
• No dangerous tackles (this applies at all levels, but is strictly enforced in juniors)
• No head-high contact (zero tolerance, even accidental)
• Protective equipment (helmets and padded headgear are allowed but not mandatory)

The biggest shift is mental. Kids go from playing a modified, skill-focused game to one where physicality and strategy matter. If your kid is moving up to under-14s, have a chat with their coach about what to expect.

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Pro Tips and Common Mistakes

Mistake #1: Treating under-8s like it’s the NRL Grand Final I’ve seen parents screaming at umpires over a “too long” call. It’s under-8s. Relax. The kids are learning.

Mistake #2: Using the wrong ball size A size 3 ball for a six-year-old is like asking them to kick a watermelon. Get the right size.

Mistake #3: Forgetting the mouthguard This is non-negotiable. No mouthguard, no play. Most clubs enforce this, but double-check before game day.

Mistake #4: Over-coaching Let the kids play. Too much instruction during a game can overwhelm them. Save the drills for training.

Pro tip for parents: Volunteer to help with the canteen or the scoreboard. Local junior programs thrive on parent involvement. You’ll learn the rules faster and your kid will love seeing you at the ground.

Pro tip for coaches: Use the “game sense” approach. Instead of drilling skills in isolation, set up small-sided games that simulate match situations. Kids learn faster when they’re having fun.

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Checklist Summary

Here’s your quick-reference checklist for junior footy modifications:

• Age tier confirmed – Under-8s, Under-10s, Under-12s, or Under-14s
• Correct ball size – Size 1 (U8s), Size 2 (U10s), Size 3 (U12s+)
• Field dimensions correct – Smaller for younger age groups
• Tackling rules understood – No tackling (U8-9), limited (U10s), full (U12s+)
• Scoring system known – No score (U8-9), scored but no finals (U10s), full system (U12s+)
• Playing time expectations set – Equal time for all players in younger age groups
• Bounce and boundary rules clear – No boundary throw-ins (U8-9), introduced (U10s), full rules (U12s+)
• Safety gear ready – Mouthguard mandatory, shin guards optional
• Parent/coach mindset adjusted – Fun first, competition second
• Transition plan in place – For moving up to the next age bracket

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Junior footy modifications exist for one reason: to make sure kids love the game enough to keep playing. The rules might seem strange at first—no tackling, no scoring, “too long” free kicks—but they’re based on decades of research into child development and sports safety.

Whether your kid is just starting Auskick or moving into competitive under-12s, knowing these rules will make game day more enjoyable for everyone. You’ll understand why the umpire called that free kick, you’ll know what equipment to bring, and you’ll be able to help your young footy star develop the skills they need to succeed.

And if you’re ever unsure about a rule, ask the coach or check your local league’s website. The rules are there for a reason, and they’re all designed to keep kids safe while they learn the greatest game on earth.

Now get out there, grab a footy, and have some fun. That’s what junior footy is all about.

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For more on the basics of Aussie Rules, check out our /rules-basics guide. If you’re coaching or parenting a young player, our /junior-player-skills-checklist and /training-drills-for-beginners articles are essential reading. Looking to find a local club? See our /local-footy-clubs directory. And for parents of girls interested in footy, our /aflw-rules-differences article explains how the women’s game differs at junior levels.