U9s & U10s player modified tackle rules as per the AFL Junior Philosophy and Rules.

A player in possession of the ball may be tackled by an opponent wrapping both arms around the area below the top of the shoulders and on/above the knees. The tackle may be from either side or from behind, providing the tackle from behind does not thrust forward the player with the ball (i.e push the player in the back).

• If the player in possession of the ball is taken to the ground in the act of tackling, they will receive a free kick. If the umpire feels the player drops to the ground deliberately in order to receive a free kick, they will be penalised for holding the all.

• A player in possession of the ball, when held by an opponent applying a modified tackle, should be given a reasonable chance to dispose of the ball by kick or by handball, or by attempting to kick or handball, otherwise a free kick shall be awarded to the tackler for holding the ball.

• The field umpire shall conduct a ball-up when the player with the ball has the ball held to the body by an opponent, unless the player has had a reasonable time to dispose of the ball prior to being tackled, in which case a free kick shall be warded to the tackler for holding the ball.

• The field umpire shall allow play to continue if the ball is accidently knocked out of a player’s hands by an opponent.

• A player not in possession of the ball, when held by an opponent, shall be awarded a free kick.

• There is strictly no bumping, slinging or deliberately bringing the opposition player in possession of the ball to the ground.

Players cannot:

• Knock the ball out of an opponent’s hands.

• Push the player in the side.

• Steal the ball from another player.

• Smother an opponent’s kick.

• Shepherd an opponent.

More resources:

	JUNIOR FOOTBALL MATCH GUIDE	For the conduct of Australian Football for Junior Players aged 5-12 Years
	COACHES & UMPIRES GUIDE	Rules for u9s & u10s competition for coaches & umpires.

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