How does a player, umpire or spectator make a vilification complaint?
Rule- Australia
- AFL
- Community football
- Vilification policy
- Peek Rule
- Policy Handbook 2026
- All ages
- 2026
- Club committees
A person who considers someone has breached the Handbook may submit a written complaint either:
- to the relevant controlling body (the league or association, not the AFL) by submitting a Notice of Complaint; or
- to the AFL through its electronic complaint submission platform; or
- in another manner the AFL specifies from time to time.
The Handbook notes that an anonymous complaint, or one without supporting details, may limit the controlling body's ability to investigate or act. A complaint cannot be withdrawn by the person who submitted it unless the controlling body approves, and nobody may knowingly submit a complaint that is untrue, vexatious or malicious.
Where an offence reported after a match involves vilification or discrimination, it is dealt with under Section 10 and the report is treated as a Notice of Complaint.
Source: Handbook (February 2026), Sections 22.2(c), 23.1 and 23.2(g).
Added 24 Oct 2026