What are the tackling, bounce, marking and kicking rules from Under 13 up?
Rule- Australia
- AFL
- Junior Rules Handbook
- Under 13-Under 18
- 2026
- Coaches
From Under 13/14 through to Under 16/17/18 (Junior Rules Handbook):
- Tackling and contact: full tackling and bumping, fending off, smothering, barging and stealing the ball are all allowed.
- Bounces: unlimited.
- Kicking off the ground: permitted.
- Marking: a direct catch of a kick that travels 15 metres.
Mouthguards are strongly recommended at all levels of football, and a custom made one gives the best protection (a boil and bite one is better than none).
Added 24 Oct 2026