Who can coach these ages, and where does the coach stand?

Head coach eligibility (2026 National Community Football Policy Handbook): a head coach must be at least this old in the year before the playing year (and one year older in the playing year):

• Under 13 and Under 14: 15 (16 in the playing year)
• Under 15: 16 (17)
• Under 16: 17 (18)
• Under 17 and Under 18: 18 (19)

A head coach under 18 must have an adult assistant coach over 18. An assistant coach must be 12 or older in the year before the playing year. Coaches must be accredited, which means registering on the Coach Learning Platform, completing the training and holding a current working with children check (or equivalent).

Where the coach stands (Junior Rules Handbook): on the sidelines for every age from Under 13 to Under 18. A runner is permitted at all of these ages.