Can a player play up or down an age group?
Rule- Australia
- AFL
- Junior Rules Handbook
- Under 9-Under 12
- 2026
- Coaches
Age groups are set by the age a player turns in the playing year (2026 National Community Football Policy Handbook):
- Under 9: turning 7, 8 or 9
- Under 10: turning 8, 9 or 10
- Under 11: turning 9, 10 or 11
- Under 12: turning 10, 11 or 12
A player must also be seven by a cut-off date that depends on the state: 1 January (Tasmania), 30 April (South Australia, Victoria), 30 June (Northern Territory, Queensland, Western Australia) or 31 July (ACT, New South Wales).
Playing up: a controlling body (the league or association running the competition) may let a player join a higher age group only where it finds exceptional and compelling circumstances. It must weigh the player's physical capacity, experience, skill level and social maturity.
Playing down: only through an age dispensation application. It is for a disability or physical size considerations, goes through the club to the controlling body, needs a parent or guardian's written consent, and needs a certificate from a medical specialist completed within the previous three months.
Updated 24 Oct 2026