What is the mercy rule and how long is the season?
Guideline- Australia
- AFL
- Junior Rules Handbook
- Under 9-Under 12
- 2026
- Coaches
Mercy rule: the AFL encourages leagues, clubs and coaches to apply a mercy rule once a team has an unassailable lead (the handbook's example is 60 points). The point is that heavy losses serve no purpose. The exact rule is set to suit the local competition.
Season length (games per season in the national handbook):
- Under 9, Under 10 and Under 11: 10 to 14 games
- Under 12: 12 to 16 games
Rep teams: the handbook lists none for Under 9 to Under 12.
Added 24 Oct 2026