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

Head coach eligibility (2026 National Community Football Policy Handbook): for Under 9 to Under 12 a head coach must be 15 or older in the year before the playing year, which means turning 16 in the playing year. 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 also 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):

• Under 9: the coach is on the ground
• Under 10, 11 and 12: the coach is on the sidelines

Runner: a runner is permitted for Under 10, Under 11 and Under 12, but not for Under 9.

Playing time: the handbook also says a coach of junior football must use best endeavours to make sure every player plays at least 50 per cent of the match.