What are the tackling, bumping and contact rules in Years 3-4 and Years 5-6?

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Both year groups play Modified Wrap Tackle rules, and all high contact is paid as a free kick even if the ball carrier caused it (by shrugging, dropping, lifting an arm or ducking). Years 3-4 Years 5-6 Tackle Wrap both arms around the opponent; must not drop to the ground; strictly no slinging or bringing the opponent to ground; grabbing the arm not permitted Wrap both arms around; may take the opponent to ground by dropping weight; strictly no slinging or aggressive take-down After a legal tackle 3 seconds to dispose of the ball, or holding the ball 3 seconds, or holding the ball Deliberately going to ground Free kick for holding the ball to the tackler Not separately stated Bumping Strictly none; no fending, pushing off or barging when in possession Permitted as per the AFL Laws of the Game Smothering, stripping, stealing Strictly none Stealing or smothering allowed while the opponent kicks or has possession in general play Shepherding No pushing, shouldering or blocking an opponent not in possession Blocking opponents and bumping allowed within 5 m of the ball Players have a duty of care to others, and coaches must teach players how their body can affect an opponent.

	Years 3-4	Years 5-6
Tackle	Wrap both arms around the opponent; must not drop to the ground; strictly no slinging or bringing the opponent to ground; grabbing the arm not permitted	Wrap both arms around; may take the opponent to ground by dropping weight; strictly no slinging or aggressive take-down
After a legal tackle	3 seconds to dispose of the ball, or holding the ball	3 seconds, or holding the ball
Deliberately going to ground	Free kick for holding the ball to the tackler	Not separately stated
Bumping	Strictly none; no fending, pushing off or barging when in possession	Permitted as per the AFL Laws of the Game
Smothering, stripping, stealing	Strictly none	Stealing or smothering allowed while the opponent kicks or has possession in general play
Shepherding	No pushing, shouldering or blocking an opponent not in possession	Blocking opponents and bumping allowed within 5 m of the ball