What sanction does each grading carry?
Rule- Australia
- AFL
- AFL Premiership
- Match Review
- Tribunal
- 2026
- Fans
The 2026 Classification Table (High/Groin contact first, then Body contact):
Intentional conduct
- Severe impact: 4 or more matches (Tribunal) / 3 or more matches (Tribunal)
- High impact: 3 matches / 2 matches
- Medium impact: 2 matches / 1 match
- Low impact: 1 match / fine
Careless conduct
- Severe impact: 3 or more matches (Tribunal) / 2 or more matches (Tribunal)
- High impact: 2 matches / 1 match
- Medium impact: 1 match / fine
- Low impact: fine / fine
Example from the Guidelines: a careless, High Impact strike to the body is a one-match suspension.
If a player is found guilty of two or more offences from the one match, the sanctions are added together (for example Kneeing for one match plus Striking for two is a three-match suspension). Fines apply individually.
The Tribunal is not bound by decisions of previous years and can classify differently, having regard to evolving community standards and a focus on reducing avoidable, forceful high contact and preventing injuries including concussions.
Source: 2026 AFL Tribunal Guidelines, sections 3.1(b) and 3.4.
Added 24 Oct 2026