Which other modified rules do I apply for ball-ups, out of bounds, marks and bounces?
Rule- Western Australia
- WA Football
- Junior football
- Years 3-6
- Modified competitions
- AFL Laws of the Game
- 2026
- Umpires
Matches follow the AFL Laws of the Game with these changes:
- Ball-up: centre ball-up between two players of approximately equal size. Players may not take full possession out of a ruck contest. A maximum of 3 players per team within 15 m of the ball-up.
- Positions: soft zones reset at each stoppage; no permanent rucks or rovers.
- Scrimmage: stop play and, with help from coaches, have players return to position before throwing the ball up.
- Out of bounds (Last Possession Rule): ball kicked or handballed out, or a player running it over the line, is a free kick to the nearest opponent. If the ball goes out off hands or a body, ball-up 10 m in from the boundary. If you have any doubt whose free kick it is, ball-up 10 m in.
- Marks: Years 3-4, a mark for any reasonable attempt at catching the ball regardless of distance; Years 5-6, a mark for any kick that travels at least 10 m.
- Bouncing: a player may bounce or touch the ball on the ground only once before disposing of it, and only after running 10 m.
- Kicking off the ground: deliberately kicking the ball off the ground or using the feet to control it on the ground is not permitted; accidental contact is play on.
- Deliberate rushed behinds do not apply. Protected area is 5 m.
- 50 m penalties: because the grounds are smaller you may award a 25 m penalty.
No boundary umpires are used in Years 3-6.
Added 22 Oct 2026