Can a child sign a professional contract, and what protections apply?

The national regulations include these protections for a player under 18 (a Minor):

• A professional player contract for a Minor must be signed by the Minor and a parent or legal guardian.
• It can run for no more than three years (the general limit is five years).
• A player must not be signed as a professional if they are under the statutory school leaving age in the state or territory where they will be registered and the player and club cannot comply with the applicable statutory work requirements. Age is judged at the time of registration.

When registering a professional for the NPL only, the club must also sight evidence of the player's name and age (an original birth certificate, passport or driver's licence).

Source: articles 5.2, 6.4 and 11, National Registration, Status and Transfer Regulations (22 September 2026).