How long are matches and what are the contact rules for my child's age?
Rule- Western Australia
- WA Football
- Junior football
- Years 3-6
- Modified competitions
- AFL Laws of the Game
- 2026
- Parents
| Years 3-4 | Years 5-6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Players on the ground | 12 a side | 15 a side |
| Match | 4 x 15-minute quarters (breaks 3, 8 and 3 minutes) | Same |
| Tackling | Wrap tackle only: no dropping to the ground, no slinging | Wrap tackle; may take the opponent down by dropping weight; no slinging or aggressive take-down |
| Bumping | None | Permitted as per the AFL Laws of the Game |
| Marking | A mark for any reasonable attempt at catching the ball | A mark for any kick that travels at least 10 m |
In both year groups, all high contact is paid as a free kick and a tackled player has 3 seconds to dispose of the ball or a free kick for holding the ball is paid. The ball is smaller than a senior ball and the ground is reduced in size. The home team supplies the match ball. Deliberate rushed behinds do not apply, and the Last Possession Rule replaces boundary umpires for out of bounds.
Updated 22 Oct 2026