What is the AFL policy on transgender and non-binary players in girls' and women's football?

The AFL Gender Diversity Policy: Community Football (issued 1 October 2020, adopted into the 2026 Policy Handbook) says:

• Eligibility: trans women and non-binary people are eligible to compete in girls' and/or women's community football competitions. Trans men and non-binary people are eligible for boys' and/or men's competitions.
• Conditions: players must follow all competition rules, including the Australian Football Anti-Doping Code, and the AFL Gender Diversity Policy Committee must be satisfied that no unacceptable safety risks arise, if the matter is referred to it.
• Inclusion first: the AFL's view is that in community football, social inclusion has greater priority than concerns about competitive advantage.
• No testosterone threshold: community participation is not subject to a maximum testosterone threshold. Exogenous (externally administered) testosterone is still prohibited without a Therapeutic Use Exemption.
• Playing in a competition that does not match gender identity: the league must refer the matter to the AFL committee to decide eligibility.
• Safety concerns: if a league thinks unacceptable safety risks may arise, it must consult its state body and refer the matter to the committee. A player who is refused can request a review by the AFL's General Counsel within seven calendar days of being notified.
• Confidentiality: decisions are confidential and are not disclosed to a third party without the player's consent.

Players aged 14 or older must play in an age group matching their gender unless approved under this policy.