AFL Masters National Carnival – Modified/Exempt Laws of Play

The National Playing Laws of AFL Masters are based on the playing rules of AFL but include some minor variations to maximise the enjoyment of the game while reducing the risk of injury for older players.  Below are the modified laws for the AFL Masters National Carnival which each State or Territory Association may elect to either adopt or further modify for their local domestic competition as they require.  All participants at the National Carnival are required to abide by the AFL Masters National Laws.

These Modified or Exempt Laws are to be read in conjunction with the existing AFL Laws of Australian Football. They have been indexed so they can be easily cross-referenced. These specific modifications overrule the relevant AFL Laws.  Conversely, if a modification or exception is not listed here, the AFL Law applies.

5.3.2 Team Sheets
Accurate team sheets must be lodged electronically by quarter time.

6.1 Team Officials and Team Runners
Team Runner: Can come onto the ground anytime to deliver messages directly to players and then leave the field of play immediately.  They must not interfere with or delay the recommencement of play after a goal is scored nor interfere with any umpire performing their duties either inside or outside the field of play.

Water Carriers: Must be a minimum age of 14yo. Water carriers can go onto the ground at any time. They cannot interfere with play nor with any umpire performing their duties either inside or outside the field of play.  They cannot  loiter on the ground, nor delay the recommencement of play after a goal is scored. They cannot barrack, give directions, or communicate with players other than in providing water.

Please note: Runners and water carriers must follow the instructions of all umpires, failing to do so could result in a free kick to the opposition team and/or them being yellow or red carded.

Enclosed footwear: Enclosed footwear must be worn at all times by any person entering the field of play. For clarity, no part of the foot can be exposed.                  

7. Interchange rule
At AFL Masters National Carnivals, the number of rotations is unlimited and can be made at any time. However, any interchange must not interfere with or delay the recommencement of play after a goal is scored. Failing to do so will result in a free kick being paid against the offending team.

7.3 Use of a Stretcher and further participation in the Carnival
Further to the existing AFL Law, a player must be cleared to return the field by a doctor, including the Carnival Doctor.

9. Player boots, Jewellery and Protective Equipment
Additional to the existing AFL Law and for clarification, only soft bucket type hats with no hard edges can be worn on the field of play. Peaked caps are not allowed along with any hat deemed a risk to players. Umpires shall determine if any article of clothing or headwear is at risk and cannot be worn. Enclosed footwear must be worn at all times by any person entering the field of play. For clarity, no part of the foot can be exposed.

Gloves: Any gloves worn must come under the AFL Guidelines and must be approved by the AFL Masters National body prior to a player entering the field of play. The wearing of gloves can only be used in the case of protecting the hands and cannot allow for better grip. Permission must be made in writing by the relevant official from the player’s respective AFL Masters State or Territory

The wearing of eyewear during games (including prescription, magnified and/or sunglasses): Any form of eyewear worn must come under the AFL Guidelines and must be approved to wear by the AFL Masters National body prior to a player entering the field of play. Permission must be made in writing by the relevant official from the player’s respective AFL Masters State or Territory.

10.1.1 Match duration
All National Carnival Matches shall consist of four (4) x 15-minute quarters with no time on. The amount of time for intervals between quarters shall be determined by the AFL Masters National body and provided prior to each Carnival.

10.6 Stopping and recommencing time
Apart from adverse weather, the only exception when time on shall be called is when a stretcher or an ambulance is required on the ground by medical staff. Time on being called shall be determined solely by the field umpires, then AFL rule 11.1.2 shall apply.

13.2 Contesting the centre bounce or around the ground
At all times the ball shall be thrown up and not bounced by the field umpire. A free kick shall be awarded against any ruck who raises their knee, leg or boot against their opponent in all ruck contests. For the avoidance of doubt, contact does not necessarily have to be made with the knee for a free kick to be paid.  The field umpire/s shall judge any action on its own merit/s.

18.5 Marking the Football
A free kick shall be awarded against any player who raises their knee, leg or boot against their opponent in a marking contest. For the avoidance of doubt, contact does not necessarily have to be made with the knee for a free kick to be paid.  The field umpire/s shall judge any action on its own merit/s.

18.11 Deliberate Rushed Behinds
Rules 18.11.2 (a), (b) & (c) do not apply.

Rule 18.11.2 (d) does apply. A free kick shall only be awarded against a defending player from a ruck contest that hits the football over the goal line or behind line on the full. For the avoidance of doubt, the free kick shall be taken at the point the ball crossed the behind or goal line on the full.

23.5 Order Off Specified Period
Yellow Card: Player or Official is ordered off for that quarter plus the next. Player can be replaced immediately.

Red Card: Player or Official is ordered off for the remainder of the match and can be replaced immediately. They cannot participate in any further games that same day.

• There shall be a Tribunal called to hear all red card offences and where practical held on the same day.
• Please refer to the Laws of Australian Football under Rule 22 “Reporting Players and Officials”.
• Should a report be sustained the Player or Officials State, or Territory could lose match points.

Best and Fairest Awards in relation to eligibility: Any player receiving either a RED or two (2) YELLOW Cards during the Carnival is not eligible for a fairest and best award.

Revised: V2 22/01/2024