Australian Football

Secondary Competition Rules

• Match Format

  Expand Match Format

  Region and Division Format: Consult the relevant SSV event page or contact the relevant Coordinator for Region and Division formats.

   State Format: Quarter Finals, Semi Finals, and State Final.

• State Match Format

  Expand State Match Format
  • Quarter Finals: NMR v GWR; WMR v LMR; GIPP v EMR; SMR v HUME.
  • Quarter and Semi Finals: 4 x 15-minute quarters. Intervals: 1/4 time (5 min), 1/2 time (15 min), 3/4 time (5 min).
  • Finals: 4 x 20-minute quarters. Intervals: 1/4 time (5 min), 1/2 time (15 min), 3/4 time (5 min).

  In the event of a draw, two 5-minute halves are played with a one-minute interval. If still tied, teams change ends and the first score wins. ‘Time On’ is only played if directed by the field umpire for extenuating circumstances such as injury, blood rule, or time wasting.

• Conditions

  Expand Conditions

  Competitions adhere to the SSV ‘General Conditions of Competition’, ‘Codes of Conduct’, and ‘Participant Behaviour Policy’.

  • Students cannot play in both a girls’ team and a boys/mixed team in the same sport.
  • Girls cannot play in Senior Boys or Intermediate Boys Australian Football teams; these are boys-only teams.
  • Competition levels chosen at Division level remain binding through to State levels.
  • A ‘Yellow Card’ sends a player off for 10 minutes without replacement. Two Yellow Cards in one day result in a ‘Red Card’ and the Order Off Rule applies.

• Team Size

  Expand Team Size
  • Maximum of 25 players per day.
  • 18 players on the field and up to 7 interchange players named per game.
  • 25 SSV medallions and 1 coach medallion are awarded to placegetters.

  Note: An up-to-date team sheet with uniform numbers must be handed to the convener on match day.

• Sport Specific Rules

  Expand Sport Specific Rules

  Conducted under the Laws of Australian Football unless otherwise stated.

  • Out of Bounds: A free kick is awarded if the ball is kicked out on the full. If touched out, play restarts with a ball-up 5 metres from the boundary.
  • Goal Post Padding: All fixed, in-ground goal posts must be padded.

  Specific Rules for Girls' Matches:

  • A 25m penalty applies instead of 50m.
  • A mark is awarded for a kick of 10m instead of 15m.
  • Players may bounce the ball a maximum of two times before disposing of it.
  • Players must tap or punch the ball from an umpire's bounce or throw; taking full possession results in a free kick against.

• Officials

  Expand Officials

  Each team must provide:

  • A competent timekeeper with a clock and siren/bell.
  • A goal umpire in a white top with flags and a scorecard.
  • A correctly attired team runner (limit one per team).
  • A student to operate the scoreboard

  Note: Field Umpires are provided for State Quarter, Semi, and Grand Finals.

• Dress Code

  Expand Dress Code

  Players must wear matching jumpers with unique numbers, same-color shorts (no pockets), and same-color socks. No jewelry. Incorrectly dressed players cannot compete.

• Lateness Penalty

  Expand Lateness Penalty

  Teams over 10 minutes late without notice may be penalized 3 goals for every complete 10 minutes late. The convener may accommodate late teams if the delay was beyond their control and communicated.

• Equipment 

  Expand Equipment 

  Teams must provide:

  • Football Size/Type:
  • Senior & Intermediate Boys: Size 5 Leather
  • Year 7 & 8 Boys/Mixed: Size 4 Leather
  • Senior & Intermediate Girls: Size 4 Leather
  • Junior Girls: Size 4 Synthetic
  • Note: Match balls provided for State Grand Finals.
  • First aid kit and sports tape. (SSV First Aid Responders do not perform preventative strapping).
  • Mouthguards are strongly recommended.