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.

4 The Football (Women’s matches only)
A size 4 football shall be used for all Women’s matches.

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 loiter on the ground, 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 14 years old. 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.    

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 commencement of a game nor 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
Hats/caps: 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 to be worn by players, along with any hat or cap deemed a risk to players. Umpires shall determine if any article of clothing or headwear is at risk and cannot be worn.

Enclosed footwear: Enclosed footwear must be worn at all times by any person entering the field of play, this includes Players, Team Runners, Medical Personnel and Water Carriers. For clarity, no part of the foot can be exposed.

Gloves: Any gloves worn must come under the AFL Guidelines. 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 and approval must be granted by the Governing body prior to a player entering the field of play.

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

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 Governing body and provided prior to each Carnival but will be a minimum of five (5) minutes each quarter.

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.

18.4 Ruck contests
A free kick shall be awarded against any ruck who projects their knee, leg or boot against/towards their opponent in all ruck contests. For the avoidance of doubt, contact does not necessarily have to be made with the knee, leg or boot 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 projects their knee, leg or boot against/towards their opponent in a marking contest. For the avoidance of doubt, contact does not necessarily have to be made with the knee, leg or boot for a free kick to be paid. The field umpire/s shall judge any action on its own merit/s.

18.10 Out of Bounds (Women’s matches only)
A free kick shall be awarded against a player for last disposal out of bounds between the 50 metre arcs for all Women’s matches, regardless if it is out on the full or not. Should it not be clear to the umpires who was the last disposal, the ball shall be thrown in (where boundary umpires are available) or brought in 20m from the boundary line by the field umpire and thrown up.

When a ball crosses the boundary line out of bounds inside the 50 metre arcs for all Women’s matches, a football shall be throw-in ten (10) metres from the boundary line (where boundary umpires are available) or brought in 20 metres from the boundary line by the field umpire and thrown up.

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.

Revised: V5 11/02/2025 FINAL for 2025 National Carnival