The EDFL iFLY junior football season is set to kick off on the second weekend of April with budding superstars well and truly entrenched in preseason training.
In case you missed the season dates announcement, you can check them out here.
Ahead of the season kicking off, the EDFL wishes to advise changes to the junior football structure.
Modified tackles will be introduced to Under 10s football, with standing-only tackles accepted.
Additionally, players will not be permitted to barge or fend off.
Clubs will be provided with further information and clarification ahead of the season.
Meanwhile, EDFL Best and Fairest awards will not be awarded for Under 10s in 2024.
The EDFL is committed to providing an environment which is fundamental to players, coaches, and umpire skill development, as well as ensuring the best environments for recruitment and retention of players, coaches, officials, and administrators in our league.
The league recognises that more information, consultation, and education is required at club level, to better inform clubs and parents of players in this age group.
In 2023, the EDFL trialled a match day action allowing spectators in the 50m arcs only at quarter time and three-quarter time.
After considerable consultation with a significant number of stakeholders, the EDFL Board resolved to introduce that action permanently in 2024 for matches from Under 10s through to Under 16s.
This decision was not taken lightly and the Board and Management of the EDFL believe it is in the best interest of the players and coaches, and most importantly the umpires.
Rules outlined as follows:
- Parents and spectators may not cross the boundary line at any break for the purpose of approaching the team huddle between the two 50m arcs. Club Team Manager / Match Day Manager to ensure compliance.
- There is no restriction on where the huddle may be positioned (within the field of play but may not be in the 50m arcs).
- Club Umpire Escorts and Match Day Managers MUST ensure that at all times including breaks that parents/spectators are not to approach the umpires or officials.
- In the Under 10s through to Under 16s age groups, parents or spectators are permitted to cross the oval or kick the football inside the 50 arcs away from the team huddle only, but are not permitted to go through the centre square where umpires are stationed.
