2026 VAFA On-Field Rule Changes

The VAFA have introduced a number of rule changes across all competitions ahead of the 2026 season.

The rule changes are in line with the AFL rule changes which were recently announced, with the VAFA to adopt five of the nine rules. The summary below outlines the on-field rule changes for next season.

The VAFA Umpiring Department will provide further information on the relevant rule changes after guidance from the AFL is received.

Clubs will also have the opportunity to hear about umpiring rule changes in person at the VAFA Club Conference on February 7th.

1. Last Disposal 
Introduce a Free Kick for the last disposal Out of Bounds in between the 50m arcs. 

2. Centre Ball Up Contests 
At all centre ball-ups, a competing Ruck cannot cross the Centre Circle line and engage with the opposition Ruck, prior to contesting the football. 

3. Shrugging in the Tackle 
A shrug (in a tackle) will be deemed Prior Opportunity (i.e.as an attempt to evade or fend an opponent). 

4. Remove the Centre Bounce 
The Centre Bounce has been removed from the Rule 13.2, umpires will throw the ball up. Noting it was rare that an umpire would centre bounce at community level. 

5. Ruck Nominations
Around the ground, the Umpire may restart play without a nominated Ruck present. The aim to get play starting again as soon as possible once the area is clear. 

The VAFA will not adopt the below rule changes in 2026: 

1. Stand
The VAFA does not adopt the stand rule, therefore the below AFL rule change will not be implemented. AFL Rule Only- a player must stand if they are within the Protected Area (i.e. within five metres) when a Mark or Free Kick occurs. 

2. 6/6/6
The VAFA does not implement the 6/6/6 rule, therefore the below AFL rule change will not be implemented in 2026. AFL Rule Only- removes the requirement for a Player to start in the Goal Square at each centre ball-up. 

3. Align the Kick in Time
The VAFA will not adjust the reasonable time for kick ins from 12 seconds to 8 seconds as this is applicable to AFL matches only and not a Law of Australian Football. Therefore, the “reasonable time” for kick ins will remain with a guide of around 12 seconds to be used. Umpires will continue to apply common sense. 

4. Removal of Substitute Player
This following rule is not applicable to the VAFA.  AFL Clubs will name 23 players, with five players named on the interchange bench.