Policies provide clear guidelines, protect players and volunteers, support good decision-making, and help create a safe, respectful, and inclusive club environment. Strong policies also ensure consistency, accountability, and professionalism while helping community AFL clubs manage risk, meet legal obligations, and build trust with members, families, sponsors, and the wider community.
The Australian Concussion Guidelines for Youth and Community Sport have been designed to provide clear and consistent guidance on concussion
for parents, teachers, coaches, sideline staff and others involved in youth and community sport. These guidelines provide information
on how to recognise and manage concussion from the time of injury through to a safe return to education, work and playing sport. This
information is intended for the general public and for individuals participating in youth (those aged under 19 years) and community
sports where healthcare practitioners are less likely to be available to diagnose and monitor symptom progression of individuals with
concussion.
The AFL Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy plays an essential role in creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all children
and young people involved in football. The policy outlines the responsibilities of clubs, volunteers, coaches, officials, and members to
ensure children are protected from harm, treated with respect, and supported both on and off the field. It also helps guide appropriate
behaviour, reporting processes, and safeguarding practices while promoting a positive culture where young players can enjoy the game, build
confidence, and develop in a safe and welcoming community environment.
The National Community Football Policy Handbook provides important guidelines and standards that help AFL clubs operate in a safe, fair,
inclusive, and professional manner. Covering areas such as player behaviour, safeguarding, match day conduct, governance, vilification,
concussion protocols, and community standards, the handbook supports clubs, volunteers, players, coaches, and officials in creating a
positive football environment. It plays a vital role in protecting the integrity of the game while ensuring community football remains
welcoming, respectful, and enjoyable for everyone involved.