Rules & Regulations

2028 AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL WORLD CUP – RULES & REGULATIONS

The 2028 Australian Football World Cup is conducted under the control of Australian Football International (AFI).

It is the responsibility of each League and Team to ensure that all appointed officials are fully conversant with the contents of these Match Arrangements and Regulations.

Contents

1. General
2. Entry into Competition and Compliance with Regulations
3. Date of Competition
4. Venues
5. Formats
6. Divisions
7. Match Conditions
8. Team Composition
9. Coach
10. Runners and Water Carriers
11. Trainers
12. Team Manager
13. Laws of the Game
14. Team Sheets and Match Results
15. Player Uniforms
16. Umpires
17. Footballs
18. Travel Arrangements
19. Accommodation
20. Venue Costs
21. Sponsorship
22. Functions & Meetings
23. Ceremonies
24. Code of Conduct
25. Trophies & Awards
26. World Team
27. Competition Manager
28. Insurance
29. Organising Committee
30. Arena Control

1. GENERAL

1.1 Definitions

In these Match Arrangements and Regulations unless the contrary intention appears:

“AFI” means Australian Football International.

“AFI Official” means any person appointed by the Competition Manager or AFI, to assist in the conduct of this competition.

“Competition Manager” means the person who is the Tournament Coordinator or such other person appointed by AFI.

“Coach” means a person nominated and appointed to a Team in accordance with Regulation 9.

“Competition” means the 2028 Australian Football World Cup.

Footy 9s means the official 9-a-side (tackling) version of Australian Football.

“Laws of Australian Football” means any laws of the game of Australian Football adopted by AFI.

“Jumper” means the playing top worn by a Player.

“League” means and includes each National Australian Football body which has or intends to enter a Team to participate in the Competition.

“Organising Committee” means a committee appointed by AFI to advise on the organisation, conduct and management of the Competition.

“Player” means a person eligible and selected to play for a Team competing in the Event.

“Sponsor of the Event” means a person, corporation or entity who has entered into any contract, arrangement, agreement or understanding with AFI to sponsor the Event.

“Team” means a Team competing in the Event.

“Team Member” includes without limitation all Players, Coaches, Runners, Trainers, Managers, officials or any person performing any duties (paid or unpaid) for or on behalf of a Team.

“Team Manager” means the person appointed in accordance with Regulation 12.

Touch Footy 9s means the official 9-a-side (no tackling) version of Australian Football.

1.2 Interpretation

The following rules apply to the interpretation of this document:

(a) words importing the singular shall include plural and vice versa;

(b) words importing any gender shall be deemed to include the other gender;

(c) words importing persons shall be deemed to include all bodies and associations, corporate or unincorporate and vice versa; and

(d) headings are included for convenience only and shall not affect the interpretation of these Match Arrangements and Regulations.

1.3 Construction and Amendment of Regulations

(a) AFI shall interpret all provisions contained in these Match Arrangements and Regulations and any interpretation or application by AFI of any of the provisions contained in these Regulations shall be final and binding on every person bound by these Match Arrangements and Regulations.

(b) AFI may from time to time amend these Match Arrangements or Regulations or make such further or other Match Arrangements and Regulations as it in its absolute discretion deems fit.

1.4 Delegation

AFI may from time to time appoint a person or persons to exercise any of the powers hereby conferred upon AFI and in each such case a reference to AFI contained in these Match Arrangements and Regulations shall be a reference to such person or persons so appointed. Unless otherwise directed by AFI, the person appointed as delegate for the purpose of these Match Arrangements and Regulations shall be the Competition Manager.

2. ENTRY INTO COMPETITION AND COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATIONS

2.1 Application

Subject to any terms and conditions of entry determined by AFI, each internationally based League affiliated to AFI may apply to enter a Team to participate in the Competition by submitting a nomination in writing by 1 March, 2028.

2.2 Number of Teams

AFI may in its absolute discretion decide the number of Teams which will compete in the Event. A League’s entry of a Team in the Event is subject to a position being available.

2.3 Bound to Regulations and Other Rules

(a) By participating in the Event, each Team, Team Member and the League or other body entering the Team is deemed to be bound by and shall comply with:

(i) these Match Arrangements and Regulations;

(ii) the Laws of Australian Football, and

(iii) any resolutions, determinations, rules or regulations made by AFI in relation thereto.

(b) Before competing in its first match, a Team must complete and lodge with the Competition Manager the official “Certification of Eligibility” form, signed by the Team Manager or their nominee.

3. DATE OF COMPETITION

(a) AFI shall determine the dates of the Competition after consideration of the number of teams participating and submissions from international affiliates.

(b) The match program shall be determined by AFI as soon as practical after the closing of team entries.

4. VENUES

(a) All matches shall be played at venues determined by AFI.

(b) The Competition Manager or delegated authority shall determine the allocation of change room facilities for each Team at a venue.

5. FORMATS

(a) The Australian Football World Cup will feature the following 3 separate formats:

(i) 18-a-side;

(ii) Footy 9s, and

(iii) Touch Footy 9s.

(b) National Bodies have the option to enter a Team in one, two or all three formats.

6. DIVISIONS

6.1 1Divisions

(a) 18-a-side

(i) There will be two Men’s Divisions – Division 1 and Division 2 – and a Women’s Division.

(ii) Participating Men’s teams will be ranked and put into equal pools at the discretion of the World Cup organising committee.

(iii) Participating Women’s teams will be ranked and put into equal pools at the discretion of the World Cup organising committee.

Men’s Division

The Men’s Division will be played as follows:

(i) In each Division, Countries will be divided into equal pools of 4.

(ii) Countries will play the other Teams within their pool across the first 3 rounds.

Women’s Division

The Women’s Division will be played as follows:

(i) In each Division, Countries will be divided into equal pools of 4.

(ii) Countries will play the other Teams within their pool across the first 3 rounds.

(b) Footy 9s

The Footy 9s Division will be played as follows:

(i) In each Division, Countries will be divided into equal pools of 4.

(ii) Countries will play the other Teams within their pool across the first 3 rounds.

(c) Touch Footy 9s

The Touch Footy 9s Division will be played as follows:

(i) In each Division, Countries will be divided into equal pools of 4.

(ii) Countries will play the other Teams within their pool across the first 3 rounds.

6.2 Pools

Round 4 Finals – 18-a-side

(a) The top placed finishers in each pool – based on wins, losses and percentage – will progress into the Grand Final.

(b) The remaining countries will be re-ranked based on their win/loss record and percentage from the first 3 rounds.

(c) The points and percentage from these matches will be added to the points and percentage accumulated in 3 earlier rounds as per a regular football ladder. This ladder will then determine rankings for round 4.

(d) In this round teams will play off for final rankings of 3 through to 12. Matches will be scheduled as follows:
3 v 4 (play off for 3rd), 5 v 6 (play off for 5th), 7 v 8 (play off for 7th), 9 v 10 (play off for 9th) and 11 v 12 (play off for 11th).

(e) The finals program shall be determined by AFI having regard to the number of Teams competing in the Competition.

Round 4 Finals – Footy 9s

(a) The top placed finishers in each pool – based on wins, losses and percentage – will progress into the Grand Final.

(b) The remaining countries will be re-ranked based on their win/loss record and percentage from the first 3 rounds.

(e) The finals program shall be determined by AFI having regard to the number of Teams competing in the Competition.

Round 4 Finals – Touch Footy 9s

(a) The top placed finishers in each pool – based on wins, losses and percentage – will progress into the Grand Final.

(b) The remaining countries will be re-ranked based on their win/loss record and percentage from the first 3 rounds.

7. MATCH CONDITIONS

7.1 Length of Quarters

(a) Men’s and Women’s quarters in 18-a-side matches shall be of 17 minutes duration.

(b) Men’s and Women’s quarters in Footy 9s matches shall be of 15 minutes duration.

(d) The Competition Manager may in their absolute discretion alter the duration of each quarter.

7.2 Intervals

Unless otherwise determined, the duration of intervals from the siren to conclude one quarter to the siren notifying the commencement of the next, shall be:

(a) Quarter-time: 5 minutes

(b) Half-time: 15 minutes

Time Keepers shall sound the siren at two (2) minutes (3 blasts) and one (1) minute (2 blasts) prior to the due commencement time for each quarter. The Competition Manager may in their absolute discretion alter the duration of intervals between each quarter.

7.3 Commencement Times

(a) The commencement time of matches shall be determined by AFI, taking into consideration local weather conditions and the availability of venues.

(b) Each Team shall:

(i) enter the playing arena at least five (5) minutes prior to the scheduled commencement time of a match;

(ii) be ready to play at the scheduled commencement time of a match, and

(iii) be ready to play at the commencement time of each quarter or half.

7.4 Time Keepers

(a) Time Keepers for all matches shall be appointed by the Competition Manager.

(b) All Time Keepers shall follow the instructions of the Competition Manager.

7.5 Breach of Timing Requirements

Where a Team contravenes or fails to comply with Regulation 7.3(b), the umpires will commence play.

7.6 Points for Matches

For all Matches played (apart from Finals):

(a) four (4) points shall be awarded to the winner;

(b) two (2) points shall be awarded for a draw, and

7.7 Winner of Each Pool

The teams with the four best records in each Division, based on wins, losses and percentage from each Pool will progress into the Semi-Finals.

7.8 No Drawn Matches in Semi-Finals

Should scores be level at the end of scheduled match playing time, the Time Keepers shall be instructed not to sound the siren until another score (goal or behind) is registered.

8. TEAM COMPOSITION

8.1 Squad

Each Team participating in the World Cup shall provide to AFI no later than 1 June, 2028, the “2028 World Cup Official Squad List” listing players, coaches and officials, and providing:

(a) the Jumper number allocated to each Player within the squad;

(b) Teams competing in the 18-a-side Format may have a maximum of 30 players in their squad.

(d) Teams competing in the Touch Footy 9s Format may have a maximum of 15 players in their squad.

(e) the date of birth and height of each Player;

(f) the local club of each Player;

(g) the names of the Coach and Team Manager;

(h) the names of the Captain and Vice-Captain, and

(i) certification that all selected Players meet the eligibility requirements and have signed a players Code of Conduct.

8.2 Eligibility

(a) A Player is eligible for selection by a Team if:

(i) the Player was born in the country of the Team;

(ii) the Player is a citizen of the country of the Team;

(iii) the Player has a parent or grandparent born in the country of the Team, or

(iv) the Player has completed ten (10) years of cumulative residence in the country of the Team.

(b) AFI may, on a case-by-case basis, waive the eligibility requirements contained in sub-clause 8.2(a) if it is satisfied that a Player is a bona fide resident in the country of the League and their participation would be in the best interests of the Competition. Submissions in this regard must be made by lodging the Player Eligibility form before the commencement of the Competition.

8.3 Final Team Selection

(a) Each team shall provide to the Competition Manager a final list of players no later than the commencement time of the Team Manager’s meeting preceding the event.

(b) A player not listed in the squad provided in accordance with Regulation 8.1 shall be ineligible to participate.

9. COACH

9.1 Appointment

All competing Teams shall appoint a person to be the Coach of the Team during the Competition.

9.2 Eligibility

A person shall only be eligible for appointment as a Coach of a Team if that person:

(a) has been nominated by a League or other body competing in the Competition;

(b) the nomination is lodged with AFI no later than 1 June, 2028 on the official “Coach Registration” form, and

9.3 Deemed Acceptance of Regulations

In completing and lodging the nomination form and by participating in the Competition, a Coach is deemed to have agreed to:

(a) observe the requirements of these Match Arrangements and Regulations and any directions of the Competition Manager;

(b) attend any meeting called by the Competition Manager, and

10. RUNNERS AND WATER CARRIERS

(a) Each Team may appoint two (2) persons to be its Official Runners, provided that only one may be on the field of play at any one time. They shall wear the uniform determined and supplied by the AFI.

(b) The Official Runner shall be the sole conveyor of a Coach’s instructions and shall adhere to the directions of field umpires.

11. TRAINERS

(a) Each team competing in the World Cup shall be required to have in attendance at all matches a Sports Trainer accredited to Sports Medicine Australia Level 2, or equivalent.

(b) Each team shall nominate a suitably accredited Sports Trainer by no later than 1 June, 2028.

(d) Each Team shall be required to have readily available at all matches in which it participates a first aid kit to a minimum standard to be advised by AFI no later than 7 days prior to the event.

12. TEAM MANAGER

(a) Each League or other body competing shall appoint a person to be the Team Manager of the Team.

(b) Each League or other body competing shall notify the Competition Manager in writing of its Team Manager no later than two months prior to the first scheduled playing day of the Competition.

13. LAWS OF THE GAME

13.1 Laws to Apply

Unless otherwise provided in these Match Arrangements and Regulations, matches will be played in accordance with the Laws of Australian Football.

13.2 Interchange Players

(a) Each Team competing at the Competition shall be allowed to use six (6) interchange Players. The substitution rule contained within the Laws of Australian Football will not apply in this competition.

(b) Where both competing teams agree to extending the number of interchange players, two (2) more players can be added. In this case, both coaches must lodge and sign an extended interchange player form and hand it to the match manager with the team sheet 20 minutes before the game.

13.3 Order-Off

The Order Off law contained in the Laws of Australian Football shall apply as follows:

(a) Red Card

A Player ordered from the field for the remainder of the match under Law 20.2 of the Laws of Australian Football shall be shown a Red
Card.

(b) Yellow Card

A Player shall be shown a Yellow Card and ordered from the field for a ten (10) minute period of match playing time for all other reportable offences prescribed in the Laws of Australian Football other than the reportable offences listed in Law 20.2.

The Interchange Steward shall be responsible for administering the 10 minute period. The Player need not be reported to be ordered from
the field.

13.4 Stewards

AFI may appoint a Steward or Stewards who shall have the same powers for reporting Players and Team Members as that conferred on umpires.

13.5 25 Metre Penalty

For 18-a-side matches, the 50 metre penalty contained the Laws of Australian Football shall be reduced to 25 metres for this event.

14. TEAM SHEETS AND MATCH RESULTS

(a) Each Team Manager shall complete and hand to the field umpires and opposing Team Manager no later than twenty (20) minutes prior to the commencement of each match an official 2028 Australian Football World Cup Team Sheet.

(B) Upon completion of the match, each Team Manager shall complete and lodge with the Competition Manager a Match Result Sheet.

15. PLAYER UNIFORMS

15.1 Player Jumpers

Each League shall:

(a) at the time of its application, provide to AFI for its approval the design and colour of the Jumper, shorts and socks that its Team proposes to wear;

(b) make any modifications or adjustments to the Jumper as may be required by AFI;

(i) its Team only wears the Jumper approved by AFI;

(ii) the Jumper displays the number allocated to each Player of the Team; and

(iii) the number displayed on each Jumper is of the type, size and at the position determined and directed by AFI.

15.2 Tracksuits and Travel Apparel

AFI may direct that Official logos are to be affixed to all Team uniforms, tracksuits and travel apparel.

16. UMPIRES

16.1 Selection and Instruction of Umpires

The selection and instruction of all umpires for the Competition shall be made at the direction of an Umpire’s Manager appointed by the Competition Manager.

16.2 Field Umpires

(a) The Umpire’s Manager, in consultation with the Competition Manager, shall appoint a panel of field umpires from available domestic bodies and nominated internationally based field umpires, accredited to Level 2.

(b) Unless otherwise determined by AFI or the Competition Manager, a minimum of two field umpires shall officiate at each match.

16.3 Goal Umpires

(a) The Umpire’s Manager shall appoint goal umpires to officiate at the competition.

(b) Two goal umpires shall officiate at each match.

16.4 Boundary Umpires

(a) The Umpire’s Manager shall appoint boundary umpires to officiate in all 18-a-side matches at the competition.

(b) In the event of no boundary umpires being available for a match, three field umpires shall officiate the match. For such matches, a last touch rule for the entire ground shall be implemented.

16.5 Match Appointment

The appointment of field, boundary and goal umpires to officiate at matches shall be determined by the Umpire’s Manager.

17. FOOTBALLS

(a) AFI shall supply the footballs to be used in the Competition.

(b) Size 5 footballs shall be used in all Men’s Divisions matches.

(d) Size 4 footballs shall be used in all Touch Footy 9s matches.

18. TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS

(a) Reservations and payment for travel for each Team shall be the responsibility of the competing League or Team concerned. Details of flight schedules are to be provided to AFI no later than 1 June, 2028.

(b) Reservations and payment of ground transport costs shall be the responsibility of each League or its Team.

19. ACCOMMODATION

(a) Reservations and payment of accommodation costs shall be the responsibility of each League or its Team.

(b) To assist Teams, AFI will endeavour to obtain and provide to each Team quotations with respect to accommodation.

(c) Accommodation details including address, phone number and email address are to be provided to AFI no later than 1 June, 2028.

20. VENUE COSTS

(a) AFI will pay for all venue costs, including:

(i) Venue hire;

(ii) Reimbursement of umpire’s match fees;

(iii) Reimbursement of event staff, and

(iv) Footballs and such other items which may be approved by AFI.

(b) Players shall be required to pay an individual Player Registration Fee, which will be directed towards these costs.

21. SPONSORSHIP

21.1 AFI to Obtain

AFI shall endeavour to obtain a Sponsor or Sponsors of the Competition.

21.2 No Conflict

A League or Team participating in the Competition shall not enter into any contract, arrangement, agreement or understanding with any person, corporation or entity for the supply, endorsement, approval or sponsorship of goods or services of the type provided by or associated with the Sponsor or Sponsors of the Competition or AFI.

21.3 Consent of AFI

The International Body may enter into a sponsorship agreement or arrangement in conflict with any existing AFI Sponsor provided that it complies with the following:

(a) the International Body shall first provide to AFI in writing the full details of the proposed sponsorship, including the name of the proposed sponsor and the money, goods and/or services to be provided by the proposed sponsor (“the Sponsorship Proposal”);

(b) AFI shall notify the relevant AFI Sponsor of the Sponsorship Proposal. Such notification shall constitute an offer by the International Body to the relevant AFI Sponsor to enter into a sponsorship agreement or arrangement on the terms and conditions set out in the Sponsorship Proposal (“the Offer”);

(c) if the relevant AFI Sponsor accepts the Offer in writing within 30 days of receiving the Offer, the International Body shall be bound in respect of the Sponsorship Proposal;

(d) if the relevant AFI Sponsor does not accept the Offer or does not provide a response to the Offer within 30 days of receiving the Offer, the International Body may enter into the agreement or arrangement contained in the Sponsorship Proposal;

(e) if the International Body proposes to vary the terms contained in the Sponsorship Proposal or extend the term of any agreement or arrangement, the International Body shall again resubmit the proposed sponsorship to AFI in accordance with the procedure contained in sub-clauses (a) – (d) and the same procedure shall apply.

22. FUNCTIONS & MEETINGS

22.1 AFI to organise

AFI shall organise official functions. The cost of attendance at the official function shall be determined by AFI.

22.2 Compulsory Attendance

An official party or parties (as determined by AFI) must attend the official function and shall be responsible for payment of any applicable fee to attend the function.

22.3 Other Functions

Other functions and post-match entertainment may be arranged by individual Teams. AFI will not be responsible for the costs or arrangements for such functions.

22.4 Meetings

Competing Teams are required to ensure the attendance of Players, Coaches, Team Managers and other designated personnel at any meetings convened by the Competition Manager.

23. CEREMONIES

23.1 AFI to arrange

AFI shall determine the time and format of ceremonies – if any – including, any Opening Ceremony, Gala Dinner or Parade of Nations event.

23.2 Uniform

Each competing Team shall attend such Ceremony and wear its designated uniform and shall provide the Team’s official flag as required.

24. CODE OF CONDUCT

Each Team and Team Member shall:

(a) participate in the spirit of true sportsmanship so that the World Cup will be a credit to the game of Australian Football and those who participate in it;

(b) not engage in conduct which is unbecoming or prejudicial to the interests of the AFI or the World Cup, and

(i) Coaches Code of Conduct, or

(ii) Players and Officials Code of Conduct.

25. TROPHIES & MEDALS

25.1 Trophies

The following trophies shall be awarded:

(a) 18-a-side

(i) Division 1 Men Champions

(ii) Division 2 Men Champions

(iii) Women’s Division Champions

(b) Footy 9s

(i) Division 1 Men Champions

(ii) Division 2 Men Champions

(iii) Women’s Division Champions

(c) Touch Footy 9s

(i) Division 1 Champions

(ii) Division 2 Champions

25.2 Winners Medals

The winners of the Grand Final in each Division will receive individual medals, including one for each Player, Coach and Team Manager.

25.3 Individual Award Medals

The following medals will be awarded for each Division in each Format:

(i) Best and Fairest Player

(ii) Best on Ground – Grand Final

(iii) Leading Goal kicker

25.4 Voting

Votes to decide the Best and Fairest Medals will be awarded on a 3-2-1 basis collectively by officiating field umpires and persons appointed by the Competition Manager.

26. WORLD TEAM

26.1 Appointment

AFI shall appoint persons to a panel to be known as the World Team Selection Panel (“the Selection Panel”).

26.2 Selection

(a) 18-a-side

Following the conclusion of the Competition, the Selection Panel shall select twenty-two (22) Players to be included in the World team. In making such selection, the Selection Panel shall have regard to the performances of those Players who competed in the Competition. Each player selected shall receive a “World Team” Jumper.

(b) Footy 9s

Following the conclusion of the Competition, the Selection Panel shall select Fifteen (15) Players to be included in the World team. In making such selection, the Selection Panel shall have regard to the performances of those Players who competed in the Competition. Each player selected shall receive a “World Team” Jumper.

(c) Touch Footy 9s

27. COMPETITION MANAGER

27.1 Administration of Competition

The Competition Manager shall be responsible for administering the Competition.

27.2 Duties

Without limitation, the Competition Manager shall:

(a) investigate and determine any protests, disputes or complaints made in relation to the interpretation or application of these Match Arrangements and Regulations or the general conduct of the Competition;

(b) perform any other function or duty as prescribed in these Match Arrangements and Regulations;

(d) interpret any provision contained in these Match Arrangements or Regulations; and

(e) interpret and provide any rulings with respect to the Laws of Australian Football.

27.3 Power to Report

Where the Competition Manager is of the opinion that a Team or Team Member has:

(a) committed a reportable offence under the Laws of Australian Football, or

(b) engaged in conduct which is unbecoming or prejudicial to the interest of AFI or the Competition, the Competition Manager may refer the matter to the Tribunal for hearing and determination.

27.4 Liaison Officer

The Competition Manager may appoint a Liaison Officer to provide advice to competing teams, as required, regarding accommodation, ground transport and general logistics. The Liaison Officer shall also assist the Competition Manager in coordinating match and venue arrangements.

28. INSURANCE

28.1 Public Risk Insurance

AFI shall include the Competition in its Public Liability insurance policies.

28.2 Players, Coaches & Officials

Each League or Team shall pay the costs associated with injuries to Players, coaches and officials which are not covered in the policy obtained pursuant to sub-clause 28.1. For the avoidance of doubt, such costs may include, without limitation:

(i) an injury that is sustained outside of Competition Matches, and

(ii) long term treatment and damage (including loss of income) which may result from any injury sustained in the competition.

28.3 Travel Insurance

Competing teams shall be responsible for arranging their own Travel Insurance.

29. ORGANISING COMMITTEE

(a) AFI may appoint an Organising Committee to advise it upon general arrangements for the Competition and to provide logistical assistance in the conduct of the Competition as required.

(b) AFI shall have absolute discretion to accept or reject advice provided by an Organising Committee.

30. ARENA CONTROL

30.1 Permitted Team Officials

Each competing team shall be permitted to have a maximum seven (7) Officials inside the arena fence during matches, such Officials to be identified by armbands provided by AFI.

30.2 AFI Officials

The Competition Manager and such other AFI Officials, displaying formal AFI identification, shall be empowered to request the removal from the arena, any Team Official or other unauthorised person not wearing an official armband.

CONTACT AFI

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