With our upcoming finals series, the YJFL would like to provide a reminder about the rules and by-laws that players, officials and spectators need to be aware of.
Before each finals series, the YJFL publishes a list of players who have been granted approval for ‘Special Consideration’ and ‘Genuine Shortage’. These are outlined in the League By-Laws that state:
6.5.1 To be eligible to compete in a finals team, a player must have played the minimum number of games required in the team concerned. Where a team has one or more byes in a season, the number of games required will be reduced on a pro rata basis for finals qualification purposes. Exemptions to this requirement may be granted upon application to the league under the genuine shortage provisions (By Law 6.5.5), or because of injury or other special circumstances.
6.5.5 Where a team has a genuine shortage of eligible players for finals games, the club may seek approval from the League for the utilisation of players from other teams other than the one claiming genuine shortage. The league must promptly determine an application made under this rule and similarly notify the applicant club of the determination. The intention of this By-Law is to enable the team to field the minimum number of players in a final, and not to improve the performance of the team.
All players, officials and spectators should be across the finals rules, guidelines and expectations. Those are outlined within ‘Schedule I’ in the YJFL Rules and By-Laws and can be viewed here:
The league would also like to provide a reminder to all players, officials and spectators about some key policies and by-laws to note during finals.
3.6 Times Between Quarters
3.6.1 No spectators are to enter the centre third of the playing field (between each arc, including the centre square at any break). Only match officials, umpires, and players, identified clearly in the bib relevant to their role, may enter the playing field during this period.
Parents and spectators may not cross the boundary line at any break for the purpose of approaching the team huddle.
There is no restriction on where the huddle may be positioned (but must be between the forward arcs).
The Ground Manager and/or Umpire Escort should ensure during breaks that parents/spectators are not to approach the umpires or officials.
In any grade, parents or spectators are permitted to cross the oval and kick the football inside the forward arcs.
3.6.2 Teams competing in the next fixtured game may warm up on the ground at ¾ time. Teams must have vacated the playing field prior to the commencement of the fourth (4th) quarter.
Smoking Policy
Smoking and/or vaping will not be permitted on any clubs’ playing arena.
By law, smoking and vaping is also banned within 10 metres of any public outdoor sporting venue during an organised match or training session.
All Change Rooms and Toilet Blocks at club grounds must be 100% smokefree.
Smoking and/or vaping will not be permitted in any indoor spectator viewing areas or outdoor grandstands within the League.
Cigarettes will not be sold (including from vending machines) at any time from YJFL club venues.
Dogs On Leash
Dogs must be on a leash at all times during YJFL matches
