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Our Game
AFL MASTERS is football that is designed to allow mature players the opportunity to participate safely in our great game of Australian Rules Football
and to compete with similarly aged players. The opportunity to participate, to compete, to be physically active, healthy and fit is the main motivation of
the players in our competition. Winning is not important with our games being played in the spirit of "FOOTBALL FOR KICKS" with the social interaction
between all teams and players promoted as an important feature of our organisation. AFL MASTERS operates community based programs for players aged 35 and over in the Metropolitan area as follows:
- Supers: 35 years and over
- Masters: 40 years and over
- Seniors: 45 years and over
- Super Seniors: 50 years and over
Players can play in divisions that are below their age but cannot play in divisions above their age. e.g a player that is 45 and over can play in any or all of
the 3 divisions, a player that is 40 - 45 can play in Supers and/or Masters, a player that is 35 - 40 can play only in Supers. In the Country zones there is
just the one division catering for all the age groups with special "tackling" rules applicable to players over 45.
See [Rules] for a full summary of AFL Masters WA's rules.
Brief History Of AFL Masters In West Australia
Masters football was first played in WA in 1983 under the banner of "Veterans" football. It was later changed to Superules WA and in 2002 became Masters Australian Football WA (MAF). In 2008 the competition
was formally recognised by and became affiliated with the AFL and was rebranded with the AFL logo. Since it's inception the Association has grown from 6 metropolitan clubs to now having 14 Clubs in the Metropolitan area
and a further 17 Clubs in the Country with more clubs in both areas keen to join the association.
Over the years players that have finished playing with AFL, WAFL, Amateurs, Sunday League and Country Associations have enjoyed being able to continue their playing at less competitive levels.
Affiliations
The national body for AFL MASTERS is affiliated with the Australian Football League (AFL) and is recognised by them as the only official body to coordinate
and deliver mature aged Australian Rules football in all States and Territories. AFL MASTERS in Western Australia is an affiliate member of
the national body. In Western Australia AFL MASTERS is a member of the Community Football Council (Inc) and is affiliated with the West Australian Football Commission.
Where Is It Played?
In the metropolitan area there are 14 clubs spread from the Northern Suburbs to Mandurah whilst there are a further 16 clubs located in country zones throughout WA.
Structure Of Games
In the metropolitan area all games are played at the one venue each fortnight. Each match is 1 hour duration with 15 minute quarters. All clubs take a turn at hosting a fixture day and must provide suitable entertainment for
wives, girlfriends and the children of players as families are not only welcome at our fixtures but are actively encouraged to attend.
Whilst AFL MASTERS supports competitiveness games are not played for premiership points and we do not have finals. The Association strongly promotes it's philosophy of "FOOTBALL FOR KICKS" and players are required to play within this philosophy. There is zero tolerance
of players who do not adhere to it. Clubs are required to deal with offenders by way of suspension or de-registration. In the country zones games are played at various venues in the traditional "round robin" basis but
again there is no premiership points or finals and the "FOOTBALL FOR KICKS" philosophy is pursued. AFL MASTERS has a "CODE OF CONDUCT" that players, coaches, members and followers are required to uphold at all times.
What Experience Is Needed?
There is no experience needed to play AFL MASTERS football. AFL MASTERS welcomes players with or without Australian Rules experience. We have players that have come from both soccer and Rugby backgrounds that
soon get to know and enjoy our great game. If need be your club will teach you the rules and art of playing our game.
What If I Haven`t Played For A Few Years?
AFL MASTERS clubs will still welcome you. You will however need to attain a reasonable degree of fitness but you will find that after a few training
runs you will soon start to regain your touch and be performing as though you hadn't spent any time out of the game. Well almost!
Insurance
The Association does not have player injury or loss of wages insurance. All players are encouraged to ensure that they have adequate injury cover through a private medical fund and if they deem it necessary some form of
insurance to cover loss of income in the event of injury and to make their own arrangements in this regards.
AFL MASTERS also highly recommends that at least once per year all players undergo a thorough medical checkup with their local General Practitioner.
Registration
Players must complete an AFL MASTERS WA Registration Form and a National AFL MASTERS player/member Consent/Disclaimer Form before they commence training or playing with their chosen club. Fees payable are at the discretion of each club.
National Carnivals
Should you decide to play AFL MASTERS Football you will actually have the opportunity and honour to represent Western Australia at State Carnivals. At the end of each season AFL MASTERS nominates State Teams to play in the annual AFL MASTERS National Carnival at which every State
and Territory is represented. Those carnivals are held on a rotational basis between participating States and Territories. In keeping with our philosophy of "FOOTBALL FOR KICKS" all AFL MASTERS WA players are free to apply
to play in the teams. Players must meet all of the costs associated including fares, accommodation, registration, playing uniforms etc. Players wives/partners and children are welcomed and are encouraged to travel with and to become a part of our touring parties.
Philosophy of AFL Masters Football And Guidelines
The most important aspect of our game is that it is "football for kicks". It is for this reason that there are no ladders, finals or best & fairest awards.
All participants should adhere to this philosophy and accept these guidelines:
- Egos are to be left at home. Criticism of other player's performance, abilities etc. is not on. We are here to do our best and have fun.
- Disputing the umpire's decisions or abuse of umpires is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
- On field fighting or bad language is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
- Every effort will be made to give all players equal time on the ground.
- Tackling is kept to a minimum.
- Masters Australian Football recognises the importance of involving our families in our activities and will continue to make a conscious effort to do this.
New players are always very welcome, but should be made fully aware of and abide by the above philosophy and what is required of them as a representative of your club and Masters Australian Football. See Metro Clubs or Country Clubs on the menu above for a club near you!
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