YJFL to introduce new rule changes in 2026

There are some new rules to be aware of in 2026

The Yarra Junior Football League will be adopting two new rule changes for the upcoming 2026 season.  With the Australian Football League tinkering with new changes at the beginning of 2026, the YJFL will adopt two of the seven new rules into the league this coming season.

1. GOALSQUARE STARTING POSITION:
2. While the 6-6-6 rule will remain from centre ball-ups, there will no longer be a requirement for at least one player per team to start in the goal square.

1. LAST DISPOSAL A free kick will now be awarded when the ball crosses the boundary line from a disposal (kick or handball) ANYWHERE ON THE ENTIRE GROUND. If in doubt or off hand (non-disposal), the field umpire will throw the ball up approximately ten metres in from the boundary line.

The Yarra Junior Football League will not be adopting the following rule changes

• Centre ball-up contests
• Aligned kick-in times
• Ruck nominations
• Shrugging in the tackle
• The stand rule