Countdown to Round 1 2026

April 13, 2026

Dear Roys

We’re on the final countdown to the start of season 2026, with Round 1 kicking off this coming Sunday, 19 April! With that in mind, here are a few final reminders from me:

Uniform

Please make sure your player has the full kit required to run out onto the ground for their first match on Sunday.

Shorts!
Socks!
Boots!
MOUTHGUARD! Remember … no mouthguard no play.

Your team manager will give your child a jumper for the season. If you find you’re missing anything, place an order online and collect your gear on Saturday 18 April from 9:00-10:30am at the ticket box (corner of Freeman and Brunswick Streets).

Gameday Volunteering

The YJFL requires gameday volunteers to register – the details are here.

We are thrilled that so many parents have got on the front foot and registered, but we are still a long way off having everyone onboard.

If your child’s team doesn’t have enough registered volunteers come gameday your TM’s life becomes extremely difficult. Imagine the disappointed children if your team is unable to take the field because there are insufficient parents registered to fill the essential roles. Do not put your children in that position … if you haven’t already, please sign up now!

Rule Changes

There is one key rule change this season – Last Disposal:

There will no longer be any boundary umpires on the field. When the ball crosses the boundary line from a disposal (kick or handball), a free kick will be awarded against the team who touched it last. If in doubt or the ball came off hand from a non- disposal, the field umpire will throw the ball up approximately ten metres in from the boundary line. Unlike the AFL, this rule will apply to the whole ground, including within the 50m arcs.

Please remember:

• 90% of the league’s umpires are under 18 years of age and include several players from our club. Please respect the umpires, who, like our kids, will need time to adjust to the new rule.
• Your team manager is your go-to person on game day. If you have any concerns about opposition players, spectators or officials, please speak to your team manager who will work with the other team manager to resolve.

Save the date for first 2026 club social function

Our first big club social event of the year – the “5th Quarter” – will be held on SUNDAY 26 APRIL at the Edinburgh Gardens community rooms from 6pm.

Get out your red texta (be it physical or virtual) out and put 26 April on your calendars!

I’ll see you later in the week with some final words before we kick off, but until then …

Go Roys!

Bridget