The AFL has implemented a National Sit Down Round to be conducted across Australia on the weekend of 1–2 August 2026, aimed at creating a positive experience for players, umpires, coaches, volunteers and spectators by encouraging coaches to remain seated throughout matches.
To further support positive match day environments across South Australia, SANFL Community Football will extend the initiative to include the two weekends preceding the AFL National Sit Down Round. Accordingly, all affiliated leagues are requested to ensure clubs participating in premiership grade competitions (senior and junior) implement the initiative on the following weekends:
• 18–19 July, 2026
• 25–26 July, 2026
• 1–2 August, 2026 (AFL national Sit Down Round)
The initiative forms part of SANFL Community Football’s ongoing commitment to fostering respectful match day environments, supporting umpires, enhancing player development and promoting positive coaching behaviours across all levels of community football.
PURPOSE OF THE INITIATIVE
The Sit Down to Coach initiative encourages calm leadership and positive coaching behaviours while reducing excessive sideline instruction and match day distractions.
The initiative aims to:
• Create a more controlled and respectful match day environment.
• Promote positive interactions between coaches, players, officials and umpires.
• Reduce “joystick coaching” and encourage greater player decision making.
• Improve the overall experience for players, volunteers and spectators.
• Reinforce respect, leadership and sportsmanship throughout community football.
SANFL Juniors have successfully implemented the initiative in previous seasons, with positive feedback regarding improved match day environments and enhanced opportunities for player learning and decision making.
IMPLEMENTATION REQUIREMENTS
The exclusion zone is an area of 2 metres surrounding the coaches box. This means front, sides and rear of the coaches box as displayed in the below image.
For the duration of the three nominated weekends, all personnel permitted within the exclusion zone are expected to remain seated during play. The only personnel permitted within the exclusion zone are:
1x Coach
2x Assistant Coaches
1x Team Manager
1x Team Runner
1x Sports Trainer/First Aid Official
Interchange Players
All personnel within the exclusion zone should demonstrate appropriate and respectful behaviour at all times. Coaches are encouraged to communicate the purpose of the initiative to all relevant officials and support staff prior to the match.
PRE-MATCH ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
To reinforce the purpose of the initiative, SANFL encourages clubs to undertake a simple pre-match acknowledgement. Prior to the commencement of each match:
• Coaches from both teams should meet and shake hands.
• Clubs should take the opportunity to acknowledge the role coaches play in creating positive environments for players, umpires and volunteers.
This gesture provides a visible demonstration of respect and reinforces the shared commitment to positive behaviours across community football.
LEAGUE RESPONSIBILITIES
Affiliated Leagues are requested to:
1. Communicate this initiative to all affiliated clubs.
2. Ensure all premiership grade competitions participate across the nominated weekends.
3. Encourage clubs to brief coaches and team officials prior to each round.
4. Promote the objectives of the initiative throughout their competitions.
This initiative is intended as an awareness and education campaign that highlights the important role coaches play in shaping positive football experiences for all participants.
