Disciplinary Regulations for Touch Football: 2025 Update

Touch Football Australia (TFA) is pleased to notify the membership of an updated Disciplinary Regulations document to support the management of internal Touch Football disciplinary processes. The project has been ongoing with consultation between TFA, NSW Touch Association (NSWTA), QLD Touch Football (QTF), and Affiliates to create a document that supports our Affiliates to manage disciplinary matters.

The new Disciplinary Regulations for Touch Football include updates regarding:

• Standard terminology throughout the Regulations being referred to in Business Days, to avoid complicated and unnecessary workloads being placed on our community.
• Amendments to the Regulations to reflect the adoption of the National Integrity Framework, including provisions relating to the Complaints, Disputes and Discipline Policy, and the National Sports Tribunal.
• The introduction of an Early Guilty Plea Framework to aid in streamlining and limiting the number of Hearings that are required to be held by associations across the country.
• An amendment to the Automatic Two (2) Match Suspension for a Dismissal to provide clarity on where the suspensions apply. The following applies under Regulation 8 (b):
  • All referee reports following a Dismissal will be reviewed by the Chair who will determine if a Hearing is required.
    • If no Hearing is required: Any player/coach who is sent for a Dismissal under the TFA Playing Rules will receive an automatic two (2) match suspension to be served in the competition they were sent for a Dismissal in.
    • If the matter is referred to a Hearing: Any player who is sent for a Dismissal under the TFA Playing Rules must not participate in any Touch Football match or competition until the two (2) match suspension has been served or a charge substantiated/dismissed at a Hearing.
  • A change to the Appeal process, where there is now only one level of Appeal All Appeals will be lodged through TFA and delegated to the appropriate level of the sport to avoid duplication of workload at Affiliate level.
  • Parties eligible to Appeal the outcome of a Hearing have been updated to include:
    • A Person/Entity who is the Respondent to a charge;
    • The Complainant who submitted the original complaint leading to a Hearing; or
    • An involved TFA Authority.
  • All appeals lodged will incur a $400.00 appeal fee, to prevent frivolous appeals being submitted. This fee may be waived in certain circumstances.
  • Updated disciplinary templates for use across the country, with clearly outlined “to fill” sections. These templates are for community use to ease the burden on volunteers in the community in managing disciplinary incidents.
  • The role of the Chair of the Hearing being the Chair/President of the relevant Touch Football entity should an alternative not be appointed.
  • The role of the Hearings Officer being the Secretary of the relevant Touch Football entity should an alternative not be appointed.

For further information regarding the Disciplinary Regulations for Touch Football, please visit https://touchfootball.com.au/policies/sport-policies/ or contact James Sharp via james.sharp@touchfootball.com.au.