Modification of rules has been highly effective in preventing injuries.

Changes to normal playing rules have been introduced for beginners in football programs to promote skill development, increase participation rates and to provide a safer playing environment. Some of these modifications include:

• Smaller playing field
• Fewer players
• No tackling
• The use of smaller footballs
• No ruck, ruck-rover or rover, thus easing the congestion in general play
• No kicking the ball off the ground

• When ball is kicked out of bounds a kick is awarded to the nearest opponent