Victorian FIDA Football League is a structured football competition for Males and Females between the ages of 14 and 40* with an intellectual disability. The compeition fosters a respectful and inclusive environment with the aim to give people who may not otherwise have had the chance, an opportunity to play football.
There are however requirements for a player to meet in order to participate in the competition.
Player Eligibility
AFL Victoria has introduced two levels of Player Eligibility for the Victorian FIDA Football League. The two levels of Player Eligibility going forward will be recognised as ELIGIBLE and APPROVED based on the requirements for participation at the National Inclusion Carnival. These changes do not affect the minimum requirements for participation within the league as the existing criteria is still in place, furthermore there is still the opportunity for players to seek an EXEMPTION.
These changes will allow us to have a better understanding of the nature of the participants involved, streamline data collection and classification more broadly, and ensure we are providing a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for all suitable participants.
- A player will be deemed as ELIGIBLE for the purposes of participation in the Victorian FIDA Football League and the National Inclusion Carnival if;
1.1. A participant meets the Sport Inclusion Australia National Classification (SIA, formerly AUSRAPID) classification, or can provide evidence of this classification in the past.
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A player will be classified as APPROVED for the purposes of participation in the Victorian FIDA Football League if;
2.1. A participant is declined for a SIA classification, and upon reviewing the evidence provided, AFL Victoria determines the player meets two (2) of the existing FIDA player eligibility requirements;
- Has/have attended a Specialist School
- Attendance at a Mainstream with a funded Educational Support under the Program for Students with Disabilities (PSD) or similar.
- Proof of Disability Support Pension or NDIS registration (to be reviewed for 2020 season)
- Be registered with a Disability Service Provider (to be reviewed for 2020 season
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A club may seek an EXEMPTION for a player where a participant does not meet the above eligibility requirements but believes the Victorian FIDA Football League is the most appropriate opportunity for them to participate in football.
3.1. AFL Victoria may request the player provide additional information or be observed participating to determine if the player is granted a VFFL Player Exemption to participate. This exemption may be granted because of;
- Disability and/or impairments restricting involvement in community football programs
Please note: the VFFL Player Exemption may be revoked if AFL Victoria believes the player’s ability and/or behaviour is not suitable to participate within the Victorian FIDA Football League. For more information on submitting a VFFL Player Exemption Form please contact AFL Victoria to discuss.
All clubs will be made aware of any players that do not meet the requirements but are granted an exemption to play by AFL Victoria. *Players over 40 years of age are required to submit a letter from their doctor stating that they're fit to play in the FIDA competition. Similarly, players under the age of 14 are to have permission from their parents or caregivers and are required to meet with a member of the executive committee before they are able to play.