The 2024 AFL Preferred Facility Guidelines, launched on 1 November 2023, is replacing the 2019 AFL Preferred Facility Guidelines.
About the Guidelines
Throughout 2023, the AFL has been refreshing its Preferred Facility Guidelines by seeking input from multiple stakeholder groups on how ‘the Guidelines’ could be improved to continue to support facility planning and development across Australia.
The Guidelines were initially developed in 2012 to provide direction for the development of new facilities and/or those being considered for major refurbishment or redevelopment. The Guidelines were republished in 2019 to recognise changing trends in community facilities, and incorporated advice on inclusive amenities, innovation in ground surface technology (i.e. hybrid and synthetic turf) and modular pavilion and amenity buildings.
The 2024 edition builds on the previous versions and reinforces the need for access, equity, and sustainability across all venues. It also places increased emphasis on the stages of project planning and advocates for the umpiring community by highlighting the requirement for more fit-for-purpose infrastructure that caters to their needs.
The information presented within the Guidelines clearly outlines the recommended standards for each venue type and should be used to inform the development of flexible, accessible, and fit-for-purpose facilities and amenities for community football.
Key Amendments Made
- Reinforces the need for access, equity, and sustainability across all venues
- More information regarding the integral components and stages of rigorous project planning
- Strong advocacy for the umpiring community with the inclusion of relevant fit-for-purpose infrastructure recommendations
- Reference to the AS 2560.2 – Sports Lighting, Part 2: Specific applications which establishes lighting design and performance standards for various indoor and outdoor sports areas, encompassing a wide range of sports, spectator areas, and safety lighting
- More information regarding the AFL’s commitment to collaborative community usage of football facilities
- Inclusion of best practice case studies within the appendices
- Summary page of supporting infrastructure provision for community football venues
- Additional functional site layout plans and diagrams
- Updated references to relevant industry standards and regulatory compliance