Professionalism among country football clubs has gone to new levels over the past five years as clubs continue to push each other to new limits and training standards.

The guidelines stress that while AFL clubs return to the track in November, they are elite sportsmen with state-of-the-art coaches and facilities. 

While senior football among country leagues continues to chase elite standards, the statement targeted junior footballers and the extra strain and workloads placed on them.

AFL Victoria outlines that many young bodies are still developing and extra football training expectations also hinders youngsters ability to fully commit to summer sports.

The guidelines go on to say that heavy loads of training prior to Christmas are often of no benefit.

“Given clubs often break for extended periods over the festive season, there is often little benefit in commencing significant training prior to Christmas.” AFL Victoria said.

All club officials and coaches were issued with a copy of AFL Victoria’s preseason training guidelines during the week and asked to consider implementing key elements of the program.