To become an Associate Member of Australian Football International (AFI), a country must meet the following criteria:
- Have at least 4 Footy 9s senior teams playing in a structured competition.
- Have adequate facilities and infrastructure for Footy 9s, including access to playing fields, training facilities, and equipment.
- Have a development plan for growing Footy 9s, including introducing the sport to juniors and schools.
- Have a functioning administration, including being incorporated and having a constitution.
Once a country meets these criteria, it can apply to AFI for associate membership.