There are several pathways to becoming an AFL head coach. The most common route involves coaching in the American Collegiate Football League for a few seasons before moving up to the AFL. Alternatively, a franchise owner may hire you during the off-season, but prior coaching experience is essential.

Head coaches are typically hired during the first few days of the off-season, shortly before the draft. They must prepare their draft picks and, after the draft concludes, manage their rosters using the /sign and /release commands.

The draft consists of one round, with each team having a pick unless it was traded in the previous season. If a new head coach is hired, the team receives a compensatory pick for the one traded last season. Teams can trade players or picks in the days leading up to the draft, but only for the upcoming season. Head coaches from ACFL may bring up as many players as they like from their previous season's team.

Transactions close during weeks 7 & 8. After the draft, head coaches can sign and release players using the /sign and /release commands. Force signing players without their consent can result in penalties, including suspensions or forfeiture of future draft picks. Players can demands rfom their team if they have a demand available, while rookies cannot. If rookies are not given playing opportunities and are unhappy, they may be released by the players relation union.

Head coaches have the option to contract players for the rest of the season. Both parties must agree to the terms via direct message, and contract information must be forwarded to player relations. Payment must be made during the season. Breaching this agreement can result in suspensions, blacklisting, and forfeiture of draft picks. Players will also be penalized for breaking contracts.

Tampering is defined as any actions or attempts by a head coach to recruit or entice players who are already under contract or have been signed within the same season by another team.

If caught tampering, head coaches or franchise owners will be punished. These punishments can include suspensions, blacklisting, and forfeiture of draft picks.

Players should only be approached with offers if they are unsigned or during the designated legal tampering period. This period begins the day after the Allegiance Bowl, and extends through the aftermath of the draft.

Coaches have six days to play two games per week, with no extensions allowed. Games must be scheduled within this timeframe. If an opponent refuses to schedule or is unavailable, you can claim a forfeit win (FFW) by providing proof of your team's availability. If a scheduled game needs to be canceled, it must be done at least four hours before game time, or the opponent's head coach may decline the cancellation.

The draft order is determined by playoff performance, Teams that went further have a lower pick. Teams eliminated in weeks 7 and 8 will have their draft pick positioned based on performance in weeks 9 and 10, with more wins and higher point differentials earning better picks. Teams eliminated in weeks 9 and 10 will have their draft order determined by their final seeding within their rank.