White shorts have been axed from the AFLW to ease anxiety for players who are menstruating.

The move, announced on Thursday, will take effect immediately across all women’s competitions run by and associated with the AFL.

The league is following similar measures that have been rolled out in tennis (Wimbledon), cricket (Test matches) and soccer across the world.

“Whilst this is a policy change for women and girls in AFL-run competitions, the ripple effect for community sport for women and girls is immense – we want to lead to remove any barriers that prevent women and girls participating in Australian Football,” AFLW boss Nicole Livingstone said.

All 18 AFLW clubs will continue to have coloured shorts for home matches and can wear these in any match throughout the season.

But clubs will also have another coloured set of shorts to be worn if there is a clash in uniforms.

“Prioritising our players’ health and well-being and supporting everyone to play Australian Rules Football is critical in everything we do at the AFL,” the AFL’s head of mental health and wellbeing Kate Hall said.

“This policy is to ensure women and girls can confidently play and enjoy Australian Rules Football, free from the impact of period stigma.”

-AAP