THE AFL is one of six sporting organisations to have signed a national alcohol code of conduct to crack down on binge drinking.

However, Mad Monday celebrations, which for years have marked the end of the season, will still go ahead.

The League's general manager of football operations Adrian Anderson said that each of the 16 clubs would adhere to the code as a good example to supporters, but was realistic in understanding there would still be some exceptions.

"I don't think you'll necessarily see the end of a celebration at the end of a season, but what I think you probably will see is more moderate consumption of alcohol at those times," Anderson said.

"You will always have some cases, which is inevitable, where alcohol is involved in some misdemeanour but what is important is that we set a framework.

"This code is a very good guideline or framework in which to tackle these problems and it's not so much bad apples or people deliberately behaving badly. I suspect it's people with personal problems or the inability to handle alcohol responsibly."

The initiative is not enforceable by law with players determined to consume alcohol in an irresponsible manner to only face penalties within the behavioural guidelines set by their clubs.

"Players are aware that with the focus on them they have a responsibility to endeavour to set an example to the rest of the community," Anderson said.

The news was part of a Sunday announcement made by federal sport minister Kate Ellis that rugby union, rugby league, soccer, cricket and netball had also signed the code to help encourage responsible consumption.

"We know that sport is an important part of Australian culture and whilst it's not responsible for the wider problem of binge drinking, we do think sport can use its influence to be part of the solution," she told a media conference in Adelaide.

Ms Ellis said the code outlined responsibilities for organisations and individuals and expected that those covered by the code should consume alcohol in a safe and responsible manner.

She added that it should also help promote responsible drinking during and outside the sporting season.

The code forms part of the Australian government's $53.5 million national binge drinking strategy.