5.1 RULE CHANGES FOR THE 2009 PREMIERSHIP SEASON
5.1.1 Recall badly “off-line” bounces (Rule change)
An Umpire will recall a “badly off line” field or centre bounce when in the opinion of an Umpire the bounce has resulted in it going directly to a player which gives that player a clear and distinct advantage, or has prevented players from either side from being able to contest that bounce.
For the avoidance of doubt:
- At a centre bounce where the ball is bounced and lands outside the larger centre circle but is still able to be contested by players from either side, the umpire will call “play on”
- Where the ball is bounced and lands near the perimeter of the larger circle and is contested by only one ruckman due to his opponent electing not to contest the ball, the umpire will call “play on”
RATIONALE: Currently only “extremely” bad bounces are recalled; play on is called for badly “off-line” bounces such as the bounce going to Adam Simpson in the North Melbourne vs. Collingwood match earlier this season. This change is proposed as a matter of fairness to both competing teams.
Restart of play following a stretcher (Rule change)
If one team has possession when play is stopped for a stretcher to enter the field, that same team will retain possession of the ball when play is restarted.
RATIONALE: At present, if play had to be stopped in this above situation it would be restarted with a bounce. If the ball is in dispute, is out of bounds, or where a goal or behind has been registered before play was stopped, it will continue to be restarted with a bounce, throw in, centre bounce or kick in (whichever restart is relevant to that situation).
5.1.1 All clear given but play has not recommenced (Rule change)
Law 12.4.2 (b) parts (i) and (ii) be amended.
RATIONALE: To make this rule consistent with other parts of the Law book in relation to free kicks and 50m penalties and where they are paid.
5.1.1 Goal kicker using field umpire as a screen (Interpretation change)
If the Field Umpire impedes a player when in the act of setting the mark for a shot on goal, the Field Umpire will stop play and reset the mark so no player is disadvantaged in this situation.
RATIONALE: Some players have used a tactic whereby they ask the field umpire to set the mark when they are kicking for goal. When the umpire gets in a position inside of the player on the mark, the goal kicker plays on either to improve their angle or so that the player on the mark is blocked by the umpire.
INTERPRETATION: The discretion of the field Umpire under Law 10.5.3 to signal a stop to the clock shall be exercised if in the field Umpire’s opinion the field Umpire has impeded a Player whilst in the act of setting a mark for a shot at Goal. In such case, the field Umpire shall reset the mark before signalling that play is to recommence.
5.2 CHANGE TO AFL REGULATIONS FOR THE 2009 PREMIERSHIP SEASON
5.2.1 Interchange infringements (Change to AFL Regulations)
Where an interchange infringement occurs, a Free Kick and 50m Penalty should be awarded from wherever play is stopped.
RATIONALE: Current penalty for an interchange infringement can be difficult to explain and this change is proposed on the basis of making the penalty simpler and more proportionate.
5.3
5.2 NEW INTERPRETATIONS FOR THE 2009 PREMIERSHIP SEASON
5.2.1 Position of goal line (Interpretation change)
Scoring line to be drawn so the back of the line is equal with the back of the padding rather than being through the centre of the posts.
RATIONALE: This will make consistent the process used by the Goal Umpires to adjudicate scoring decisions and assist in explaining how Goal Umpires reach their decisions.
5.1.2 Free kick for misconduct (Rule change)
Introduce a ‘misconduct’ free kick for incidents such as squirting the contents of drink bottles in the face of opponents, throwing objects during play (e.g. mud, mouth guards, other players boots) and/or for unnecessarily interfering with an opponent.
RATIONALE: At present a player can be reported for misconduct but a free kick cannot be awarded. The introduction of this law will bring the rules regarding misconduct into line with free kicks that are awarded for other reportable offences.
Last Modified on 16/02/2009 23:35