13. Kicking the Football in to Play After a Behind Has Been Scored
13.1 Football Must be Kicked
Unless Law 12.4 applies, when a Behind has been recorded, the following shall apply:
(a) the football must be Kicked back into play by any Player of the defending Team within a reasonable time;
(b) the football must be Kicked from within the Goal Square. For the avoidance of doubt, one foot of the Player must be behind any of the lines which define the Goal Square at the time when the Player Kicks the football;
(c) Other than the Player kicking the football into play, all Players must immediately vacate the area within 5 metres of the Goal Square.
(d) the Player Kicking the football into play may, provided they have kicked the football clear from their hands, regain possession and play on from within the Goal Square.
13.2 Direction by Umpire and Football Brought in to Play Incorrectly
(a) After giving a Player a reasonable opportunity, the field Umpire shall direct a Player to Kick the football back into play. If a Player fails to Kick the football back into play after being instructed to do so by a field Umpire, the field Umpire shall call “Play On”. The Player shall be required to dispose of the football in accordance with Laws 13.1 (b) and (d). Opposing Players, however, may enter the Goal Square and tackle the Player with the football once “Play On” is called. The provisions of these Laws relating to Free Kicks shall apply.
(b) If the field Umpire is of the opinion that a Player has not Kicked the football back into play in accordance with Law 13.1, the field Umpire shall bounce the football on the centre of the Kick-Off Line to recommence play.
I have posted this article in response to a number of coaches and players who have approached myself or other panel members, seeking a clarification of the kick in, especially when the fullback, plays on to himself.
The clarification is quite simple and I’ve highlighted part (d) of Law 13.1. The ball is kicked clear of the hands, regain possession and play on, FROM WITHIN THE GOAL SQUARE!
If umpires have stopped play and taken a ball up at the top of the square because the fullback has completed the disposal act by playing on over the line, then the umpire is correct. Law 13.2 part (b) clarifies that.
If a player then chooses to abuse the umpire because of the umpire’s correct call, then the umpire will award a free kick to the full forward, at the top of the square.
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On a more positive note, on behalf of the Combined Southern Leagues Football Umpires Panel, we sincerely wish to thank all of the officials, administrators, coaches, players and supporters, through both Leagues who have supported us after last weeks ‘disappointing’ SANFL tribunal decision.
Whilst the decision still manages to elicit plenty of discussion at training and still angers many of us on the panel, we need to accept the SANFL’s decision and move on. However we will be continuing a ‘silent’ protest by wearing red arm bands, denoting that we see red, until the season ends. Maybe someone from the Community Football Board, who might see the red arm bands, would then like to come to one of our training sessions and have a discussion with us!
Best wishes to all clubs in your push towards the finals.
Darren Hincks, Combined Southern Leagues Football Umpires Panel.
Last Modified on 09/08/2011 00:28