(4) Clubs in breach of procedure:
In the event a Club believes an opposition player has been replaced early, that Club must call a team count to verify the number of players on the ground and the score at that particular time. The Umpire will record result of the count on the Umpire’s Match Report. The timekeepers will record the score at the time of the count. This enables a Club to lay a charge against the opposing Club, with the Geelong & District Football League League Executive under VCFL Rules.
(5) Players being interchanged to or from the field must be escorted to and from the interchange area by a team official. The team official must request permission from the steward to make the replacement of one named player by another named player as per rule 7.2 of the AFL Laws of the Game. All interchange players must wear their club’s official tracksuit top to and from the interchange area. Breach will incur a fine.
Penalty: $50.
9 Fixtures & Admissions
(1) The draw and date of commencement of matches is to the responsibility of the League Executive.
(2) Charges for admission to games will be at the discretion of the League.
10 Extra time in Finals:
(a) There will be no drawn games in any finals.
(b) In the case of equal scores at the end of scheduled time, the teams will play two (2) five (5) minute periods with time on. The match will recommence with the teams kicking to the same end as they were in the last scheduled quarter, with an immediate change of ends at the conclusion of the first extra time period.
(c) Coaches are permitted to address players at the end of the game prior to the commencement of extra time. Players must be in position to recommence the game prior to the goal umpires returning to their position.
(d) A five minute quarter will be played(including time-on)before immediately changing ends for another five minute quarter(including time-on).There is to be no break between these quarters.
(e) In the of scores still being tied at the conclusion of these periods extra time, play will recommence at a centre bounce(without change of ends) and the team to score first will be the winner.
11 Ground Facilities
(1) Each Club is to provide a ground that in the opinion of the League Executive is suitable for match play.
(2) Goal posts must be correctly padded in accordance with VCFL Rules. Penalty: $100
(3) Goal posts must have flag-holders. Penalty: $100
(4) The ground must be marked in accordance with the Laws of the Game unless impractical to do so. Variations are to be approved by the League Executive. Penalty: $100
(5) In terms of the VCFL Acceptable Ground Conditions & Layout it is recommended that the actual boundary line of the playing area shall be no less than three (3) metres from the fence line.
(6) A stretcher must be provided by the home Club and located in or near the coaches’ box. Penalty: $100
(7) All clubs must provide secured visiting team and umpires’ dressing rooms. Penalty: $100
(8) A separate dressing room must be available for umpires. Clubs should also provide dressing room facilities for female umpires when applicable.
(9) A line 12 metres in length, one metre from the boundary line shall be marked parallel to the boundary line in front of each of the coaches’ boxes. Penalty: $100
(10) Home Club must provide two (2) trainers tables in the visitor’s rooms
Penalty: $100
(11) A AFL Vic. Worksafe Risk Management Checklist must be completed by the competing Clubs Risk Management Officers. If the same Clubs are competing in all games on the same day at the same venue only one form is required, if more than two Clubs are competing on the same day at the venue then separate forms are to be completed by the Clubs competing in that match. The duplicate AFL Vic. Worksafe Risk Management Checklist must be submitted to Geelong & District Football League in the Match Day paperwork. Penalty for not submitting form to Geelong & District Football League - $50 for first offence, subsequent offences $100.
12 Player Uniforms
(1) All Club uniforms shall comply with VCFL rules. The League Executive, before adoption, must approve club colours.
(2) Every player must be fully uniformed in his Club colours with his number prominent and securely fixed on his back.
(3) All playing jumpers must carry logos as specified by the VCFL and Geelong & District Football League. Clubs must formally request the League Executive’s approval to display sponsorship logos on Club jumpers. This request must include details such as size and positioning.
(4) White shorts shall be worn by sides playing away unless approval otherwise is granted by the League Executive.
(5) The League Executive will decide choice of shorts for finals matches with priority going to the highest finisher during the home and away games of the two sides playing.
(6) Bike shorts worn under playing shorts must be either skin colour or match the colour of the team shorts.
(7) All interchange players must wear their Club tracksuit when warming up around the boundary line.
Penalty for incorrect attire: $25 per garment to a maximum of $100 per game.
13 Coaches and Runners
(1) Coaches
(a) All Club coaches, appointed or incumbent, must be notified to Geelong & District Football League, with relevant contact and accreditation details, by 30 March each year. Any coach who does not achieve as a minimum coaching Level 1 Accreditation within twelve months of their initial appointment cannot continue to coach in the ensuing seasons.
(b) The non-playing coach of any team is not allowed on the playing arena during the progress of the match except at the quarter intervals. During the progress of the match the non-playing coach, interchange players (other than in warming up) and other officials must be in the restricted area as marked by the 12 metre line as per rule 12 (9).
(c) The team captain of the day shall only be permitted to speak to the Field Umpire at the intervals during the progress of the match (other than if requesting the umpire for a count of players on the playing surface). Any breach of this rule shall be reported by the Umpire and be referred to the League Independent Tribunal and if found guilty shall incur the following maximum penalty:
1st offence – $100.
2nd offence – $200.
3rd or any further offence – $400.
(2) Runners
(a) First eighteen grades only are permitted to use up to two runners. Other grades are only permitted one runner.
(b) Team runner shall not have affixed to his or her person communication device which includes but is not limited to headsets, microphones or earpieces or water bottles.
(c) A single runner may enter and exit the playing area from any point of the ground. Where two runners are utilised they must enter via the interchange gates
(d) No person who is a registered player or an official of any club, other than his home club whether affiliated or not, nor who is under disqualification or suspension by his home club or League, shall act as an official runner in any competition match, or any other match in which a VCFL affiliated Club or League is participating.
(e) No coach or assistant coach of a VCFL open age team shall act as a runner in a match in which a team of his club is participating.
(f) Any club that infringes (a) (b) (c) (d) or (e) shall appear before the League’s Independent Tribunal to determine the penalty which may be a substantial fine, and/or a loss of points: and/or such other penalties as determined appropriate.
(g) All runners are to wear uniforms as approved by the League at the commencement of each season. Runner tops must carry the club name and the word “Runner”. Where a Club uses two Runners in the senior section the uniforms must be numbered to distinguish the runners. Uniforms for additional runner in the two (2) runner system will be at the expense of the club.
Penalty $100
The sole duty of the runner shall be to confer with the player or player’s of his/her club and to immediately leave the playing arena.
14 Trainers, Medical Staff, Water-carriers
(1) Trainers & Medical Staff
(a) Club trainers may enter the arena at any time during the match or intervals but only to attend to an injured player or to replace a damaged uniform and for no other purpose whatsoever.
(b) Club trainers will wear uniform dress consisting of a white top and white pants. The top must bear the Club name, the word ‘trainer’ and a number (trainers to be numbered 1 – 5). Trainers are permitted to wear a Club coloured top if necessary but it must also be named and numbered.
(c) Medical staff are to wear a clear and identifying armband. Medical staff means a qualified medical practitioner, physiotherapist or similar qualified person.
Penalty $100
(2) Water- Carriers
(a) Water-carriers may enter the arena at any time during the match or intervals but only to provide water to players and for no other purpose whatsoever and to immediately leave the playing arena once the drink has been delivered (Refer VCFL Rule 18.2.)
(b) Water-carriers are to wear a white shirt bearing the Club name and the word ‘water carrier’ and be correctly numbered with black or blue shorts or tracksuit pants, or a garment approved by Geelong & District Football League. Water-carriers must be a maximum of three (3) and be aged over fourteen years.
(c) Water-carriers’ names must be included on the team sheet clearly numbered 6, 7 and 8 respectively. Penalty $50
(d) No coach or assistant coach of a VCFL open age team shall act as a water carrier in any Geelong & District Football League match.
(3) With the exception of the quarter intervals, no persons other than runners, trainers, medical staff and water carriers may encroach upon or enter the playing arena. The officiating umpires are empowered to send off any of these officials if they are not correctly attired or are deemed to be exceeding their duties.
15 Umpires
(1) Central Umpires must hand to the home Club Secretary immediately after the match, the following:
(a) Team sheets of opposing teams duly signed.
(b) General report of match, starting time, uniforms, officials on League form.
(c) Selection noted of three best and fairest players in order of preference marking the names 1st, 2nd and 3rd choice. Players’ names to be shown in team lists and numbers of such players. This vote is to be placed in the separate sealed envelope.
(d) Charges against Clubs or players (with numbers) for breaches of rules and any matter they consider should be brought up.
(2) Central Umpires must see that Boundary Umpires are properly uniformed. Goal Umpires must be appropriately attired and equipped with suitable white flags, and two timekeepers are to be in position prior to commencement of the game.
(3) The Field Umpire shall have full control of the play and shall award penalties in accordance with the laws of the game. No appeal shall be entertained against any of his decisions.
(4) In the event of a GDFL appointed Reserve Grade umpire, such umpire will have the power to:
(a) issue yellow cards;
(b) issue red cards; and
(c) report players.
Where a player is reported by a non-GFUL or a non GDFL Reserve Grade Umpire a report sheet is to be completed by the umpire and faxed to Geelong & District Football League no later than 5.45pm on the day of the game. The Geelong & District Football League Executive will then handle the report. Cost of investigation $150 will be charged to offending Club if player found to be guilty.
(5) Where a substitute Central Umpire has been appointed he shall fill in the Best and Fairest votes.
(6) Where Goal Umpires are not provided by the Geelong Football Umpires League, they must be supplied by the competing Clubs. They must be conversant with the rules, wear long white coats and be provided with white flags at least 45 cm square by Clubs and must use the League scorecard which must be signed by both Goal Umpires, Timekeepers and Central Umpires at the match conclusion, failing which it may not be recognised as official. They must keep their goal area clear of spectators.
(Club-appointed goal umpires must wear a white coat. Penalty $50.)
(7) All umpires including goal umpires are to be escorted from the ground at half time and at the conclusion of the match by the club runners. Penalty $100
16 Interchange Stewards
The Home Club is responsibilities for the appointment of an interchange steward for each game.
The responsibilities of the interchange steward are outlined in Laws of the Game Rule 7
The Interchange Steward will record the jumper numbers of players who commence on the interchange bench at the commencement of each quarter. It is the responsibility of team managers from both competing Clubs to notify the appointed Interchange Steward of the jumper numbers of players on the interchange bench at the commencement of the game and then at each quarter break
Penalty $100 (offending Club)
17 Timekeepers
(1) One responsible Timekeeper is to be provided by each competing Club. (Failure to supply a timekeeper – Penalty $50) Stopwatches are to be synchronized. Where only one stopwatch is available that shall be the official time.
(2) In finals matches competing Clubs are to supply their own timekeepers.
(3) Matches shall start at the times decided by the League Executive.
(4) Matches shall be played in accordance with the time intervals set out by the League Executive.
(5) A bell, gong, or siren, capable of being heard across the ground at its farthest point must be provided.
Penalty: $50
(6) Timekeepers are to give a warning siren two (2) minutes prior to the start of the 2nd quarter and 4th quarter. A siren warning will be given five (5) minutes and then at two (2) minutes prior to the start of the 3rd quarter in senior and reserves and Under 18s competition.
(7) Timekeepers shall keep accurate records of scores on cards supplied by Geelong & District Football League. Times of starts and finishes of quarters; appearance times of teams; elapsed playing time of players ordered from the ground. The timekeeper must sign the cards and return them to the Central Umpire for counter signature. Penalty $30
(8) Light system to be used for order off rule as per rule 8(3).
(9) Timekeepers and Goal Umpires are to check each other’s scorecards. Goal Umpires’ scores shall be the official scores of the game.
18 Footballs
Two new Sherrin branded footballs are to be provided by the home Club in each senior match. Two suitable Sherrin branded footballs in good order and condition are to provided by the home Club for each Reserve and Under 18s match. In finals, Sherrin branded footballs will be provided by Geelong & District Football League.
19 Playing Times
Playing Times are:
Home & Away Games
Time on only in senior grade except where a team count is called, a stretcher is on ground or there is a lengthy delay as deemed by the umpire/s in charge.
Start Quarters ¼ time ½ time ¾ time
Seniors 2.00 pm 20m+TO 5 min 15 min 5 min
Reserves 12.00pm 20m 5 min 15 min ``5 min
Thirds 10.00am 20m 5 min 15 min 5 min
Finals Games
Start Quarters ¼ time ½ time ¾ time
Seniors 2.15pm 20min+TO 5 min 15 min 5 min
Reserves 12.00pm 20min 5 min 15 min 5 min
Thirds 10.00am 20min 5 min 15 min 5 min
Grand Final
Start Quarters ¼ time ½ time ¾ time
Seniors 2.15pm 20min+TO 5 min 15 min 5 min
Reserves 11.45am 20min 5 min 15 min 5 min
Thirds 09.45am 20min 5 min 15 min 5 min
Clubs responsible for late starts at any point of any match will incur a fine of $50 per occurrence.
20 Team Lists
(1) A computer generated alphabetical lists in ink of team names with full name and numbers on an approved form and signed by Captain or Club Official responsible are to be handed to central umpire prior to commencement of each game. Club Secretaries are responsible for correct first name, second initial and surname on these lists as well as seeing that the names of trainers, runners and medical staff are shown in the space provided. Coach, captain, and vice captain and any other official entering the arena should be identified on the team sheet. Player number must match the number recorded in the football record. A notation must be made on the team sheet to indicate exceptional circumstances. For the purpose of this rule players names appearing on the prescribed team sheet will be deemed as evidence of participation on the day. Failure to list all players on the team sheet may incur the imposing of VCFL Rule (1.3), or governing body, this will be at the discretion of the League Executive.　
Penalty for not signing – $50; Penalty for failure to include all players in team list – $100; Penalty for failure to include other information – $30; Penalty for player number not matching football record – $30.
(2) Match Day Paperwork: The Home Club secretary shall assume responsibility for the contents of the Match Envelopes and should ensure that they are delivered to League Executive Headquarters by 9.30am on the Sunday following the game.
Where Friday night or Sunday games are played other arrangements MAY BE put in place.
21 Match Reports
(1) The Secretary of the home Club must complete a match report, on the clubs sportingpulse data base played his Club on that day.
(2) The Secretary of the home Club must complete the press report, on the club sportingpulse data base played that day.Penalty: 1st offence – $50: 2nd offence – $100.
(3) Penalties
(a) Team manager failing to receive the all clear – Penalty $50
(b) Failing to have Interchange/order off form signed by the interchange steward.
(c) Failing to submit Umpires’ Reports by fax to Geelong & District Football League by 5.45 pm on the day of the match.
Penalty: $100
(4) Home Club shall place all documents in the envelope provided by Geelong & District Football League and deliver it to Geelong & District Football League headquarters by 9.30am on the following Sunday. Penalty $100
22 Ground Encroachment
(1) The non-playing coach of any team is not allowed on the playing arena during the progress of the match except at quarter and three-quarter time intervals.
(2) With the exception only of the quarter time and three-quarter time interval, no persons other than officials provided for in rule 18.1 may encroach upon or enter the playing arena, or stand sufficiently close to the boundary line to impede or hamper the progress or movement of the Boundary Umpires in the execution of their duties.
(3) Team “huddles” at both quarter and three quarter times (and extra time in finals) must be located outside the centre square. Penalty: $50
23 Disputes
Refer to AFL Victoria
(1) The League Executive has the power to deal with and settle all disputes arising out of or in connection with this competition with the exception of appeals as defined in VCFL rules. The League Executive may have such disputes heard and decided by the Independent Tribunal. Should the party or parties concerned refuse or neglect to abide by such decision they shall be suspended from the competition for such time as the League Executive or Tribunal may determine, and shall be liable to a fine in default of payment of such fine the party or parties concerned may be excluded from playing in the competition.
(2) Any party referring any dispute to the League Executive shall forward a statement of such dispute in writing to the Operation Manager not later than 5pm on the Monday following the match and 5pm on the Tuesday if Monday is a public holiday.
24 Barrackers and Supporters
Any supporters or barrackers who are known to be members of any Club, within the League who, in the opinion of the Central, Boundary or Goal Umpire, Emergency Umpire, League Executive or Geelong & District Football League Officer, behave in an offensive manner by spoken remarks, or openly incite players on the field to play in a manner not conducive to the best interests of the game, or are the cause of any disturbance between onlookers, will render the Club/Member to which they belong liable to appear before the League Executive or Tribunal who will have the power after dealing with the case to impose a special fine, suspend or expel such Club from the League.
25 Practice Matches
(1) In all practice matches played by an affiliated Club whether within the League or against a Club from another League the Club Secretary shall ensure that a team sheet is completed and handed to the Central Umpire.
(2) The Club Secretary shall forward copies of all such team sheets to the League CEO in the week following the completion of the match.
(3) Any player who plays in a practice match and is not a registered player of the participating Club must have his registered Club identified on the team sheet.
(4) All practice matches are to be played under the auspices of the AFL Country.
(5) All practice matches will be conducted under AFL Country rules and under normal match conditions. Umpires will have the right to report and order off. Umpires have been instructed that the Order Off Rule will not be used in lieu of reporting a player when a reportable offence has been committed.
(6) All reports will be heard by the Independent Tribunal of the league of the host Club and any investigations referred from a practice match, will be conducted by the Host Club’s League Investigation Officer.
(7) All practice matches played exclusively between clubs in the AFL Barwont Region must engage the use of GFUL umpires from this region.
(8) Clubs may deal direct with the GFUL for appointment of umpires for a practice match and shall forward umpires’ fees direct to the GFUL.
26 Investigation Officer
An Investigation Officer will be appointed by the AFL Victoria from its panel of Investigation Officers to investigate any matter referred to him pursuant to VCFL Rule 5.2 (Unbecoming conduct).
27 Unbecoming Conduct
(1) Geelong & District Football League Executive members, Club members, Players or Umpires who allege that a player or an official of a Club has been guilty of conduct which is unbecoming to a Player or an Official of a Club or which is likely to bring the game of football into disrepute may lodge with the League a notice in writing setting out the particulars of the allegation within 5 days.
A notice under this paragraph must be lodged with the Secretary within five days after the date of the act or omission to which it relates unless the League Executive agrees to extend this period to a maximum of 30 days. An extension agreed to by the League Executive may be for such period and subject to such conditions as the League Executive thinks fit. Such investigation shall be completed within 21 days of the matter being referred to the Investigation Officer, unless, at the completion of the 21 days, the League at the request of the Investigation Officer then grants an extension of time.
A Deposit of $500 shall accompany the notice, which shall be forfeited in whole or part in the event that the Investigation Officer or Independent Tribunal consider it frivolous.
$150 will be deducted from the deposit to cover investigation costs.
(2) Notice of any allegation received under paragraph (1) shall be referred to the Investigation Officer for investigation. The Investigation Officer may investigate the allegation as he sees fit.
(3) If the Investigation Officer, after investigation of the allegation, is of the opinion that the Player or Official in question may have been guilty of conduct unbecoming to a Player or an Official of a Club or is likely to bring the game of football in disrepute and that the allegation ought to be dealt with by the League Independent Tribunal as hereinafter provided, he may lodge with the League a notice in writing setting out details of the allegation.
(4) If a notice is lodged with the League under paragraph (3), the League Secretary shall fix a date, time and place for a hearing of the allegation before the League Independent Tribunal, being a date not later than 9 days after lodgement of the notice and shall advise the Player or Official in question of those particulars and forward to the Player or Official direct or care of the Club Secretary in question a copy of the notice lodged under paragraph (3).
(5) The League Independent Tribunal may regulate any proceedings brought before it under this Rule as it thinks fit, but in any such proceedings, the Player or Official against whom the allegation has been made and his advocate shall be entitled to appear before the League Independent Tribunal.
(6) In any proceeding brought before a tribunal under this rule the Investigation Officer shall personally appear before it and lay any necessary charge or charges and act as the prosecuting officer for the League.
(7) If the League Independent Tribunal decides that the Player or Official in question has been guilty of conduct which, in the opinion of the League Independent Tribunal, is unbecoming to a Player or Official of a Club or which is likely to bring the game of football into disrepute, it may make such orders and give such directions in the manner as it thinks fit.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the League Independent Tribunal may:
(a) impose a fine of such amount as it thinks fit on the Player or Official in question; or,
(b) may disqualify the Player or Official in question for such period as it thinks fit.
(8) The decision of the League Independent Tribunal in respect of any allegation brought before it under this Rule shall be final and binding on all parties.
Football Record
(1) All Club scribes for the ‘Football Record’ must have their name and contact number registered with the Secretary.
(2) Each Club will be allocated approximately half a page in the weekly ‘Record’ for notes. These notes, as well as any alterations to player names/numbers must be sent via e-mail to the publishers by Tuesday 9.30am. Penalty $100
(3) Clubs do not submit Club notes when they have the bye in the upcoming round.
(4) Team lists for the ‘Record’ must have each player’s full name and number. Penalty: $20 per name
(5) Records are to be picked up by the home side each Friday after 3pm from the league printer.
(6) Club notes must use full names, not abbreviations or nicknames, e.g. ‘Bomber’ Thompson. Penalty $50
30 Media
(1) Senior teams must be listed the club sportingpulse data base each Thursday night prior to 7.15 pm. Penalty: $100
(2) Squads are not acceptable. Clubs must name eighteen players in position, four interchange and up to three emergencies including player “Ins and Outs” from the previous round and reasons. Penalty: $100
(3) Where a Club has VFL listed player/s registered with their VCFL Club it is permitted to name extra emergencies that include the VFL listed player/s.
(4) For all Finals games Senior, Reserves and Thirds grade teams must be submitted in accordance with the above rules
Interchange
Seniors – 4 interchange and 3 emergencies
Reserves 4 Interchange and 3 emergencies Thirds Interchange and 3 emergencies
31 Correspondence
(1) The Geelong & District Football League Secretary must be advised of any relevant correspondence with the GFUL, the VCFL, VCFL Area Manager,or other League.
(2) All correspondence or references from Clubs to the VCFL Area Manager and affiliated bodies shall be addressed through the Secreatary of the League.
32 Best and Fairest Awards
(1) Any player found guilty by the Independent Tribunal on any charge shall be ineligible for the award of Best and Fairest during the current season, except where the charge relates to time wasting.
(2) In the event of a tie in the best and fairest voting in any section two or more awards shall be made. Where the highest vote getter has been ruled ineligible, the second highest vote getter will be declared the winner. In the event that more than one player finishes second on votes, the winner will be decided on a count back based on most three votes; most two votes; and most one votes.
AFL BARWON REGION GUIDELINES
All clubs are required to make sure that their officials, players, coaches and trainers are aware of their responsibilities.
1. Umpires will be instructed to check players, runners and trainers in all grades to ensure they are not wearing rings or jewellery that could be regarded as a danger to other participants. Plaster casts and injury protection type equipment will have to pass the Umpires inspection before being passed for use.
2. Medical staff to wear identification that is easily recognised by Umpires, Players and Officials. A reasonably sized badge with a red cross on a white back ground could be worn on the lapel or as a shoulder patch.
3. It will be within the authority of any official G.F.U.L. umpire to order anyone off the ground who is not clearly identified.This includes Players, Trainers, Runners and Medical Staff.
4. The Training staff participating at a game is restricted to no more than 5 trainers and 1 runner. This includes Water Boys.Each member should carry an identifying number and the names and numbers should be included on the team sheet.
5. Training staff should be accredited and clubs should ensure that the education and re-education of training staff is continually updated. The League annually hosts a First Aid seminar teaching local training staff new skills.
9. AFL Victoria. APPROVED UNIFORMS
Umpires will check that clubs conform with AFL Vic. Rules regarding the wearing of uniforms. Lace up jumpers are not products of the AFL Vic. manufacturers and should be withdrawn by clubs immediately. Lace up jumpers have been banned by the A.F.L. andAFL Vic. because of the danger of player injury.
