It should be noted that technically there are NO LAW changes for 2010. However, 2 laws that were implemented and used in the AFL in 2009, but not used widely in football in AFL NSW/ACT (including the BDAFL) have now been introduced and will be used in 2010.
These Laws include ‘Deliberately rushed behinds’ and ‘Free After Disposal (Free Kick and 50 metre penalty)’.
In a memo from Mr Graham Glassford (State Umpiring Manager) the following is an extract from that document.
“In 2010 the following Law Changes will apply to all competitions:-
· Deliberately rushed behinds
· Free After Disposal (Free Kick and 50 metre penalty)
Both of the above laws were introduced into the AFL Premiership Season in 2009 in March last year and were not the 2009 Laws of Australian Football. I can confirm that both these laws will be in the 2010 Laws of Australian Football.
Deliberate rushed behinds
‘A Free Kick shall be awarded against a Player from the defending Team who intentionally Kicks, Handballs or forces the football over the attacking Team’s Goal Line or Behind Line or onto one of the attacking Team’s Goal Posts. In assessing whether a Free Kick should be awarded under this Law, the field Umpire shall give the benefit of the doubt to the Defender. A Free Kick awarded under this Law shall be taken at the point where the football crossed the Goal Line or Behind Line or from the relevant Goal Post.’
When an Umpire is determining whether to award a free kick for a deliberate rushed behind the considerations are:
· What is the player’s intention?
· Is the player contesting the ball?
· What is the degree of pressure the player is under?
· Was there a team mate in the vicinity of where the ball crossed the scoring line?
For clarification:
· Players who are contesting the ball in a marking contest or in general play may punch or knock the ball away from their opponents to prevent them from gaining possession of the football or from scoring. This will not be deemed to be deliberately rushed.
· Where a player is in possession of the football and is tackled near the scoring line, he must dispose of or attempt to dispose of the ball in complying with the laws of the game. A player will receive the benefit of the doubt in this situation.
Free after disposal
Award a 50m penalty in addition to a free kick for players who tackle or hold an opponent after the opponent has disposed of the football for the purpose of preventing them from taking part in the next act of play or being able to run on to the next contest.” [END OF TEXT]
The entire document is attached to this article if you wish to read it.
Last Modified on 08/03/2010 15:58