Umpire Interpretation of MSJFL U9 and U10 rules.
The MSJFL is introducing elements of the “AFL Junior Match Program for 9-10 years”. In particular, the 2010 MSJFL modified rules relating to player contact have changed as described in the MSJFL Decision Paper dated 21 February 2011. The intention is to allow players to develop basic ball skills before dealing with deliberate contact such as shepherds, bumps and tackles. This paper explains how umpires are instructed to interpret the rules in the MSJFL and reiterates some of the rules that continue to apply in the MSJFL.
Spirit of the Laws
Each player should be allowed to gather the ball from the ground, have a kick or handball, and receive the ball after a kick or handball, without deliberate contact from another player. The only exception is that a player may hold and release‟ the jumper of an opponent who has the ball.
Umpire Interpretation
No intentional contact is allowed. Incidental contact is allowed only when players are competing for a ball on the ground, to take a mark or receive a handball. A free kick is to be awarded against a player making contact with another. The umpire will signal a „push‟ or „holding the man‟, as appropriate. Contact to be penalised includes:
- Any bumping or pushing.
- Any tackling, other than according to the „hold and release‟ rule.
- Shepherding an opponent who is not in possession, with any deliberate obstruction by body or hand.
- Steal the ball from another player.
- Smothering an opponent‟s kick or handball.
- Spoiling an opponent by a push or other interference.
Bouncing is optional but no more than one bounce is permitted. While a player in possession of the ball is moving, the player must bounce the ball within 10 metres, irrespective of whether that player is running in a straight line or otherwise. Only one bounce is allowed then the player must dispose of the ball before they run a further 10 metres. A second bounce or running further than the maximum distance will be penalised.
A free kick is to be awarded against a player in possession who makes contact with another player. The umpire will signal a „push‟. The contact to be penalised is:
- Barging past an opponent.
- Fending off an opponent
- Chopping‟ past an opponent.
Hold and release of a player jumper is allowed, as a substitute for a tackle. The umpire will indicate that they have seen a hold by a countdown “3, 2, 1, kick it”. The player in possession must kick or handball by the time the umpire has counted down. The AFL Junior Program allows the umpire to consider if there has been 'prior opportunity' however the MSJFL interpretation is that a player in possession:
- Will be considered to have been tackled even if they break the hold.
- Will always be given reasonable opportunity for a disposal, regardless of having prior opportunity.
- Will have a free kick awarded against them if they do not kick or handball immediately when the umpire has completed the countdown “3, 2, 1, kick it”. The umpire will signal „holding the ball‟.
A free kick is to be awarded against a player who incorrectly holds a player in possession. The umpire will signal a „push‟ or „holding the man‟, as appropriate. This includes:
- Continuing to hold the player when the umpire has started the countdown.
- Holding the player for a second time, by any opponent, when the umpire has started the countdown.
- Bumping, dragging to the ground, or slinging the player.
- Any unnecessary use of force when the player is held.
- Holding the player other than by the jumper. The jumper can be held at the torso or arms (for long-sleeve jumpers). Holding by a (bare) arm, leg or shorts will be penalised.
Other Rules for U9 and U10
For clarity, rules that continue to be applied in MSJFL U9 and U10 include:
- Awarding a mark, no matter how far the ball has travelled, to any player who catches the ball directly from the kick of another player.
- Kicking off the ground is not permitted unless accidental.
- At the umpire‟s discretion a player may be ordered off the ground. Bad language, poor sportsmanship and disputing umpiring decisions will be actively discouraged. The MSJFL yellow-card rule will be applied by the umpire.
David Coates, MSJFL Umpires Adviser
Last Modified on 26/03/2011 19:30
