2013 AFL rule changes
This article first appeared on afl.com.au
Ruckmen will be banned from making contact at throw-ins and ball-ups, and umpires will no longer be instructed to bounce the ball at stoppages around the ground as part of a series of rule changes for 2013 approved by the AFL Commission.
But there will no change to the interchange system next season after the commission overruled the laws of the game committee’s recommendation that a cap on interchanges be introduced.
“The commission is an independent body that takes a ‘big picture’ approach in overseeing the laws of our game,” AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou said on Tuesday.
“It has decided to assess another season with the current interchange rules in place, plus review the further trial of a cap in the 2013 NAB Cup before deciding whether to implement a change.”
However, the commission has approved a number of other rule changes.
From next season umpires will only bounce the ball to start quarters and after goals.
“Throwing the ball up around the ground will enable the ball to be cleared quicker from congestion and will also make it easier for umpires to detect infringements,” Anderson said.
When it comes to the new ruck rules, which were trialled in this year’s NAB Cup, no contact will be permitted until the ball has left the umpire’s hand.
“With this rule change we want to encourage rucks to play the ball and not the man as well as facilitate cleaner hit-outs to advantage and to assist clearance rates,” Anderson added.
The AFL has also tightened the “forceful contact below the knees” rule.
A free kick will now be paid against any player “who makes forceful contact below the knees of an opponent”.
“Clubs and players have adapted well to the free kick for sliding knee- or feet-first this season and we have extended this to protect players from any forceful contact below the knees,” Anderson explained.
“In addition to the injury-prevention benefit, this change is also designed to encourage players to keep their feet and to assist in reducing congestion.”
Players have used Twitter to voice their approval of the commission’s decision to overrule the laws of the game committee.
Fremantle skipper Matthew Pavlich said the commission had made “sound decisions” while Geelong defender Andrew Mackie also applauded the decision not to change rules to the interchange bench.
AFL Players’ Association CEO, Matt Finnis said that the players welcomed the Commission’s decision that longer-term data and analysis on the impact of the current substitution system needs to be considered before implementing any further changes to the interchange rules.
“The Commission’s decision today will provide more opportunity for consideration of the implications of this principle in light of emerging trends in the game,” Mr. Finnis said.
“This has been a critical issue for our members, and has a big impact on their fitness and longevity in the game. The cautious approach of the Commission recognises the impact of any changes.
“We look forward to continuing to discuss this important issue with the AFL and the Laws of the Game committee over the coming 12 months ahead of the Commission revisiting the matter.”
CEO of the AFL Coaches Association, Danny Frawley, said the coaches appreciated the in depth consultative process conducted by the AFL and fully supported the three rule changes announced for 2013.
“The Coaches were strong in their view that the 3:1 interchange system implemented in 2012 be given more time to be assessed and are pleased that this will be the case,” Frawley said.
“They look forward to seeing further details around the 3:1 cap trial that will be implemented in the 2013 NAB Cup.”
