After a weekend of widespread confusion around the rules, the AFL has clarified its high-contact expectations in a statement.
Several experts begged the league to be clearer about the rules after a round that had seen several interpretations of the high-contact rule in different matches.
Here’s how the rule will be officiated from round 19:
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When the tackle is reasonably applied, there is no prior opportunity and the ball carrier is responsible for high contact by shrugging, falling, or raising arms; the game must be called.
Collingwood youngster Jack Ginnivan is one of the players who caused the AFL statement (Getty)
When the tackle is reasonably applied, and there is a prior opportunity, and the ball-carrier is responsible for the high contact by a shrug, fall, or arm-raising, it should be called to catch the ball.
If a player has his head above the ball and tries to get possession and the contact is high, a free throw for high contact will be called.
AFL chief referee Dan Richardson said the rules were made as such so that players who encouraged high contact or sought free throws were not rewarded.
“First of all, the players who try to win the ball must be protected and the duty of diligence falls on the tackler. However, after winning the ball, the bearer of the ball has the duty to be careful. of not putting yourself in a high position. contact, “Richardson said in a statement Tuesday.
The new AFL matrix on how to referee the match in a high contact situation (AFL)
“Ultimately, the rules don’t reward players for putting themselves in vulnerable positions to draw a free throw. That’s something we’d rather not see in our game at any level.
“We want to be clear, if the referee believes the ball carrier is responsible for the high contact, he will not be rewarded.
“Our referees strive to make every right decision, every time, but there are cases where, like players, decisions are made at full speed at ground level without the benefit of slow motion replay.
“The health and safety of the players is the main concern of both the AFL and the clubs, and we will continue to work with the clubs, their coaching boards and players to ensure the safety of the game.”
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