NEW rules are in place for the Western Border football season, which should provide some interesting reaction from players and supporters alike.
The rule pertaining to the traditional playing positions – 6-6-6 – will not be part of the changes this season, but various others will.
One notable feature is the kick in rule after a behind is scored.
The player kicking the ball back into play will no longer need to kick to himself to play on, but can simply run out of the goal square.
The man on the mark will need to be 10 metres out from the top of the square, while no other player can be within the area from behind post to behind post.
Any player within the protected zone when the behind is scored must be actively exiting the area.
The rule has shown already in 2019 at higher levels the player kicking in can play on quickly, which allows more flow.
However, the play on call could be touchy.
“You cannot go in that area until the umpire calls play on,” South East Football Umpires League adviser Terry Willolughby said.
“The field umpire should call play on as soon as the player steps out of the square.”
Marks or free kicks awarded deep in defence will see the man on the mark taken back to equal distance with the top of the square.
That simply provides space for the kick in.
The controversial 50m penalty changes will be implemented, with any defender infringing the player’s movement forward to the new mark penalised with a further 50m penalty.
The player with the ball can also play on.
However, Willoughby said the rule has been in place for many years.
“That would have happened last year anyway,” he said.
“If the bloke is within 10 metres either side, but is passive and moving away nothing will happen.
“He cannot run alongside the player with the ball or block his path.”
Hands in the back during a marking contest or ruck has been relaxed, with contact allowed, but no pushing.
“You are allowed to put your hands on their back to hold your ground,” Willoughby said.
“But as soon as you extend your arms you are probably going to be in a bit of trouble.”
During ruck contests, the ruckman can take the ball out of the air and not be deemed as having had prior opportunity.
Umpire contact has also been highlighted.
Players are prohibited from setting up behind the umpire during a bounce and any contact will be classed as a free kick.
“That has been in the rules for a long time,” Willoughby said.
“All we asked for was at the centre bounce the players do not set up play behind the umpires back.
“We want a metre of room to get out safely.
“If the players set up behind, the umpire comes out and they make contact, even if it is accidental, it is a free kick.
“It is about the umpire’s safety.
“That is in place right around the ground.”
Another interesting change is kicking for goal post-siren.
The player with the ball can now take a step or two back off the line to kick across their body, but cannot run over the original line when kicking, or the umpire can blow the whistle and the shot will be void.
But one of the more interesting changes, which could well provide some angst throughout the season is the last possession out of bounds.
From behind post to behind post right along the side of the ground, if a player kicks the ball and it goes out of bounds it will be a free kick to the other team, unless affected by an opposition player.
A handball can go out if the target is missed and be judged a throw in, as long as it is not deliberate.
“It is not a rule I am in favour of,” Willoughby said.
“If the player kicks the ball 50 metres up the ground and it goes out of bounds without being affected it will be a free kick.
“If it is touched in transit it will be a throw in.
“The boundary umpire will signal whether it went straight out or was assisted and the field umpire will make the ultimate decision if it is a free kick.”
However the new rules are received by players and coaches remains to be seen.
Whatever the reaction may be, the rules are in place and need to be adhered to.
Willoughby said he was confident there would be few problems on the ground.
“The rules are not hard to police and they do not happen very often during a game,” he said.
“New rules come in and people get up in arms and think they will wreck the game.
“The players will pick them up quickly.
“Players are smart enough and will be quick to understand what the rules mean.”
