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LAWS AUSTRALIAN OF 2019

LAWS OF AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL 2019 1 LAWS AUSTRALIAN OF FOOTBALL

STATE & TERRITORY AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL CONTROLLING BODIES

AFL NSW/ACT AFL Northern Territory PO Box 333, Strawberry Hills, PO Box AFLNT 1, Casuarina, NSW, 2012 NT, 0811

AFL Queensland South Australian National PO Box 3132, Yeronga LPO, Football League QLD, 4104 PO Box 1, West Lakes, SA, 5021 AFL Tasmania PO Box 520, North Hobart, West Australian Football TAS, 7002 Commission PO Box 275, Subiaco, AFL Victoria WA, 6904 GPO Box 4337, Melbourne, VIC, 3001

AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE GPO Box 1449, Melbourne, VIC, 3001 AMENDED CONTENTS

LAWS PART A INTRODUCTION 10 A. THIS PUBLICATION 10 The following Laws have been amended or added, effective from season 2019: B. APPLICATION 10 C. NATURE AND OBJECT OF AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL 10 1.1 D. PURPOSE OF LAWS 10 5.5 PART B DEFINITIONS, INTERPRETATION AND VARIATION 12 7.2 12 1. DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION 12 15 1.1 DEFINITIONS 12 16 1.2 INTERPRETATION 17 17 1.3 AFL RULES OR REGULATIONS PREVAIL 17 18 2. VARIATION 17 2.1 AFL MAY AMEND 17 2.2 VARIATION BY CONTROLLING BODY 17

PART C PRE-MATCH PROVISIONS 18 3. PLAYING SURFACE AND POSTS 18 3.1 GENERAL 18 3.2 PLAYING SURFACE 18 3.3 GOAL POSTS AND BEHIND POSTS 18 3.4 GOAL SQUARE AND -OFF LINE 19 LAWS OF AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL © Australian Football League 3.5 IDENTIFYING AREAS ON THE PLAYING SURFACE 19 GPO Box 1449, Melbourne, VIC, 3001 3.6 RELOCATION OF CENTRE SQUARE 19 3.7 UNDER-AGE COMPETITIONS 20 This publication is copyright. Other than for the purposes of and subject to the 4. THE FOOTBALL 21 conditions prescribed under the Copyright Act, 4.1 SPECIFICATIONS 21 no part of it may in any form or by any means be reproduced, stored in retrieval systems 4.2 SUPPLY AND SELECTION OF FOOTBALLS 21 or transmitted without the prior written 5. TEAMS AND PLAYERS 21 permission of the AFL. 5.1 NUMBER OF PLAYERS IN TEAM 21

LAWS OF AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL 2019 5 5.2 VARIATION OF NUMBER 21 PART D MATCH PROVISIONS 37 5.3 TEAM SHEETS 22 12. CHOICE OF GOAL AND COMMENCEMENT OF PLAY 37 5.4 CHANGE OF PLAYER DURING MATCH 22 12.1 CHOICE OF GOAL 37 5.5 COUNTING OF PLAYERS 23 12.2 COMMENCEMENT OF PLAY 37 6. TEAM OFFICIALS AND TEAM RUNNER 24 13. CENTRE BOUNCES 38 6.1 CONTROLLING BODY TO REGULATE 24 13.1 STARTING POSITIONS 38 6.2 IDENTIFICATION 24 13.2 CONTESTING THE CENTRE BOUNCE 40 7. INTERCHANGE 25 13.3 RECALLING BOUNCES OR THROW-UPS 40 7.1 INTERCHANGE STEWARD – APPOINTMENT AND DUTIES 25 14. MARKING THE FOOTBALL 40 7.2 PROCEDURE FOR INTERCHANGE 25 14.1 DEFINITION 40 7.3 USE OF STRETCHER 25 14.2 PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES 40 7.4 BREACH OF LAW 7 26 14.3 LOCATION OF THE MARK 41 8. UMPIRES 26 14.4 ‘TOUCHED PLAY ON’ 41 8.1 APPOINTMENT AND REPLACEMENT 26 14.5 MARK NOT AWARDED 41 8.2 DUTIES 27 14.6 CANCEL OF MARK 41 9. PLAYERS’ BOOTS, JEWELLERY AND PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT 29 15. SCORING 42 9.1 INTERPRETATION 29 15.1 GOALS AND BEHINDS 42 9.2 PROHIBITION OF ITEMS 29 15.2 ‘ALL CLEAR’ AND ‘TOUCHED ALL CLEAR’ 43 9.3 INSPECTION 30 15.3 SIGNALLING A GOAL OR BEHIND 44 9.4 POWER TO ORDER OFF 30 15.4 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FREE KICKS AND ‘ALL CLEAR’ 44 10. MATCH TIMING 31 15.5 SCORING A GOAL OR BEHIND AFTER PLAY HAS ENDED 45 10.1 DURATION OF MATCH AND INTERVALS 31 15.6 FREE KICK AFTER PLAY HAS ENDED 46 10.2 TIMEKEEPERS 31 15.7 RECORDING SCORES 47 10.3 PROCEDURE FOR SOUNDING SIREN 32 16. PROCEDURE AFTER A BEHIND HAS BEEN SCORED 47 10.4 BRINGING PLAY TO AN END 33 16.1 BRINGING THE FOOTBALL BACK INTO PLAY 47 10.5 STOPPING AND RECOMMENCING TIME 33 16.2 PROTECTED AREA 47 11. MATCH TERMINATION AND FORFEITURE 34 16.3 FOOTBALL BROUGHT INTO PLAY INCORRECTLY 48 11.1 UNAUTHORISED PLAYING SURFACE ENTRY AND 16.4 ATTACKING TEAM DELAYING RECOMMENCEMENT OF PLAY 48 MATCH TERMINATION 34 11.2 FORFEITURE OF MATCH 35

6 LAWS OF AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL 2019 LAWS OF AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL 2019 7 17. FREE KICKS 48 21. REPORTING PLAYERS AND OFFICIALS 61 17.1 INTRODUCTION 48 21.1 OBLIGATION TO REPORT 61 17.2 STARTING POSITIONS 49 21.2 REPORTABLE OFFENCES 61 17.3 PROHIBITED CONTACT 50 21.3 REPORTING PROCEDURE 63 17.4 RUCK CONTESTS 50 21.4 SANCTIONS AND SUSPENSIONS 63 17.5 MARKING CONTESTS 51 22. ORDER OFF LAW 65 17.6 52 22.1 APPLICATION 65 17.7 ROUGH CONDUCT 52 22.2 ORDER OFF REPORTABLE OFFENCES 65 17.8 UMPIRES 53 22.3 SECOND REPORTABLE OFFENCE 65 17.9 OUT OF BOUNDS 53 22.4 REPLACING PLAYER 65 17.10 DELIBERATE RUSHED BEHINDS 54 22.5 ORDER OFF FOR SPECIFIED PERIOD 65 17.11 SHAKING GOAL POST OR BEHIND POST 54 22.6 SIGNALLING AND PROCEDURE FOR ORDER OFF 66 17.12 OTHER 55 22.7 REDUCTION OF PLAYERS 66 17.13 OFFICIALS 55 23. ACTIVE BLEEDING 67 18. FIFTY METRE PENALTY 56 23.1 DEFINITION 67 18.1 SPIRIT AND INTENTION 56 23.2 PARTICIPATION IN MATCHES WHEN ACTIVELY BLEEDING 67 18.2 WHEN IMPOSED 56 23.3 ROLE OF UMPIRE 67 18.3 PREVENTING A PLAYER TAKING PART IN THE NEXT ACT OF PLAY 56 23.4 PROCEDURE WHEN PLAYER IS NOT ACTIVELY BLEEDING 69 18.4 IMPOSING A FIFTY METRE PENALTY 56 23.5 VARIATION BY CONTROLLING BODY 69 18.5 LOCAL CONDITIONS 57 23.6 FAILURE TO OBEY DIRECTION 69 19. DISPOSAL AFTER MARK OR FREE KICK 57 23.7 SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES AT THE END OF A QUARTER 69 19.1 STANDING THE MARK AND THE PROTECTED AREA 57 23.8 DELIBERATE SMEARING OF BLOOD 69 19.2 DISPOSAL FROM BEHIND THE MARK 58 23.9 PROTECTIVE GLOVES 70 19.3 DISPOSAL FROM OUT OF BOUNDS 58 23.10 DISPOSAL OF BLOODIED CLOTHING AND OTHER MATERIAL 70 19.4 DISPOSAL BY A DEFENDING PLAYER – WITHIN NINE METRES 59 23.11 DRESSING ROOMS 70 19.5 KICKING FOR A GOAL 60 23.12 HYGIENE 70 19.6 INJURY PREVENTING DISPOSAL 60 23.13 TRAINERS 70 20. ‘PLAY ON’ AND THE ADVANTAGE RULE 60 23.14 SANCTIONS – CONTROLLING BODY 70 20.1 ‘PLAY ON’ 60 20.2 THE ADVANTAGE RULE 60

8 LAWS OF AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL 2019 LAWS OF AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL 2019 9 PART A PART

PART A INTRODUCTION

A. THIS PUBLICATION This publication contains the Laws of Australian Football as administered and controlled by the AFL.

B. APPLICATION (a) These Laws apply to all Matches of Australian Football organised and conducted by a Controlling Body. (b) The AFL Anti-Doping Code, as varied from time to time, shall apply to all persons to whom these Laws apply, unless a Controlling Body has adopted its own code or policy which has been approved by the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA). (c) The Australian Football Member Protection Policy (MPP) shall apply to all persons to whom these Laws apply, unless a Controlling Body has adopted its own relevant policy to replace a National Policy (as defined in the MPP) approved by the relevant Football Body (as defined in the MPP).

C. NATURE AND OBJECT OF AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL Australian Football is a game played between two Teams competing in accordance with these Laws. The objective of each Team playing Australian Football is to win by scoring more points than the opposing Team. The winner of a Match of Australian Football is the Team which has scored, in accordance with these Laws, the greater number of points at the conclusion of the Match. A Match is drawn when each Team has the same number of points at the conclusion of the Match.

D. PURPOSE OF LAWS These Laws explain how a Match of Australian Football is played and seek to attain the following objectives: (a) to ensure that the game of Australian Football is played in a fair manner and a spirit of true sportsmanship; and (b) to prevent injuries to Players participating in a Match so far as this objective can be reasonably achieved in circumstances where Australian Football is a body .

10 LAWS OF AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL 2019 PART B PART

Boundary Line: the white line drawn on the ground to identify the PART B Playing Surface, as described in Law 3.2. Centre Circle: the area on the Playing Surface described in Law 3.5. DEFINITIONS, Centre Square: the area on the Playing Surface described in Law 3.5. Charge or Charging: the act of a Player colliding with an opposition Player INTERPRETATION where the amount of physical force used is unreasonable or unnecessary in the circumstances, irrespective of whether the Player is or is not in possession AND VARIATION of the football or whether the Player is within five metres of the football. Club: an entity fielding a Team in an Australian Football competition conducted by the Controlling Body. 1. DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION Controlling Body: A Controlling Body includes: 1.1 DEFINITIONS (a) the AFL; Unless the context requires otherwise, the following terms shall have (b) AFL Affiliates; the following meanings: (c) any league, association or body responsible for the organisation and Active Bleeding: has the meaning described in Law 23.1. conduct of Matches of Australian Football, who has determined to AFL: the Australian Football League. play such Matches in accordance with these Laws; and AFL Affiliates: a league, association or body responsible for the organisation (d) any league, association or body responsible for the organisation and conduct and conduct of Matches of Australian Football and which is affiliated to the AFL. of Matches of Australian Football which is affiliated to the AFL Affiliates. AFL Anti-Doping Code: the code adopted by the AFL (and any variation), Correct Disposal or Correctly Dispose: a Kick or Handball of the football by a Player. which regulates the use and administration of drugs by Players competing Legal Tackle or Legally Tackled: a tackle by a Player where: in the competitions conducted by the AFL. (a) the Player being tackled is in possession of the football; and AFL Rules: the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the AFL, (b) that Player is tackled below the shoulders and above the knees. the AFL Player Rules, the AFL Regulations and any resolution or For the avoidance of doubt, a Legal Tackle may be executed by holding determination passed from time to time by the AFL Commission. (either by the body or playing uniform) a Player from the front, side or behind, ‘All Clear’ or ‘Touched All Clear’: the verbal and visual instruction given by provided that a Player held from behind is not pushed in the back. a field Umpire for the goal Umpire to signal and record a Goal or a Behind, Defending Team: the Team where the football is in their defensive half as the case may be. of the Playing Surface. Arena: the Playing Surface and all of the area between the Playing Surface Fifty Metre Penalty: the act of advancing the position on the Playing Surface and the perimeter fence, including any break in the perimeter fence. by 50 metres towards the centre of the Goal Line, where a Player has been Attacking Team: the Team where the football is in their forward half of awarded a Free Kick or a Mark. the Playing Surface. Fifty Metre Arc: the line drawn in the shape of an arc at each end of the Playing Australian Football: the game played between two Teams competing Surface to show that the distance to the centre of the Goal Line is 50 metres. in accordance with these Laws. Free Kick: giving possession of the football to a Player on the occasions Behind: the recording of one point, when any of the circumstances described in Law 17. described in Law 15.1.2 occur. Goal: the recording of six points when any of the circumstances described Behind Line: the white lines marked on the Playing Surface between in Law 15.1.1 occur. the goal posts and the behind posts, as illustrated in Diagram 1.

12 LAWS OF AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL 2019 LAWS OF AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL 2019 13 PART B PART

Goal Line: the white line marked on the Playing Surface between each Out of Bounds: where the football passes completely over the Boundary Line goal post, as illustrated in Diagram 1. or touches a behind post or touches the padding or any other attachment to the Goal Square: the areas on the Playing Surface described in Law 3.4. behind post but before doing so, touches the ground or is touched by a Player on or above the knee. If any portion of the football is on or above the Boundary Line, Handball: the act of holding the football in one hand and disposing the football is not Out of Bounds. of it by hitting it with the clenched fist of the other hand. Out of Bounds On the Full: means the football, having been Kicked, passes Home and Away Matches: the Matches played between Teams to completely over the Boundary Line without touching the ground within the determine the premier Team or those Teams who will compete in a Playing Surface or being touched by a Player on or above the knee, or the football finals series to determine the premier Team. has touched the behind post or passed over the behind post without touching Interchange Area: the area marked on the Boundary Line through the ground or being touched by a Player on or above the knee. which Players may enter and exit the Playing Surface. Player: a person who plays or is selected to play with a Team or a person who Interchange Player(s): the Player(s) of a Team who are not on the otherwise trains with a Team or who is within the purview of these Laws. Playing Surface but who are listed on the Team Sheet and available Playing Surface: the field of play inside the Boundary Line, Goal Line and to replace a Player on the Playing Surface. Behind Line, excluding the area between such lines and the perimeter fence. Interchange Steward: the person(s) appointed by the relevant Controlling ‘Play On’ or ‘Touched Play On’: the verbal and visual instruction given by a Body to monitor and approve the interchange of Players during a Match. field Umpire in the following circumstances to indicate that play will continue: Kick or Kicking: in relation to disposing of the football, means making (a) a Free Kick or Mark will not be awarded; or contact with the football with any part of the Player’s leg below the knee. (b) a Player has failed to dispose of the football when directed to do Kick-Off Line: the straight line drawn on the Playing Surface which runs so by the field Umpire; or parallel to the Goal Line, as described in Law 3.4. (c) a Player has attempted to dispose of the football other than in Mark: has the meaning described in Law 14.1. a direct line over The Mark. Match: the contest of Australian Football played between two Teams. Possession of the Football: a designation to a Player who: Melee: an incident involving three or more Players and/or Officials who (a) is holding or otherwise has control of the football; or are grappling or otherwise struggling with one another and which, in the opinion of the field Umpire or any other person authorised by the relevant (b) is in the act of bouncing the football. Controlling Body, is likely to bring the game of Australian Football into Prior Opportunity: a designation to a Player in Possession of the Football who: disrepute or prejudice the interests or reputation of the relevant Controlling (a) is balanced and steady; or Body or the competition(s) conducted by that Controlling Body. (b) attempts to evade or fend an opponent; or Member Protection Policy or MPP: the policy endorsed by the AFL Commission (c) has taken a Mark or been awarded a Free Kick; or that provides governance to affiliates of the AFL, including Affiliated State & Territory Bodies to promote ethical and informed decision-making and (d) has driven their head into a stationary or near stationary opponent responsible behaviours within Australian Football. Prohibited Contact: contact between Players which is described in Law 17.3. Nine Metre Line: the lateral extension of the Kick-Off Line in both directions Protected Area: the area described in Law 16.2 for a Player bringing the football to the boundary of the Arena. back into play after a Behind has been scored, or 19.1.2 for a Player awarded a Official: includes but is not limited to an officer, coach, assistant coach, trainer, Mark or Free Kick. runner, employee or any person performing any duties (paid or unpaid) for or on behalf of a Club or Team.

14 LAWS OF AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL 2019 LAWS OF AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL 2019 15 PART B PART

Protective Equipment: has the meaning described in Law 9.1. 1.2 INTERPRETATION Rough Conduct: Any conduct against an opposition Player which in In the interpretation of these Laws, unless the context requires otherwise: the circumstances is unreasonable, as described in Law 17.7. (a) words importing the singular shall be deemed to include the plural Ruck: the designated Player from each Team who engages in the initial and vice versa; contest of the football following a bounce, throw-up or boundary throw-in. (b) words importing any gender shall be deemed to include the other gender; Shepherd: the act of a Player using the body to push, bump or block an (c) headings are included for convenience only and shall not affect the opposition Player who does not have possession of the football and who interpretation of these Laws; is no further than five metres away from the football. (d) “including” and similar words are not words of limitation; Team: the group of Players competing against another group of Players (e) any words, terms or phrases defined in the remainder of these Laws in a Match of Australian Football. shall have the meaning prescribed within the particular Law; Team Runner(s): the person(s) appointed to deliver messages to the (f) words, terms or phrases not otherwise defined in these Laws shall be Players of a Team during a Match. given their ordinary meaning; and Team Sheet: the document which must be completed and lodged by (g) a reference to “careless” or “carelessly” may be interpreted as a reference each Team under Law 5.3. to “negligent or reckless” or “negligently or recklessly” (as applicable). Ten Metre Circle: the area on the Playing Surface described in Law 3.5. Timekeeper(s): the person(s) appointed by a Controlling Body 1.3 AFL RULES OR REGULATIONS PREVAIL (or Teams) to keep the time of a Match. Where any provision in the AFL Rules or Regulations is inconsistent with Time Wasting: where a field Umpire is of the opinion that a Player is any provision contained in these Laws, the provision in the AFL Rules or unnecessarily causing a delay in play. Regulations shall prevail to the extent of the inconsistency. The Mark: the position on the Playing Surface where an opposition Player may stand after a Player has been awarded a Free Kick, a Mark 2. VARIATION or is bringing the football into play after a Behind has been scored. Throw: shall be given its ordinary meaning, but also includes the act of 2.1 AFL MAY AMEND propelling the football with one or both hands in a scooping motion. The AFL may from time to time change these Laws and make further For the avoidance of doubt, a Player does not throw the football if the Player Laws in its absolute discretion. hits, punches or taps the football without taking Possession of the Football. Tribunal: A body established and constituted by a Controlling Body to hear 2.2 VARIATION BY CONTROLLING BODY and determine charges brought before it under these Laws. (a) A Controlling Body may apply to the AFL to vary these Laws as they apply to the competition or competitions conducted by the Controlling Body. Umpire: any of the field, boundary, goal and emergency Umpires officiating a Match. (b) An application to the AFL by a league, association or body affiliated to the AFL Affiliate shall be made through the AFL Affiliate. Under-Age Competition: a competition conducted between Teams in which the age of the Players in each Team fall within a specified (c) Unless specifically allowed under these Laws, or a variation is allowed age category or below an age limit. by the AFL under Law 2.2(a), a Controlling Body shall not prescribe any rules or laws in addition to or which conflict with or affect the full Within the Immediate Proximity of the Arena: any area operation of these Laws. within 500 metres of an Arena where a Match is conducted.

16 LAWS OF AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL 2019 LAWS OF AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL 2019 17 PART C PART

3.3.2 Padding PART C A Controlling Body must ensure that padding is attached around each goal and behind post as follows: PRE-MATCH (a) a minimum of 35 millimetres thick foam padding, covered in canvas or painted; (b) a minimum height of 2.5 metres from the bottom of each goal PROVISIONS and behind post; 3. PLAYING SURFACE AND POSTS (c) a suitable width to allow the padding to be fixed around each goal and behind post; and 3.1 GENERAL (d) the padding must be securely attached around each goal and behind post.

The dimensions and markings of the Playing Surface are contained 3.4 GOAL SQUARE AND KICK-OFF LINE in this Law 3 and illustrated in Diagram 1. A further area, to be called the Goal Square, shall be marked by drawing two lines at right 3.2 PLAYING SURFACE angles to the Goal Line for a distance of nine metres from each goal post and connecting (a) The Playing Surface shall be: the outer end of each line by a straight line. This line is called the Kick-Off Line. (i) oval in shape; 3.5 IDENTIFYING AREAS ON THE PLAYING SURFACE (ii) between 135 metres and 185 metres in length; and The following areas shall be marked on the Playing Surface: (iii) between 110 metres and 155 metres in width. (a) a square, to be called the Centre Square, which shall: (b) A white line shall be marked on the ground to identify the Playing (i) be located in the centre of the Playing Surface; and Surface. This white line shall be drawn in the shape of an arc from (ii) be 50 metres long and 50 metres wide. the behind post (refer Law 3.3) at one end of the Playing Surface to the behind post at the other end of the Playing Surface. (b) a Centre Circle 3 metres in diameter and an outer circle The white lines which are drawn are called the Boundary Line. 10 metres in diameter (Ten Metre Circle) which shall: (i) be located in the middle of the Centre Square; and 3.3 GOAL POSTS AND BEHIND POSTS (ii) both be divided into two semi-circles, by drawing a 3.3.1 Position straight line parallel to each Goal Line. (a) Two posts, to be called goal posts, shall be a minimum height of (c) an Interchange Area, which shall be 15 metres wide; six metres and a maximum height of 15 metres and be placed at (d) a Goal Square at each end of the Playing Surface; each end of the Playing Surface at a distance of 6.4 metres apart. (e) the Goal Line and Behind Line; and (b) A further two posts, to be called behind posts, shall be a minimum (f) a Fifty Metre Arc at each end of the Playing Surface. height of three metres and a maximum height of 10 metres and be placed at a distance of 6.4 metres on each side of the goal posts so 3.6 RELOCATION OF CENTRE SQUARE that a straight line can be drawn on the ground to join each post. Where a Controlling Body is satisfied that the area within the Centre Square and Centre Circle will prevent the bouncing of the football or is otherwise in an unsuitable condition, it may direct the relocation of the Centre Square and or Centre Circle.

18 LAWS OF AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL 2019 LAWS OF AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL 2019 19 PART C PART

3.7 UNDER-AGE COMPETITIONS 4. THE FOOTBALL A Controlling Body may approve smaller dimensions for the Playing Surface and areas identified under Law 3.5 for an Under-Age Competition or for open 4.1 SPECIFICATIONS age competition where a complying venue is not readily available. Unless otherwise determined by the AFL, a football shall be of a symmetrical oval shape and conform to the standard size of 720–730 millimetres in circumference B G G B and 545–555 millimetres transverse circumference, and be inflated to a pressure of 69 kPa.

6.4 m 6.4 m 6.4 m 4.2 SUPPLY AND SELECTION OF FOOTBALLS

9 m Unless the Controlling Body decides on an alternative procedure, the following shall apply to the supply and selection of footballs for a Match: (a) the home Team shall supply a minimum of two footballs approved by the Controlling Body to the field Umpires before the commencement of the Match; (b) the field Umpires shall inspect and ensure that the two footballs are suitable to be used during the Match; Fifty Metre Arc (c) the field Umpires shall submit the two footballs to the captain of the away Team, who shall select the football to be used; and (d) unless the captains of each Team otherwise agree, the football 3 m Length 135-185 m selected by the captain of the away Team shall be the football

50 m used for the entire Match. 15 m

Interchange Area Interchange 10 m 5. TEAMS AND PLAYERS 50 m 5.1 NUMBER OF PLAYERS IN TEAM Unless the number is varied under Law 5.2, a Team must consist of between Fifty Metre Arc 14 and 18 Players, who may be on the Playing Surface at any one time, and no more than four Interchange Players. The Controlling Body shall determine the actual number of Players which may play for each Team in the competitions conducted by the Controlling Body.

9 m 5.2 VARIATION OF NUMBER Unless otherwise determined by the AFL, a Controlling Body may reduce below 14 or increase above 22 the number of Players (including Interchange Players) 6.4 m 6.4 m 6.4 m who may participate in a Match played in the competition conducted by the Controlling Body.

B G G B Width 110-155 m DIAGRAM 1

20 LAWS OF AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL 2019 LAWS OF AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL 2019 21 PART C PART

5.3 TEAM SHEETS 5.5 COUNTING OF PLAYERS 5.3.1 Details 5.5.1 Request by Captain Unless otherwise determined by a Controlling Body, a Team Sheet shall: The captain or vice-captain of a Team, or Team Runner(s), may at any time (a) list the names and numbers of the Players in the Team; during a Match request that the field Umpire counts the number of Players of the opposing Team who are on the Playing Surface. (b) identify the Interchange Players; (c) identify the captain and vice-captain; and 5.5.2 Procedure (d) list the name of the coach, Team Runner(s) and any other (a) Where a request is made under Law 5.5.1, the field Umpire shall: Official participating in the Match. (i) stop play at the first available opportunity; (ii) call into line within the Centre Square the Players of both 5.3.2 Completing and Lodging Team Sheet Teams who are on the Playing Surface at the time, and count Unless otherwise determined by a Controlling Body, an Official of each Team the number of Players; shall complete and lodge its Team Sheet with a field Umpire no later than 30 minutes before the scheduled commencement of a Match. (iii) upon completing the count, ensure that each Team has the permitted number of Players on the Playing Surface and then 5.4 CHANGE OF PLAYER GUERNSEY DURING MATCH recommence play at the position on the Playing Surface where the field Umpire stopped play; and 5.4.1 Replacement Guernsey Each Team shall ensure that a replacement guernsey is available for each (iv) as soon as practicable after the Match, report to the Controlling Player participating in a Match. Body that a request has been made to count the number of Players in a Team, and the number of Players actually counted. 5.4.2 Replacement of Guernsey with Same Number (b) The maximum number of Players permitted on the Playing Surface at Where it becomes necessary to replace a guernsey worn by a Player during the same time is 18 per Team or, in circumstances where a Player(s) a Match, the Team shall ensure that the replacement guernsey displays the has been ordered from the Playing Surface under Law 22, 18 less the number allocated to the Player before the commencement of the Match. Player(s) ordered from the Playing Surface. 5.4.3 Second Replacement of Guernsey 5.5.3 Players Exceeding Permitted Number If it becomes necessary to replace the guernsey of a Player on a second occasion, Where a Team has more than the permitted number of Players on the Playing a Player may wear a guernsey that displays a different number than originally worn Surface, the following shall apply: by the Player. Where the replacement guernsey of a Player does display a different (a) a field Umpire shall award a Free Kick to the captain or acting captain of number, the Team Runner shall advise the Interchange Steward and the field Umpire the opposing Team, which shall be taken at the Centre Circle or where play during the next interval or, if the change occurs during the final quarter, at the first was stopped, whichever is the greater penalty against the offending Team; available opportunity. Upon being advised, the Interchange Steward or field Umpire shall make an appropriate amendment to the Team Sheet at the first available opportunity. (b) a Fifty Metre Penalty shall then be imposed from the position where the Free Kick was awarded; 5.4.4 Variation by Controlling Body (c) the Team shall lose all points which it has scored in that quarter up to Where financial or other circumstances of a Team reasonably prevents Law 5.4.2 the time of the count; and being followed, the Controlling Body may allow the replacement guernsey worn by a Player to display a different number from that originally worn by the Player. Where the (d) the field Umpire shall report the circumstances to the Controlling Body, replacement guernsey of a Player does display a different number, the Team Runner including the scores at the time. The Controlling Body may further shall advise the Interchange Steward and the field Umpire during the next interval or, determine the matter by way of a fine, reversal of Match result or other if the change occurs during the final quarter, at the first available opportunity. Upon sanction as it deems appropriate, including overturning the loss of points being advised, the Interchange Steward or the field Umpire shall make an appropriate prescribed by Law 5.5.3(c). amendment to the Team Sheet at the first available opportunity.

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5.5.4 Correct Number and Request Without Merit 7. INTERCHANGE Where a count reveals that the opposing Team has the permitted number of Players on the Playing Surface, the following shall apply: 7.1 INTERCHANGE STEWARD – APPOINTMENT AND DUTIES (a) a field Umpire shall award a Free Kick to the captain or acting captain of the A Controlling Body may appoint two Interchange Stewards to officiate opposing Team, which shall be taken at the Centre Circle or where play was during a Match. The Interchange Stewards shall: stopped, whichever is the greater penalty against the offending Team; (a) be positioned at or near the Interchange Area throughout the Match; (b) a Fifty Metre Penalty shall then be imposed from the position where the (b) monitor and approve the interchange of Players made by each Team Free Kick was awarded; during a Match; and (c) if a field Umpire is of the opinion that a request was made under Law 5.5.1 (c) report to the field Umpire any infringement by a Team of this Law 7. primarily to delay play, or such request did not have sufficient merit, the field Umpire shall report the Player who requested the count for Time Wasting 7.2 PROCEDURE FOR INTERCHANGE under Law 21.2.2; and The following procedure shall apply to the interchange of Players during (d) if Law 5.5.4(c) applies, the field Umpire shall report the circumstances to a Match who are listed on the Team Sheet: the Controlling Body, including the scores at the time. The Controlling Body (a) unless Law 7.3 applies, the Players intending to interchange shall may further determine the matter by way of a fine, reversal of Match result leave and enter the Playing Surface through the Interchange Area; or other sanction it deems appropriate. (b) where a Player does not leave or enter the Playing Surface as specified 5.5.5 Post-Match Review under Law 7.2(a), the Interchange Steward shall report the breach to (a) A Club or other person may request post-Match review by the relevant a field Umpire and the following shall apply: Controlling Body of a Team exceeding the permitted number of Players (i) the field Umpire shall stop play at the first available opportunity; on the Playing Surface where a request under section 5.5.1 did not occur (ii) a field Umpire shall award a Free Kick to the nearest Player during a Match. of the opposing Team; and (b) Notification of the request and lodgement of relevant evidence must (iii) a Fifty Metre Penalty shall then be imposed from the position occur within 24 hours of the completion of the relevant Match in a form where the Free Kick was awarded; prescribed by the Controlling Body. For the avoidance of doubt, Law 7.2 operates in conjunction with Law 5.5 where (c) The Controlling Body may further determine the matter by way of a fine, a Team has more than the permitted number of Players on the Playing Surface. reversal of Match result or other sanction it deems appropriate. 7.3 USE OF STRETCHER 6. TEAM OFFICIALS AND TEAM RUNNER 7.3.1 Health and Safety of Player Any Player who is injured during a Match and who, in the opinion of a doctor, 6.1 CONTROLLING BODY TO REGULATE trainer or Official, requires the assistance of a stretcher, shall be attended by A Controlling Body shall adopt rules which: the Team’s training staff and a stretcher as soon as possible so as to ensure the health and safety of the Player. (a) specify the times and occasions when an Official and Team Runner may enter the Playing Surface; and 7.3.2 Procedure (b) identify the tasks or duties which such persons may perform when Where a stretcher is required, the following procedure shall apply: on the Playing Surface. (a) upon being advised or noticing that a Player requires a stretcher, the field Umpire shall stop play at the earliest opportunity and unless 6.2 IDENTIFICATION a doctor considers or it is apparent that it is unsafe to do so, the Player Each Team Official and Team Runner(s) shall wear a uniform or other form of should be removed from the Playing Surface on the stretcher by the identification (such as an armband), as determined by the Controlling Body. shortest possible route and taken directly to their Team’s change rooms;

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(b) a Team may replace the injured Player with a Player listed on its Team Sheet, 8.1.2 No Appointment of Boundary/Goal Umpires who must enter the Playing Surface via the Interchange Area; (a) Where it is impractical to appoint or the Controlling Body has not appointed (c) the Interchange Steward may allow the Player who is replacing the injured a boundary or goal Umpire to officiate at a Match, the field Umpire(s) may, Player to enter the Playing Surface before the injured Player is removed from in consultation with each Team, appoint persons before the commencement the Playing Surface; of the Match to officiate in those roles. (d) once the injured Player has been removed from the Playing Surface, the field (b) Unless otherwise determined by a Controlling Body, a field Umpire may Umpire shall recommence play as follows depending on the circumstances: overrule the decision of a boundary or goal Umpire who was appointed (i) where the football was in dispute at the time play was stopped, under Law 8.1.2(a). by throwing up the football; (c) When no boundary or goal Umpire has been appointed under Laws 8.1.1 (ii) where the football was Out of Bounds at the time play was stopped, or 8.1.2(a), the duties normally undertaken by a boundary and goal by directing the boundary Umpire to throw the football in; Umpire shall be undertaken by the field Umpire. (iii) where a Player had possession of the football at the time play 8.1.3 Replacement of an Umpire was stopped, by awarding a Free Kick to the Player; A Controlling Body shall adopt rules which prescribe the replacement of an (iv) where a Player had been awarded a Free Kick or a Mark at the time Umpire who, by reason of injury or otherwise, becomes incapable of officiating play was stopped, by allowing the Player to dispose of the football. either before or during a Match. (e) a Player for whom a stretcher was called shall not resume playing for a 8.1.4 Non-attendance of Field Umpire period of 20 minutes (excluding intervals between quarters) from the time Where a Controlling Body has not appointed a field Umpire or for any reason a field when the Player left the Playing Surface. After the 20 minute period has Umpire is unavailable or does not attend to officiate at a Match, the competing expired, the Player may be interchanged in accordance with the procedure Teams may elect to play the Match and upon doing so, may appoint an Umpire(s) set out under Law 7.2 provided the Player is able, having due regard to their to officiate at the Match. The relevant Controlling Body may determine in its health and safety, to resume playing in the Match; and absolute discretion whether to recognise the result of such Match. (f) where a stretcher enters the Playing Surface but the Player elects to walk off, all provisions of Law 7.3.2 apply but the Player may go to the 8.2 DUTIES Interchange Bench. 8.2.1 Field Umpires The field Umpires shall officiate and have full control of a Match. 7.4 BREACH OF LAW 7 The Interchange Steward or field Umpire, as the case may be, shall advise 8.2.2 Boundary Umpires the Controlling Body of any breach of this Law 7. (a) Unless otherwise determined by the relevant Controlling Body, the duties of a boundary Umpire include without limitation: (i) judging whether a football is Out of Bounds or Out of Bounds On 8. UMPIRES the Full and signalling to the field Umpire when that has occurred; 8.1 APPOINTMENT AND REPLACEMENT (ii) throwing the football back into play if it has gone Out of Bounds, when directed to do so by a field Umpire; 8.1.1 Appointment (iii) determining whether a Player has breached a starting position in Unless Law 8.1.2 applies, a Controlling Body shall appoint for each Match: contravention of Law 13.1; (a) a field Umpire or Umpires; (iv) bringing the football back to the Centre Square after a Goal (b) two or more boundary Umpires; and has been scored; (c) two goal Umpires. (v) reporting a Player or Official who commits a Reportable Offence; and (vi) assisting goal Umpires to determine a score.

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(b) When the boundary Umpire signals that the football is Out of Bounds, (c) At the end of each quarter and at the end of a Match, the goal Umpires the field Umpire shall immediately sound a whistle to indicate that the shall compare the score which they have recorded. If the scores are different football is out of play. When directed by the field Umpire, the boundary and cannot be agreed upon or corrected by the goal Umpires, the scores Umpire shall bring the football into play by throwing the football over their shall be compared to the score recorded by the Timekeeper(s) or person(s) head towards the centre of the Playing Surface. The field Umpire may recall appointed by the Controlling Body under Law 15.7 (Recording Scores) any throw-in by the boundary Umpire that, in their opinion, does not allow (if any). If the matter remains unresolved or the Timekeeper has not any opportunity for the football to be contested. recorded the scores, the matter shall be referred to the relevant Controlling Body for determination. 8.2.3 Out of Bounds (a) Where any field Umpire has failed to notice a boundary Umpire’s signal (d) If a goal Umpire is unsure whether the football crossed the Goal or Behind that the football has gone Out of Bounds or Out of Bounds On the Full, Line, or is Out of Bounds, the goal Umpire shall seek the assistance of the the following shall apply: field and boundary Umpires. If the correct decision cannot be determined following consultation, the goal Umpire shall give the lesser score. (i) the boundary Umpire shall continue signalling until they are noticed by any field Umpire; (ii) upon noticing the boundary Umpire’s signal, the field Umpire shall 9. PLAYERS’ BOOTS, JEWELLERY stop play and direct that the football be taken to where it crossed AND PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT the Boundary Line, at which point the football shall be thrown in by the boundary Umpire or Kicked back into play, as the case may be. 9.1 INTERPRETATION This provision does not apply if a Free Kick or Fifty Metre Penalty is For the purposes of this Law 9, Protective Equipment includes but is not limited to: awarded before the field Umpire notices the boundary Umpire’s signal; (a) helmets; (iii) this Law applies even if a Goal or Behind is scored before the field (b) knee braces; Umpire notices the boundary Umpire’s signal. In such instances, the field Umpire shall direct the goal Umpire to annul the score. (c) shoulder pads; (d) back supports; 8.2.4 Goal Umpire (e) arm guards; and (a) Unless otherwise determined by the relevant Controlling Body, the duties of a goal Umpire include: (f) any other item designated as such by the relevant Controlling Body. (i) judging whether a Goal or Behind has been scored; 9.2 PROHIBITION OF ITEMS (ii) signalling that a Goal or Behind has been scored upon being A Player shall not wear during a Match: given the ‘All Clear’ or ‘Touched All Clear’ by a field Umpire; (a) any form of jewellery; (iii) recording the Goals and Behinds scored by each Team during a Match; (b) boot studs, plates/cleats or any Protective Equipment (other than (iv) determining whether a Player has breached a starting position in Protective Equipment approved by the Controlling Body) unless the contravention of Law 13.1. field Umpire is satisfied that the item does not constitute a danger (v) reporting a Player or Official who commits a Reportable Offence; or increase the risk of injury to other Players competing in the Match; or (vi) assisting boundary Umpires to determine if the football is (c) Protective Equipment which has been approved by the relevant Controlling Out of Bounds; and Body, if the field Umpire is satisfied that such equipment has, during the (b) Where a goal Umpire considers that a Behind has been scored and a Match, become dangerous or increased the risk of injury to other Players. boundary Umpire considers the football has gone Out of Bounds or Out of Bounds On the Full, the decision of the goal Umpire shall prevail.

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9.3 INSPECTION 10. MATCH TIMING At any time before or during a Match, a field Umpire may inspect a Player’s boots or hands or any Protective Equipment that a Player intends to wear 10.1 DURATION OF MATCH AND INTERVALS or use during the Match. 10.1.1 Duration 9.4 POWER TO ORDER OFF Subject to Law 10.1.3, a Match shall be played for a period of 80 minutes, divided into four quarters, each of 20 minutes duration. The 20 minute duration for each 9.4.1 Order by Umpire and Replacement Player quarter shall be actual playing time and shall not include stoppages in play. A field Umpire may order from the Playing Surface a Player who is wearing or using an item prohibited under Law 9.2. Where a Player is ordered from 10.1.2 Intervals Between Quarters the Playing Surface under this Law: Subject to Law 10.1.3, an interval shall be taken between each quarter as follows: (a) an Interchange Player may replace the Player ordered from the (a) a maximum period of six minutes between the end of the first quarter Playing Surface; and and the beginning of the second quarter; (b) the Player ordered from the Playing Surface may only re-enter the (b) a maximum period of 20 minutes between the end of the second quarter Playing Surface once the Player has removed the prohibited item. and the beginning of the third quarter; and (c) a maximum period of six minutes between the end of the third quarter 9.4.2 Refusal to Leave Surface and the beginning of the fourth quarter. Where a Player refuses to or does not immediately leave the Playing Surface when ordered to do so by a field Umpire, the following shall apply: 10.1.3 Variation (a) the field Umpire shall warn the Player that a Free Kick will be awarded and A Controlling Body may vary the duration of a Match and the duration of the that the Player may be reported if they do not leave the Playing Surface; intervals between quarters. (b) if the Player still refuses to leave the Playing Surface, the field Umpire 10.2 TIMEKEEPERS shall award a Free Kick to the Player of the opposing Team who is nearest to where the warning was given or where play was stopped, 10.2.1 Appointment whichever is the greater penalty; (a) A Controlling Body shall appoint two or more persons to act as the (c) if the Player still refuses to leave the Playing Surface: Timekeepers for a Match. (i) the field Umpire shall report the Player for misconduct in (b) Where the Controlling Body does not appoint a Timekeeper, each of the failing to follow a direction of an Umpire; participating Teams shall appoint a person to act as a Timekeeper for the Match. (ii) the Match shall immediately end and the reported Player’s 10.2.2 Duties Team shall forfeit the Match; and Each Timekeeper appointed for a Match shall: (iii) Law 11.2 (Forfeiture of Match) shall apply to any Match (a) keep time for each quarter of the Match; which is forfeited. (b) record on time cards the time taken to play each quarter and lodge the completed cards with the relevant Controlling Body; (c) sound the siren in accordance with the procedures contained in these Laws; (d) stop the clock which is used for the timing of each quarter as required under Law 10.5 for a stoppage in play; (e) record the Goals and Behinds scored by each Team during a Match; and (f) perform any other function as may be directed by the relevant Controlling Body.

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10.3 PROCEDURE FOR SOUNDING SIREN 10.4 BRINGING PLAY TO AN END The Timekeepers shall sound the siren at the times and on the number of occasions 10.4.1 End of Quarter as set out in Table 1. The Timekeepers shall sound the siren to signal the end of a quarter until a field Start of Match Number of Occasions Umpire or the emergency Umpire acknowledges the siren and brings play to an end, by blowing a whistle and holding both arms above their head. Five minutes prior to scheduled starting time of the Once Match and as Umpires enter the Arena 10.4.2 Free Kick or Mark If immediately before hearing the siren, a field Umpire is of the opinion that a Player Two minutes prior to the scheduled starting time Twice should be awarded a Free Kick or a Mark, the field Umpire shall signal that play has One minute prior to the scheduled starting time Once come to an end and then award the Free Kick or Mark to the Player. A Free Kick will Scheduled starting time (start of Match) Once not be awarded where the football has been kicked and, after the field Umpire has heard the siren, lands Out of Bounds On the Full. Quarter time interval Start of Second Quarter 10.5 STOPPING AND RECOMMENCING TIME Two minutes prior to the scheduled starting time Twice 10.5.1 Stopping Time The Timekeepers shall stop the clock which is used for the timing of a Match when: One minute prior to the scheduled starting time Once (a) directed to do so by a field Umpire in accordance with Law 10.5.3; Scheduled starting time (start of quarter) Once (b) the goal Umpire signals that a Goal has been scored; Half time interval (c) the goal Umpire signals that a Behind has been scored; Start of Third Quarter (d) the boundary Umpire signals that the football is Out of Bounds or Out Five minutes prior to scheduled starting time of the Once of Bounds On the Full; or quarter and as Umpires enter the Arena (e) the field Umpire crosses their arms to indicate they are going to throw Two minutes prior to the scheduled starting time Twice the football up. One minute prior to the scheduled starting time Once 10.5.2 Recommencing Time Scheduled starting time (start of quarter) Once The Timekeepers shall recommence the clock used for the timing of a Match when: (a) directed to do so by the field Umpire in accordance with Law 10.5.3; Three quarter time interval (b) the football is bounced or thrown up by the field Umpire; Start of Final Quarter (c) the football is brought back into play after a Behind has been scored; Two minutes prior to the scheduled starting time Twice (d) the football is thrown back into play by the boundary Umpire or brought One minute prior to the scheduled starting time Once back into play by a Player (as the case may be), after it has gone Out of Scheduled starting time (start of quarter) Once Bounds or Out of Bounds On the Full; (e) the football is obviously in play; or End of Match (f) the umpire calls ‘Play On’.

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10.5.3 Signalling If the Match is unable to recommence within a 30 minute period, A field Umpire shall signal to the Timekeeper to stop the clock or re-start the Match shall be deemed to be drawn and the scores of the Teams the clock used for the timing of the Match by blowing a whistle and raising at the time the Match was interrupted shall be used in calculating one arm above their head. the percentage of each Team. (c) Half time & beyond: If the half time interval has been reached and 10.5.4 Domestic Provisions the Match is unable to proceed at any time, the Teams shall leave the A Controlling Body may vary the provisions of Law 10.5.1 at its discretion. Arena, or in the case of half-time, not return to the Arena. If the Match is unable to recommence within a 30 minute period, the scores of the 11. MATCH TERMINATION AND FORFEITURE Teams at the time the Match was interrupted shall be deemed to be the final scores of the Match. The Team with the highest score shall 11.1 MATCH TERMINATION AND FORFEITURE be deemed the winner of the Match and the scores shall be used in calculating the percentage of each Team. 11.1.1 Unauthorised Playing Surface Entry (d) Match not able to proceed: Unless otherwise determined by a Where a person(s) enters the Playing Surface when they are not authorised Controlling Body, a field Umpire shall, having regard to the health and to do so, the field Umpire shall: safety of the Players and any other relevant circumstances, determine (a) stop play at the first available opportunity; whether a Match is unable to commence or proceed. A field Umpire (b) seek the assistance of person(s) authorised by the relevant Controlling must determine that a Match is unable to commence or proceed for Body to remove the unauthorised person(s) from the Playing Surface; such time as lightning is present at or Within the Immediate Proximity (c) Once the unauthorised person(s) has been removed from the Playing of the Arena where the Match is being conducted, in line with the Surface, the field Umpire shall recommence play as follows depending AFL Extreme Weather Policy outlined in the Member Protection Policy. on the circumstances: (e) Recommencing of Play: Where a Team is directed to recommence play (i) where the football was in dispute at the time play was stopped, by a field Umpire and the Team fails, refuses or neglects to recommence by bouncing or throwing up the football; play, the Team shall be deemed to have forfeited the Match, in which case Law 11.2 shall apply. (ii) where the football was Out of Bounds at the time play was stopped, by directing the boundary Umpire to throw the football in; (f) The Controlling Body may vary the length and scheduling of the intervals to suit practical circumstances. (iii) where a Player had Possession of the Football at the time play was stopped, by awarding a Free Kick to the Player; 11.2 FORFEITURE OF MATCH (iv) where a Player had been awarded a Free Kick or a Mark at the time 11.2.1 Forfeiture play was stopped, by allowing the Player to dispose of the football. For the purposes of this Law, a Team forfeits a Match if: 11.1.2 Incomplete Match (a) it is unable or it fails, refuses or neglects to commence or recommence play: If a Match is unable to commence or continue within the time scheduled for the (i) at the scheduled starting time; or Match for reasons beyond the control of either Team (including circumstances where it is unsafe for the Match to proceed), the following shall apply: (ii) within such other time period determined or specified by the Controlling Body, a field Umpire or these Laws; (a) Match not commenced: The result of a Match which is unable to commence for reasons beyond the control of either Team shall be determined by the (b) the field Umpire determines, in accordance with these Laws, that a Team Controlling Body. has forfeited the Match; or (b) Prior to half time: If a Match has commenced but is not able to proceed (c) an event occurs under the Laws which results in a Team forfeiting the Match. at any time prior to half time, the Teams shall depart from the Arena.

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11.2.2 Consequence of Forfeiture Where a Team forfeits a Match, the following shall apply: PART D (a) the points for the Match shall be awarded to the Team who did not forfeit the Match; and MATCH PROVISIONS (b) at the conclusion of the Home and Away Matches: (i) the percentage of the Team who did not forfeit the Match shall 12. CHOICE OF GOAL AND COMMENCEMENT OF PLAY be adjusted by crediting and debiting that Team with the average number of points for the Home and Away Matches that were 12.1 CHOICE OF GOAL scored for and against the Team who did forfeit the Match; and The end of the Playing Surface to which a Team shall attack shall be decided (ii) the percentage of the Team who did forfeit the Match shall be by the toss of a coin as follows: adjusted by crediting and debiting that Team with the average (a) the field Umpire (or such other person approved by the Controlling number of points for the Home and Away Matches that were Body) shall toss the coin; scored for and against the Team who did not forfeit the Match. (b) before the coin is tossed, the captain of the away Team shall call 11.2.3 Variation by Controlling Body ‘the fall of the coin’; If the relevant Controlling Body is of the opinion that a Team will be (c) the captain of the Team who wins the toss of the coin shall choose disadvantaged by the calculation of percentage under Law 11.2.2, the end to which their Team shall attack in the first quarter; and the Controlling Body may, upon application by the Team, vary the (d) at the conclusion of each quarter, the Teams shall change ends. points debited or credited to the Team or the method of calculating the Team’s percentage. 12.2 COMMENCEMENT OF PLAY 12.2.1 Readiness to Commence Play Before commencing play in each quarter, the field Umpire shall confirm: (a) all Interchange Players have left the Playing Surface; (b) the Timekeepers are ready to commence timing the Match; (c) the starting positions set out in Law 13.1 are met; and (d) with each captain that both Teams are ready to commence play. 12.2.2 Commencing Play (a) Unless Law 12.2.2(b) applies, the field Umpire shall commence play in each quarter by holding the football above their head, blowing a whistle and bouncing or throwing up the football in the Centre Circle. (b) Where the field Umpire awards a Free Kick to a Player before bouncing or throwing up the football, the field Umpire shall signal , blow their whistle and give the football to the Player. (c) The Timekeeper shall commence the clock used for timing the Match when: (i) the football touches the ground in the act of bouncing or leaves the Umpire’s hands in the act of throwing the football up; (ii) a Player, who has been awarded a Free Kick, brings the football into play; or (iii) the Umpire calls ‘Play On’.

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12.2.3 Report to Controlling Body The field Umpire shall advise the Controlling Body of any occasion when a Team is B G G B not ready to commence play at the scheduled starting time. The Controlling Body may impose a sanction determined in its absolute discretion. 12.2.4 Throwing Up the Football The field Umpire may throw the football up: (a) where they are of the opinion that the conditions are unsuitable for bouncing but before doing so, shall advise the Players accordingly; or Goal Square (b) if directed to do so by the Controlling Body.

13. CENTRE BOUNCES Fifty Metre Arc 13.1 STARTING POSITIONS When the field Umpire commences their approach to the Centre Circle to bounce or throw up the football to start a quarter, or recommence play after a Goal has been scored, the following shall apply: (a) Six Players from each Team are permitted in each area defined by the Interchange Area Ten Metre Circle Centre Square Boundary Line Boundary Line and the Fifty Metre Arcs. (b) Of these six Players referenced in 13.1(a), at least one Player from each Team is positioned within both Goal Squares. (c) Four Players from each Team are permitted in the Centre Square. (d) Of these four Players referenced in 13.1(c), one Player from each Team will be Fifty Metre Arc the Ruck and is positioned within the Ten Metre Circle in their defensive half. (e) One Player from each Team is positioned in each shaded area in Diagram 2. (f) If a Team is unable or elects not to have 18 Players on the Playing Surface, Goal Square the requirements stated in 13.1(a),(c) and (e) are modified such that the number of relevant Players for each starting position can be reduced but not exceeded. (g) After a Goal has been scored, if a Player is injured and making their way from the Playing Surface with the assistance of doctor, trainer or any other person treating Players of a Team, the field Umpire may wait a reasonable period to allow the replacement Player to take up position before recommencing play. B G G B A replacement Player may enter the Playing Surface while the Player that DIAGRAM 2 they are replacing is leaving the Playing Surface.

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13.2 CONTESTING THE CENTRE BOUNCE (b) The field Umpire may consult with a boundary and/or goal Umpire (a) The centre bounce or throw-up of the football shall be contested by before deciding whether a Mark has been taken before the football the Ruck, who must start with both feet within the Ten Metre Circle, passed completely over the Boundary Line, Goal Line or Behind Line. and may only enter the Team’s attacking half or exit the Ten Metre Circle 14.3 LOCATION OF THE MARK after the football is bounced or thrown up by the field Umpire. Where a field Umpire is of the opinion that a Player has taken a Mark, (b) No other Player may enter the Ten Metre Circle until the football is the field Umpire shall award the Mark to the Player at the location on bounced or thrown up by the field Umpire. the Playing Surface where the Mark was taken. This location on the (c) Where a Player contravenes Law 13.2(a) or (b), the field Umpire shall Playing Surface is known as The Mark. award a Free Kick to the Ruck of the opposing Team. (d) For the avoidance of doubt, Law 13.2 should be read in conjunction with 14.4 ‘TOUCHED PLAY ON’ Law 17.4 (Free Kicks – Ruck Contests). Where a football is touched by another Player during the period when the football was Kicked until it is caught or controlled by a Player, 13.3 RECALLING BOUNCES OR THROW-UPS the field Umpire shall immediately call and signal ‘Touched Play On’ (a) A field Umpire may recall any bounce or throw-up of the football in order to indicate to the Players that a Mark will not be awarded. that in the Umpire’s opinion does not allow for the football to be contested by both Rucks. 14.5 MARK NOT AWARDED (b) Where a field Umpire recalls a bounce under Law 13.3(a), Where a Player claims to have taken a Mark which is not awarded the football shall be thrown up to restart play. by the field Umpire, the following shall apply: (a) if the Player does not retain possession of the football, play shall continue; or 14. MARKING THE FOOTBALL (b) if the Player retains possession of the football and the Player is Legally Tackled by an opponent, the field Umpire 14.1 DEFINITION shall throw up the football provided they are satisfied that A Mark is taken if, in the opinion of the field Umpire, a Player catches the Player did not hear or see the signal of ‘Touched Play On’ or takes control of the football: or ‘Play On’. If the field Umpire considers that the Player did (a) within the Playing Surface; hear or see the signal of ‘Touched Play On’ or ‘Play On’, Law 17.6.2 (b) after it has been Kicked by another Player a distance of at least (Free Kicks - Holding the Ball: Prior Opportunity) shall apply. 15 metres; and 14.6 CANCEL OF MARK (c) which has not touched the ground or been touched by another (a) Where a field Umpire is of the opinion that they have incorrectly blown Player during the period from when the football was Kicked the whistle to award a Mark that was not subsequently completed, until it was caught or controlled by the Player. they may cancel the decision and call ‘Play On’. 14.2 PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES (b) If the Player retains possession of the football and is Legally Tackled (a) For the avoidance of doubt, a Mark shall be awarded if: by an opponent, the field Umpire shall throw up the football provided they are satisfied that the Player did not hear or see the signal of (i) a Player catches or takes control of the football before it has passed ‘Play On’. If the field Umpire considers that the Player did hear or completely over the Boundary Line, Goal Line or Behind Line; or see the signal of ‘Play On’, Law 17.6.2 (Free Kicks - Holding the Ball: (ii) before the football was caught or controlled by the Player, Prior Opportunity) shall apply. it was touched by an Umpire or any other Official.

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15. SCORING 15.1.4 Football Touching or Passing Over the Behind Post Where a football touches or passes over a behind post, the football shall be 15.1 GOALS AND BEHINDS Out of Bounds or Out of Bounds On the Full. 15.1.1 Scoring a Goal 15.1.5 Goal Umpire to Judge Goal or Behind Subject to Law 15.2, a Goal is scored when the football is Kicked completely over (a) The goal Umpire shall decide whether a Goal or Behind has been scored the Goal Line by a Player of the Attacking Team without being touched by any but may, before deciding, consult with the field or boundary Umpires or other Player, even if the football first touches the ground. the official scorer. The decision of the goal Umpire shall be final. The goal Umpire shall only signal that a Goal or Behind has been scored when the 15.1.2 Scoring a Behind field Umpire signals ‘All Clear’ or ‘Touched All Clear’, as the case may be. Subject to Law 15.2, a Behind is scored when any of the following occurs: (b) Law 15.1.5(a) does not apply if a Controlling Body prescribes that a field (a) the football touches or passes over the goal post or touches the Umpire may overrule the decision of a goal Umpire who has not been padding or any other attachment to the goal post; appointed by the Controlling Body. (b) the football passes completely over the Behind Line; (c) a Player of the Attacking Team Kicks the football over the Goal Line but 15.2 ‘ALL CLEAR’ AND ‘TOUCHED ALL CLEAR’ before passing over the Goal Line, the football is touched by another Player; 15.2.1 Signal by Field Umpire (d) a Player from the Defending Team Kicks, Handballs, knocks or otherwise A Goal or a Behind shall only be signalled by a goal Umpire and recorded takes the football over the Goal Line or Behind Line; as a Goal or Behind when: (e) a Player from the Attacking Team Handballs, knocks or otherwise takes (a) in the case of the football passing over the Goal or Behind Line, the football over the Goal Line, other than kicking the ball described in or touching or passing over the goal post, or touching the padding or any clause 15.1.1; or other attachment to the goal post, the field Umpire signals ‘All Clear’; and (f) a defending Player plays on from behind the Goal Line or Behind Line and (b) in the case of the football being touched by another Player and then subsequently changes direction before entering the Playing Surface. passing over the Goal Line, or touching or passing over the goal post, the field Umpire signals ‘Touched All Clear’. 15.1.3 Clarification and Examples For the avoidance of doubt: 15.2.2 Goal Umpire to Notify Field Umpire (a) if the football touches an Umpire or any Official, and in the opinion of the (a) Where the goal Umpire is of the opinion that a Goal or Behind has been field Umpire it has affected a score, play will be stopped and the Umpires scored and the field Umpire has allowed play to continue, the goal Umpire will determine if a score should be recorded; shall immediately notify the field Umpire. (b) if the football touches an Umpire or any Official, and in the opinion of the (b) Upon being notified by the goal Umpire, the field Umpire shall stop play field Umpire it has not affected a score, the field Umpire shall call ‘Play On’ and signal ‘All Clear’ or ‘Touched All Clear’, as the case may be, and the and the football shall remain in play; Goal or Behind shall be signalled by the goal Umpire and recorded as a score. Play shall then recommence in accordance with these Laws. (c) if a football is Kicked by a Player on the Attacking Team at the time when another Player is touching the football, the football shall be deemed to (c) Unless Law 15.4.1 applies, any Free Kick awarded to a Player before the have been touched by that Player; and field Umpire signals ‘All Clear’ or ‘Touched All Clear’ under Law 15.2.2(b) shall be cancelled. (d) a football passes over a Goal Line or Behind Line only when the entire football has passed over the Goal Line or Behind Line, as the case may be.

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15.3 SIGNALLING A GOAL OR BEHIND 15.4.2 ‘All Clear’ Given but Play has not Recommenced 15.3.1 Goal (a) Where a Free Kick is awarded to a Player during the period when the field Umpire has signalled ‘All Clear’ for a Goal to be recorded and the The goal Umpire shall signal that a Goal has been scored by raising both football is bounced in the Centre Circle, the Free Kick shall be taken index fingers and then waving two flags. where the infringement occurred, or at the Centre Circle, whichever 15.3.2 Behind is the greater penalty against the offending Team. The goal Umpire shall signal that a Behind has been scored by raising one (b) Where a Free Kick is awarded to a Player after the field Umpire has index finger and then waving one flag. signalled ‘All Clear’ or ‘Touched All Clear’ for a Behind to be recorded but before the football has been brought back into play: 15.3.3 Changing a Decision (a) The goal Umpire may change their decision about the scoring of a (i) in the case of a Free Kick being awarded to the Attacking Team, Goal or a Behind if and only if the goal Umpire notifies the field it shall be taken from the centre of the Kick-Off Line, or where Umpire before the football is brought back into play. the infringement occurred, whichever is the greater penalty against the Defending Team; or (b) A goal Umpire shall signal that the scoring of a Goal or Behind has been changed by: (ii) in the case of a Free Kick being awarded to the Defending Team, it shall be taken where the infringement occurred, or the field (i) immediately standing on the centre of the Goal Line and Umpire shall award a Fifty Metre Penalty from the Mark defined holding both flags above their head in a crossed position; and in Law 16.1(d) (Bringing the Football back Into Play), whichever (ii) then signalling the new score or advising the boundary is the greater penalty against the Attacking Team. Umpire to signal Out of Bounds or Out of Bounds On the Full, as the case may be. 15.5 SCORING A GOAL OR BEHIND AFTER PLAY HAS ENDED

15.4 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FREE KICKS AND ‘ALL CLEAR’ 15.5.1 Goal or Behind Recorded in Certain Circumstances Even though play has come to an end, a Goal or Behind shall be recorded 15.4.1 Free Kick Awarded Before ‘All Clear’ for a Team if: Where a Free Kick is awarded to a Player immediately after the football passes the (a) the Goal or Behind is scored by a Player from a Free Kick or Mark Goal or Behind Line but before the field Umpire signals ‘All Clear’ or ‘Touched All which was awarded to the Player before play came to an end; Clear’, the following shall apply: (b) the Goal or Behind was scored by a Player who disposed of the (a) Where the Player is from the Attacking Team, the field Umpire shall signal football before play came to an end; or ‘All Clear’ or ‘Touched All Clear’, after which the goal Umpire shall signal and record the score. The Free Kick shall then be taken where the infringement (c) the Goal or Behind is scored by a Player who was awarded a occurred, or the position at which the football is brought back into play, Free Kick under Law 15.6. whichever is the greater penalty against the Defending Team. 15.5.2 Football Touched in Transit (b) Where the Player is from the Defending Team, the field Umpire shall not A Behind shall still be recorded under Law 15.5.1 if the football is touched signal ‘All Clear’ or ‘Touched All Clear’ and a Free Kick shall be awarded. in transit by another Player, provided the field Umpire is satisfied that the scoring of the Behind was not assisted by a Player from the same Team. 15.5.3 Field Umpire Sole Judge A field Umpire or an emergency Umpire (if applicable) shall be the sole judge in deciding whether a Free Kick or Mark should be awarded or whether the football was disposed of by a Player before play came to an end.

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15.6 FREE KICK AFTER PLAY HAS ENDED 15.7 RECORDING SCORES 15.6.1 Before Kick or in the Act of Kicking A Controlling Body may appoint a person or persons to record the scores of a Match After a field Umpire has signalled that play has come to an end, any field Umpire independently from the goal Umpires. Where the goal Umpires cannot agree on may award a Free Kick to any Player when a Player is preparing to Kick or in the the final score of a Match, the Controlling Body may take into account the scores act of Kicking for Goal. In such cases, the following shall apply: recorded by the person(s) so appointed to determine the result of a Match. (a) if the Player awarded the Free Kick is playing for the Attacking Team, the Free Kick shall be awarded to the Player where the infringement 16. PROCEDURE AFTER A BEHIND occurred, or the Player shall be awarded a Fifty Metre Penalty, whichever HAS BEEN SCORED is the greater penalty against the Defending Team; or (b) if the Player awarded the Free Kick is playing for the Defending Team, 16.1 BRINGING THE FOOTBALL BACK INTO PLAY the Player shall be awarded the Free Kick where the infringement Unless Law 15.4 (Relationship Between Free Kicks and ‘All Clear’) applies, occurred or where the football is at the time of the infringement, after a goal Umpire has signalled a Behind: whichever is the greater penalty against the Attacking Team. (a) any player of the Defending Team may elect to Kick the football from 15.6.2 After the Kick within the Goal Square or play on by exiting the Goal Square within a After a field Umpire has signalled that play has come to an end, any field reasonable time; Umpire may award a Free Kick to any Player after a Player has Kicked for (b) if the Player has not elected to Kick the football or exit the Goal Square Goal but before the field Umpire has signalled ‘All Clear’ or ‘Touched All Clear’. within a reasonable time, a field Umpire will call ‘Play On’; In such cases, the following shall apply: (c) a Player may not handball the football from within the Goal Square (a) if the Player awarded the Free Kick is playing for the Attacking Team unless the field Umpire has called ‘Play On’ pursuant to Law 16.1(b); and a Goal is Kicked, the field Umpire shall signal ‘All Clear’ and a Goal (d) The Mark shall be set at 10 metres from the centre of the Kick-Off Line shall be recorded; towards the centre of the Playing Surface, as shown in Diagram 3. (b) if the Player awarded the Free Kick is playing for the Attacking Team and a Goal is not scored; 16.2 PROTECTED AREA (i) if the Free Kick occurs within the Playing Surface then that Player Other than the Player bringing the football into play, all Players must may take the Free Kick at the location of the Kick for Goal or where immediately vacate the Protected Area described in Diagram 3. the Free Kick was awarded, whichever is the greater penalty against the Defending Team; Player on Player with The Mark the football (ii) if the Free Kick occurs outside the Playing Surface then that Player may take the Free Kick at the location of the Kick for Goal or at the closest point to the Goal Line, Behind Line or Boundary Line where 6.4 m the infringement occurred, whichever is the greater penalty against the Defending Team; or (iii) where a Behind is scored, that Player may elect to have the 10 m Behind recorded; or 6.4 m (c) if the Player awarded the Free Kick is playing for the Defending Team, the Player shall be awarded the Free Kick where the infringement occurred. For the avoidance of doubt, any Goal or Behind shall not be recorded.

DIAGRAM 3

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16.3 FOOTBALL BROUGHT INTO PLAY INCORRECTLY 17.1.3 When a Free Kick May be Awarded Where the field Umpire is of the opinion that a Player has not brought the football A Free Kick may be awarded when the football is or is not in play, between when a back into play in accordance with Law 16.1, the field Umpire shall reset the play. field Umpire starts and ends a quarter. However, a Free Kick may also be awarded: (a) if an infringement occurs on the Playing Surface before the commencement 16.4 ATTACKING TEAM DELAYING RECOMMENCEMENT OF PLAY of a quarter, in which case the Free Kick shall be taken at the Centre Circle Where the field Umpire is of the opinion that a Player from the Attacking Team: or where the infringement occurred, whichever is the greater penalty against (a) is within the Protected Area described in Law 16.2 at the time when a the offending Team; and Player from the Defending Team is bringing the football back into play, (b) after a score has been recorded or play has come to an end, in the and had sufficient time to vacate the area; circumstances described in Laws 15.4 (Relationship Between Free Kicks (b) has prevented or attempted to prevent the Player from the Defending and ‘All Clear’), 15.5 (Scoring a Goal or Behind After Play Has Ended) Team from bringing the football back into play; or and 15.6 (Free Kick After Play Has Ended). (c) has otherwise delayed play; 17.1.4 Simultaneous Free Kicks the field Umpire shall award a Free Kick to the Defending Team and a Unless otherwise stated in these Laws, where Umpires pay simultaneous Fifty Metre Penalty from The Mark. Free Kicks to opposing teams, play will be restarted with a throw-up.

17.2 STARTING POSITIONS 17. FREE KICKS 17.2.1 Spirit and Intention 17.1 INTRODUCTION Starting positions are aimed at retaining the traditional positions of Australian Football. 17.1.1 Spirit and Intention of Awarding Free Kicks It is the spirit and intention of these Laws that a Free Kick shall be awarded to: 17.2.2 Free Kicks - Starting Positions (a) Where a Player contravenes Law 13.1 (Starting Positions) at the time (a) ensure that a Match is played in a fair manner and spirit of true the ball touches the ground in the act of bouncing by the field Umpire, sportsmanship; or leaves the field Umpire’s hand in the act of the ball being thrown up, (b) where possible in a contact sport, protect Players from sustaining injury; the field Umpire shall signal time on and award a Free Kick to the Player (c) provide a Player, who makes obtaining possession of the football their of the opposing Team who is in the Centre Circle. sole objective, every opportunity to obtain possession; and (b) Where a Player has been pushed or otherwise forced outside of the (d) a Player who executes a Legal Tackle which results in an opponent failing starting positions specified in Law 13.1, the Free Kick shall be awarded to dispose of the football in accordance with these Laws. against the Team which caused the transgression. 17.1.2 Awarding Free Kicks (c) The Free Kicks specified in Law 17.2.2(a)-(b) shall be taken in the centre of the Playing Surface behind the line through the Centre Circle. Unless otherwise stated in these Laws, a Free Kick can be awarded at any location on the Arena and shall be taken where it is awarded or where the football is at the (d) Where a field Umpire is satisfied that an intentional breach of Law 13.1 time, whichever is the greater penalty against the offending Team. has occurred, a Free Kick and Fifty Metre Penalty shall be awarded to the Player of the opposing Team who is in the Centre Circle.

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17.3 PROHIBITED CONTACT 17.4.3 Free Kicks - Ruck Contests 17.3.1 Spirit and Intention A field Umpire shall award a Free Kick in a Ruck contest against a Player where the Player: A Player who makes the football their sole objective shall be provided every opportunity to do so. (a) who is not a designated Ruck, contests a throw-up or boundary throw-in; (b) unduly pushes or bumps an opposition Ruck; 17.3.2 Free Kicks - Prohibited Contact A field Umpire shall award a Free Kick against a Player when that Player makes (c) holds or blocks an opposition Ruck; any of the following Prohibited Contact with an opposition Player: (d) makes Prohibited Contact with an opposition Ruck; (a) executes a tackle that is not legal; (e) engages in Rough Conduct against an opposition Ruck; (b) pushes an opposition Player in the back; (f) makes contact with an opposition Ruck prior to the football leaving (c) makes high contact to an opposition Player (including the top of the the field or boundary Umpire’s hand; shoulders) with any part of their body; (g) who is the designated Ruck steps outside the Centre Circle prior to (d) holds an opposition Player who is not in possession of the football; the field Umpire bouncing or throwing up the football; or (e) executes an illegal Shepherd; (h) hits the football Out of Bounds On the Full from a throw-up by a field Umpire or a throw-in by a boundary Umpire. (f) Charges an opposition Player; (g) trips or attempts to trip an opposition Player, whether by hand, arm, 17.5 MARKING CONTESTS foot or leg; 17.5.1 Spirit and Intention (h) kicks or attempts to kick an opposition Player; The Player whose sole objective is to contest or spoil a Mark shall be permitted (i) Kicks or attempts to Kick the football in a manner likely to cause injury; to do so. (j) strikes or attempts to strike an opposition Player, whether by hand, fist, 17.5.2 Free Kicks - Marking Contests arm, knee or head; or A field Umpire shall award a Free Kick in a Marking contest against a Player (k) bumps or makes forceful contact to an opposition Player from where the Player: front-on when that Player has their head down over the football. (a) pushes or bumps an opposition Player in the back, unless such contact 17.3.3 Permitted Contact is incidental to the Marking contest and the Player is legitimately A Player may use their hip, shoulder, chest, arms or open hands, provided that Marking, attempting to Mark or spoil the football; the football is no more than five metres away from the Player and the Player (b) holds or blocks an opposition Player; does not make Prohibited Contact as per 17.3.2 above. (c) unduly pushes or bumps an opposition Player; 17.4 RUCK CONTESTS (d) deliberately interferes with the arms of an opposition Player; (e) makes Prohibited Contact with an opposition Player; or 17.4.1 Spirit and Intention The Ruck whose sole objective is to contest the football shall be permitted to do so. (f) engages in Rough Conduct against an opposition Player. 17.4.2 Number of Rucks 17.5.3 Permitted Contact Each Team must have no more than one Ruck contesting any centre bounce, Contact in a Marking contest will be permitted if such contact is incidental throw-up or boundary throw-in. and the Player is legitimately Marking, attempting to Mark, spoiling or attempting to spoil the football.

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17.6 HOLDING THE BALL 17.7.2 Free Kicks - Rough Conduct 17.6.1 Spirit and Intention A field Umpire shall award a Free Kick against a Player when that Player engages in rough conduct against an opposition Player which in the The Player who has Possession of the Football will be provided an opportunity circumstances is unreasonable, which includes but is not limited to: to dispose of the football before rewarding an opponent for a Legal Tackle. (a) executing a dangerous tackle on an opposition Player; 17.6.2 Free Kicks - Holding the Ball: Prior Opportunity (b) making forceful contact below the knees of an opposition Player (a) Where a Player in Possession of the Football has had Prior Opportunity, or executing a forceful action towards the lower leg of an opposition a Free Kick shall be awarded if that Player does not Correctly Dispose of Player, causing the opposition Player to take evasive action; the football immediately when they are Legally Tackled. (c) sliding knees or feet first into an opposition Player; (b) Where a Player in Possession of the Football has not had Prior Opportunity, the field Umpire shall throw up the football when a Player, in the act of (d) using boot studs in a manner likely to cause injury. applying a Legal Tackle, holds the football to the body of the Player 17.8 UMPIRES being tackled or the football is otherwise pinned to the ground. 17.8.1 Spirit and Intention 17.6.3 Free Kicks - Holding the Ball: Incorrect Disposal Umpires shall be protected from unreasonable contact and behaviour Where a Player in Possession of the Football has not had Prior Opportunity, whilst performing their duties. a Free Kick shall be awarded if that Player elects to Incorrectly Dispose of the football when Legally Tackled. 17.8.2 Free Kicks - Umpires For the avoidance of doubt, a Player does not elect to Incorrectly Dispose A Free Kick shall be awarded against a Player or Official who: of the football when: (a) uses abusive, insulting, threatening or obscene language towards an Umpire; (a) the Player genuinely attempts to Correctly Dispose of the football; (b) behaves in an abusive, insulting, threatening or obscene manner towards (b) the Legal Tackle causes the football to be dislodged from the an Umpire; Player’s possession. (c) intentionally, unreasonably or carelessly makes contact with an Umpire; 17.6.4 Free Kicks - Holding the Ball: No Genuine Attempt (d) disputes a decision or fails to follow the instruction of an Umpire; Where a Player is in Possession of the Football and is able but does not genuinely (e) intentionally or carelessly engages in conduct which affects, attempt to Correctly Dispose of the football when Legally Tackled, a Free Kick interferes with or prevents an Umpire from performing their duties. shall be awarded. 17.9 OUT OF BOUNDS 17.6.5 Free Kicks - Holding the Ball: Diving on Top of the Football 17.9.1 Spirit and Intention A Free Kick shall be awarded against a Player who dives on top of or drags the football underneath their body and fails to immediately knock clear Players shall be encouraged to keep the football in play. or Correctly Dispose of the football when Legally Tackled. 17.9.2 Free Kicks - Out of Bounds A Free Kick shall be awarded against a Player who: 17.7 ROUGH CONDUCT (a) Kicks the football Out of Bounds On the Full; 17.7.1 Spirit and Intention (b) Kicks, Handballs or forces the football over the Boundary Line and Players shall be protected from unreasonable conduct from an opposition does not demonstrate sufficient intent to keep the football in play; or Player which is likely to cause injury. (c) having taken the football over the Boundary Line, fails to immediately hand the football to the boundary Umpire or drop the football directly to the ground.

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17.9.3 Taking Free Kick from that position. For the avoidance of doubt, any Goal or Behind which A Free Kick awarded under Law 17.9 shall be taken at the point where the would have been recorded in favour of the Attacking Team but for the football crossed the Boundary Line. awarding of the Free Kick, shall not be recorded.

17.10 DELIBERATE RUSHED BEHINDS 17.11.3 Goal Scored If a Player or Official of the Defending Team contravenes Law 17.11.1 but a Goal 17.10.1 Spirit and Intention is still scored, the field Umpire shall not award a Free Kick. In such cases, Players shall be encouraged to keep the football in play. the field Umpire shall signal ‘All Clear’ and a Goal shall be recorded.

17.10.2 Free Kicks - Deliberate Rushed Behinds 17.12 OTHER A Free Kick shall be awarded against a Player from the Defending A Free Kick shall be awarded against a Player who: Team who intentionally Kicks, Handballs or forces the football over the Attacking Team’s Goal Line or Behind Line or onto one of the (a) throws the football; Attacking Team’s Goal Posts, and the Player: (b) hands the football to another Player; (a) is greater than nine metres from the Goal Line or Behind Line; (c) whilst in possession of the football, does not bounce or the football (b) is not under immediate physical pressure; on the ground at least once every 15 metres, irrespective of whether such Player is running in a straight line or otherwise. For the purposes of this (c) has had time and space to dispose of the football; or Law, a Player shall be deemed to be in possession of the football during (d) from a Ruck contest, hits the football over the Goal Line the period when the Player kicks or handballs the football to themself or Behind Line on the full. and regains possession without the football touching the ground. 17.10.3 Taking Free Kick (d) engages in Time Wasting; A Free Kick awarded under Law 17.10.2 shall be taken from the middle of (e) makes unreasonable or unnecessary contact with an injured the Goal Line if the football crossed the Goal Line or hit the goal post, opposition Player; or at the point where the football crossed the Behind Line. (f) intentionally lifts a Player from the same Team to contest the football; 17.11 SHAKING GOAL POST OR BEHIND POST (g) engages in misconduct; 17.11.1 Free Kicks - Shaking Goal Post or Behind Post (h) uses abusive, insulting, threatening or obscene language; or Unless Law 17.11.3 applies, a Free Kick shall be awarded against a Player (i) uses an obscene gesture. or Official who intentionally shakes a goal or behind post (either before 17.13 OFFICIALS or after a Player has disposed of the football). A Free Kick shall be awarded against an Official who: 17.11.2 Taking Free Kick (a) uses abusive, insulting, threatening or obscene language; The following shall apply to a Free Kick awarded under Law 17.11.1: (b) uses an obscene gesture; (a) If a Free Kick is awarded against a Player or Official of the Defending Team and a Goal is not scored, the Player from the Attacking Team (c) interferes with the football, an opposition Player, an Umpire or general play; or who was about to or who has Kicked for Goal, shall take the (d) is located within the Fifty Metre Arc during the time when a defensive Player Free Kick at the centre of the Goal Line. is preparing to bring or bringing the football back into play after a Behind is (b) If the Free Kick is awarded against a Player or Official of the Attacking scored, unless attending to an injured Player or making every endeavour to Team, the Player on the Defending Team who was nearest to the position vacate the area. from where the football will be or has been Kicked shall take the Free Kick

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18. FIFTY METRE PENALTY (d) once The Mark has been advanced, the field Umpire shall signal to the Timekeeper to re-start the clock used for the timing of the Match; 18.1 SPIRIT AND INTENTION (e) if any Player from the opposing Team impedes the Player with the football After a Mark or Free Kick has been awarded to a Player, a Fifty Metre Penalty will whilst The Mark is being advanced, a second Fifty Metre Penalty shall be be awarded against the opposing Team that unduly delays or impedes the play, imposed by the field Umpire after the initial 50 metre advancement; and or behaves in an unsportsmanlike manner. (f) the Player who is awarded the Fifty Metre Penalty may elect to Play On at any stage whilst The Mark is being advanced. 18.2 WHEN IMPOSED Where a field Umpire has awarded a Mark or Free Kick to a Player, the field Umpire 18.5 LOCAL CONDITIONS shall also award a Fifty Metre Penalty in favour of that Player if the field Umpire A Controlling Body may reduce the distance of a Fifty Metre Penalty to 25 metres is of the opinion that any Player or Official from the opposing Team: for the Matches played in the competition conducted by the Controlling Body. (a) has encroached The Mark; (b) when in the immediate contest, unreasonably holds a Player after 19. DISPOSAL AFTER MARK OR FREE KICK that Player has Marked the football or been awarded a Free Kick; (c) when not in the immediate contest, holds a Player after that Player 19.1 STANDING THE MARK AND THE PROTECTED AREA has Marked the football or been awarded a Free Kick; 19.1.1 Standing The Mark (d) enters or does not clear the Protected Area, except when the Player When a Player is awarded a Mark or Free Kick, one Player from the opposing is accompanying or following within two metres of their opponent; Team may: (e) has not returned the football directly and on the full to the Player (a) stand on The Mark; awarded the Mark or Free Kick; or (b) move along a lateral line without advancing beyond The Mark; or (f) engages in any other conduct for which a Free Kick would ordinarily be awarded. (c) otherwise be directed by a field Umpire. For the avoidance of doubt, all other Players from the opposing Team must 18.3 PREVENTING A PLAYER TAKING PART IN THE NEXT ACT OF PLAY be positioned behind The Mark or otherwise outside the Protected Area If a Player intentionally makes Prohibited Contact against an opposition Player defined in Law 19.1.2. who has disposed of the football for the purpose of preventing that Player from 19.1.2 Protected Area taking part in the next act of play, the field Umpire shall award a Free Kick and a Fifty Metre Penalty to that Player. (a) The Protected Area after a Player is awarded a Mark or Free Kick is a corridor which extends from 10 metres either side of The Mark 18.4 IMPOSING A FIFTY METRE PENALTY to 10 metres either side of, and five metre arc behind, the Player When the field Umpire imposes a Fifty Metre Penalty, the following procedure with the football, as illustrated in Diagram 4. shall apply: (b) No Player shall enter and remain in the Protected Area unless the (a) the field Umpire shall signal to the Timekeeper to stop the clock used field Umpire calls ‘Play On’ or the Player from the opposing Team for the timing of the Match; is accompanying or following within two metres of their opponent. Any Player caught in the Protected Area must make every endeavour (b) the field Umpire shall advance The Mark by 50 metres in a direct line to clear the Protected Area immediately. with the centre of the Goal Line; (c) if the Player who received the Fifty Metre Penalty is less than 50 metres from the Goal Line, The Mark shall become the centre of the Goal Line;

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19.4 DISPOSAL BY A DEFENDING PLAYER – WITHIN NINE METRES Where a Player from the Defending Team is awarded a Mark or Free Kick within 10 m 10 m Player with Player on the shaded area shown in Diagram 5: 5 m the football The Mark Line and direction of kick

10 m 10 m

DIAGRAM 4 Nine Metre Line

19.2 DISPOSAL FROM BEHIND THE MARK (a) A Player who has been awarded a Mark or Free Kick shall be directed by DIAGRAM 5 a field Umpire to dispose of the football within a reasonable time in a direct line from The Mark to the centre of their Goal Line. 19.4.1 Setting The Mark (b) If a Player does not dispose of the football within a reasonable time, A field Umpire will set The Mark where the Nine Metre Line intersects the direct or attempts to dispose of the football other than in a direct line over line between the location of the Mark or Free Kick and the centre of the Defending The Mark, the field Umpire shall call ‘Play On’ and the football shall Team’s Goal Line. immediately be in play. (c) This Law does not apply if a Player is disposing of the football from 19.4.2 Crossing the Goal Line or Behind Line beyond the Goal Line, Behind Line or Boundary Line, in which case (a) In the event the Player from the Defending Team crosses the Goal Line Law 19.3 or 19.4 shall apply. or Behind Line and then elects or is called to play on: (i) the Player must re-enter the Playing Surface by crossing the same 19.3 DISPOSAL FROM OUT OF BOUNDS Goal Line or Behind Line; and 19.3.1 Bringing the Football Back Into Play (ii) the Player must move in one direction off the line of The Mark (a) A Player who is awarded a Mark or Free Kick and attempts to bring in the process of re-entering the Playing Surface. the football back into play or is called to play on from beyond the (b) If the Player breaches 19.4.2(a)(i) or (ii), including being tackled, Boundary Line must bring the football back into play. a Behind shall be registered. (b) If a Player breaches 19.3.1(a), including being tackled, the football (c) If the Player, in disposing of the football, hits either the goal or behind post, shall be deemed Out of Bounds and a boundary throw-in shall the Player shall be given the football again to recommence play. result from the location of The Mark or Free Kick. 19.4.3 Crossing the Boundary Line 19.3.2 Moving in One Direction (a) In the event the Player from the Defending Team crosses the Boundary (a) A Player who is awarded a Mark or Free Kick may bring the football Line and elects to play on through the Goal Line or Behind Line, a boundary back into play from outside the Playing Surface beyond the Boundary throw-in shall result adjacent to the behind post. Line, provided that the Player moves in one direction off the line of (b) If the defending Player in disposing of the football, hits either the goal or The Mark in the process of re-entering the Playing Surface. behind post, a boundary throw-in shall result adjacent to the behind post. (b) If a Player breaches 19.3.2(a), the football shall be deemed Out of Bounds and a boundary throw-in shall result.

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19.5 KICKING FOR A GOAL 21. REPORTING PLAYERS AND OFFICIALS 19.5.1 Line of The Mark 21.1 OBLIGATION TO REPORT Where a Player from the Attacking Team is Kicking for a Goal after being awarded a Mark or a Free Kick, the Kick shall be taken along a direct line from The Mark to 21.1.1 To Controlling Body the centre of the Goal Line, except in the following cases: An Umpire shall report to the Controlling Body any Player or Official who (a) Where the Mark or Free Kick is awarded in or on a line of the Goal Square, commits or engages in conduct which may constitute a Reportable Offence: the Kick shall be taken from directly in front of the Goal Line from a spot (a) during a Match; or horizontally across from where the Mark or Free Kick was awarded. (b) on the day of the Match and Within the Immediate Proximity of the (b) Where the Kick will occur after the siren, the Player shall be entitled to Arena where the Match is conducted. approach The Mark from any direction, as long as the location of the Kick does not improve the angle to the goal posts. 21.1.2 Other Appointed Persons In addition to an Umpire, a Controlling Body may authorise a person or persons 19.5.2 Encroaching The Mark while a Player is Kicking for a Goal to report any Player or Official who commits or engages in conduct which may If the Player standing The Mark encroaches The Mark whilst a Player is in constitute a Reportable Offence. Any person so authorised shall have the same the act of Kicking for a Goal, the following shall apply: powers and duties as imposed upon an Umpire under this Law 21. (a) if a Goal is Kicked, the field Umpire shall signal ‘All Clear’ and a Goal shall be recorded; and 21.2 REPORTABLE OFFENCES (b) if a Goal is not Kicked, the Player may elect to take another Kick, 21.2.1 Degree of Intent – Clarification in which case the Player shall also be awarded a Fifty Metre Penalty. Where any of the Reportable Offences listed in Law 21.2.2 specify that conduct may be intentional or careless: 19.6 INJURY PREVENTING DISPOSAL (a) any report or notice of report which does not allege whether the conduct Where a Player is awarded a Mark or Free Kick and, in the opinion of the field was intentional or careless shall be deemed to and be read as alleging that Umpire, that Player is suffering from an injury which will prevent them from the conduct was either intentional or careless; and disposing of the football, the nearest Player from the same Team as the Player (b) the Tribunal or other body appointed to hear and determine the report awarded the Mark or Free Kick shall dispose of the football at the location may find the report proven if it is satisfied on the balance of probabilities (or as near as possible) where the Mark or Free Kick was awarded. that the conduct was either intentional or careless. 21.2.2 Specific Offences 20. ‘PLAY ON’ AND THE ADVANTAGE RULE Any of the following types of conduct is a Reportable Offence: 20.1 ‘PLAY ON’ (a) intentionally or carelessly; The football shall remain in play on each and every occasion when the field (i) striking another person; Umpire calls and signals ‘Play On’ or ‘Touched Play On’. (ii) kicking another person; (iii) kneeing another person; 20.2 THE ADVANTAGE RULE (iv) Charging an opponent; A field Umpire will call and signal ‘Advantage’ where a Team offended against demonstrates an intent to continue with play within a reasonable time. (v) engaging in Rough Conduct against an opponent; (vi) bumping or making forceful contact with an opponent from front-on when that Player has their head down over the football;

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(vii) head-butting or making contact with another person using the head; (aa) failing to leave the Playing Surface when directed to do so by an Umpire; (viii) making unreasonable or unnecessary contact with the eye region of (bb) wearing boots, jewellery and equipment prohibited under Law 9; or another person; (cc) engaging in any other act of misconduct or serious misconduct. (ix) making unreasonable or unnecessary contact with the face of another person; 21.3 REPORTING PROCEDURE (x) scratching another person; or 21.3.1 Reports During a Match (xi) tripping another person whether by hand, arm, foot or leg; (a) Where an Umpire reports a Player or Official during the course of a Match, (b) eye-gouging another person; the Umpire shall use their best endeavours to inform the Player or Official of the report: (c) stomping on another person; (i) at the time of the incident; (d) intentionally making contact with, or striking, an Umpire; (ii) before the commencement of the next quarter; or (e) attempting to strike an Umpire; (iii) where the incident occurs in the final quarter, after the completion (f) spitting on or at an Umpire; of the Match. (g) behaving in an abusive, insulting, threatening or obscene manner (b) The Umpire shall use their best endeavours to inform the person against towards or in relation to an Umpire; whom the Reportable Offence has been committed (if applicable). (h) using abusive, insulting or obscene language towards or in relation (c) An Umpire may inform the captain, acting captain or Official of a Team to an Umpire; of the report where it is impracticable to inform the Player or Official who (i) unreasonable or unnecessary contact with an Umpire; has been reported. (j) carelessly making contact with an Umpire; (d) Apart from informing a Player or Official of the report, an Umpire shall (k) disputing a decision of an Umpire; not speak with the reported Player or Official or any other Player or Official about the report which has been made. (l) spitting on or at another person; (m) attempting to strike another person; 21.3.2 Completing Notice of Report (n) attempting to kick another person; (a) During or after the completion of the Match, the Umpire shall complete a notice of report in the form prescribed by the Controlling Body. (o) attempting to trip another person whether by hand, arm, foot or leg; (b) The Controlling Body shall adopt rules which prescribe the procedures (p) making unreasonable or unnecessary contact with an injured Player; for the lodgement and notification of notices of report. (q) engaging in a Melee; (r) instigating a Melee; 21.4 SANCTIONS AND SUSPENSIONS (s) wrestling another person; 21.4.1 Controlling Body (t) pinching another person; (a) A Controlling Body shall hear and determine a report made against a Player or Official and if the report is proven, may impose such sanctions (u) engaging in an act of staging; (including suspension for any term or a monetary sanction), make such (v) using abusive, insulting, threatening or obscene language; orders and give such directions in each case as it, in its absolute discretion, (w) use of an obscene gesture; thinks fit. (x) engaging in Time Wasting; (b) A Controlling Body may prescribe set sanctions for Reportable Offences. (y) interfering with a Player Kicking for Goal; (z) intentionally shaking a goal or behind post;

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21.4.2 Delegation 22. ORDER OFF LAW A Controlling Body may delegate the power to investigate, hear and determine a report to a Tribunal or other similar body duly established and constituted in 22.1 APPLICATION accordance with the Controlling Body’s Constitution. This Law 22 applies to all competitions other than the AFL competition. 21.4.3 Rules 22.2 ORDER OFF REPORTABLE OFFENCES Each Controlling Body shall adopt Rules which prescribe the procedures for In addition to being reported, a field or emergency Umpire shall order the the hearing and determination of a report. Such Rules must prescribe that Player reported from the Playing Surface for the remainder of a Match if the person reported be given a reasonable opportunity to be heard. the Player is reported for any of the following Reportable Offences: 21.4.4 Effect of Suspension (a) intentionally striking, kicking, kneeing, stomping, eye-gouging or (a) Unless Law 21.4.4(d) or Law 21.4.4(e) applies, a Player or Official suspended head-butting another person; by a Controlling Body is, for the period of the suspension, or while the (b) intentionally striking or making contact with an Umpire; suspension remains unserved, prohibited from playing or participating in a Match conducted by the Controlling Body imposing the suspension and (c) attempting to strike or make contact with an Umpire; a Match conducted by any other Controlling Body. (d) using abusive, insulting, threatening or obscene language towards (b) Where a suspended Player or Official transfers from one Club to another or in relation to an Umpire; Club competing in the same or another competition, the Player or Official (e) behaving in an abusive, insulting, threatening or obscene manner shall complete the period of suspension with their new Club if that Club towards or in relation to an Umpire; competes in a competition conducted during the same period as the Club (f) spitting on another person; from which the Player has transferred. (g) an act of serious misconduct. (c) A Controlling Body may still require a Player or Official to complete any A Controlling Body may specify other Reportable Offences or conduct for which period of a suspension imposed by the Controlling Body, if the Player or a Player may be ordered from the Playing Surface for the remainder of the Match. Official returns to the competition conducted by the Controlling Body within 12 months of completing the suspension in another competition. 22.3 SECOND REPORTABLE OFFENCE This Law applies even though the Player or Official has completed the A Player reported on a second occasion by an Umpire for the same or any other suspension in another competition. Reportable Offence other than those listed in Law 22.2, shall, in addition to being (d) A Player or Official who has been suspended from playing or participating reported, be ordered from the Playing Surface for the remainder of the Match. in a competition conducted primarily between 31 March and 30 September may, upon obtaining the prior written approval of the Controlling Body who 22.4 REPLACING PLAYER imposed the suspension, play or participate in a competition conducted A Controlling Body may determine a period of time which must elapse before primarily between 1 October and 31 March. a Player ordered from the Playing Surface under Laws 22.2 or 22.3 can be (e) A Player or Official who has been suspended from playing or participating replaced by another Player. In the absence of a determination by a Controlling in a competition conducted primarily between 1 October and 31 March may, Body, a Player ordered from the Playing Surface under this Law shall not be upon obtaining the prior written approval of the Controlling Body who replaced by another Player. imposed the suspension, play or participate in a competition conducted primarily between 31 March and 1 October. 22.5 ORDER OFF FOR SPECIFIED PERIOD In addition to being reported on the first occasion for committing a Reportable Offence, other than those listed in Law 22.2, a Controlling Body may determine that a Player be ordered from the Playing Surface for such period as it in its absolute discretion deems fit.

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22.6 SIGNALLING AND PROCEDURE FOR ORDER OFF (c) upon receipt of the written report, the Controlling Body may in its absolute discretion: 22.6.1 Signal (a) A field Umpire shall, in addition to informing a Player that they are to (i) confirm the results of the Match; or immediately leave the Playing Surface, signal that the Player has been (ii) determine the Match forfeited by the Team with less than ordered off the Playing Surface by pointing to the Interchange Area. 14 Players, in which case Law 11.2 shall apply. (b) The field Umpire shall hold aloft a red card to signal that the Player has A Controlling Body may amend the minimum number of Players before been ordered off for the remainder of the Match or a yellow card to signify Law 22.7(a) applies in their absolute discretion, in the circumstances where both that the Player has been ordered off for a period of time as specified by Teams have less than 18 Players on the Playing Surface at the start of the Match. the Controlling Body. 22.6.2 Player to Leave Playing Surface 23. ACTIVE BLEEDING (a) A Player shall immediately leave the Playing Surface when ordered to do so by an Umpire under this Law 22. 23.1 DEFINITION (b) Where a Player refuses to or does not immediately leave the Playing In this Law 23, the term Active Bleeding means the existence of an injury Surface when ordered to do so by an Umpire, the following shall apply: or wound which continues to bleed. Active Bleeding does not include minor (i) in addition to being reported for the Reportable Offence which led to bleeding from a graze or scratch, which has abated and can be readily the Player being ordered from the Playing Surface, the Player shall be removed from a Player or any part of their uniform. reported for misconduct in failing to follow a direction of an Umpire; 23.2 PARTICIPATION IN MATCHES WHEN ACTIVELY BLEEDING (ii) the Match shall immediately end and the reported Player’s Team (a) Unless Law 23.7 applies: shall forfeit the Match; and (i) a Player must not remain on the Playing Surface whilst they (iii) Law 11.2 (Forfeiture of Match) shall apply to any Match are Actively Bleeding; and which is forfeited. (ii) a Club or Team must not allow any of its Players to remain 22.7 REDUCTION OF PLAYERS on the Playing Surface whilst the Player is Actively Bleeding. If a Team is reduced to less than 14 Players by reason of a Player(s) being (b) Unless immediate treatment needs to be given, having due regard ordered from the Playing Surface, the following shall apply: to a Player’s health and safety, a Club or Team must not allow any (a) the field Umpire may, in their absolute discretion, declare the Match Player who is Actively Bleeding to be treated on the Playing Surface. forfeited by the Team with less than 14 Players, in which case Law 11.2 23.3 ROLE OF UMPIRE (Forfeiture of Match) shall apply; or (b) if the Match continues, the field Umpire shall, as soon as practicable, 23.3.1 Role of Umpire lodge with the relevant Controlling Body a written report which contains: Where a field Umpire is of the opinion that a Player is Actively Bleeding, the field Umpire must stop play at the first available opportunity and: (i) the circumstances leading to the reduction of Players; (a) direct the Player to immediately leave the Playing Surface; and (ii) the scores of each Team at the time the field Umpire allowed the Match to continue; and (b) subject to Law 23.3.3, wait a reasonable period to allow the replacement Player to take up position before recommencing play. (iii) the final score of the Match; and

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23.3.2 Player to Follow Directions of Field Umpire 23.4 PROCEDURE WHEN PLAYER IS NOT ACTIVELY BLEEDING Where a Player is directed by a field Umpire to leave the Playing Surface because Where a field Umpire is of the opinion that a Player is not Actively Bleeding, but they are Actively Bleeding, the Player must leave the Playing Surface immediately the Player has blood on any part of their body or uniform, the following will apply: through the Interchange Area. The Player must not re-enter the Playing Surface (a) at the first available opportunity, the field Umpire must signal and direct or take any further part in any Match until: the Player to obtain treatment. After the signal is given, play will continue; (a) the cause of such bleeding has been abated; (b) the Player may remain on the Playing Surface after the signal is given by (b) the injury is securely bound to ensure that all blood is contained; the field Umpire, but must at the earliest opportunity: (c) any blood-stained article of uniform has been removed and replaced; and (i) in the case of blood being on any part of their uniform, have the (d) any blood on the Player has been thoroughly cleansed and removed. piece of uniform removed and replaced; and/or (ii) in the case of blood being on any part of their body, have the blood 23.3.3 Replacement Player removed and the cause of any bleeding (if any) treated and covered A Player directed to leave the Playing Surface may be replaced by another Player so that all blood is contained; listed on the Team Sheet. A replacement Player may enter the Playing Surface while the Player that they are replacing is leaving the Playing Surface. If a replacement (c) if after receiving treatment, the field Umpire is of the opinion that blood Player has not entered the Playing Surface by the time the directed Player has left is still appearing on any part of the Player’s body or uniform, the Player the Playing Surface, the field Umpire must recommence play immediately. will be deemed to be Actively Bleeding and Law 23.3 will apply. 23.3.4 Refusal to Leave the Playing Surface 23.5 VARIATION BY CONTROLLING BODY Where a Player refuses to or does not immediately leave the Playing Surface A Controlling Body may adopt its own rules to specify that Law 23.3 applies when directed to do so by a field Umpire, the following will apply: to all bleeding. (a) the field Umpire must warn the Player that a Free Kick will be awarded and 23.6 FAILURE TO OBEY DIRECTION that the Player may be reported if they do not leave the Playing Surface; (a) A Player’s refusal to promptly obey a direction of a field Umpire given (b) if the Player still refuses to leave the Playing Surface, the field Umpire under Law 23.3 or 23.4 is a Reportable Offence. must award a Free Kick to the Player of the opposing Team who is nearest to where the warning was given or where play was stopped, whichever is (b) Any fine, period of suspension or other sanction determined by a Tribunal the greatest penalty; or other body hearing the Reportable Offence shall be in addition to any sanction which may be imposed by a Controlling Body under Law 23.14. (c) if the Player continues to refuse to leave the Playing Surface: (i) the field Umpire shall report the Player for misconduct in 23.7 SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES AT THE END OF A QUARTER failing to follow a direction of an Umpire; A Player awarded a Mark or Free Kick may Kick the football after the field Umpire (ii) the Match will immediately end and be forfeited by the has signalled that play has come to an end, even though the Player is at that time reported Player’s Team; and Actively Bleeding. However, this Law is subject to Law 19.6 (Disposal Where the (iii) Law 11.2 (Forfeiture of Match) will apply to any Match Player Awarded a Mark or Free Kick is Injured). which is forfeited. 23.8 DELIBERATE SMEARING OF BLOOD Regardless of any other provision in these Laws, if a Player intentionally smears or otherwise causes blood to be placed on another Player’s body or uniform, the field Umpire must immediately stop play and allow that Player such time as is necessary to have the blood removed or item of uniform removed and replaced.

68 LAWS OF AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL 2019 LAWS OF AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL 2019 69 23.9 PROTECTIVE GLOVES Each Club or Team must ensure that any doctor, trainer or any other person treating Players of a Team wears protective gloves.

23.10 DISPOSAL OF BLOODIED CLOTHING AND OTHER MATERIAL Each Club or Team must ensure that: (a) any bloodied item of uniform or clothing of a Player is placed as soon as possible in a hygienic sealed container and laundered to ensure the removal of all blood; and (b) all towels, wipes, bandages, dressings and other materials used in the treatment of bleeding Players must be placed in a hygienic sealed container and discarded or destroyed in a hygienic manner.

23.11 DRESSING ROOMS Each Club or Team must ensure that all dressing rooms and other areas occupied by the Team prior to, during or immediately following the completion of any Match are kept clean and that no blood remains on any surface, equipment, hand basin, toilet, shower, bath or other area. All such surfaces, equipment and areas must be cleansed and disinfected immediately after contact with blood.

23.12 HYGIENE Each Club or Team must ensure that: (a) Players do not urinate (other than in a toilet) in or about any dressing rooms or on the Playing Surface prior to, during or immediately following the completion of any Match; and (b) each of its Players observe a high standard of personal hygiene.

23.13 TRAINERS Unless Law 23.4 applies, a trainer or other personnel responsible for the treatment of Players shall not provide treatment to a Player on the Playing Surface for any cut, abrasion or other injury involving the discharge of blood.

23.14 SANCTIONS – CONTROLLING BODY A Controlling Body may impose a sanction upon a Player, Club or Team for a breach of any obligation imposed under this Law 23.

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