2019 Football Operations Handbook
aflcanberra.com.au
Football Operations Coverpage.indd 1 29/03/2019 11:18:29 AM
2019 AFL CANBERRA OPERATIONS HANDBOOK
SECTION 1: (BLUE) AFL CANBERRA INFORMATION
SECTION 2: (WHITE) AFL CANBERRA COMPETITION BY-LAWS 2019
SECTION 3: (YELLOW) AFL NSW/ACT REGULATIONS 2019
SECTION 4: (LILAC) STATE & TERRITORY TRIBUNAL GUIDELINES
SECTION 5: (GREY) CONCUSSION RECOGNITION TOOL
SECTION 1
AFL Canberra Key Contacts 1 AFL Canberra Club Details 2 SportsTG Pulse Helpdesk 5 JLT Club Fees 5 JLT Insurance 5 2019 AFL NSW/ACT Licensed Suppliers 6
AFL CANBERRA KEY CONTACTS
Regional Manager Steven Mahar 0417 484 751 [email protected] ACT/Southern NSW
Community Garry Lawless 0400 866 370 [email protected] Football Manager
Football Operations Matt Irons 0404 381 027 [email protected] Manager
Football Operations Bek Clarke 0428 965 600 [email protected] Coordinator
Umpire Development Jake Bateman 0481 211 536 [email protected] Coordinator
Communications & Partnerships Sinead Pearson 0438 424 705 [email protected] Coordinator
Game Development Luke Martin 0413 249 983 [email protected] Manager
Talent & Coaching Cam Bernasconi 0424 313 430 [email protected] Program Manager
1 SECTION 1: AFL Canberra Information AFL CANBERRA SENIOR CLUB CONTACTS
ADFA/RMC RAMS FOOTBALL CLUB
Club Contact Mobile Katie Webb 0436 020 777
Email [email protected]
AINSLIE TRICOLOURS FOOTBALL CLUB
Club Contact Mobile Simon Holt 0423 060 061
Email [email protected]
ANU GRIFFINS FOOTBALL CLUB
Club Contact Mobile Caitlin Roy 0413 396 031
Email [email protected]
BATEMANS BAYS SEAHAWKS FOOTBALL CLUB
Club Contact Mobile Arlo Ireland 0415 581 675
Email [email protected]
BELCONNEN MAGPIES FOOTBALL CLUB
Club Contact Mobile Jack Harper 0459 922 138
Email [email protected]
COOTAMUNDRA BLUES FOOTBALL CLUB
Club Contact Mobile Todd Basham 0407 217 166
Email [email protected]
2 SECTION 1: AFL Canberra Information AFL CANBERRA SENIOR CLUB CONTACTS
EASTLAKE DEMONS FOOTBALL CLUB
Club Contact Mobile Jeff Roberts 0412 091 520
Email [email protected]
GOOGONG HOGS FOOTBALL CLUB
Club Contact Mobile Joel Percy 0412 618 465
Email [email protected]
GOULBURN SWANS FOOTBALL CLUB
Club Contact Mobile Dane Stevensen 0431 198 961
Email [email protected]
GUNGAHLIN JETS FOOTBALL CLUB
Club Contact Mobile Anthony Hambleton 0406 636 367
Email [email protected]
MARIST FOOTBALL CLUB
Club Contact Mobile Paul Palisi 0468 727 260
Email [email protected]
MOLONGLO JUGGERNAUTS FOOTBALL CLUB
Club Contact Mobile Jacob Dunne 0481 126 847
Email [email protected]
MURRUMBATEMAN EAGLES FOOTBALL CLUB
Club Contact Mobile Andrew Ingold 0423 572 683
Email [email protected]
3 SECTION 1: AFL Canberra Information
AFL CANBERRA SENIOR CLUB CONTACTS
QUEANBEYAN TIGERS FOOTBALL CLUB
Club Contact Mobile Adrian Pavese 0429 913 436
Email [email protected]
RIVERINA LIONS FOOTBALL CLUB
Club Contact Mobile Amy Coote 0424 140 822
Email [email protected]
SOUTHERN CATS FOOTBALL CLUB
Club Contact Mobile Brad Clarke 0412 889 841
Email [email protected]
TUGGERANONG HAWKS FOOTBALL CLUB
Club Contact Mobile Ray Ghirardello 0422 060 134
Email [email protected]
WODEN BLUES FOOTBALL CLUB
Club Contact Mobile Russell Fort 0404 271 379
Email [email protected]
YASS ROOS FOOTBALL CLUB
Club Contact Mobile Jenene Forlonge 0417 891 955
Email jenene@internode.on.net
4 SECTION 1: AFL Canberra Information
SPORTSTG PULSE HELPDESK
For any club administrator having issues with SportsTG please follow the process below: › Search SportsTG support webpage. There is a lot of information for clubs to find a solution to any problem - https://bit.ly/2XIayqE
› If you cannot find the information you require there is a support hotline – 1300 139 970
If you still have a problem, please contact AFL Canberra who may be able to assist. For any webinar information click on link below - There are several recorded webinars that clubs may find helpful - https://bit.ly/2EU4kg5
JLT CLUB FEES
JLT Insurance Premiums Senior - $1,410.00/team Women’s - $1,410.00/team Rising Star’s - $210.00/team
JLT INSURANCE
Insurance cover is provided by JLT Insurance and the clubs are required to register prior to each season commencing. Procedures are as follows: CLUB REGISTRATION (Required Annually) 1) Log on to www.jltsport.com.au/afl 2) Click on Club Registration 3) Complete Club Details 4) Complete Online Risk Management Training 5) Click on Risk Management 6) Obtain Certificate of Currency ***INSURANCE COVER IS NOT COMPLETE UNTIL CERTIFICATE OF CURRENCY IS OBTAINED***
COVER Once registered, clubs automatically receive the Silver Cover Clubs have the option to upgrade their cover, to do this: 1) Complete Upgrade acceptance form 2) Send payment for upgrade to JLT Insurance
CLAIMS To make a claim you have 3 options: 1) Phone 1800 640 009 2) Complete claim form online at www.jltsport.com.au/afl 3) Print claim form from www.jltsport.com.au/afl, complete and post to: Echelon Claims Services - GPO Box 1693, Adelaide 5001 with any medical accounts
ENQUIRIES All enquiries relating to the insurance cover is to be directed to JLT Sport on: Phone: 1300 130 373 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.jltsport.com.au/afl
5 SECTION 1: AFL Canberra Information 2019 AFL NSW/ACT LICENSED & APPROVED SUPPLIERS
• Football shorts • Football Shorts • Football Shorts • Football jumpers • Football jumpers • Football jumpers • Socks • Socks • Socks • Polo shirts • Polo shirts • Polo shirts • Singlets • Singlets • Singlets • Umpiring uniforms • Umpiring uniforms • Umpiring uniforms • Dress pants and shorts • Caps and hats • Dress pants and shorts • Caps and hats • Tracksuits • Caps and hats • Tracksuits • Bags • Tracksuits • Bags • Fleece Tops • Bags • Fleece Tops • Fleece Tops
Call: (02) 4040 9757 Website: www.aceit.com.au Call: (08) 8281 7155 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Website: www.s-trend.com.au Website: www.jssports.com.au
• Football Shorts • Football Shorts • Football Shorts • Football jumpers • Football jumpers • Football jumpers • Socks • Socks • Socks • Polo shirts • Polo shirts • Polo shirts • Singlets • Singlets • Singlets • Caps and hats • Umpiring uniforms • Tracksuits • Caps and hats Call: (02) 8324 0244 • Bags • Tracksuits Email: [email protected] • Bags Website: http://www.iscsport.com/ • Fleece Tops
Call: (03) 9325 1766 Call: (03) 9544 0199 Email: Website: www.xblades.com.au/ [email protected] http://www.sherwoodsportswear.com.au/
6 SECTION 1: AFL Canberra Information 2019 AFL NSW/ACT LICENSED & APPROVED SUPPLIERS
• Logo Footballs • Logo Footballs • Goal Posts • KB Footballs • KB Footballs
• Official Match Footballs • Official Match Footballs • Synthetic Footballs • Synthetic Footballs
Leah Fitzgerald Leah Fitzgerald Website: www.pilagroup.com.au Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Website: Website: http://aflnswact.com.au/community- http://aflnswact.com.au/community- football/football-order-form/ football/football-order-form/
• Training Footballs ONLY • Sports drinks • Line marking machines • Coaching boards • Non-alcoholic drinks • Line marking liquid • Fitness training aids • Line marking accessories • Weights/Stretch Mats Website: www.schweppesaustralia.com.au/ • Officiating resources Website: http://www.superturf.com.au/ • Drink bottles • Goal post/ padding • Cooling Vests • Field marking equipment • Bump bags, tackle suits etc
Murray Davis – Sales / Teamwear Manager - 0439 388 652 Email: [email protected] Website: www.hartsport.comau
• Compression Garments • Provide a healthy environment for juniors and club members • Free resources, online training and support
• Strengthen grant and sponsorship opportunities • Generate community support and respect Website: www.2xu.com Website: http://www.rightstuff.health.nsw.gov.au
7 SECTION 1: AFL Canberra Information
AFL CANBERRA
BY-LAWS 2019
FOR AFL NSW/ ACT MANAGED LEAGUES 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Topic Sub Topic Rule INTRODUCTION DEFINITIONS 1. AFL NSW/ACT REGULATIONS 2. CLUB AFFILIATION Attendance at Meetings 3.1 3. COMPETITION Interpretation of the By-Laws 3.2 MANAGEMENT Amendments 3.3 Compliance 3.4 Alcohol Policy 4.1 Kick in Rule 4.2 4. LAWS OF THE GAME AND 50 Metre penalties 4.3 POLICIES Loss of Points 4.4 Conduct of Matches - Juniors 4.5 Traditional playing positions and Centre Bounce – Senior 4.6 Men’s and Senior Women’s Competitions Ruck Contests (Prior Opportunity) 4.7 Season 5.1 Season Fixture 5.2 5. COMPETITIONS Ladder 5.3 Match Wins 5.4 Forfeits 5.5 Results of Matches 5.6 Other Matches 5.7 6. REPRESENTATIVE Participation 6.1 FOOTBALL Venue Selection 6.2 Offences in Interleague Matches 6.3 Changes to Club Names and Logos 7.1 7. UNIFORMS AND LOGO Uniform Design 7.2 REGULATIONS Jumper Numbers 7.3 Uniform Clashes 7.4 AFL NSW/ACT & Club Approved Suppliers 7.5 Sponsors Logos /Approved Suppliers 7.6 8. TEAMS 8 Number of Players – Senior Men’s Competition 9.1 9. PLAYER NUMBERS Minimum Number of Players – Senior Competitions 9.2 Number of Players – Senior Women’s Competition 9.3 Number of Player’s – Junior & Youth Competitions 9.4 Finals Structure 10.1 Venue Selection 10.2 Match Duration 10.3 Match Conditions 10.4 10. FINALS Drawn Finals 10.5 Emergency Umpires 10.6 Player eligibility 10.7
March 2019 – AFL Canberra 3
Provision of Officials 10.8 Catering and Gate Receipt Rights 10.9 Match Day Paperwork 11.1 Team Sheet 11.2 Identification Checks 11.3 Match Times 11.4 Match Duration 11.5 Incomplete Match 11.6 Sirens 11.7 11. MATCH DAY Extreme Weather 11.8 REQUIREMENTS Wet Weather Procedures 11.9 Ground Marking 11.10 Goal Post Pads 11.11 Scoreboard 11.12 Change Rooms 11.13 Timekeeping Facilities 11.14 Coaches 12.1 Ground Manager 12.2 Team Managers 12.3 Team Runners 12.4 12. CLUB MATCH Trainers, Other Medical Staff and Water Carriers 12.5 RESPONSIBILITIES Umpires Escort 12.6 Timekeepers 12.7 Officials on the Bench 12.8 Injury Treatment 12.9 Concussion 12.10 Match Day Safety Check 12.11 Appointments 13.1 Availability 13.2 Umpire Requirements 13.3 Field and Goal Umpire Numbers 13.4 Umpire Fees 13.5 13. UMPIRES Payment of Umpires 13.6 Umpire Match Report 13.7 Club Report on Umpires 13.8 Minimum Umpire Age 13.9 Club Umpires 13.10 Reporting of Players and Officials 13.11 Approaching Umpires 13.12 Prescribed Penalties 14.1 Code of Conduct 14.2 Power to Investigate 14.3 Co-operation 14.4 14. CONDUCT AND Failure to Co-operate 14.5 DISCIPLINARY Interpretation 14.6 PROCEDURES Power to Report 14.7 Citings of Clubs 14.8 Appointment and Role of Tribunals 14.9
March 2019 – AFL Canberra 4
Tribunal Hearings 14.10 Report of Junior Players 14.11 Player and Official De-Registration 14.12 Club Websites 14.13 Media / Statements 14.14 Yellow Cards 15.1 15. ORDER OFF RULE Red Cards 15.2 Recording of Send-Off’ 15.3 16. APPEALS Fees 17.1 Fines 17.2 17. FINANCE Outstanding Accounts 17.3 Dishonoured Cheques 17.4 Club Finances 17.5 Insurance 17.6 18. ELECTRONIC & OTHER IMAGES 19. AWARDS 20. GENERAL Resolution of Disputes Within Clubs 20.1 League Colours 20.2 Matters not Provided For 20.3
Appendix “A” Prescribed Penalty System for Reported Player Appendix “B” Incident Referral Form Appendix “C” Recording of Images Appendix “D” Player Points System Policy (If applicable) Appendix “E” Player Payment Rules (if applicable)
Attachment A – AFL Canberra Club Application & Participation Agreement
Attachment B – Interchange of Players between AFL Canberra Clubs
Attachment C – Match Day Agreement between AFL Canberra and Sapphire Coast AFL
Attachment D – Match Day Agreement between AFL Canberra and South Coast AFL
Attachment E – Player Eligibility in Finals
Attachment G – Specific Competitions
Attachment H – AFL Canberra Awards
Attachment I – AFL Canberra Development Compensation Levy
Attachment J – Finals Hosting Responsibilities
Attachment K – Competition Details
Attachment L – AFL Canberra Membership
Attachment M – Melee Matrix
Attachment N - Player Loyalty and Pathway Policy
March 2019 – AFL Canberra 5
Introduction
The following By-Laws have been made by AFL Canberra pursuant to its role to administer Australian Football Competitions in the ACT.
Definitions
All capitalised terms not defined in these By-Laws have the same meaning as in the Regulations.
In these By-Laws, unless the context requires otherwise, the following terms shall have the following meaning.
Host Club means the first named Club or Team in the official Season Fixture, but not always the venue of the first named Club (i.e. the Host Club), even when the Match is transferred to another venue.
Junior means a Player in the nine (9) to twelve (12) years age bracket, or Competition covering this age bracket.
Match means an official match in a Competition conducted by the League.
Regional Variation means a change or inclusion to the By-Laws of the Competition as provided for under By-Law 3.3 (A).
Season Fixture means the official schedule of matches in a Competition as determined by the League prior to the commencement of a season.
Senior means a Player over the age of eighteen (18) years, or Player participating in a Competition conducted for players in this age bracket.
Team means a Club’s team participating in a Match in a Competition conducted by the League.
Team Sheet means the list of Players and Officials in Footyweb as required, to participate in a Match.
Youth means a player in the thirteen (13) to eighteen (18) years age bracket, or Player participating in a Competition covering this age bracket.
Interpretation
In the interpretation of these By-Laws, unless the context requires otherwise:
(a) words importing the singular shall be deemed to include the plural and vice versa; (b) words importing any gender shall be deemed to include the other gender; (c) headings are included for convenience only and shall not affect the interpretation of these By-Laws; (d) “including” and similar words are not words of limitation; (e) any words, terms or phrases defined in the remainder of these By- Laws shall have the meaning prescribed within the By-Laws; and words, terms or phrases not otherwise defined in these regulations shall be given their ordinary meaning
March 2019 – AFL Canberra 6
BY-LAWS
1. AFL NSW/ACT REGULATIONS
(A) All Leagues, Clubs, Players and Officials must comply with the Regulations.
(B) In the event of any inconsistency between the Regulations and these By-Laws, the Regulations will prevail.
(C) AFL NSW/ACT may suspend any By-Law from operation. Any such suspension shall be advised to Leagues and Clubs in writing and shall remain in force until AFL NSW/ACT determines otherwise.
2. CLUB AFFILIATION
(A) All Clubs must affiliate with the League in the form and on such conditions as determined by the League and AFL NSW/ACT from time to time.
(B) Affiliation is granted to a Club by the League on an annual basis.
(C) To be affiliated with the League, a Club must lodge an application for affiliation or participation, along with any prescribed fee (which may also include, in addition to or in lieu of a prescribed affiliation fee, the lodgement of a bond) to the Competition Management Committee and have its application for affiliation or participation approved by the Competition Management Committee.
(D) The Club affiliation form and the amount of any affiliation fee, or the terms of any bond, are to be prescribed by the Competition Management Committee from time to time.
(E) The Competition Management Committee may:
(i) approve a Club’s affiliation application;
(ii) approve the Club’s affiliation application on terms and conditions as it reasonably requires;
(iii) approve the Club’s affiliation application with a request for further or additional information, or amend or revise the application;
(iv) refuse to grant the Club’s affiliation application; or
(v) defer same.
(F) In determining whether to grant a Club’s affiliation application or in making any decision pursuant to By-Law 2(E), the Competition Management Committee shall take into account:
(i) the Club’s structure, governance and administration, including succession plans and long-term planning and development;
(ii) the promotion of AFL by the Club and its contribution to the ongoing development of Australian Football;
(iii) the financial health of the Club;
(iv) the behavioural and conduct history of the Club, its Teams, Players, Officials, volunteers and spectators, and the Club’s relationships with other Clubs and
March 2019 – AFL Canberra 7
the League;
(v) any other matter that the Competition Management Committee deems appropriate.
(G) In accordance with the Club Participation Agreement, the Competition Management Committee may with prior approval from AFL NSW/ ACT, terminate the Club Participation Agreement at any time after each football season by giving 3 month’s written notice to the Club. No reasons are required to be provided by the Competition Management Committee. The Club acknowledges and agrees that the Club Participation Agreement does not create a right or expectation of continued participation in any particular Competitions or any future competition/s administered by AFL NSW/ACT.
(H) Notwithstanding the above, immediately upon notice where:
a. the Club unreasonably fails to duly and promptly comply with its Obligation in the Club Participation Agreement;
b. if the Club or any of its officers, players, official or volunteers does or permits to be done any act or thing which reflects unfavourably upon the reputation, standing or goodwill of the League or the game of Australian Football or engages in any unbecoming conduct or conduct which is prejudicial or likely to be prejudicial to the interests of the League, the AFL or the playing of Australian Football;
c. any event occurs which in the opinion of the League or AFL NSW/ACT materially and prejudicially affects the financial position of the Club or the ability of the Club to duly and promptly observe and perform any of its obligations under this Agreement;
d. the League is of the opinion that the Club is otherwise unable to pay its debts as and when they fall due;
e. the League is of the opinion that the Club is unable to field a team(s) in a Competition administered by AFL NSW/ACT;
f. the Club threatens to or ceases to carry on all or part of its operations or disposes of the whole or any substantial part of its assets.
3. COMPETITION MANAGEMENT
The Competition Management Committee controls the day-to-day operation of the League’s Competitions.
3.1 Attendance at Meetings
The League will determine the number of representatives required in attendance at League meetings for which notice is to be properly given.
3.2 Interpretation of the By-Laws
Where there is a dispute with respect to the interpretation of these By-Laws, the opinion of the Competition Management Committee will prevail and will be final.
March 2019 – AFL Canberra 8
3.3 Amendments to By-Laws
(A) Regional variations to these By-Laws may be agreed by the League on the recommendation of the Competition Management Committee in consultation with the Clubs.
Regional Law: 3.3 (A) Where the Regional Law differs from the Generic Law, the Regional Law shall be the Law that is applied.
3.4 Compliance
(A) All Clubs are required to comply with all legal (including statutory) and other provisions and requirements governing their operations, including but not limited to the regulation of their operations and child protection.
(B) Whilst AFL NSW/ACT and the League will provide information, guidance and assistance to Clubs where it is able on issues affecting their governance and operations, the responsibility to ensure compliance with all legal (including statutory) and other provisions and requirements affecting their operations lies with each Club.
4. LAWS OF THE GAME AND POLICIES
(A) Except where otherwise noted in these By-Laws, Matches shall be played under the Laws of the Game as prescribed by the AFL from time to time.
(B) Use of gloves by Players in junior Competitions is prohibited for development purposes. The field umpire may permit or allow the use of a glove(s) by a junior Player in a Match under exceptional circumstances, such as injury.
Regional Law: 4. (B) Gloves Players are discouraged from wearing gloves for development purposes; however, they are permitted to wear approved gloves
(C) No Player shall be permitted to play in a Match wearing apparel or protective equipment which may cause injury to himself/herself or other Players. The field umpires may at their discretion inspect Players’ equipment either before or at any time during the Match.
(D) Undergarments in junior Matches, such as Lycra shorts, must be beige. Full length undergarments (items other than the playing jumper or shorts) may only be worn with the prior approval of the League. Short sleeved or sleeveless undergarments are acceptable.
(E) All Clubs, Players and Officials agree to comply with AFL, AFL NSW/ACT and League By-Laws and Regulations including:
a. the Laws of the Game; b. the National Player Registration and Transfer Regulations; c. the National Member Protection Policy; d. the National Extreme Weather Policy; e. the National Vilification and Discrimination Policy; f. the National Gambling Policy; g. the National Player and Official Deregistration Policy; h. the Anti-Doping Policy; i. the Sports Trainers in Community Australian Football Policy;
March 2019 – AFL Canberra 9
j. the Working with Children Policy; k. the AFL NSW/ACT Statement on Electronic Communications; l. the National Age Dispensation Policy – NSW/ACT; m. the State & Territory Tribunal Guidelines NSW/ACT; n. the National Disciplinary Tribunal Guidelines o. the AFL NSW/ACT Regulations; p. the AFL NSW/ACT Code of Conduct; q. the AFL NSW/ACT Code of Practice for infectious diseases; r. these By-Laws. s. National Coaching Accreditation Policy
Regional Law: Refer to Attachment N for Player Loyalty and Pathway Policy
Refer to Attachment I for AFL Canberra Development Compensation Levy
(F) To the extent that these By-Laws are inconsistent with any AFL or AFL NSW/ACT regulation, rule or policy, the AFL or AFL NSW/ACT regulation or policy will prevail to the extent of that inconsistency.
4.1 Alcohol Policy
(A) Alcohol is permitted to be sold at a League venue by the Host Club. In such cases the Host Club must have the appropriate liquor licence issued by the relevant authority and consent, if required, of the local council.
(B) Alcohol is not permitted to be brought into any League venue.
(C) Each Club is required to ensure that its members and spectators abide by this By- Law. Should a Host Club find that alcohol has been brought to the venue they must report the matter to the League and advise an Official of the offending member’s or spectator’s Club, who in turn shall take the necessary action.
(D) Should the Club fail to act, or the Club members or spectators fail to adhere to the Official’s request, the Club will be deemed to be in breach of the Code of Conduct.
(E) Alcohol is not permitted to be taken onto the field of play at any time during the course of a Match. Clubs are required to fix notices to the boundary fence or elsewhere if there is no boundary fence, advising that alcohol is not to be taken onto the field of play.
(F) Alcohol is not to be consumed by a Club Official either before or whilst they are fulfilling an official Match day role (e.g. timekeeping, ground manager, umpire escort, umpire etc.).
(G) In accordance with the Australian Football Match Policy, alcohol is prohibited during junior Matches. Where both Senior and Junior Matches are played on the same day at the same venue, League Policy will apply.
(H) Alcohol is only to be consumed in areas specifically provided for in the Host Club’s liquor licence which must be clearly marked.
4.2 Kick-In Rule
The same football used to score the behind must be utilised for the resultant kick-in, unless otherwise instructed by the field umpire.
March 2019 – AFL Canberra 10
4.3 50 Metre Penalties
A free kick or a 50-metre penalty may be awarded against a Team if a Player, Official or clearly identifiable supporter of a Team:
(A) uses abusive, insulting, threatening or obscene language towards an Umpire;
(B) behaves in an abusive, insulting, threatening or obscene manner towards an Umpire;
(C) intentionally, recklessly or negligently engages in conduct which affects, interferes with or prevents an Umpire from performing his or her duties; or
(D) in cases where boundary fencing is not in place, the field umpire may require spectators to provide more space beyond the boundary and may refrain from recommencing the Match until the request is complied with.
(E) Players may not play on during the advancement of any 50 metre Penalty and must wait until the field Umpire signals time back on (variation from 2019 Laws of the Game).
4.4 Loss of Points
(A) Where a Team is determined as losing a Match as a result of a breach of the Regulations or these By-Laws, the Competition points or ‘win’ for the Match concerned will be credited to the opposing Team.
(B) Points scored for and against each Team and goals kicked by Players remain unchanged
4.5 Conduct of Matches – Juniors
All junior & youth Matches will be conducted according to the principles outlined in the Australian Football Match Policy unless otherwise approved by AFL NSW/ACT.
4.6 Traditional playing positions at Centre Bounce – Senior Men’s and Senior Women’s Competitions
(A) Players must start in traditional playing positions at centre bounces.
(B) Each Team must have Players starting inside both 50 metre arcs, with one player inside the goal square
(C) Based on a Team’s on-field playing numbers, the number of Players in each area of the field will be as follows:
18 per Team = 6/6/6 (6 forwards/ 6 centres (max 4 in centre square)/ 6 backs) 17 per Team = 6/5/6 (6 forwards/ 5 centres (max 4 in centre square)/ 6 backs) 16 per Team = 5/6/5 (5 forwards/ 6 centres (max 4 in centre square)/ 5 backs) 15 per Team = 5/5/5 (5 forwards/ 5 centre (max 4 in centre square)/ 5 backs) 14 per Team = 5/4/5 (5 forwards/ 4 centres/ 5 backs)
March 2019 – AFL Canberra 11
4.7 Ruck Contests (Prior Opportunity)
The Law in the Laws of the Game relating to “Ruck Contests (Prior Opportunity) does not apply for youth and junior Football
Regional Law: 4.7 Competition Rules Alignment
Please see below breakdown of which grades will adopt which rule adaptions. Refer to the 2019 Rule Changes NSW/ACT Community Football
• Senior Men`s – 1st Grade Men’s, 2nd Grade Men’s, Rising Stars Men’s, 3rd Grade Men’s, 4th Grade Men’s
• Senior Women`s – 1st Grade Women’s, 2nd Grade Women’s
• Youth/Juniors – U11, U12, U13, U14, U15, U17, Youth Girls U12, Youth Girls U15, Rising Stars Women’s
5. COMPETITIONS
5.1 Season
The football season for Leagues will commence and conclude on the dates prescribed by the Competition Management Committee.
5.2 Season Fixture
The League will prepare Season Fixture for each grade of Competition for distribution to Clubs prior to the start of the season.
Regional Law: Refer to Attachment K for Competition Details.
(A) Other than in exceptional circumstances as determined by the League, the Season Fixture will not be varied once the season has commenced.
(B) Where a Season Fixture is prepared for a divisional structure, any byes, where possible, should be in the lower division.
Regional Law: 5.1 (B) Football Operations will have the final say on fixtures.
(C) Where the League does regrade a Team(s) after the commencement of a Competition, the Match Ratio (wins and losses) are included in the regraded Competition.
(D) Each Competition Season Fixture will consist of a series of home and away Matches followed by a finals series of Matches.
Regional Law: 5.1 (D) Each competition fixture draw shall consist of a series of home and away premiership matches followed by a finals series, with the exception of Non-Competitive Age Groups who will not participate in a finals series
March 2019 – AFL Canberra 12
5.3 Ladder
A premiership ladder for each Competition shall be maintained in Footyweb throughout the duration of the home and away season as determined by the Competition Management Committee.
Regional Law: 5.3 All AFL Canberra Competitions will be based on the “Winning Percentage” Ladder.
5.4 Match wins
(A) In home and away round Matches:
a. Match ratio will be used as the method of determining ladder position; b. Match ratio is determined by dividing the number of wins by the number of Matches played; c. In the case of a draw, this is determined as half (0.5) of a win and this calculation is used when determining Match ratio; d. If a scheduled round of Matches is not played, the Club with the bye in that round does not receive a Match win; e. Where more than one Team has the same Match ratio, Clubs will be positioned on the ladder in order of percentages calculated from the points scored for and against.
5.5 Forfeits
(A) Any Club unable to play a Match for which it is scheduled is to advise the opposing Club and the League no later than midday the day prior to the Match or as otherwise prescribed by the League. The Match will be treated as a forfeit and provided an explanation is furnished to the League to its reasonable satisfaction, no sanction or penalty other than those specified in this By-Law will be imposed.
(B) If there is a forfeit the Host Club must inform the Competition Management Committee as soon as reasonably practical.
Regional Law: 5.5 (B) Any club unable to play a match for which it is drawn is to advise the opposing Club and the League no later than 10am on the Friday prior to the match concerned.
(C) Should a Club forfeit a Match without the required notice, a fine of up to $1,000.00 may be imposed at the absolute discretion of the Competition Management Committee.
Regional Law: 5.5 (C) Fines for Forfeits Should a senior club forfeit a match it is scheduled to play, a $500 fine shall be imposed on them. Depending on the circumstances of the forfeit, a further penalty may be applied by the Administration Committee.
Should a junior club forfeit a match it is scheduled to play, a $50 fine shall imposed on them. Depending on the circumstances of the forfeit, a further penalty may be applied.
For any forfeit called and due to the timing financial costs cannot be recovered i.e. ACT Sportsgrounds costs, the Club that forfeited will be responsible for costs that can be substantiated.
March 2019 – AFL Canberra 13
For forfeits, the Club that was forfeited to (received forfeit) can invoice the Club directly that forfeited the relevant costs. The Clubs are expected to liaise with each other to agree on costs prior to creation of an invoice.
(D) Where the League is unable to advise the appointed Umpires prior to such Umpires attending a forfeited Match, the League will pay the Umpires any Match fees or expenses and the forfeiting Club will be invoiced for the full amount.
(E) Subject to By-Law 5.5 (D), if for any reason a Team is not ready to commence play 20 minutes after the scheduled commencement time for a Match, the opposing Club may claim the Match as a forfeit to be determined by the Competition Management Committee.
(F) All Clubs must field a senior grade Team in the home and away Competition unless otherwise agreed by the Competition Management Committee. Should a Club play in a reserve grade fixture and subsequently forfeit their senior grade Match in the same round, that Club will not be awarded any points for the reserve grade Match and will be liable to disciplinary sanctions as the Competition Management Committee may determine in its absolute discretion.
Regional Law: 5.5 (F) Clubs must field a team in the highest grade they have entered i.e. Senior Club – First Grade and Community Club – Third Grade. If this does not occur, a forfeit shall be recorded against all corresponding grades i.e. would be a forfeit in First and Second Grade (Senior Club) and Third Grade and Fourth Grade (Community Club)
(G) A Club’s Team shall forfeit a Match if it is unable or fails, refuses or neglects to complete a Match already commenced.
(H) For Matches where there is a forfeit, only the non-forfeiting Club may enter a Team into Footyweb.
(I) In the event of a forfeit, the result of the Match will be determined as follows:
a. Juniors / Youth Competitions: In the case of a forfeit win, or where ineligible Players have been played, the forfeiting or ineligible Club’s Team will be awarded zero (0) points for and sixty (60) points against. The non-forfeiting or eligible Club’s Team will be awarded sixty (60) points for and zero (0) points against.
b. Senior Competitions (under 19’s and over): a one hundred and twenty (120) to nil (0) point win to the Club’s Team who did not forfeit the Match.
Regional Law: 5.5 (I) (i) Ladder impact from forfeits Where a forfeit occurs, the team receiving the forfeit shall: * Receive four match points * Have their points for increased by the average of the points scored by the winners of the other matches in that round in that division * Have no points added to their points against The forfeiting team shall: * Receive no match points * Have no points added to their points for *Have their points against increased by 200 points
March 2019 – AFL Canberra 14
Regional Law: 5.5 (I) (ii) Ladder impact from forfeits If a team forfeits three home and away matches in a season, the Administration Committee shall consider the issue and determine the continued participation of the club and team in the respective competition. The Administration Committee can decide to withdraw the team from the competition following their forfeits
(J) Competition Ladders will be adjusted accordingly by the League.
5.6 Results of Matches
Results of matches will be determined by the League in accordance with the Laws of the Game in its absolute discretion.
5.7 Other Matches
(A) No Club shall arrange or play in any match other than matches outlined in the Season Fixture schedule without the prior approval of the Competition Management Committee.
Regional Law: 5.6 (i) Divisions – Juniors Where team numbers and/or team ability warrant, separate Divisions may be set up within an Age Group competition to determine the premiership for that season.
5.6 (ii) Teams in the Same Age Group – Juniors In the event that a club has more than one team in an age group, players need to be allocated to a specific team for the entire year and be notified to Football Operations for public display.
5.6 (iii) Movement of Players (Special Conditions) – Juniors In special circumstances, clubs can submit an application to Football Operations to request a player from one team to be made eligible to play for the other team in the same Age Group.
In cases where one team does not have enough players to field a team, clubs are first encouraged to promote players from a lower Age Group to play in their higher division before submitting an application.
If Football Operations deem that you have not made a significant attempt to promote younger players, your application will be denied.
(B) By-Law 5.7 (A) does not apply to any pre-season trial or practice match.
6. REPRESENTATIVE FOOTBALL
6.1 Participation
(A) Competition representative Teams shall participate in inter-league Matches as directed by the League and sanctioned by AFL NSW/ACT from time to time.
(B) The League shall have first call on the services of all Players for its representative Matches and representative training sessions. Any Player who does not make himself/herself available or declines selection for such training sessions and Matches, without the written approval of the Competition Management Committee, may automatically be suspended for the next two (2) Matches in which the Player’s Club is participating immediately subsequent to the representative Match concerned.
March 2019 – AFL Canberra 15
Regional Law: 6.1 (B) any club which does not allow or discourages players from participating in training sessions and matches, may be subject to sanctions, including loss of premiership points subsequent to the representative match concerned, or fines up to the value of $1000.
(C) Any Player who declares himself/herself unavailable because of injury or illness must make themselves available for a medical examination by a medical practitioner of the League's choice.
(D) Any Player who fails to attend a scheduled representative training session of which he/she has been properly notified must tender an explanation to the Competition Management Committee. If in the opinion of the Competition Management Committee the Player's explanation is unacceptable, such Player may be dealt with as the League thinks fit.
(E) Except in exceptional circumstances as approved by the Competition Management Committee, Players selected in a representative Team will not be permitted to play with their Club on the same weekend of the representative Match concerned. Any Player who takes part in a Match in violation of this By-Law shall be liable for further disqualification. The Team with which the Player participates for may lose any Competition points gained and his/her Club may be fined up to two hundred and fifty dollars ($250).
6.2 Venue Selection
(A) Where the League schedules a representative Match to be played, the Competition Management Committee shall select a venue taking into consideration the standard of playing surface and facilities, ground hire costs and the ability to charge admission.
(B) The League may allocate catering rights to the Host Club or any other Club which is prepared to undertake all ground management duties for the Representative Match. Any gate takings will be used by the League to offset staging costs.
6.3 Offences in Interleague Matches
Player Reports in an inter-league/ representative Match or in a Match between clubs of different leagues will be dealt with as provided for in Regulation 11 of the AFL NSW/ACT Regulations.
7. UNIFORM AND LOGO REGULATIONS
7.1 Changes to Club Names and Logos
The process relating to the approval of Club names and logos including any changes to Club names and logos is governed by the AFL NSW/ACT Regulations.
7.2 Uniform Design
(A) New Clubs are required to submit complete details of the proposed colour and design of its uniform to the Competition Management Committee for approval. Once approved, such Club has exclusive rights to its uniform design.
(B) Existing Clubs must submit details of any proposed variation of their uniforms design for prior written approval of the Competition Management Committee.
March 2019 – AFL Canberra 16
Regional Law: 7.2 (B) Uniform Designs Electronic copies of uniform designs should be submitted to Football Operations prior to the commencement of the season.
7.3 Jumper Numbers
(A) Players of each Team must play in their Club uniform as registered with the League and wear numbers on the back of their jumpers corresponding to the numbers shown on the Club’s Team Sheet.
(B) All numbers must be whole numbers between 1 and 99 inclusive and recognisable from one hundred (100) metres. No Players from the same Team are permitted to wear the same number in a Match.
(C) Numbers must be between 20cm and 28cm in height and in plain font.
7.4 Uniform Clashes
(A) To avoid clashes of uniforms in Matches, the following provisions will apply:
a. The Host Team shall play in dark coloured shorts (e.g. black, dark-brown, blue, green etc.) whilst the away Club’s Team will play in white shorts; and
b. Where the Host Club plays in white shorts, the away Team may play in any colour shorts, other than white.
c. Where Teams play in uniforms that are similar in design or colour as determined by the Competition Management Committee, the away Club’s Team must wear a clash jumper as approved by the Competition Management Committee.
7.5 AFL NSW/ACT and Club Approved Suppliers
AFL NSW/ACT approved suppliers are licensed and authorised as the only suppliers to use the AFL NSW/ACT logo in accordance with Regulation 14 of the AFLNSW/ACT Regulations.
7.6 Sponsor's Logos / Approved Suppliers
(A) Sponsor’s logo may be worn on the Players’ jumpers as approved by the Competition Management Committee in its ultimate discretion.
(B) Jumpers worn by Clubs must have the AFL NSW/ACT logo on the right breast and must not exceed 8cm x 8cm in size.
(C) Jumpers worn by Clubs may have the League or club logo on the left breast and must not to exceed 8cm x 8cm in size.
(D) Sponsor’s logo may only be worn on shorts if approved by the Competition Management Committee in its absolute discretion and provided:
a. The logo does not exceed 39cm2 with a maximum width of 7cm; and
b. The logo is placed on the front of the right leg.
March 2019 – AFL Canberra 17
(E) The Competition Management Committee will consider any other proposals for the display of Club or sponsors logos on Player’s uniforms.
Regional Law: 7.6 (D) (i) ActewAGL Logo All Junior Clubs should have the ActewAGL logo on their players shorts.
7.6 (D) (ii) Player Shorts For AFL Canberra First Grade, Second Grade, Women’s First Grade and Rising Stars players are required to wear white club playing shorts for their away games.
During Finals, the club that is ranked the lowest shall be the away team and be required to wear white playing shorts.
Football Operations may vary this Law from time to time, as required.
8. TEAMS
The requirements on Team nominations and the provisions for divisionalisation, joint ventures or Club alliances (if applicable) will be determined by the League in its absolute discretion.
9. PLAYER NUMBERS
9.1 Number of players – Senior Men’s Competitions
(A) The maximum number of Players that can be listed on the Team Sheet for a Team in a Match is twenty-two (22).
(B) The maximum number of Players that can be on-field for a team equals eighteen (18) Players
(C) If one or both Teams have eighteen (18) Players or less listed on the Team Sheet, the number of Players on field at the start of the Match shall be sixteen (16) Players per Team, unless both Teams agree in consultation with the Umpires to start with either seventeen (17) or eighteen (18) ‘on field’ Players.
(D) If both Teams have more than eighteen (18) Players listed on the Team Sheet, the number of Players on-field at the start of the Match shall be eighteen (18) Players.
9.2 Minimum Number of Players – Senior Competitions
(A) The minimum number of on-field Players required for a Team to commence and complete a Match is fourteen (14).
(B) Instances of non-compliance with By-Law 9.2(A) will be deemed to be a forfeit by the relevant Team.
9.3 Number of players – Senior Women’s Competitions
(A) The maximum number of Players that can be listed on the Team Sheet for a Team in a Match is twenty (20).
(B) The maximum number of Players that can be on-field equals sixteen (16) Players
(C) If one or both Teams have sixteen (16) Players or less listed on the Team Sheet, the number of Players on field at the start of the Match shall be fourteen (14) Players per
March 2019 – AFL Canberra 18
Team, unless both Teams agree in consultation with the Umpires to start with either fifteen (15) or sixteen (16) ‘on field’ Players.
(D) If both Teams have more than eighteen (18) Players listed on the Team Sheet, the number of Players on-field at the start of the Match shall be eighteen (18) Players.
Regional Law: Please refer to Attachment K for specific Competition Details.
Regional Law: 9.3 (i) Playing Numbers – Second Grade, Third Grade, Fourth Grade, Rising Stars and Women’s Second Grade
AFL Canberra Second Grade, Third Grade, Fourth Grade, Rising Stars and Women’s 2nd Grade will be 18 players per side default.
In the case where either side has less than 20 available players at the start of the match, they may request to play 16 a side (no wings). This request cannot be denied by the club receiving the request. This must be communicated with the opposition manager, coach and the umpire’s pre-match no less than 30 minutes prior to the start of the match. Post-game this must be communicated via email to football operations staff.
If a game commences as 18 a side it will remain at 18 per side independent of injuries or send off during the game.
With the exception of First Grade Women’s 16 a side is not permitted in finals
9.3 (ii) Players/clubs – Higher Grade Plays Before Lower Grade
Where a player has played in the higher grade in the AFL Canberra Competition, he or she cannot play in the lower grade that same weekend following the higher grade match.
For example, any player that has played First Grade Friday night, he or she cannot play Second grade that same weekend following this match.
9.4 Number of players – Junior and Youth Competitions
(A) The maximum number of Players that can be listed on the Team Sheet for any Team in a Match is twenty (20).
Regional Law: 9.4 (A) Under Age Competitions There is no limit to the number of interchange players in junior football.
(B) The maximum number of Players that can be on-field equals sixteen (16) Players
Regional Law: 9.4 (B) Under Age Competitions Refer to Attachment K for specific Competition Details.
(C) Teams must have the minimum number of Players available at the scheduled commencement of a Match to constitute an official Match.
(D) To encourage maximum participation where the two Teams do not have the same number of Players, Clubs must borrow or loan available Players up to the maximum on-field number for that age group or division. If as a result of a Coach not accepting Players, the Team loaning additional Players will be able to play additional Players up
March 2019 – AFL Canberra 19
to the maximum on-field number. The maximum number of Players on the Team Sheet still applies.
Regional Law: 9.4 (D) Even Up Rule If a team has less than the maximum number of players as outlined in Attachment J on their team sheet prior to the commencement of a game the following will apply:
* If a team does not have the minimum required number of registered players as per Attachment J, a scratch match will be played with the opposing team receiving a win by forfeit.
* Where a team does not have the maximum number of players as per Attachment J, their Team Manager must approach the opposing Team Manager to inform them and request a decision on evening the playing numbers.
* The team receiving this approach then must either decide to a) reduce the number of players on the field to be the same as the opposition or b) loan players to the opposing team to ensure team numbers are the same (up to the maximum). The umpire must be informed of this decision.
* Players on loan can be rotated back each quarter
Decided playing numbers should be updated on a quarter by quarter basis as available numbers increase or decrease.
The Even Up Rule will not apply in finals.
(E) The following table shows the on-field minimum and on field maximum number of Players by age group. During school holidays minimum player numbers and ground sizes may be reduced after agreement between Umpires and Coaches of both Club’s Teams. During school holidays, the minimums below can be reduced by two (2) Players.
Regional Law: 9.4 (E) Under Age Competitions Refer to Attachment K for specific Competition Details.
(F) Other than as outlined in Rule 9.4 (D) or in the case of a send-off, Player numbers at all times must be equal.
(G) If during the Match, an injured Player has to leave the ground but there are no replacements in that Team, the field umpire, the Opposition Coach and the ground manager must be advised accordingly. The other Club’s Team is to remove a Player to keep the numbers on the ground even (except for send offs). When a Player returns to the field, in such circumstances the same process applies in reverse.
Regional Law: Please refer to Attachment K for Competition Details. This Attachment outlines the number of players for the AFL Canberra Junior Competitions.
10. FINALS
10.1 Finals Structure
The Competition Management Committee will determine the structure of the finals series for each Competition upon release of the Competitions Season Fixture and prior to the first home and away Match of the season.
March 2019 – AFL Canberra 20
10.2 Venue Selection
The Competition Management Committee will determine the venues for finals series Matches in its absolute discretion.
Regional Law: 10.2.1 AFL Canberra Football Operations shall determine the venues for all finals series matches on an annual basis
10.3 Match Duration
The duration of finals Matches will be as determined by the League in accordance with By- Law 11.5.
Regional Law: Refer to Attachment K for Competition Details
10.4 Match Conditions
Subject to By-Laws 10.3 and 10.5, all other Match conditions applicable to the home and away season will apply to all finals Matches.
10.5 Drawn Finals
In the event of a drawn finals Match, the following procedure will apply:
(A) The goal umpires will confirm the scores;
(B) The field umpires will re-commence the Match for a further duration of five (5) minutes (plus time on) and the Teams will not change ends;
Regional Law: 10.5 (B) Time on will only apply for the First Grade competition.
(C) The siren will sound after the initial period of extra time, the Teams will change ends and a further five (5) minutes (plus time on) is to be played;
(D) If the Match is still drawn after the second five (5) minute (plus time on) period, the Match will continue until the next score at which time the siren will sound; and
Regional Law: 10.5 (D) If the game is still drawn after the second five minute period the siren will then sound and the Golden Point rule will apply.
The Golden Point Rule: After the Goal Umpires have consulted, both teams remain tied, the umpire will recommence the game with a centre ball up and allow play to continue until the next score when the Time keeper will sound the siren. The team that scores first is the winner.
(E) At no stage before or during extra time are Coaches permitted to address Players.
Regional Law: 10.5 (E) Coaches are permitted to address players post the final siren and post the second five minute period. Umpires will direct players to return to their position once scores are confirmed by the goal umpires
March 2019 – AFL Canberra 21
10.6 Emergency Umpires
Emergency Umpires, when appointed to officiate, shall have the power to order Players from the field as well as the ability to report Players.
Regional Law: 10.6 Emergency umpires, when appointed to officiate, shall have the power to order players from the field and award free kicks for behind play offences as well as the ability to report players.
10.7 Player Eligibility
(A) The League will determine the eligibility provisions prior to the commencement of the Season Fixture.
Regional Law: Refer to Attachment E for Player Eligibility in Finals
(B) A Player is only permitted to play in one finals Match for his Club on any given weekend or round unless determined otherwise by the League pursuant to this By- Law 10.7.
(C) Any Player who has played in a total of 50% or more of home and away Matches of a higher grade or grades in the relevant season will not be eligible to play final Matches in a lower grade unless the Matches in the higher and lower grades are to be played on the same day (as defined by the League).
(D) On application by a Player's Club, the Competition Management Committee may vary the number of qualifying Matches required for
a. where Services personnel are posted a significant distance away during the home and away Matches or
b. where a Player misses a significant number of Matches due to serious injury or pregnancy (more than six (6) Matches), transfers in employment, or
c. under other exceptional circumstances as determined by the Competition Management Committee. Any transfer in employment should follow three (3) calendar months of continuous employment preceding the transfer date with the existing employer, unless otherwise approved by the League.
10.8 Provision of Officials
During finals series Matches, non-competing Clubs may be required (as determined by the Competition Management Committee) to provide personnel to assist with event and ground management duties including as gatekeepers, timekeepers, interchange stewards, scoreboard attendants and with other operational requirements.
10.9 Catering and Gate Receipt Rights
Catering and gate receipt rights for finals Matches will be determined by the League.
Regional Law: Please refer to Attachment J for Finals Hosting Responsibilities
March 2019 – AFL Canberra 22
11. MATCH DAY REQUIREMENTS
11.1 Match Day Paperwork
(A) Where online facilities are not utilised, paper documents as prescribed by the League in By-Law 11.1 will be provided:
• Three (3) copies produced: o One (1) handed to opposition team manager o One (1) retained by Club team manager o One (1) provided to ground manager / Timekeeper Team Sheets • The Team Sheet must include the name of: Retained by Clubs unless otherwise o Coach directed by the League o Team Manager o Runner(s) o First Aid Official • Each Club to verify each other’s list and each to sign off each Club’s copies. Both Clubs to retain. • Umpires sign the ground manager’s copy after completing end of Match duties. • Clubs must retain for 4 weeks after the season and be able to present if required within seven (7) days or as determined by the League
Goal umpire Score Cards • Designated Host Club must enter results on Footyweb or as required by the League.
Send Off Form and • Provided to the Timekeeper. timekeepers Card Match Report • Umpires to record Match day presentation and issues / incidents via Completed by Umpires online facility or as required by the League. Umpire Review • Where required by the League submission to Umpire Manager via online Completed by Coaches facility or as determined by the League. Umpire Best and Fairest Votes • Umpires to submit via online facility or as determined by the League. completed by Umpires Umpire Notice of The process to be used by the Umpires to submit Notice of Report is as Report sheet determined by the League In the event of a forfeit • No Umpire Votes should be taken • No goal umpire cards to be kept • Record result on Footyweb noted as a forfeit
11.2 Team Sheet
(A) The official Team Sheet for each Match must contain:
a. the name and jumper number of each Player;
March 2019 – AFL Canberra 23
b. the name of the Coach: and
c. the name of each Team Official.
(B) A copy of the official Team Sheet is to be provided by each Club to:
a. The timekeeper, to be clearly marked with the quarter-by-quarter scores and goal-scorers at the conclusion of the Match and returned to the League Office with the relevant Match paperwork; and
b. The opposing Club.
Regional Law: 11.2 (B) For each match, six copies of an official team list containing player’s names and jumper numbers and the names of team officials is to be prepared by each competing team. Copies should be distributed as below:
* Copy handed to the Field Umpires prior to the commencement of the game. * Copy handed to your opposition manager prior to the commencement of the game * Copy handed to the Announcer (if applicable) including the captain(s) identified prior to the commencement of the game * Completed version to the umpire post game * Completed copy hand to opposition manager post game * Completed copy to keep on record
(C) Player and Official names on Team Sheets are to be completed in alphabetical order.
(D) Alterations or additions may be made to the original Team Sheet up until the end of the half time interval by arrangement with the field umpires. Players arriving late may take the field prior to being listed on the Team Sheet provided that the opposition team manager and Umpires are advised. Such Players must be included on the Team Sheet before the second half commences.
(E) Players included on the Team Sheet but not in attendance at the Match venue at the commencement of the Match must be removed from the Team Sheet before the Match commences. No amendments may be made to any Team after the half time interval.
Regional Law: 11.2 (E) Players can be added to the Team Sheet after the half time interval upon approval of the Ground Manager.
(F) Goals not listed on the Team Sheet at the time it is received at the League shall not be credited to a Player’s tally if subsequently disclosed.
(G) Clubs providing incorrect or incomplete Team Sheet may be subject to disciplinary sanctions including a determination that the Club’s Team be recorded as losing the Match (with a score of sixty (60) to nil (0)).
11.3 Identification Checks
(A) Any Club questioning an opposing Player's eligibility may ask the Player's team manager to confirm the identification of the Player in question. To facilitate administration of this provision, or if unable to be satisfied by evidence on the day, the following procedure must be followed:
March 2019 – AFL Canberra 24
a. The Player in question shall sign the reverse side of the Club's Team Sheet;
b. The Club requesting proof shall apply in writing to the League;
c. The Player's Club must produce satisfactory evidence within three (3) working days of receiving an official request from the League, otherwise all Match wins gained by that Team in which the Player took part shall be forfeited to the opposing Team.
(B) Should any Player fail to comply with either a request pursuant to By-Law 11.3 (A),or assist in the provision of identification of the Player, the Player may be subject to disciplinary process pursuant to the National Disciplinary Tribunal Guidelines. It is the responsibility of the ground manager to arrange for the safe delivery of these particulars to the League. Should any discrepancies be found, the matter will be dealt with at the discretion of the Competition Management Committee in accordance with these By-Laws.
Regional Law: Refer to Attachment G for Specific Competitions
Regional Law: 11.3 (B) Length of nails The nail should not be above the level of the finger or thumb itself and if in doubt, the umpire should ‘feel’ for the nail by running one of their fingers over the finger of the player. If the umpire should feel a nail the player must leave the field and cut the offending nail/s and return via the inspecting umpire. If the player is unable to cut the offending nail/s they have to apply tape. Should the tape fall off during the course of the game they must leave the field immediately and replace the tape.
11.3 (B) (ii) Pregnant Players Refer to National Female Football Guidelines
11.4 Match Times
(A) Starting time of all Matches will be advised when the Season Fixture is released. The starting times of Matches may be varied subsequently by the Competition Management Committee in its absolute discretion.
Regional Law: 11.4 (A) Starting times of all matches will be advised when the fixture is released. The starting times may be varied at the discretion of Football Operations.
(B) For Junior Matches the competing Clubs may vary the times by mutual agreement subject to the Competition Management Committee receiving notification at least seven (7) days before the initial scheduled starting time. A shorter time period may apply if determined by the League, but a fee as determined by the League may be payable, by the Club requesting any such change.
(C) Any Team failing to enter the playing field after receiving a second warning from the Umpire/s may incur a fine. At that point, at the field umpire’s discretion, they may commence play.
(D) Matches must start and finish on time. If a Match commences after its scheduled start time, or there is a lengthy delay during the Match, the ground manager and field umpires will decide on the duration of the breaks at quarter time, half time and three-
March 2019 – AFL Canberra 25
quarter time and if necessary will also reduce the length of quarters to ensure that the following Match can commence as scheduled.
(E) Subject to By-Law 11.4 (F) and (G), if for any reason a Team is not ready to commence play twenty (20) minutes after the scheduled time, the opposing Club’s Team may claim the Match as a forfeit, to be determined by the Competition Management Committee.
(F) If the start of a Match is delayed due to unforeseen circumstances and the Match is rescheduled by the Competition Management Committee or by agreement between the competing Clubs, the Clubs must agree on a shortened time of play.
(G) If the minimum Player numbers are not available at the scheduled commencement of a Junior Match, but Players sufficient for minimum numbers are expected to arrive, then a scratch Match will be played. In such circumstances, the scratch Match shall commence but with reduced Player numbers on each Team. Teams must still have equal numbers on the field. If minimum numbers become available at any time prior to the end of the first quarter, then they may take the field after a goal is scored, the Teams are to be adjusted accordingly and the scratch Match then becomes an official Match. The scores at the time when the Match becomes an official Match will stand. If minimum numbers are not available at the end of the first quarter, the Match remains a scratch Match and the Team with less than the minimum number or Players forfeits the Match.
(H) If for any reason a Club cannot or does not complete a Match, the field umpire must report the matter to the Competition Management Committee for investigation.
11.5 Match Duration
(A) The duration of quarters and breaks for all home and away Matches will be determined by the League.
(B) For Matches where time on is to be implemented, the following is to apply:
a. To indicate the commencement of the time added period, the field umpire shall blow his/her whistle and raise one arm above his/her head. To indicate that the time added period has elapsed, the field umpire shall raise one arm above the head.
b. Where the field umpire fails to signal the completion of the time added period, or the timekeepers fail to hear his/her whistle or see his/her signal, the timekeepers must restart the clock when the ball is clearly back in play.
c. In the case of a goal or behind being scored, the time added is that which elapses between the time that the goal umpire first signals the goal or behind and:
(i) the bouncing of the ball or ball up by the Umpire in the centre (after a goal); or
(ii) the ball being brought back into play (after a behind).
(C) In the event of a Player being replaced under the blood rule, timekeepers are to stop the clock from the time that the blood rule signal is given by the field umpire until the field umpire signals time back on or the ball is clearly in play.
March 2019 – AFL Canberra 26
(D) In case of a Player being replaced using a stretcher, the field umpire shall signal time off as outlined in By-Law 11.5 (B) a.
(E) For Matches where time on is not applicable, the following will apply:
a. The clock is only to be stopped for the blood rule or when a Player is replaced using the stretcher with the procedure as follows:
(i) In the event of a Player being replaced under the blood rule, timekeepers are to stop the clock from the time that the blood rule signal is given by the field umpire until the field umpire signals time back on or the ball is clearly in play.
(ii) In case of a Player being replaced using a stretcher, the field umpire shall signal time off as outlined in By-Law 11.5 (B) a.
Regional Law: Refer to Attachment K for Competition Details
11.6 Incomplete Match
If a Match is unable to commence or conclude within the time scheduled for the Match for reasons beyond the control of either Team (including circumstances where it is unsafe for the Match to proceed) the following shall apply:
(A) Match not commenced: The result of a Match shall be determined by the League.
(B) Prior to half time:
a. If a Match has commenced but is not able to proceed at any time within the time scheduled for the Match, the Teams shall depart from the field.
b. If the Match is unable to recommence within a 30-minute period, the Match shall be deemed to be drawn and the scores of the Teams at the time the Match was interrupted shall be used in calculating the percentage of each Team.
(C) Half Time & beyond:
a. If the Half Time interval has been reached and the Match is unable to proceed at any time within the time scheduled for the Match, the Teams shall leave the field, or in the case of Half Time, not return to the field.
b. If the Match is unable to recommence within a 30-minute period, the scores of the Teams at the time the Match was interrupted shall be deemed to be the final scores of the Match.
c. The Team with the highest score shall be deemed the winner of the Match and the scores shall be used in calculating the percentage of each Team.
(D) Determination of Match not able to proceed:
a. If a Match Unless otherwise determined by the League, a field umpire shall, having regard to the health and safety of the Players and any other relevant circumstances, determine whether a Match is unable to commence or proceed.
March 2019 – AFL Canberra 27
b. A field umpire must determine that a Match is unable to commence or proceed when lightning is present at or within the immediate proximity of the venue where the Match is being conducted, in line with the AFL Extreme Weather Policy.
(E) Recommencing Play: Where a Team is directed to recommence play by a field umpire and the Team fails, refuses or neglects to recommence play, the Team shall be deemed to have forfeited the Match and By-Law 5.5 shall apply.
(F) The League may vary the length and scheduling of the intervals of Matches as reasonably required.
11.7 Sirens
(A) Timekeepers are to sound the siren as follows:
a. As Umpires enter the playing field prior to the start of a Match and after half-time – Once;
b. Five minutes prior to scheduled starting time of the Match and start of the third quarter – Once;
c. Two minutes prior to scheduled starting time of each quarter – Twice;
d. One minute prior to scheduled starting time of each quarter – Once;
e. Scheduled starting time of each quarter – Once.
(B) Clubs must also have available an emergency sounding device in the event of the failure of the siren/sounding device.
11.8 Extreme Weather
(A) From time to time the League may vary the playing conditions due to adverse weather.
(B) Umpires and Clubs should be aware of the dangers of allowing play to proceed during dangerous or extreme weather, such as thunder, electrical storms, lightning or hail. The Match should be terminated by the field umpire, or the ground manager, in the instance of dangerous weather such as if lightning is seen in the vicinity of the playing field. . Regional Law: 11.8 (B) (i) When, due to extreme weather or the unsuitable condition of a playing arena or the withdrawal of an oval by the ground controlling authority, Football Operations postpones a match or a round of matches, it shall notify its decision:
* relating to a round of matches - to the President, General Manager or equivalent or Team Manager of all clubs no later than 9am on the morning of the day on which they are scheduled to be played; or
* relating to other matches - to the President, General Manager or equivalent or Team Manager of the clubs concerned as soon as practicable, but not later than forty-five minutes prior to the scheduled commencement time of the match.
March 2019 – AFL Canberra 28
Subject to notification being made in accordance with above, all decisions of the Administration Committee shall be final.
11.8 (B) (ii) A match postponed under these rules must be replayed from the commencement under arrangements made by the Football Operations. Football Operations shall have in its complete discretion power to nominate the venue, time and place for the replaying of that postponed match after consultation with the competing teams.
11.9 Wet Weather Procedures
(A) Where wet or adverse weather conditions prevail, Clubs are to advise the League as early as possible of the likelihood of ground closures to enable alternative arrangements for the playing of scheduled Matches to be considered.
(B) Where a venue to which a Match has been scheduled is unfit for play or has been closed, the League will, in consultation with the Clubs concerned, provisionally reschedule the Match to be played on the away Club's ground if available.
(C) Where a Match is transferred to the opposing Club's venue, that Club will assume the Host Team responsibilities. Where practicable, the venue of the next Match between the two Clubs concerned will be reversed to compensate for the loss of the home ground privilege.
(D) Where neither venue is available, the League will make every effort to reschedule the Match to an alternative venue. Clubs whose venues are vacant and playable will be expected to co-operate with the League by making their venue available to minimise the likelihood of cancellations. In this situation, the Host Team responsibilities will be assumed by the Host Team as nominated in the fixture.
(E) If a Match is not played because neither venue nor an alternative venue is available, the Competition Management Committee will decide whether or not the Match is to be rescheduled to another date or cancelled.
(F) Should it appear likely that more than one Match in a round may be unable to be played, the Competition Management Committee may postpone or cancel all Matches for that round.
(G) If any Match is cancelled, the Match does not contribute to either Team’s “Match Ratio” pursuant to By-Law 5.5 (A) and such Match shall not count towards player eligibility for finals. Where two or more of a Club’s home and away Matches are cancelled due to wet or adverse weather, the Competition Management Committee will determine player eligibility for finals.
(H) The Club named first on the official Season Fixture is the Host Club and is responsible for ensuring that the following provisions for Matches are adhered to.
(I) Each Club is required to have procedures in place which enable them to contact their Players and Officials at short notice regarding any changes to scheduled Matches.
11.10 Ground Marking
(A) The following lines must be clearly marked:
a. Goal-squares, boundary lines, centre square;
March 2019 – AFL Canberra 29
b. Arc at each end of the ground, 3 metre centre circle (with intersecting line), 10 metre centre circle (with intersecting line);
c. Interchange Gates should be marked on one wing and adequate seating provided equal distance on either side not be less than 50 metres apart for the interchange Players and Team Officials of each Club;
d. The boundary line must be marked at least three (3) metres inside the fence line
(B) A Coach’s line should be marked comprising 5 metres in length and 1 metre in from the fence / fence line. It should be marked in front of the Coach’s box / area. No Official or bench Player is allowed to stand in front of this line during play.
(C) Ground markings for Junior Matches should be marked in accordance with the Australian Football Match Policy.
11.11 Goal Post Pads
Padding must be provided on all goal and behind posts to a height of at least 2.5 metres from the ground
11.12 Scoreboard
A suitable scoreboard with numbers and Team names clearly visible to Players, Umpires and spectators must be in operation for all Matches.
Regional Law: 11.12 Scoreboards are not required for Junior competitions (excluding finals).
A.13 Change rooms
(A) Separate and adequate changing facilities and showers must be provided for each Club and the Umpires
(B) These rooms must be presented in a clean and tidy condition at the commencement of each Match.
Regional Law: 11.13 For instances where facilities are not available for every team i.e. multiple fields and matches and common change rooms or lack of permanent facilities, opposing teams should be notified prior to the day of the match.
11.14 Timekeeping Facilities
A table and seating with an unobstructed view of the playing area must be provided for Club timekeepers together with a suitable time clock and a sounding device which can be clearly heard at any location on the playing surface.
Regional Law: 11.14 A table and seating are not required for Junior competitions (excluding finals).
March 2019 – AFL Canberra 30
11.15 Footballs
Regional Law: 11.15 (a) Three footballs of a suitable standard must be provided for use in all senior & community competition matches. These footballs should be provided by the Home Club who should also have strategies in place to prevent time being lost when the ball is out of play.
11.15 (b) Clubs will be fined $25 per game where a Sherrin football is not used.
11.15 (c) Refer to Attachment K to determine Football to be used for given competition
12. CLUB MATCH RESPONSIBILITIES
12.1 Coaches
(A) The minimum requirements for Coach Accreditation are either a “Level 1” or “Foundation Coach” accreditation as applicable.
(B) Restrictions applied to Suspended Players and Coaches are outlined in the Regulations.
12.2 Ground Manager
(A) The Host Club must appoint a ground manager (or designate the following tasks to a nominated person(s) who will be responsible for the Match day requirements and Match paperwork for the day).
Regional Law: 12.2 (A) All AFL Canberra competition match day paperwork must be submitted online through the relevant online forms.
(B) The ground manager must introduce him/herself to the Umpires and Officials of the visiting Club on arrival and acquaint them with the ground facilities as well as provide details of the closest emergency medical facilities. Should the ground manager be replaced during the day, the newly appointed person should immediately inform both the Umpires and both Clubs accordingly.
(C) Prior to the commencement of play, the ground manager must identify compliance of the Host Club with the Sports Trainers Policy as outlined in By-Law 12.9.
(D) Prior to the commencement of play in each Match, the ground manager should distribute the following paperwork provided by the League unless submission of any of the Match Day paperwork is completed online by the Umpires.
Scorecards To Club goal umpires Send Off Form To the Timekeeper Timekeepers Card To the Timekeeper Envelope To the field umpires Umpires Match Report To the field umpires Best & Fairest Vote Slips To the field umpires
(E) The ground manager should also have on hand an Umpire Reporting Booklet for Club Umpires wishing to make any reports, where an on-line system is not being used.
March 2019 – AFL Canberra 31
(F) At the completion of each Match, the ground manager should collect all the following documentation unless the tasks for Umpires are completed on-line.
From Umpires From Timekeepers Sealed Envelope (Note 1) Completed Team Lists (Note 2) Umpire Player Report Form (if any) Send Off Form Goal umpire scorecards Timekeepers Card & Scorecard
Note 1: The Umpires Sealed Envelope will include a copy of each Clubs Team Sheet, the Umpires Match Report & Best & Fairest Voting Slip. This envelope is to remain sealed.
Note 2: The ground manager should ensure that each Club has entered the quarter- by-quarter scores; best Players and the goals scored by Players on their Team Sheets/ lists. The tally of goals entered for Players must equal the number of goals scored by the respective Teams.
(G) The ground manager also has the additional responsibility of overseeing the League’s Code of Conduct at a venue.
(H) At the end of the Match, the ground manager should collate all paperwork and arrange to have it returned in the prescribed manner, to reach the League by no later than the designated time.
(I) Finally, it shall be the ground manager's responsibility to ensure that a representative of the Host Club:
a. As directed by the League, either SMS or telephones the results of all the day’s Matches to the required person(s), prior to 5.30 pm (or as defined by the Competition Management Committee) on the day concerned (this is not required for Matches played on Saturday or if the results have been input into “Footyweb” for Matches played on Sunday)
b. Inputs all results and Player information (i.e. Team lists, goal kickers & best Players) of all the days Matches into the Footyweb on-line results system by the League designated time on the day of the Match.
Regional Law: 12.2 (i) Input of First Grade results online must occur by 6:00pm on Saturdays. Each instance where match information is not entered into Footyweb will carry a fine of $50.
12.2 (ii) No match day paperwork is required to be submitted with AFL Canberra in hard copy form unless called upon by Football Operations.
It is the responsibility of each team to retain a copy of their completed team sheet which includes player changes, jumper numbers, goal kickers and best players.
12.2 (iii) Each team is responsible for the entry of their match information into Footyweb following each match in which they participate. This includes updating the team list, player jumper numbers, goal kickers and best players.
12.2 (iv) Best players should be allocated as below: * 1 – best player from own team * 2 – second best player from own team * 3 – third best player from own team * 4 – fourth best player from own team * 5 – fifth best player from own team
March 2019 – AFL Canberra 32
* 6 – sixth best player from own team
12.2. (v) Football Operations has the power to fine clubs for non-compliance in regards to the entry of their match paperwork into Footyweb. Match information, including updated team list, player jumper numbers, goal kickers, best players and umpire match reports is required to be enter by 11:59pm Sunday night following the match played.
12.3 Team Managers
(A) Each Club shall appoint a team manager for each Team it fields in the Competition. It shall be the team manager's responsibility to ensure that his/her Team’s Players and Officials comply with the requirements specified in these By-Laws and with any request reasonably made by the Umpires officiating in a Match in which their Team is participating.
(B) Each team manager shall introduce themselves to the Umpires prior to a Match for identification and to ensure that the Team Sheets are handed in on time (no later than 30 minutes or as designated by the League prior to the scheduled start time). The team managers should also arrange for the Team Sheets to be exchanged with the opposition Club at this time.
Regional Law: 12.3 (B) Each Team Manager shall introduce themselves to the Umpires prior to a match for identification and to ensure that the teams sheets are handed in on time (no later than 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time). The Team managers should also arrange for the team sheets to be exchanged with the opposition club at this time.
(C) Each team manager is to ensure that at the conclusion of the Match, the goal kickers and best Players for their respective Teams are noted on the official Team sheet, which is held by the timekeeper. Regional Law: 12.3 (C) The Team Manager shall be required to keep a hard copy of their team list with the goal kickers and best players.
(D) It shall be the team manager's responsibility to ensure that a representative of the Club waits on the Umpires at the conclusion of each Match to ascertain whether or not any reports of Players or Officials have arisen from the Match or to receive the "all clear".
Regional Law: 12.3 (D) The team manager is to seek umpires for verbal confirmation as to whether or not there were any reports from the game.
Football Operations shall provide the club with details of the report on the first business day following the match.
12.4 Team Runner
(A) The sole duty of the team runner is to deliver messages to his or her Club’s Players and then leave the field immediately having done so. Umpires shall ask runners to leave the field if they remain on the playing surface for an unnecessarily long period of time as determined by the Umpire.
(B) The team runner must be clearly identifiable as determined by the League.
March 2019 – AFL Canberra 33
Regional Law: 12.4 Runner’s Attire Each Runner must wear an official Runner’s shirt as approved by Football Operations. The Runner shall also wear either club shorts or track pants. Jeans are not permitted
Footwear must be either running shoes or football boots and Club football socks should be avoided. A Club Hat or plain hat should be used.
Football Operations may vary the uniform requirements of a Runner from time to time and will advise clubs accordingly.
Runner’s Attire must be easily identifiable as a Runner as opposed to a player or spectator. Umpires are the sole judge in this regard.
(C) Suspended Players or Officials are not permitted to act as the official team runner.
(D) Each Team is permitted to use a maximum of one (1) team runner. Team runners are not required to enter the field via the interchange area.
Regional Law: 12.4 (D) Runner’s Where a team has one Runner that Runner may enter and leave the field of play directly from the bench of their team.
Where a team has two Runners, only one runner per team shall be allowed on the field of play at any one time. Both Runners are to enter and leave the field of play through the interchange area.
Each occurrence reported by match day official to the administration committee will be met with a $20 fine.
(E) Runners are permitted to enter the field at any stage throughout the match (variation from 2019 AFL Laws of the Game).
12.5 Trainers, Other Medical Support Staff and Water Carriers
(A) Clubs may utilise a maximum of six (6) trainers, other medical support staff and water carriers per Team.
(B) These personnel are only permitted onto the field during play to attend to injured Players or to provide Players with water. They must not be used to deliver messages to Players. These personnel may enter the field at any stage during play (variation from 2019 AFL Laws of the Game).
(C) Trainers, other medical support staff and water carriers for each Team must be dressed as approved by the League.
Regional Law: 12.5 (C) Trainers, Other Medical Support Staff and Water Carriers Each Trainer and Medical Support staff shall wear a shirt with Trainer clearly identifiable on the back of the shirt. The Trainer and Medical Support staff shall also wear either club shorts or track pants. Jeans are not permitted.
Each Water Carrier must wear a shirt with Water clearly identifiable on the back of the shirt. The Water Carrier shall also wear either club shorts or track pants. Jeans are not permitted
March 2019 – AFL Canberra 34
Footwear must be either running shoes or football boots and Club football socks should be avoided. A Club Hat or plain hat should be used.
Football Operations may vary the uniform requirements of all support staff from time to time and will advise clubs accordingly.
Trainers, Other Medical Support Staff and Water Carriers Attire must be easily identifiable as an Official as opposed to a player or spectator. Umpires are the sole judge in this regard.
(D) Umpires will ask any Trainer/Medical/water carrier to leave the ground if they do not have a compliant uniform and they should not return unless they have changed into the compliant uniform. Umpires shall also ask water carriers to leave the field if they are delivering messages to players.
(E) Water carriers shall not be younger than an age approved by the League.
Regional Law: 12.5 (E) Water Carriers The minimum age of Water Carriers shall be 13 years as at 1st January of the year in which the competition is being held.
12.6 Umpires Escort
(A) For each Match, the Host Club must appoint a suitable person to act as an escort for the Umpires (ideally the ground manager or appointee). The Umpires escort is to escort the Umpires (including Club Umpires) to and from the venue at the commencement of and conclusion of each quarter and at the commencement and conclusion of the match as designated by the League.
(B) An Umpire exclusion zone should be implemented at quarter and three-quarter time encompassing the centre square. The Umpires Escort is to stand with the Umpires during the quarter and three-quarter time intervals and arrange for water to be provided to the Umpires, if required.
(C) The Umpires Escort is expected to be identifiable as required by the League.
(D) Any Umpire Escort provided is expected to assist in providing and/or obtaining details of any alleged breach of the Code of Conduct immediately after completing his/her duties in liaison with/at the request of the Umpires or ground manager.
Regional Law: 12.6 (D) Senior Clubs will be fined $25 per game where an Umpire Escort is not provided when required.
12.7 Timekeepers
(A) The Host Club must provide a timekeeper for each Match.
(B) The away Club is entitled to also appoint or supply a timekeeper for each Match.
(C) The timekeeper(s) are to perform the duties as set out in the Laws of the Game, these By-Laws and Regulations and as otherwise specified by the Competition Management Committee from time to time.
(D) In the event of a dispute or disagreement between the two timekeepers, such dispute shall be reported to the field umpire, at half time if the dispute occurs during the first half or at the conclusion of the Match if it occurs during the second half. The field
March 2019 – AFL Canberra 35
umpire(s) shall report the matter to the Competition Management Committee for attention.
(E) In addition to performing timekeeping duties, timekeepers will be required to record the scores of each Match in which they officiate. The quarter by quarter scores are also to be recorded on each Club’s Team Sheet.
(F) Timekeepers are also required to record the time that Players, who are ordered off by the field umpires, leave the field and shall be the sole judges as to when such Players may resume playing (if applicable). It is the Club of the offending Players responsibility to obtain the all clear from the timekeepers for such Players to resume playing. The timekeepers are to acknowledge the Umpires decision to send off a Player by showing the appropriate red or yellow card to the controlling Umpire.
(G) The field umpire(s) shall have the power to dispense with the services of either or both timekeepers during a Match.
12.8 Officials on the Bench
In addition to the maximum number of game day officials as provided in By-Laws 12.3 to 12.5 each Team is permitted a maximum of four (4) other Officials on the bench area inside the ground during play.
12.9 Injury Treatment
(A) All Clubs must comply with the Infectious Diseases Policy as issued by Sports Medicine Australia.
(B) It is the Host Club's responsibility to ensure that appropriate injury treatment processes are in place on Match days. The telephone numbers and addresses of the nearest medical services including ambulance, medical centres and hospitals must be available for use in an emergency.
(C) The League has adopted the AFL Sports Trainers in Community Australian Football Policy (“Sports Trainers Policy”). All Clubs must comply with the Sports Trainers Policy.
(D) Training courses will be available to Clubs that do not have the appropriate access to the necessary resources as required under the Sports Trainers Policy.
(E) The Host Club is responsible for ensuring compliance to the minimum requirements of the Sports Trainers Policy for all Matches for which it is the Host Club.
(F) There must be at least one person with the minimum competencies outlined in the Sports Trainers Policy at any Match as follows:
a. Junior (Under 12s and below): First Aid Certificate
b. Youth and Seniors (Under 13s and over): Emergency Response Coordinator (ERC) Certificate
Regional Law: 12.9 (F) The intention of Emergency Medical personnel is that they can be called upon by the opposition in major emergencies to assist. Primarily the care of players is the responsibility of the Club they play for.
(G) The visiting Club should confirm with the ground manager prior to the commencement of each Match that the Host Club is able to comply with the requirements of this By-
March 2019 – AFL Canberra 36
Law. In the event that the Host Club is unable to comply with these requirements, then, if the visiting Club agrees, the Match will be postponed or rescheduled. Any decision to replay a postponed Match must be agreed to by both Clubs and the Competition Management Committee within seven (7) days of the scheduled Match.
(H) The Match may proceed if the visiting Club is able to provide the appropriate resources under the Sports Trainers Policy.
(I) In the event that neither Club has the appropriate requirements at the scheduled commencement of the Match a delayed start of 20 minutes may be applied. If there are additional fixtures following the Match it should be shortened appropriately to not delay the commencement of Matches following.
(J) If the visiting Club does not agree to postponement or cancellation of the Match, then the visiting Club may claim a forfeit. The By-Laws in relation to forfeits will apply.
(K) If a Match is started or played without the attendance of a First Aid Official (as defined), the Host Club will forfeit the Match and may be subject to a maximum fine of $200.
(L) The Sports Trainers Policy refers to first aid usually being provided by sports trainers or by other volunteers with medical or higher level allied health qualifications. If a Club has a person present in any of the following occupations, they are deemed as acceptable under the Policy:
(i) Nurse;
(ii) physiotherapist;
(iii) A certified Sports Trainer;
(iv) St John Officer;
(v) Paramedic;
(vi) Medical Doctor.
(M) A stretcher in good condition must be located in a quickly accessible location for the duration of each match. The Host Club must ensure proper ambulance access to the field of play, if necessary.
(N) The first aid official should be located alongside or as near as practical to the ground manager. Where more than one Match is being played at any one time, a first aid official must be supplied for each game.
12.10 Concussion
(A) Management of concussion should be in accordance with the Management of concussion in Australian Football which can be found at: http://www.aflcommunityClub.com.au/index.php?id=66
(B) Primary responsibility for the management of concussion lies with the Club of the Player, and their Officials, and where applicable, the Player’s Parents / Guardian.
(C) Any Player who is suspected of having a concussion:
March 2019 – AFL Canberra 37
(i) must be medically assessed as soon as possible after the injury or incident, and
(ii) must not be allowed to return to play in the same Match or participate in the same practice session. Initial decisions regarding potential incidents of concussion should be made by a medical doctor or, if there is no medical doctor in attendance, the head trainer.
(D) Decisions regarding return to play after a concussive injury (a disturbance of brain function) should only be made by a medical officer with experience in concussive injuries. A Player who has suffered concussion or is suspected of having a concussion must not be allowed to return to training or playing until and unless the Player has received a formal medical clearance which has been provided to the Club.
12.11 Match-Day Safety Check
A representative of all competing Clubs is required to conduct a Match day health and safety check prior to the commencement of the first Match and at any other time during the day if conditions change. The representatives must complete the checklist online via the JLT app. If a Club is unable to complete the checklist online, they are to complete a manual JLT checklist. Completed checklists are to be retained by Host Clubs for a period of seven (7) years for future reference by the League or its insurers if so required.
Regional Law: 12.11 (i) Boots Boots with metal studs are not permitted to be worn
12.11 (ii) Spectacles If a player must wear prescription spectacles, they must have plastic frames and lenses. The spectacles must also be secured with a strap. Should a field umpire deem the spectacles to be unsafe, they may ask the player to remove them, before or during the match.
12.11 (iii) Compression Garments In non-competitive divisions, long and short compression garments are permitted to be worn.
In competitive divisions, the use of compression garments will be permissible to be worn by a player (underneath their official uniforms) and must be barely visible with no prominent logos. These are to be consistent colour with their club.
Dispensation for using visible compression garments may be granted on a case by case basis. Dispensations would be approved for religious or cultural reasons, but details still need to be lodged.
12.11 (iv) Long Sleeve Uniform Clubs are encouraged to have long sleeve uniforms available to combat low temperatures during games.
13. UMPIRES
13.1 Appointments
The League or delegate will appoint official Umpires to all Matches as available and the names of the appointed Umpires will be issued to participating Clubs prior to each Match.
March 2019 – AFL Canberra 38
Regional Law: 13.1 Where AFL Canberra is unable to appoint umpires to a game the Club Umpire Program shall be adopted for the affected game/s. Clubs involved in the affected game/s will be required to provide one Field Umpire each for their match.
13.2 Availability
All members of the Umpires’ panel must make themselves available to the League for appointment as a field, boundary or goal umpire as required. All Umpires must conform to the By-Laws and arrangements of the League and shall appear when called upon by the Competition Management Committee.
13.3 Umpire Requirements
Umpires must attend at the ground before the official starting time of the Match and must be on the field correctly attired a minimum of ten (10) minutes before the scheduled Match start time.
13.4 Field and Goal Umpire Numbers
(A) A minimum of two field umpires are required in order for a Match to commence unless determined otherwise by the League. These must be accredited Umpires or registered Club field Umpires (or a combination).
(B) In the event that two Umpires are not available, the Match will be cancelled and the matter referred to the Competition Management Committee for determination.
Regional Law: 13.4 (B) If two umpires are not available, the clubs should consult whether they are willing to participate with less field umpires.
(C) Where two field Umpires commence a Match and for any reason one of the field umpires is unable to complete the Match the remaining field umpire may continue to control the Match as a single Umpire in the event that there is not a suitable replacement Umpire.
(D) As a minimum, two goal umpires are required prior to a Match commencing. These can be accredited Umpires, Club goal umpires or a combination of both. Should two Umpires not be available, the Match must not to commence and the matter referred to the Competition Management Committee for determination.
13.5 Umpires’ Fees
The Umpires' fees for the ensuing season will be determined by the Competition Management Committee and communicated to all Clubs no later than February in the year the season in which they are applicable.
Regional Law: 13.5 Umpire Payments AFL Canberra shall pay all league appointed umpires for services provided. Umpires shall be paid at the rate per match per discipline as determined by AFL Canberra prior to the season
March 2019 – AFL Canberra 39
13.6 Payment of Umpires
(A) Appointed Umpires are to sign the Umpires’ Match Report prior to the commencement of their scheduled Match. Clubs will be invoiced for the appropriate fee based on actual attendance of officially appointed Umpires.
(B) In the event of a Match being cancelled, other than because of forfeit as provided for in By-Law 5.5 (G), no payment shall be due to the Umpires appointed to the Match.
Regional Law: 13.6 (B) If a game cancelled by a Club on the day of the game, they should make an effort to inform the allocated Umpire(s).
13.7 Umpire’s Match Report
(A) At the conclusion of each Match, the field umpire(s) shall provide a report to the Competition Management Committee on the prescribed Umpires Match Report form. All Umpires, including Club field umpires, are required to sign the Match Report. Umpire payments will only be paid to those Umpires who sign the Match Report, unless using the online report facility.
Regional Law: 13.7 (A) At the conclusion of each match, the field umpire(s) shall provide a report to Football Operations via the online match report form by 9:00am the Monday following the match.
(B) The field umpires shall also complete the best & fairest player voting slip.
Regional Law: 13.7 (B) Field Umpires of AFL Canberra matches shall complete the best and fairest player voting through the online form. The votes should be allocated as follows:
* 3 votes – best player on the field regardless of team * 2 votes – second best player on the field regardless of team * 1 vote – third best player on the field regardless of team
(C) The Umpires’ Match Report form and best and fairest voting slip will be placed in the envelope provided and sealed and submitted to the League as designated with the Match day paperwork.
Regional Law: 13.7 (C) Both the umpire’s match report form and voting be completed via the online match report forms, as dictated by AFL Canberra
13.8 Club Report on Umpires
To assist the League in its assessment of Umpires, Clubs may at their discretion, provide a report on the Umpire(s) performance to the League. Such report must be provided on the form as prescribed by the League.
13.9 Minimum Umpire Age
(A) Subject to By-Law 13.9 (B), the Competition Management Committee will determine the minimum age of field and boundary and goal umpires (Official or Club Umpires) for all open age and under age Competitions.
(B) The age of a field umpire of a Junior Match must be:
March 2019 – AFL Canberra 40
a. a minimum of fourteen (14) years old, unless agreed otherwise by the AFLNSW/ACT Umpiring Department; and
b. at least two (2) years older than the age group being officiated unless otherwise approved by AFL NSW/ACT Umpiring Department. For example, the Umpire should be a minimum of fifteen (15) years of age for an Under 13 Match.
Regional Law: 13.9 (B) The minimum age of umpires shall be 13 years as of the 1st January in the year of the competition.
13.10 Club Umpires
(A) From time to time each Club is required to provide suitable persons for the League Club Umpire Program. Such persons will be provided minimum level accreditation and support. Clubs will be advised of the Club Umpire commitment for the season prior to the start of the season as designated.
(B) Where the League has not appointed official field umpires or accredited Club Umpires, it shall be each Club's responsibility to arrange for a suitable person or persons to umpire the Match. Club field umpires are to be attired as approved by the League.
(C) Club field umpires are required to complete all the necessary Match Paperwork (i.e. Umpires Match Report (which they are to sign)) and Best & Fairest Votes.
(D) Each competing Club is responsible for the payment of their own Club Umpires, or in the case of one Club providing both Club Umpires, the payment of one of the Club Umpires.
Regional Law: 13.10 (D) Regional Clubs For AFL Canberra Community Competition clubs arrangements regarding the supply of umpires for home games (at regional venues) shall be made between the club and AFL Canberra prior to the season and communicated to all necessary parties.
(E) Where Official goal and boundary umpires have not been appointed by the League, each competing Club must be prepared to provide a suitable goal and boundary umpire to officiate. Club goal umpires must be equipped with two white flags and attired in a uniform as approved by the League and Club boundary umpires must be attired as approved and equipped with a suitable whistle.
(F) Official field umpires shall have the power to overrule decisions by Club goal and/or boundary umpires and remove them should they consider that such Club Umpires are not competent to carry out the required duties.
(G) Payment of Club goal and boundary umpires (if any) shall be the responsibility of the respective Clubs or as determined by the Competition Management Committee. Club goal and boundary umpire's names must not be added to the Umpire’s attendance sheet.
13.11 Reporting of Players and Officials
(A) Umpires may report to the League any Player or Official who, during the progress of a Match or within the immediate proximity of the ground on the day of the Match, commits a reportable offence. The procedure for making and lodging such a report
March 2019 – AFL Canberra 41
shall be as specified by the Laws of the Game and by the State & Territory Tribunal Guidelines NSW/ACT.
(B) For the purposes of Section 3 of the State & Territory Tribunal Guidelines NSW/ACT, registered field, registered boundary and/or registered goal umpires are permitted to report Players. Unregistered Club field umpires, Club boundary and goal umpires are not permitted to report Players.
(C) All reporting Umpires are required to reference the Offence Grade Template as outlined in clause 5.2(b) of the State & Territory Tribunal Guidelines NSW/ACT when lodging a report.
13.12 Approaching Umpires
(A) No person, except as listed in By-Law 13.12 (B), shall approach or talk to an Umpire (field, boundary and goal) prior to, during or after the conclusion of a Match, or leaving the playing arena.
(B) The excepted persons referred to in By-Law 13.12 A above include:
a. AFL NSW/ACT staff;
b. Ground manager, including any designated assistant, umpire escort;
c. Umpire Manager.
14. CONDUCT – DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES
14.1 Prescribed Penalties
A prescribed penalty system will operate in the Competitions in accordance with Appendix “A” of these By-Laws.
14.2 Code of Conduct
(A) Clubs agree to comply with the Regulations and Code of Conduct through affiliation.
(B) Players and Coaches agree to comply with the Code of Conduct through the Online Registration in Footyweb.
(C) Clubs are required to ensure that all Club’s Players, Officials, Coaches, administrators and parents receive a copy of the Code of Conduct.
(D) Parents, Officials and Coaches are bound by the By-Laws, including the relevant Code of Conduct in the By-Laws, as issued from time to time, irrespective of whether they have signed any specific conduct codes or Codes of Conduct.
14.3 Power to Investigate
(A) The Competition Management Committee may investigate or nominate a person (League designate) to investigate any matter which it considers relevant to whether a person may have committed a Reportable Offence or a Code of Conduct Breach.
(B) Without limiting the powers and discretions conferred upon the Competition Management Committee in By-Law 14.3 (A), the League designate may investigate any matter:
March 2019 – AFL Canberra 42
a. of his/her own motion; or
b. on the basis of video evidence; or
c. upon the written request of an authorised officer of a Club pursuant to By-Law 14.8; or
d. upon the written request of either an authorised officer of a Club or a non-aligned individual pursuant to By-Law 14.2.
14.4 Co-operation
(A) For the purpose of conducting an investigation under this By-Law, a person shall if requested by the Competition Management Committee:
a. fully co-operate with the investigation;
b. truthfully answer any questions asked; and
c. provide any document in that person's possession or control requested by the investigating person.
14.5 Failure to Co-operate
A person who fails to observe and comply with By-Law 14.4 or who provides any information or has acted in a manner which is in any respect false or misleading or likely to mislead, is deemed to have engaged in conduct which is unbecoming or prejudicial to the interests of the League and may be referred to the Tribunal by the League for determination.
14.6 Interpretation
For the purposes of this By-Law, a reference to the League designate shall be read as a reference to the League and/or any person nominated by the League to conduct an investigation on the basis of video evidence or otherwise. The League designate may report a person and refer the matter to the Tribunal for hearing and determination by the Tribunal following their investigation of a matter. The person who has been reported will be notified in writing of the charge laid against him or her and the date and time for the hearing and determination of the charge by the Tribunal.
14.7 Power to Report
(A) If the League designate is of the opinion that a person may have committed a Reportable Offence, whether on the basis of an investigation, video evidence or otherwise, the League Designate may report such person and refer the matter to the Tribunal for hearing and determination by the Tribunal. The person who has been reported will be notified in writing of the charge laid against him and the date and time for the hearing and determination of the charge by the Tribunal.
(B) Report where Notice of Report not completed – Juniors
a. This Rule applies where a Player is sent off twice or more in a season (i.e. yellow and/ or red cards), but the Umpire has not completed a Notice of Report in any sending off. Following the Player being sent off for the second time, the Player will automatically receive a one Match playing suspension. The League will inform the Club President or delegate of the Player and the Tribunal
March 2019 – AFL Canberra 43
Chairperson as soon as reasonably practical following the Match of the referral.
b. Where a Player receives notice of an automatic playing suspension as provided by this Rule, the Player may, through the Club President or delegate, request the automatic suspension be referred to the Tribunal for hearing. The Tribunal may impose such conditions on the Player as it deems appropriate, pending the hearing. The Tribunal may, after the hearing, affirm or vary the suspension (including increasing the suspension), or apply any other penalty as it deems appropriate.
14.8 Citings by Clubs
(A) Where a Club wishes to lodge a complaint against a Player or Official for an alleged "on field" offence (a citing), such complaint must be noted on the appropriate League Incident Referral Form (see sample Appendix ‘B’) which must be lodged in writing with the League no later than midday on the second business day after the incident out of which the complaint arises. An Incident Referral Form must be submitted for each citing. An intermediate advice on the incident form may be initially emailed with the written lodgement to follow as required.
Regional Law: 14.8 (A) When video footage is available, the Administration Committee is able to grade the citing in line with the National Match Tribunal Guidelines.
a. This By-Law provides a means for the investigation of serious incidents which escaped the attention of Umpires.
b. A serious incident for definition is a matter which may draw a base sanction of more than two (2) matches in accordance with the grading table contained in the State & Territory Tribunal Guidelines NSW/ACT 2018, or as otherwise determined by the Competition Management Committee, based on the recommendation of the investigating officer.
(B) In the event a Club requests extra time to prepare the Incident Referral Form, the Competition Management Committee may, after receiving a notice of intent within the time requirements of By-Law 14.8 (A), extend the deadline to Thursday 5.00pm following the incident.
(C) After advising of its intention to submit an Incident Referral Form in accordance with By-Law 14.8 (A), the citing Club may request extra time to negotiate an outcome with the opposing Club. In such circumstances, an agreed outcome is required to be received by the League in writing by Sunday 5.00pm following the incident and is subject to approval by the League.
(D) Any and each such citing by a Club must be accompanied by a $500 citing fee which may be forfeited should the Competition Management Committee deem in its ultimate discretion the complaint to be frivolous. The citing fee shall be paid by cheque or be evidenced as paid by attaching to the Incident Referral Form evidence that the citing fee has been electronically or deposited manually to the League’s bank account.
(E) The Competition Management Committee shall decide whether the matter should be referred to the Tribunal for consideration. The person against whom such a complaint is lodged will be notified in writing of his or her rights (via Club Secretary or President) and the procedures to be followed for the investigation. Each of the Clubs concerned will receive a copy of such correspondence.
March 2019 – AFL Canberra 44
Regional Law: 14.8 (E) The person whom such a complaint is lodged will be notified in writing of his/her rights via their club’s President or Football Manager (or equivalent) and the procedures to be followed for the investigation
(F) A Club may request the Competition Management Committee to review footage of an incident by submitting a fee of two hundred and fifty dollars ($250) such fee which is only refundable if the matter results in an outcome as requested by the Club. The Competition Management Committee may proceed with processing a Report or a Code of Conduct breach. If it is determined not to take the matter further, the Club will be provided with an explanation within seven (7) days. If the Competition Management Committee decide to proceed the matter further the Club is not required to submit a citing.
(G) Allegations relating to the conduct of Matches involving persons other than Players or Officials will be dealt with by a Code of Conduct Committee as designated by the League in accordance with Rule 14.8 (A) to 14.8 (C) above.
14.9 Appointment and Role of Tribunal
(A) A panel of independent Tribunal members shall be appointed annually by the League in accordance with the requirements in the State & Territory Tribunal Guidelines NSW/ACT or the National Disciplinary Tribunal Guidelines NSW/ACT (as the case may be).
(B) The Tribunal shall hear the following matters in accordance with the State & Territory Tribunal Guidelines NSW/ACT or the National Disciplinary Tribunal Guidelines NSW/ACT (as the case may be):
a. reports by Umpires against Players or Officials participating in League Competitions, pre- season or practice Matches;
b. such other matters (including citings by Clubs) as may be referred to it by the League;
c. referrals pursuant to By-Law 14.8;
d. any other matter as appropriate.
14.10 Tribunal Hearings
(A) Attendance and provision of evidence at a Tribunal hearing is provided for under Competition Tribunal Rules 2.8 and 2.9 of the State & Territory Tribunal Guidelines – NSW/ACT.
(B) Legal representatives are permitted to attend Tribunal hearing’s, but are not permitted to act as a Player, Official or umpire advocate unless agreed to by the Tribunal Chair.
(C) The Tribunal has jurisdiction over any Player whether registered, unregistered or ineligible as the case may be.
March 2019 – AFL Canberra 45
14.11 Report of Junior Players
The procedures for handling of reports of Junior Players 9 to 12 year’s old and any subsequent disciplinary processes will be determined by the League.
14.12 Player and Official De-registration
The League and Clubs must comply with the AFL Player and Official Deregistration Policy (where applicable).
14.13 Club Websites
(A) Any Club that operates or having operated on its behalf a website, blog or social media account representing the Club and its activities ("Club Website"), agrees that it is prohibited from publishing, displaying or otherwise disseminating on the Club Website any content, information, images or other form of communication that is inappropriate, offensive or damaging to the reputation of a Player, Official, Club, the League or AFL NSW/ACT ("Offending Material"), including by providing links to other websites that may contain Offending Material.
(B) Any Club that is found to be in breach of By-Law 14.13 (A) as determined by the League or the Competition Management Committee in its absolute discretion, must immediately upon receipt of notification of the breach remove the Offending Material, confirm in writing to the League that is has done so and shall be liable to sanctions as is deemed appropriate by the League or Competition Management Committee in their absolute discretion.
14.14 Media / Statements
(A) Conduct occurring in Media or public forums is governed by the Code of Conduct.
(B) Only authorised and approved personnel may make public statements regarding League matters.
(C) For the By-Laws, "statement" includes any declaration, comment or remark, whether verbal, in print or by electronic media or social media.
(D) A Club whose Official or Player has made a statement contrary to the provisions of By-Law 14.14 (A), or 14.14 (B) in the case of any other person, with the apparent authority, agreement, consent or approval of the Club, may be referred to the Competition Management Committee or Conduct Committee which may, in the event of a breach, levy a fine of up to a maximum of one thousand dollars ($1,000) and forfeit past or future Match points.
15. ORDER OFF RULE
15.1 Yellow Card
(A) A player who is reported by a field umpire or field umpires for a breach of the Laws of the Game may be ordered from the field of play for a period of fifteen (15) minutes. In this instance, an Umpire will hold up a yellow card.
(B) At the discretion of the field umpire, a Player may be ordered from the field of play for a period of fifteen (15) minutes and not be reported. In this instance, an Umpire will hold up a yellow card.
March 2019 – AFL Canberra 46
(C) A Player ordered off with a yellow card is required to leave the playing area immediately through the interchange area. The offending Player’s Club is responsible for obtaining the approval from the timekeepers for such Player to resume playing in the Match.
(D) For the purposes of this By-Law, a yellow card will result in the Player concerned remaining off the field of play for a total period of fifteen (15) consecutive playing minutes, excluding breaks between quarters only. E.g. a Player sent off five (5) minutes before half time would be permitted to resume playing ten (10) minutes after the third quarter commenced.
Regional Law: 15.1 (D) The 15 minutes period starts when the player has left the playing field.
(E) Unless determined otherwise by the Competition Management Committee, all Players who are ordered from the field of play with a yellow card can be replaced immediately.
15.2 Red Card
(A) A Player who is reported by a field umpire or field umpires for a breach of the Laws of the Game twice in the same Match for separate incidents, or who is reported for a serious breach (as listed in By-Law 15.2 (B) below), shall be ordered from the field for the remainder of the Match. In this instance, an Umpire will hold up a red card.
(B) Serious breaches include but are not limited to where a Player:
a. Intentionally, recklessly or negligently makes contact with or strikes an Umpire;
b. Attempts to make contact with or strike an Umpire;
c. Behaves in an abusive, insulting, threatening or obscene manner towards or in relation to an Umpire;
d. Intentionally, recklessly or negligently kicks another person;
e. Commits an act of misconduct - if the Umpire is of the opinion the act constituting misconduct is serious in nature.
(C) A Player ordered off with a red card is required to leave the playing area immediately through the interchange area. The offending Player is not permitted to sit on the bench or enter the playing arena at any time (including breaks) for the remainder of the Match.
(D) Unless otherwise determined by the Competition Management Committee in its ultimate discretion, all Players who are ordered from the field of play with a red card can be replaced after a period of fifteen (15) minutes has elapsed. The offending Player’s Club is responsible for obtaining approval from the timekeepers for the replacement Player to resume playing.
(E) For the purposes of this By-Law, a red card will result in the Player concerned being unable to be replaced for a total period of fifteen (15) consecutive playing minutes, excluding breaks between quarters only. E.g. a Player sent off five (5) minutes before half time would not be permitted to be replaced until ten (10) minutes after the third quarter commenced.
March 2019 – AFL Canberra 47
(F) An Official reported for a breach of the Laws of the Game will automatically be issued with red card and can be replaced after a period of fifteen (15) minutes has elapsed.
Regional Law: 15.2 (F) The 15 minutes period starts when the player has left the playing field.
15.3 Recording of Send Offs
(A) When a Player is sent off from the field of play in accordance with this By-Law 24, the Umpire will show the appropriate yellow or red card to the timekeeper who will in turn acknowledge the send-off by showing the same colour card to the Umpire.
(B) Timekeepers are required to record the time that Players, who are ordered off by the field umpires, leave the field of play and determine when such Players may resume playing in the Match, or be replaced in the Match (whichever is applicable). It is the offending Player’s Club’s responsibility to obtain approval from the timekeepers for such Player to resume playing in the Match
16. APPEALS
Any Player, Official, Umpire or Club who feels aggrieved by any decision relating to these By-Laws may appeal to the League and / or AFL NSW/ACT in accordance with the appeal procedures as outlined in the State & Territory Tribunal Guidelines NSW/ACT, the National Disciplinary Tribunal Guidelines and AFL NSWACT Regulations, as the case may be.
17. FINANCE
17.1 Fees
(A) The Competition Management Committee will prepare a detailed budget each season taking into account all known and projected income and expenditure items.
(B) Clubs will be levied an annual licence fee, which will be used to offset the operational cost of the respective competitions.
(C) Licence fees and other relevant charges will be levied on an annual basis each season.
17.2 Fines
(A) The League will determine a schedule the fines that may to be imposed for specific operational breaches of the By-Laws as follows.
(B) Notwithstanding 17.2 (A), the Competition Management Committee may impose such sanctions as it sees fit.
(C) Where a Club, Player, Official or Umpire has been fined by the Competition Management Committee or incurs an automatic fine, such fine shall be paid within fourteen (14) days of notification of the penalty except where otherwise specified by the League. Failure to pay such fine by the specified time without a satisfactory explanation may result in the fine being increased by the Competition Management Committee.
Regional Law: 17.2 (C) If any club is financially in arrears to AFL Canberra (debtor of more than 60 days), they will appear last on the ladder for all their teams until the debt is settled.
March 2019 – AFL Canberra 48
Clubs which are under a financial management scheme of arrangements with Football Operations and are up to date with all payments under that scheme shall be considered financial.
(D) Where a fine has not been paid within three (3) months of the invoice date, the Player's or Official's Club or, in the case of an Umpire, the Umpires Association, is responsible to pay the fine to the League.
17.3 Outstanding Accounts
(A) Except as provided for under By-Law 17.3 (B), any Club which is in arrears to the League for a period more than sixty (60) days from the date of the invoice, will be ineligible to receive any Competition points which may be accrued by its Teams, from that point in time until the overdue amount has been paid.
(B) Where extenuating circumstances exist, the Competition Management Committee may in its discretion, place a Club on a financial scheme of arrangements for the repayment of outstanding accounts. Any Club operating under such an arrangement shall be considered financial with the League provided that it is up to date with all payments specified by the scheme and for the current year.
17.4 Dishonoured Cheques
Any Club which pays an account to the League by an instrument which is not honoured by its bank or other institution upon presentation, shall automatically be fined fifty dollars ($50) on each occasion.
17.5 Club Finances
(A) Each Club shall be required to furnish to the League by 31 January each year, or as otherwise designated by the League in the Club Licence Agreement, a Financial Statement or Profit and Loss Statement of its operations for the previous season.
(B) Each Club shall provide the League with a Club Budget for the ensuing season by the 31 January each year or as otherwise designated by the League.
Regional Law: 17.5 (B) If any club fails to provide this information, they will appear last on the ladder for all their teams until the debt is settled.
17.6 Insurance
(A) Each Club is covered by the League’s compulsory insurance cover with JLT Sport under the AFL’s National Risk Program. All Players and Officials of a Club will have minimum cover for public and products liability, association liability (subject to the Club being an incorporated body), personal accident and non-Medicare medical.
(B) Each Club may elect higher levels of cover directly through JLT Sport. Specific details of cover shall be provided to Clubs each year and can also be viewed at www.jltsport.com.au/Afl/.
18. ELECTRONIC AND OTHER IMAGES GUIDELINES
(A) The Guidelines in Appendix C are designed to assist Clubs, Officials, Players, families and supporters in dealing with the use of electronic and other images in Matches.
March 2019 – AFL Canberra 49
19. AWARDS
(A) Each season, the Competition Management Committee shall arrange for the presentation of designated awards.
(B) Any Player who has been suspended for any offence in the home and away season will not be eligible to win a Competition Best and Fairest award.
Regional Law: Refer to Attachment H for AFL Canberra Awards
20. GENERAL
20.1 Resolution of disputes within Clubs
(A) Unless criminal in nature, issues or disputes arising within Clubs are in the first instance to be resolved in accordance with the provisions of the Club Constitution and to the reasonable satisfaction of the members of that Club in a timely and appropriate manner.
(B) All Clubs and their members have a responsibility to participate in the Club’s dispute resolution processes subject to the Club’s Constitution.
(C) If the matter is unable to be resolved to the satisfaction of all parties a Club may seek the assistance of the Competition Management Committee.
(D) All persons involved in any dispute must act in a genuine attempt to resolve the dispute.
20.2 League Colours
The official colours of the League will be as designated by the League. The design of the League's representative jumpers is the responsibility of the Competition Management Committee.
20.3 Matters not provided for
The Competition Management Committee may regulate any matters not provided for in these By-Laws in its sole and absolute discretion.
March 2019 – AFL Canberra 50
Appendix “A”
PRESCRIBED PENALTY SYSTEM FOR REPORTED PLAYERS
Introduction
The League has adopted the State & Territory Tribunal Guidelines for the purposes of dealing with Reportable Offences. Section 5 of the State & Territory Tribunal Guidelines contains grading templates for various classifications of offences and outlines the prescribed penalties which can be offered to reported Players (where applicable).
The system will not apply to Officials who are reported. Those Reports will be heard by the Tribunal.
Procedure
Umpires shall report and charge Players in the usual manner. The reporting Umpire shall complete the Player Report Form template and forward it to the League by 10.00 am on the Monday immediately following the Match (where reasonably practicable).
Once the Player Report Form and Report Template has been received, the League’s Football Operations Co-ordinator will process the report and decide whether:
1. the offence by the Player is suitable for determination under the Prescribed Penalty System; or
2. the Report should be referred to the Tribunal for determination.
If the offence and/or Player is suitable for determination under the Prescribed Penalty System, the prescribed penalty shall be offered to the Player (via the Club) on the Monday following the Match in which the Player was reported.
The Player (either directly or via the Club) shall notify the League of the acceptance or refusal to accept the set penalty by no later than 4.00pm on the Tuesday following the Match in which the Player was reported (or at a later date as reasonably prescribed by the League if the prescribed penalty was provided later than Monday). If accepted, the penalty shall be recorded against the player’s record kept by the League. If the prescribed penalty is rejected the Report shall be referred to the Tribunal for hearing at a time to be advised the League.
March 2019 – AFL Canberra 51
Appendix “B”
INCIDENT REFERRAL FORM
TO: AFL CANBERRA
I, the undersigned give notice I wish to refer an incident which may constitute a Reportable Offence under the Laws of the Game or a Breach of the Code of Conduct.
Round: ______Match: ______vs______
Venue: ______Date: ______
Person(s) involved (please state offending person/s): ______
Reportable Offence or Code of Conduct Breach: ______
Type of Reportable Offence/ Infringement (s): ______
Note:
The spirit of a Citing By-law is to provide a means for the investigation of serious incidents which occur behind the play or which go unnoticed by the umpires.
A serious incident for definition is a matter that may draw a base sanction of three or more matches in accordance with the grading table contained in the State & Territory Tribunal Guidelines - NSW/ACT, or as otherwise determined by the Competition Management Committee based on the recommendation of the investigating officer. See over for suggested grading Table.
With all citing submissions at least one witness statement should be included.
Vicinity at Venue: ______
Quarter: ______Time of Incident: ______
Other relevant information: ______
Where a Classifiable Offence, as defined under 5.3 (a) of the State & Territory Tribunal Guidelines NSW/ACT is the reason for the citing use the table below to indicate the level of conduct alleged.
March 2019 – AFL Canberra 52
Tick Impact Area struck suggested
High/Groin High Body
High/Groin Intentional Medium Conduct Body N/A
High/Groin N/A Low Body N/A
High/Groin High Body N/A
High/Groin N/A Careless Conduct Medium Body N/A
High/Groin N/A Low Body N/A
Print Name: ______Club: ______(if applicable)
Signed: ______Dated: ______
Umpire / Umpires Observer / Umpires Coach / Club Official /
Other______
______(Please Circle)
This form is to be completed and lodged, along with the deposit in accordance with the League By-Laws
League use only:
Lodged with League on ______/______/______at ______(time)
March 2019 – AFL Canberra 53
Appendix “C”
RECORDING OF IMAGES
(A) This Appendix governs the recording of images, video and/or audio by way of electronic or any other means (recording) of League activities where used by or for the use of or on behalf of Clubs and/or for, by or on behalf of their Officials (recorder). It must be read in conjunction with relevant Codes of Conduct and the Registration Terms and Conditions. Where this Appendix is inconsistent with specific provisions in the Registration Terms and Conditions, such specific provisions of the Registration Terms and Conditions will prevail.
(B) This Appendix sets out the terms and conditions on which such recording can take place, seeking to balance the reasonable expectations of privacy by the participants and the reasonable use of such recordings for legitimate purposes.
(C) In this Appendix, participant means all Players, Club appointed Umpires and Team Officials, and does not include spectators and officially appointed Umpires.
(D) The law surrounding the taking of recordings, particularly of minors, is complex. AFL NSW/ACT takes this issue very seriously and the provisions below are designed to assist Clubs, Officials, Players, families and supporters, as stakeholders, to deal with this complex issue. However, these provisions are not legal advice, and all stakeholders must make their own enquiries. Whilst AFL NSW/ACT will provide information, guidance and assistance on these issues, the responsibility to ensure compliance with all legal (including statutory) provisions lies with individual stakeholders, as appropriate.
(E) When a person enters private land, they consent to any requirements that the property owner may impose on them. This may include restrictions, including prohibitions on the making of a recording of events held on their land. There is nothing, however, to prevent a person from making a recording from outside of the borders of private land, regardless of the property owner’s preferences. In the absence of conduct that is offensive or threatening and unlikely to interfere with the public enjoyment of a public place, there is nothing to prevent a person from making a recording of minors in public places.
(F) It is thus not generally illegal to make a recording of minors at sporting events, but a common-sense approach needs to be taken.
(G) Persons making a recording and persons using such recordings must be mindful of the complex issues surrounding privacy.
(H) Unless consent is specifically withdrawn, by reason of the Registration Terms and Conditions, the Player’s image in any form or medium is able to be used for general marketing and promotional activities.
(I) These provisions seek to strike a balance between concerns regarding privacy and the reasonable use of such images
(J) Recordings may only be used within the spirit of the game and within the Laws of the Game and consistent with the Code of Conduct.
(K) By agreeing to the Registration Terms and Conditions, the participant irrevocably consents to the use of participant’s footage and likeness for competition management and administrative purposes
March 2019 – AFL Canberra 54
(L) The recorder may only record Matches and other AFL related activities such as practice Matches, training and drills (activity or activities) for legal, instructional, Coaching and promotional purposes (the accepted purposes) and must not record activities for commercial, indecent, inappropriate or illegal purposes.
(M) Subject to the direction and supervision of the League, and the direction or ruling by the relevant Conduct Committee or Tribunal, such recording may be used for legitimate purposes in Code of Conduct investigations and/or Tribunal hearings.
(N) The recorder must inform the Ground manager (where appointed), the Coach and/or Team manager of the Club and any Club (other Club) whose participants are involved in the activity to be recorded, before the recording is commenced. The other Club may not object to the recording being made. The Coaches and/or Team managers must use their best endeavours to inform participants, and the parents and guardians of all participants who are minors, of the recording.
(O) If a copy of the recording is requested by an official of the other Club (the requestor), the recorder must provide a copy within 3 working days after being provided by the requestor with suitable media on which to copy the recording. The requestor shall pay the amount identified in Table 1. The League may request a copy of the recording and advise the recorder of the media on which it wishes to receive the recording and such copy shall be provided to the League without charge within 3 working days.
(P) None of the recorder, the requestor or the League shall provide a copy of the recording to any other party except with the written consent of both Clubs.
(Q) None of the recorder, the requestor or the League shall post, stream or otherwise share the recording, including on the internet or social media. The recording may be shared for instructional, Coaching, Tribunal /Code of Conduct purposes but only by the Club, the other Club or the League. Except where used for the accepted purposes, none of the Applicant, the requestor or the League may make any other form of publication of the recording.
(R) The requestor and the League may only use the recording for the purposes outlined in the clause above.
(S) A recording may be used for promotional purposes unless the consent of the parent or guardian of any Players who are minors for the use of such recording has been withdrawn prior to its use (informed consent).
(T) Where informed consent is required, it is the sole responsibility of the party who is required to obtain the informed consent to obtain such informed consent.
(U) The provisions of this document apply to recordings however and by whomever made or obtained.
(V) Table 2 sets out various activities and how they are covered by this Appendix. However, the Table is for guidance only, and if there is any discrepancy between the Table and this Appendix, the provisions of this Appendix prevail.
(W) Breach of the terms of this Appendix, or the spirit of the game or the Code of Conduct is an act of Misconduct under the Laws of the Game, and will be dealt with pursuant to the By-laws accordingly
March 2019 – AFL Canberra 55
Table 1
Amount to be paid by the requestor pursuant to Clause (O) - $40
Table 2
Consent of participants not Prior consent to use not Prohibited required required but consent may be withdrawn prior to use
Instruction* Promotional (for example, Commercial use in Club newsletter, Coaching* Illegal Club Annual report, Tribunal/Code of Conduct* Club social media or by Inappropriate the League. Indecent * no post, stream or otherwise sharing of the recording, including on the internet, social media
March 2019 – AFL Canberra 56
Attachment A – AFL Canberra Club Application & Participation Agreement
The Club hereby applies to field team/s in the Australian Football competition/s (the Competitions) comprising the league known as AFL Canberra (the League) administered and as directed by the AFL (NSW/ACT) Commission Ltd (ABN 53 086 839 385) (AFL NSW/ ACT) on the terms and conditions set out in the annexed Club Participation Agreement (the Agreement).
Club Details Club Legal ABN Name
Club Address
Key Contact Position
Phone Number Email
Signature: ______Name: ______Date: / /
Club Documentation
Constitution Attached □ Financials Attached □
Note: Club must provide a copy of the Club’s latest return to NSW Fair Trading (Form A12) or Access Canberra (Form AR), as applicable, or alternatively the latest financial statements (which, in either case must cover a period which ends no earlier than 12 months prior to the date of the application.
Competition Information
Competition(s)
Term and Season 1 November 2018 – 31 October Term Season 2019 2019
AFL NSW/ ACT Use Only Application Accepted □ Application Rejected □
Signature: ______Name: ______Date: / /
Note: On receipt by the Club of the acceptance of this Club Application for Participation by AFL NSW/ACT, the terms of the Club Participation Agreement as annexed to that Application come into effect, as at the date of the acceptance by AFL NSW/ACT.
March 2019 – AFL Canberra
AFL CANBERRA Club Participation Agreement
The Club hereby agrees to field team/s in the Australian Football competition/s (the Competitions) comprising the league known as AFL Canberra (the League) administered and as directed by the AFL (NSW/ACT) Commission Ltd (ABN 53 086 839 385) (AFL NSW/ ACT) on the following terms and conditions and for the Term as set out at Item 1 of the Schedule to this Club Participation Agreement (the Agreement).
Generally
The Club shall at all times:
• comply with and observe; and
• use its best endeavours to ensure that each of its officers, players and volunteers (being persons concerned in or taking part in the administration, running or activities of the Club, whether paid or unpaid) comply with and observe;
• insofar as they affect the Club, any document, determination, resolution, policy, rule, regulation and by-law (the Obligations) of the AFL and AFL NSW/ ACT including the AFL NSW/ ACT Regulations and League By-Laws;
• all marketing and sponsorship commitments made on behalf of the Club by the AFL NSW/ ACT and/or the League in relation to the use of logos and trademarks and approved equipment and/or suppliers, as set out in this Agreement.
The Club shall at all times:
• ensure that its players compete in the League’s Competitions as administered by the AFL NSW/ ACT in accordance with the Laws of Australian Football;
• ensure that all players competing in the Competitions are registered and remain registered; and
• maintain and ensure that each of its officers, players, officials, volunteers and spectators maintain a high and good reputation and not jointly or severally engage in any unbecoming conduct or conduct which is prejudicial or likely to be prejudicial to the interests of AFL NSW/ ACT, the League or the game of Australian Football.
Documents required for Affiliation
The Club must provide to AFL NSW/ ACT, accompanying the Application for affiliation or participation, a copy of the following documents:
• the Constitution or Articles of Association, as the case may be, which shall not be inconsistent with this Agreement or the Obligations of AFL NSW/ ACT, or the League. Where the Constitution or Articles of Association are subsequently amended, a copy of such amended document shall be provided to the AFL NSW/ ACT within 14 days of any such amendment;
• the latest return to NSW Fair Trading (Form A12) or Access Canberra (Form AR), as applicable, or alternatively the latest financial statements (which, in either case must cover a period which ends no earlier than 12 months prior to the date of the Application.
October 2018
2
AFL NSW/ ACT and League Obligations
During the Term of this Agreement, and subject to the Club complying with the terms of this Agreement: the Club shall be entitled to exercise its rights and obligations pursuant to this Agreement without interference from AFL NSW/ ACT;
AFL NSW/ ACT will use its best endeavours to carry on and administer the Competitions (or such other competition/s) in a proper and efficient manner including administering an independent tribunal system and overseeing the competition management system;
AFL NSW/ ACT will ensure that all other Clubs affiliated in such Competitions observe and comply with the terms of their affiliation and participation;
AFL NSW/ ACT will use reasonable endeavours to timely communicate to the Club on all matters affecting the Club;
AFL NSW/ ACT will provide the Club with benefits of AFL affiliation that are applicable from time to time; and
AFL NSW/ ACT will comply with all laws generally affecting the Competitions.
Acknowledgement of Club
The Club acknowledges and agrees that AFL NSW/ ACT may, after appropriate consultation with all Clubs in the Competition:
enter into affiliation or participation agreements with other Clubs that may field team/s in the same Competitions as that of the Club;
enforce minimum standards and/ or criteria for participation in specific Competitions; and/ or
restructure the Competitions as may be required for the proper administration of such Competitions.
Football Operations
The Club must not field a team/s in any competition or matches or play in any match other than in the Competitions unless otherwise approved by AFL NSW/ ACT.
The Club must establish appropriate, training, playing and administrative facilities and with respect to any venue, must not, directly or indirectly, enter into, or benefit from any agreement or understanding with a competitor of a sponsor of the AFL NSW/ ACT in respect of sponsorship, advertising or promotion, including signage unless otherwise approved by the League.
Fees and Finances
The Club agrees to pay to the AFL NSW/ ACT annual fees for affiliation and such other costs including insurance and expenses as may be determined by the AFL NSW/ ACT from time to time.
The AFL NSW/ ACT may from time to time, in their absolute discretion, provide funding to the Club in order to assist the Club to conduct its operations as provided for under this Agreement and may impose, vary or revoke any conditions in relation to the provision of such funding. To the extent that any moneys due by the Club to the AFL NSW/ ACT remain outstanding, the AFL NSW/ ACT may offset same against any such funding.
2
3
The Club shall, during the Term of this Agreement, observe and maintain proper financial records and keep its financial records in proper order, and comply with any financial systems as may be required by AFL NSW/ ACT.
Intellectual property and sponsors
In this Agreement, AFL Trademark means any trademarks and designs (whether registered or unregistered) and/or the trade names, trademark applications and logos owned by the Australian Football League (ACN 004 155 211) (AFL) or AFL NSW/ ACT and such marks, designs or logos notified in writing by AFL NSW/ ACT to the Club during the term of this Agreement as being included in this definition, and Club Trademark means any trademarks and designs (whether registered or unregistered) and/or the trade names, trademark applications and logos owned by the Club and such marks, designs or logos notified in writing by the Club to AFL NSW/ ACT during the Term of this Agreement as being included in this definition.
The Club must not be a party to, or benefit from, either directly or indirectly, any agreement or arrangement that prejudices any AFL Trademark or Club Trademark. The Club will not either directly or indirectly enter into any agreement, arrangement or understanding in respect of sponsorship, advertising or promotion with a competitor of a major sponsor or partner of AFL NSW/ ACT and/or the League, or any competition administered by AFL NSW/ ACT or the League without the prior written approval of AFL NSW/ ACT.
The Club will not enter into any contract, arrangement, agreement or understanding with any person, including any legal entity, for the supply, endorsement, approval or sponsorship of goods or services of the type provided by or associated with the operation of AFL NSW/ ACT’s major sponsors or partners, unless previously approved in writing by AFL NSW/ ACT.
The provisions in clauses 11-13 survive the termination of this Agreement.
The Club grants to the AFL NSW/ ACT a non-exclusive licence to utilise and reproduce the Club Trademark for the reasonable purpose of the administration and promotion of the Competition/s during the Term of this Agreement. Such licence will automatically cease upon the termination of this Agreement.
Subject to the compliance by the Club with this Agreement, the AFL NSW/ ACT hereby grants the Club a non-exclusive licence to reproduce the AFL Trademarks for the sole purpose of the promotion of the Competition/s and the game of Australian Football. Such licence will automatically cease upon the termination of this Agreement.
Gambling and Betting
The Club will use its best endeavours to ensure that its players, coaches and officials do not, directly or indirectly, engage in any:
bet, wager, gamble or any other form of financial speculation where the relevant person stands to win or gain from the win, draw or loss of any Club competing in a Competition match;
the throwing or fixing of a Competition match; or
any conduct or behaviour intended to unfairly affect the result of a Competition match, including accepting or agreeing to accept any benefit connected with or relating to the ability of a member to exercise control over or influence the outcome of a Competition match so as to bring about a result other than that which would be achieved in a fair contest between the competing teams.
3
4
Insurance
The Club shall take out and maintain such polices of insurance as may be reasonably required by AFL NSW/ ACT and shall provide evidence of the terms of such policies and their renewal within 14 days of any request.
The Club agrees to participate in the AFL’s National Insurance Protection Program as procured by AFL or AFL NSW/ ACT on behalf of the Club, including paying the costs of such participation.
Indemnity
The Club hereby indemnifies AFL NSW/ ACT from all and any claims, liabilities, suits, losses, expenses, actions, responsibilities or damages by reason of any claim, proceedings, action, liability or injury arising out of the Club’s conduct of the Club’s operations or as a result of the Club’s relations with any third party or as a result of any breach of this Agreement by the Club, except where the same is occasioned by or results from any cause beyond the Club’s reasonable control.
Liability of AFL NSW/ ACT
AFL NSW/ ACT is not liable to the Club for any loss by the Club caused by AFL NSW/ ACT failing to observe the terms and conditions of this Agreement on its part to be observed and performed where such failure is occasioned by any cause beyond AFL NSW/ ACT’s reasonable control.
Term and Termination
AFL NSW/ ACT may terminate this Agreement at any time after each football season by giving 3 month’s written notice to the Club. No reasons are required to be provided by AFL NSW/ ACT. The Club acknowledges and agrees that this Agreement does not create a right or expectation of continued participation in any particular Competitions or any future competition/s administered by AFL NSW/ ACT.
The Term of the Agreement is for the period as set out in Item 1 of the Schedule.
Notwithstanding the above, immediately upon notice where:
the Club unreasonably fails to duly and promptly comply with its Obligation in this Agreement;
if the Club or any of its officers, players, official or volunteers does or permits to be done any act or thing which reflects unfavourably upon the reputation, standing or goodwill of AFL NSW/ ACT or the game of Australian Football or engages in any unbecoming conduct or conduct which is prejudicial or likely to be prejudicial to the interests of AFL NSW/ ACT, the AFL or the playing of Australian Football;
any event occurs which in the opinion of the AFL NSW/ ACT materially and prejudicially affects the financial position of the Club or the ability of the Club to duly and promptly observe and perform any of its obligations under this Agreement;
AFL NSW/ ACT is of the opinion that the Club is otherwise unable to pay its debts as and when they fall due;
AFL NSW/ ACT is of the opinion that the Club is unable to field a team(s) in the Competition administered by AFL NSW/ ACT;
the Club threatens to or ceases to carry on all or part of its operations or disposes of the whole or any substantial part of its assets.
4
5
No Assignment
This participation licence is personal to the Club and the Club shall not assign or grant any sub- licence or otherwise deal with or transfer any of its rights or interests under this Agreement without the prior written consent of AFL NSW/ ACT, which consent may be granted or withheld in the absolute discretion of AFL NSW/ ACT.
No Waiver
No waiver by AFL NSW/ ACT of any default in the strict and literal performance or compliance with any of the obligations on the part of the Club to be observed in this Agreement shall be deemed to be a waiver of the strict and literal performance of and compliance with any other obligation, nor to be a waiver of or in any manner release the Club from strict compliance with any obligation in the future nor shall any delay or omission by AFL NSW/ ACT to exercise any rights under this Agreement in any manner impair the exercise of any such rights accruing to it thereafter.
Invalidity
In the event of the invalidity of any part, clause or provision of this Agreement, such invalidity shall not affect the enforcement of any other part or provision of this Agreement and this Agreement shall operate to the maximum extent it can validly do so.
Entire Agreement
This Agreement constitutes the entire Agreement between AFL NSW/ ACT and the Club.
SCHEDULE
Item 1 Term: 1 November 2018 to 31 October 2019 Item 2 Season: 2019
5
6
Attachment B – Interchange of Players between AFL Canberra Clubs
1.1 A player registered with an AFL Canberra Club may play with another AFL Canberra Club (in the same league) under the following conditions;
1.1.1 That both Clubs have an approved alliance that is registered with AFL Canberra. The alliance may cover matters of mutual assistance including promotion and relegation of players between the two clubs for all matches, coaching assistance and sponsorship arrangements.
1.1.2 Below is a list of approved Senior alignments: a) Ainslie (Senior Grades) i) Ainslie (Community Grades – Third and Fourth Grade) ii) ANU (Community Grades – Third and Fourth Grade) iii) Yass (Community Grade – Fourth Grade)
Any ANU player that wishes to test themselves at a higher level should contact Ainslie for the opportunity. Any excess ANU players should be made available for Ainslie and vice-versa.
Any Yass player that wishes to test themselves at a higher level should contact Ainslie for the opportunity. Any excess Yass players should be made available for Ainslie (Fourth Grade).
b) Belconnen (Senior Grades) i) Cootamundra (Community Grade – Third Grade) ii) Belconnen Magpies (Community Grade – Fourth Grade)
Any Cootamundra player that wishes to test themselves at a higher level should contact Belconnen for the opportunity. Any excess Cootamundra players should be made available for Belconnen (Fourth Grade).
Any excess Belconnen players should be made available for Cootamundra.
c) Eastlake (Senior Grades) d) Woden (Community Grades – Third and Fourth Grade)
Any Woden player that wishes to test themselves at a higher level should contact Eastlake for the opportunity. Any excess Eastlake players should be made available for Woden.
e) Gungahlin (Senior Grades) f) Batemans Bay (Community Grades – Third and Fourth Grade) (1) Goulburn (Community Grade – Fourth Grade)
Any Batemans Bay player that wishes to test themselves at a higher level should contact Gungahlin for the opportunity. Any excess Batemans Bay players should be made available for Gungahlin and vice-versa.
Any Goulburn player that wishes to test themselves at a higher level should contact Gungahlin for the opportunity. Any excess Goulburn players should be made available for Batemans Bay (Fourth Grade).
g) Queanbeyan (Senior Grades) h) Googong (Community Grades – Third and Fourth Grade) i) Southern Cats (Community Grade – Fourth Grade)
Any Googong player that wishes to test themselves at a higher level should contact Queanbeyan for the opportunity. Any excess Googong players should be made available for Queanbeyan and vice-versa.
6
7
Any Southern Cats player that wishes to test themselves at a higher level should contact Queanbeyan for the opportunity. Any excess South Cats players should be made available for Googong (Fourth Grade).
j) Tuggeranong (Senior Grades) i) Molonglo (Community Grades – Third and Fourth Grade) ii) Tuggeranong (Community Grade – Fourth Grade)
Any Molonglo player that wishes to test themselves at a higher level should contact Tuggeranong for the opportunity. Any excess Molonglo players should be made available for Tuggeranong (Fourth Grade).
Any excess Tuggeranong players should be made available for Molonglo.
1.1.3 Below is a list of approved Junior alignments: a) Ainslie (Senior Club) i) Ainslie (Junior Club) b) Belconnen (Senior Club) i) Belconnen Cats (Junior Club) ii) Magpies Juniors (Junior Club) c) Eastlake (Senior Club) i) Eastlake (Junior Club) d) Gungahlin (Senior Club) i) Gungahlin (Junior Club) e) Queanbeyan (Senior Club) i) Queanbeyan (Junior Club) f) Tuggeranong (Senior Club) i) Calwell Swans (Junior Club) ii) Tuggeranong Bulldogs (Junior Club) iii) Tuggeranong Hawks (Junior Club) iv) Tuggeranong Lions (Junior Club) v) Weston Creek Wildcats (Juniors Club)
1.1.4 The Footyweb permit system shall be the facility used to activate such interchanges (the lodgement of a Local Interchange Agreement)
1.1.5 There may be instances where Clubs still have excess players. In this instance, players can play for Clubs that they are not aligned to as long as the avenues listed above have occurred first. In this instance, the Footyweb permit system shall be the facility used to activate such interchanges (the lodgement of a Match Day Permit) pending “Approval” from Football Operations.
1.1.6 Games played on a Match Day Permit do not count towards finals eligibility with either club.
The spirit of this By-Law is to allow a club with surplus player(s) on a given match day to give these player(s) a game of football with another club no more than one division lower then they normally participate. It is also designed to allow a player to trial with another club which is playing in a higher grade or division.
1.2 Subject to 1.4 below, a player who transfers to another club to attend an educational institution on a full-time and continuous basis may, during official semester vacations / school holidays, receive a permit to play with his immediate former club subject to written endorsement from the current club, the former club and their respective leagues. The permit application is to be endorsed by those outlined above prior to 1 July in a given year. The permit period lasts until the player ceases his commitments at the educational institution and is subject to any relevant regulations of any of the parties, including participation in finals.
1.3 Students referred to in By-law 1.2 must provide a school or university calendar which sets out vacation periods.
7
8
1.4 Permits issued under By-laws 1.2 shall apply to home and away matches only. Matches played under such a permit will not be counted towards finals eligibility.
Players/clubs with a bye/forfeited in the higher grade
1.5 Where a club has a bye//forfeited in the AFL Canberra Competition, that club cannot play players in a lower grade that played in a higher grade in the previous week, unless otherwise determined by the Administration Committee
A player will be considered for selection in his clubs’ lower grade team when their higher grade team has the bye/ forfeited if:
a) In the event that he did play in the higher grade the week before the designated bye/forfeit, if that player has played less than 50% of his total games played in the higher grade he can be considered for selection in his clubs lower grade team
b) In accordance with rule 1.5 a) a club shall not have more than two players who fall into this category.
c) The player has played 50% or more of their games in a higher grade but is returning from injury where he has not played the previous three or more weeks.
d) The player has played 50% or more of their games in a higher grade but is returning from suspension where they has missed two or more weeks.
e) If a club uses a player in a lower grade that falls into any of the categories above, that player will be included in his clubs limit i.e. not more than three
In all cases, clubs must gain approval from Football Operations prior to selecting a player subject to rule 1.5.
The spirit of this law is to allow clubs to play players in a lower grade who are either fringe higher grade players or to be able to bring players back through a lower grade who have missed a significant amount of football through injury or suspension.
Should clubs play a player who does not fit the above criteria, that player will be deemed an ineligible player. Refer to AFL NSW/ACT Regulations 4.6 – Unregistered or ineligible Players
8
9
Attachment C – Match Day Agreement between AFL Canberra and Sapphire Coast AFL
An Interleague Permit Agreement between AFL Canberra and AFL Sapphire Coast for the movement of players for development opportunities and ability to play with home club.
1.0 Area Agreement 1.1 This agreement is signed pursuant to the AFL NSW/ACT Regulations clause 5.2 and the National Player Transfer Regulations clause 3.9.
2.0 Administrative Processes 2.1 That this agreement is in force for the current season only, with the agreement to be signed off at the start of each season. Copies to be distributed to each league and club involved in the permit system. 2.2 That clubs will use a ‘Local Interchange’ permit on the SportsTG Passport system to lodge the player permits. 2.3 That the players involved desire to play with the club in the other League on the day in question. 2.4 That the Clubs involved are agreeable to the players playing on the day in question. 2.5 Players can only be registered with one club to utilise the permit system. 2.6 That all available CLUB REGISTERED players must be selected before permit players can receive endorsement to play. 2.7 That this agreement is developed in good faith to provide players with some additional development opportunities and not to improve team performance
3.0 Local Conditions 3.1 Players may be granted, by their club of origin, to play four (4) permits to play in the AFL Canberra or AFL Sapphire Coast League home and away season. 3.2 Players may play TWO GAMES per weekend but ONLY ONE per day. 3.3 Each team is only permitted to play a maximum of two (2) permit players in any one match. 3.4 Players from Sapphire Coast will NOT be eligible to play finals in AFL Canberra and vice versa.
4.0 Reported Players 4.1 A player playing on a permit that is reported shall face the Tribunal of the League of which the reportable offence was committed. 4.2 Any penalty that is imposed by the tribunal shall apply in all competitions.
5.0 Authorisation This Agreement shall remain valid until such a time either League or AFL NSW/ACT dissolves the Agreement.
Changes may be made to this Agreement with advice to be provided to each League at the time of the change taking place.
Operations Manager, AFL Canberra
Name: ……………………………………………..………….. Signature: …………………………………………………….. Date: ………………
Football Operations Coordinator, AFL Sapphire Coast Name: ……………………………………………..………….. Signature: …………………………………………………….. Date: ………………
9
10
Attachment D – Match Day Agreement between AFL Canberra and AFL South Coast
An Interleague Permit Agreement between AFL Canberra and AFL South Coast Leagues for the movement of players for development opportunities.
1.0 Area Agreement
1.1 This agreement is signed pursuant to the AFL NSW/ACT Regulations & By-Laws and the National Player Transfer Regulations clause 3.9 – Area Agreements.
2.0 Administrative Processes
2.1 That this agreement is in force for the current season only, with the agreement to be signed off at the start of each season. Copies to be distributed to each league and club involved in the permit system.
2.2 That clubs will use a Match Day Permit on the Footyweb system to lodge the player permits.
2.3 That the players involved desire to play with the club in the other League on the day in question.
2.4 That the Clubs involved are agreeable to the players playing on the day in question.
2.5 Players can only be registered with one club to utilise the permit system.
2.6 That all available CLUB REGISTERED players must be selected before permit players can receive endorsement to play.
2.7 A player may NOT play in a match with the other League instead of his match in his registered League.
2.8 That this agreement is developed in good faith to provide players with some additional development opportunities and not to improve team performance
3.0 Local Conditions
3.1 Players may be granted, by their club of origin, to play four (4) permits to play in the AFL Canberra League home and away season.
3.2 Players may play TWO GAMES per weekend but ONLY ONE per day.
3.3 Each team is only permitted to play a maximum of two (2) permit players in any one match.
3.3 Players from AFL South Coast will NOT be eligible to play finals in AFL Canberra and vice versa.
4.0 Reported Players
4.1 A player playing on a permit that is reported shall face the Tribunal of the League of which the reportable offence was committed.
4.2 Any penalty that is imposed by the tribunal shall apply in all competitions.
5.0 Authorisation
This Agreement shall remain valid until such a time either League or AFL NSW/ACT dissolves the Agreement.
Changes may be made to this Agreement with advice to be provided to each League at the time of the change taking place. 10
11
Attachment E – Player Eligibility in Finals
Finals (Seniors and Juniors)
1.1 During finals series matches, non-competing clubs may be required (as determined by the Administration Committee) to provide personnel to assist with ground management tasks such as gatekeepers, timekeepers, interchange steward and scoreboard attendants etc.
1.2 A player reported and suspended in any division cannot serve their suspension in another division if the division they were reported in is not playing that weekend.
1.3 On application by a player's club, the Administration Committee may vary the number of qualifying games required where Services personnel are posted a significant distance away during the home and away matches; or where a player misses a significant number of matches due to serious injury; or under other exceptional circumstances.
Senior Finals
1.1 Players must be named on the official team sheet and play in a minimum of four home and away games for a particular team in a particular division to be eligible to play in finals for that particular team in a that particular division.
For example, a player that has played four home and away games only in Second Grade is eligible to play Second Grade finals.
1.2 As long as 1.1 is met, Senior players can play up a division for their actual Club in finals.
For example, a player that has played four home and away games in Second Grade is eligible to play First Grade finals.
1.3 Any Senior player who has played in a total of nine or more home and away matches of a higher division shall not be eligible to play final matches in a lower division. The list of grades from highest to lowest is as follows: * NEAFL * First Grade * Second Grade * Third Grade * Fourth Grade
1.4 A player who has played nine or more games in a higher grade(s) – can represent his club in the immediate lower division final only if the team/s is playing on the same weekend.
1.5 In this case, should the higher division team be knocked out and the lower division team continue, this player will be eligible to play the remaining finals games for the lower division side as long as they are qualified as per Rule 1.1 (minimum 4 games in the lower division).
1.6 In Seniors, there may be instances where a player has played a number of games across multiple teams in different division without reaching four home and away games for one particular team in a division.
For example, a player that has played three home and away games in First Grade and three home and away games in Second Grade.
In this instance, the player would be eligible to participate in the finals of the highest division that their Club is playing in. They may also be able to participate in lower divisions based on the rules above.
11
12
1.7 A player can only participate in one senior final match on any given weekend.
Exceptional Circumstances
1.8 If a player plays the lower grade on a Saturday and a player in the higher grade pulls out on the Saturday night due to illness or injury a lower grade player (who played on Saturday) will be allowed to take his place in the higher-grade team the following day.
For example, if a Second-Grade player plays on a Saturday and a First Grade player pulls out of the First Grade side on the Saturday night due to illness or injury a Second Grade player (who played on Saturday) will be allowed to take his place the following day.
NEAFL Player Finals Eligibility
1.1 Any Canberra Demons listed player must play 4 AFL Canberra First Grade games to qualify to play in the AFL Canberra Finals.
1.2 If any Canberra Demons player plays 9 or more games in the NEAFL competition for the Canberra Demons, that player will be deemed not eligible to play in the AFL Canberra Finals regardless if playing the same weekend as AFL Canberra senior competitions.
Junior Finals
1.1 Players must be named on the official team sheet and play in a minimum of four home and away games for a particular team in a particular division to be eligible to play in finals for that particular team in a that particular division.
1.2 Junior players cannot play up a division for their actual Club in finals unless they have met 1.1
For example, a player that has played four home and away games only in the Under 11’s is not eligible to play in the Under 12’s finals.
1.3 Any Junior player who plays five or more games in a higher division must have played at least fifty percent of the home and away games in the lower division in order to be eligible for finals in both divisions. The list of divisions from highest to lowest is as follows:
Male * Rising Stars Men’s * Under 17’s * Under 16’s * Under 15’s * Under 14’s * Under 13’s * Under 12’s * Under 11’s
Female * Rising Star Women’s * Under 16’s * Under 14’s * Under 12’s
Senior divisions are not considered a higher division. Senior players can play finals if they are age eligible and qualify to do so.
For example. if a player participates in six Under 12’s games and nine Under 13’s games, the player will only be able to participate in the Under 13’s finals. 12
13
If a player participates in nine Under 12’s games and six Under 13’s games, the player will be able to participate in the both the Under 12’s and Under 13’s finals.
1.4 There is no restriction on the number of finals game a player can participate in on any given weekend, however they player must be eligible for each team they play for. Player welfare should be taken into consideration when selecting a player to play more than one game on any given weekend.
For example, a player may play in two junior finals on the same weekend. A player may play one junior and one senior final on the same weekend.
Attachment G – Specific Competitions
1.1 If a player plays for the NSW/ACT Under 18 Representative Team, Under 18’s GWS Giants Academy, Under 18’s Allies or any NEAFL club as a top up player those games will be considered equivalent to AFL Canberra First Grade Men’s matches and therefore games played, excluding trial games, by a player in that team will count towards finals eligibility with the player’s club.
1.2 Further to rule 1.1, if a registered Marist player is used as a top up player for any NEAFL club the game(s) played as a top up will count as a Rising Stars Men’s match.
2.0 AFL Canberra First Grade
2.1 When not selected for their respective NEAFL Squads, listed players will return to their allocated Club. Final details on allocations will be communicated with Senior Clubs prior to the start of the season.
13
14
Attachment H – AFL Canberra Awards
1.1 AFL Canberra Club Championships
Senior Club Championship The AFL Canberra Senior Club Championship shall be awarded to the senior club that has the highest number of points at the end of the home and away season based on the below criteria.
Points shall be allocated for;
Number of wins during the season: For every game a team wins they shall receive points as per the table below
Quality Club Program Rating: AFL Canberra clubs shall also receive points towards their club championship based on their AFL Quality Club Program rating at the end of the home and away season Bronze rating = 10 points Silver rating = 15 points Gold Rating = 20 points
No. of points Grade allocated per win AFL Canberra First Grade 6 AFL Canberra Second Grade 4 AFL Canberra Women’s First Grade 6 AFL Canberra Rising Star Men’s 4
Community Club Championship The AFL Canberra Community Club Championship shall be awarded to the club that has the highest number of points at the end of the home and away season based on the below criteria.
Points shall be allocated for;
Number of wins during the season: For every game a team wins they shall receive points as per the table below
Quality Club Program Rating: AFL Canberra clubs shall also receive points towards their club championship based on their AFL Quality Club Program rating at the end of the home and away season Bronze rating = 10 points Silver rating = 15 points Gold Rating = 20 points
Grade No. of points allocated per win AFL Canberra Third Grade 6 AFL Canberra Fourth Grade 4 AFL Canberra Women’s Second Grade 4
1.2 Following each season AFL Canberra shall present the following awards in each senior grade; Leading Goal Kicker Award – presented to the player who has kicked the most goals in that competition at the end of the home and away season.
Best and Fairest Player – shall be awarded to the player with the most votes in a competition at the end of the home & away season based on umpire 3-2-1 votes from each game played.
14
15
In the event more than one player has won either award, all players with the leading number of goals and votes shall receive an award.
1.3 AFL Canberra may also at its discretion present other competition awards at the end of the home and away season.
1.4 AFL Canberra Junior Awards a) Club of the Year – Prime Minister’s Trophy A Perpetual Trophy shall be awarded to the AFL Canberra Junior Division Club that performs best across all grades of their respective competitions. Points will be accrued on the basis of on-field results and Club administrative completed tasks. The club which wins the club of the year in each season in accordance with these By-Laws shall hold the Prime Minister’s Trophy until the conclusion of the Home and Away matches in the following season. The winner of the Prime Minister’s Trophy shall be determined by the Football Operations. b) Joe McDonald Memorial Trophy Clubs nominate a prospective recipient with whom they feel deserves recognition for their contribution to junior football. This trophy is awarded at the discretion of the Football Operations as a special trophy, to a Junior Player or Official. c) Alan Phillips Memorial Trophy This Memorial Trophy was established to recognise the contribution of an official who has made significant contribution to the operations of the game. Clubs nominate a prospective recipient with whom they feel deserves recognition for their contribution to junior football. This trophy is awarded at the discretion of the Football
1.5 AFL Canberra Women’s Awards a) Junior Player of the Year Awarded to a junior player who has demonstrated excellent up and coming talent within the AFL Canberra Women’s competition. b) Rising Star Awarded to the player who has displayed excellence in their first year completing in the AFL Canberra Women’s competition.
1.6 Teams of the Year
AFL Canberra will be selecting a Men’s, Women’s and Future Stars Team of the Year.
The selection criteria for each team is as follows: Men’s – participate in First Grade Women’s – participate in First Grade Future Stars – eligible to play Rising Stars
Each Club will be asked to select six of their players to feature in each of the above team’s of the year. These nominations will form a squad of players that will be re-sent out to nominating clubs only to select the full teams of the year in positions. Only one final nomination for each team will be accepted from each club.
Please note – AFL Canberra will have final say on all selections in the teams of the year.
15
16
Attachment I – AFL Canberra Development Compensation Levy
1.1 AFL Canberra Development Compensation Levy
This By-Law applies to all registered players who have been active players with an AFL Canberra Club or Affiliated League Club for three seasons or longer;
1.2 When a player transfers to another club within AFL Canberra or an Affiliated League in accordance with these Rules, that club shall pay to the player’s former club such amount as per agreement with the player previous club, provided that amount shall not exceed the maximum levy set in accordance with these Rules.
• The original club must notify the transferring club in writing of their intent to request the development compensation levy
1.3 The transferor club agrees to issue an Invoice to the transferee club, no later than 14 days post transfer completion on Footy Web.
1.4 AFL Canberra Interclub Player Compensation Levy Schedule
A player wishing to transfer from one AFL Canberra Club to another within the League or Affiliated Leagues would command a Development Levy based on the length of service to his/her original club. The development level may be up to $4000, all Development Levy’s are GST inclusive.
The spirit of this by-law is that amount is to be negotiated between the two clubs. It is important to acknowledge a player’s past experience and the ‘value’ this may demand, examples of this may include: • Junior Player – up to $4000 • Junior player with Representative/talent experience - up to $4000 • Has played 1st grade football - up to $4000 • 100+ 1st grade games - up to $5000 • 200+ 1st grade games - up to $6000
1.5 If clubs are unable to come to an agreement on the final amount, the AFL Canberra Administration committee will determine the levy payable
Notes A player transferring back to AFL Canberra after a period of 24 months has elapsed (from the time of his initial clearance interstate) is eligible to play with the club of his/her choice. A player who transfers from an AFL Canberra club to a club in another competition, upon transferring back to AFL Canberra within a period of 24 months must transfer back to the club he/she left or obtain a domestic clearance from that club to the club he/she wishes to join. Development Levy’s would apply if within the 24 months less the discounts mentioned in the next paragraph. For a player who has missed a season of football in AFL Canberra (for any reason) their clearance will be 25% cheaper than ‘retail’ rate. For every year of missed football in AFL Canberra there is a further 25% discount.
Spirit of the By-Law This By-Law was en-acted to acknowledge the ‘development’ work a club may have put into a player who for what ever reason decides, after 40 junior games or a 3 years service period with his/her club, to transfer to another club within AFL Canberra or an Affiliated League.
Considerations: Acceptable exemptions to the payment of the Levy would be under a Father and Son arrangement or a Family residential relocation (i.e. moving from Tuggeranong to Gungahlin or Belconnen to Googong) or for Educational purposes (i.e. Pambula to Erindale College or ANU)
The Transferee club is under no obligation to request the Levy.
16
17
Attachment J – Finals Hosting Responsibilities
Hosting rights for all AFL Canberra finals series may be allocated to a club as determined by Football Operations. Football Operations may charge a fee for the rights to host a finals series and will have the authority to limit the prices of any articles it sees fit.
1.0 Ground Hire
The host club will be will be required to pay for any ground hire fees.
1.1 Admission Fees a. Senior Club Hosted
Host Clubs may charge an admission fee. If Host Clubs wish to, players and officials are to be let in for free.
b. Senior League Hosted
An admission fee will be charged for all AFL Canberra hosted finals matches.
Participating teams will be given 35 entry passes which are to be given to security upon entry. These can be collected at the AFL Canberra Office or by other arrangement. If you do not have a pass (regardless of if you are a participant), you will be asked to pay at the gate.
c. Junior Finals
Host Clubs may not charge admission.
d. Junior Grand Finals
A gold coin donation will be asked for the AFL Canberra Junior Grand Finals, with proceeds going towards the Rusty Taylor Scholarship. Buckets will be left at the entrance to venues.
1.2 Canteen
The host club will be responsible for providing Canteen facilities at the ground allocated to them. The Canteen should be adequately staffed and stocked for the durations of all matches during the finals day allocated to them. All profit from the Canteen is retained by the host club. A planned menu with prices should be communicated to Football Operations so that it can be publicised.
1.2 Ground Markings
The host club shall be responsible for the ground markings at the ground in which they are allocated. By-Law 18. By-Laws for ground marking requirements: a. Interchange Area - The interchange area must comprise two short lines across the boundary line 15 metres apart on one wing and adequate seating provided equidistant on either side not less than five metres apart for the interchange players and relevant team Officials of each Club. b. Coaches Box – A coach’s line should be marked two metres in from the boundary line in front of the coach’s box/area and extend from one coaches box to the other.
1.3 Post Pads
For finals played on grounds with fixed goal posts, padding must be supplied by the host club. The padding must cover the posts from the ground to a height of at least 2.5 metres.
1.4 Scoreboard 17
18
A suitable scoreboard with numbers and team names clearly visible to players and spectators should be in operation for all finals matches.
1.5 Timekeeping Facilities
A timekeeper’s box or table and seating are to be suitably situated to ensure that timekeepers have an unobstructed view of the whole playing field.
1.6 Ground Manager
The host club must supply a Ground Manager to every finals game they are assigned. The Ground Manager will be responsible for ensuring the match day environment is safe, inclusive and enjoyable for all involved.
1.7 Footballs
AFL Canberra will supply and cover the cost of one match ball for every AFL Canberra Final. The teams involved in finals should be able to supply an additional ball each if required.
The Host Club will be required to pick up the footballs for the AFL Canberra able to keep the AFL Canberra supplied footballs in recognition of their assistance.
1.8 Emergency Medical Equipment
The host club needs to ensure there is appropriate medical equipment available at each venue they host. This includes a stretcher, first aid kit, ice etc
1.9 Cleaning
It is the host clubs responsibility to ensure the venue is cleaned properly at the conclusion of use to the standards set by ACT Government Sportsgrounds conditions of use.
1.10 Signage
The Host club must display all signage as directed by AFL Canberra at the venue for the duration of all games being played at the venue.
I hereby acknowledge that I have read, understand and agree to abide by the terms of this document relating to AFL Canberra Finals Hosting responsibilities
Football Operations Host Club
Signed: Signed:
Name: Name:
Position: Position:
Date: Date:
18
19
Attachment K – Competition Details
1.1 Senior Requirements
Grade Competition Ball Size Game Duration Break Player Durations Numbers
First 4 x 18 minute quarters 18 a side, Competitive Full Size KB 4-12-4 minutes
Grade (with time on) 4 Bench
18 a side, Second Competitive Full Size KB 4 x 20 minute quarters 4-10-4 minutes 4 Bench Grade
Senior Football Football Senior
Rising 18 a side, Stars Competitive Full Size KB 4 x 20 minute quarters 4-10-4 minutes Unlimited Men’s bench
Third 18 a side, Competitive Full Size KB 4 x 22 minute quarters 5-10-5 minutes Grade 4 Bench
18 a side,
Football Football Fourth Competitive Full Size KB 4 x 22 minute quarters 5-10-5 minutes 4 Bench Community Community Grade
Women’s 16 a side, First Competitive Size 4 4 x 18 minute quarters 4-10-4 minutes 4 Bench
Grade
Female
Women’s 18* a side, Second Competitive Size 4 4 x 20 minute quarters 5-10-5 minutes 6 Bench
Female Grade
*if any club does not have 18 players, they can revert back to a minimum of 16 players on the field.
19
20
1.2 Junior Requirements
Age Group Competition Ball Size & Type Game Break Players Max. Duration Durations (min- Ground max) Size
3x 15 5 minutes Synthetic or 9-15 a 100 m x Under 9’s Non-Competitive minute between Leather Size 2 side 80m thirds thirds 3 x 15 5 minutes Synthetic of 9-15 a 100m x Under 10’s Non-Competitive minute between Leather Size 2 side 80m Development thirds thirds 4 x 15 Synthetic or 3-8-3 14-18 a
Under 11’s Competitive minute Full Size Leather Size 3* minutes side quarters 4 x 15
Junior Synthetic or 3-8-3 14-18 a Under 12’s Competitive minute Full Size Leather Size 3* minutes side quarters 4 x 15 3-8-3 14-18 a Full Size Under 13’s Competitive Size 4 Leather minute minutes side quarters 4 x 17 4-8-4 14-18 a Full Size
Under 14 Competitive Size 4 Leather minute minutes side quarters 4 x 20 Youth 4-10-4 14-18 a Full Size Under 15’s Competitive Full Size Leather minute minutes side quarters 4 x 20 4-10-4 14-18 a Full Size Under 17’s Competitive Full Size Leather minute minutes side quarters 3 x 15 5 minutes Girls Synthetic or 9-15 a 100m x Non-Competitive minute between Under 10’s Leather Size 2 side 80m thirds thirds 4 x 12 Girls Synthetic or 3-8-3 14-18 a Competitive minute Full Size Under 12’s Leather Size 3* minutes side
quarters
4 x 15 Girls 3-8-3 14-18 a Full Size Competitive Size 4 Leather minute Under 14’s minutes side
Female quarters 4 x 15 Girls 3-8-3 14-18 a Full Size Competitive Size 4 Leather minute Under 16’s minutes side quarters 4 x 17 Rising Star 4-8-4 14-18 a Full Size Competitive Size 4 Leather minute Women’s minutes side quarters
* Synthetic Size 3 footballs will be used for finals.
20
21
Attachment L – AFL Canberra Membership
The following individuals are entitled to free entry to AFL Canberra matches in 2018. Membership Cards will be passed on to all individuals listed.
Hall of Members
YEAR NAME AREA 2006 James Black Player - Queanbeyan Edney Blackaby Player - Manuka Bob Bloomfield Player - Ainslie Barry Browning Player - Ainslie Jack Dorman* Player - Manuka Roger Duffy Player - Eastlake Keith Miller Player - Eastlake Kevin Neale Player - Ainslie Roy Watterston Player - Queanbeyan-Acton & Eastlake Tony Wynd Player - Queanbeyan 2007 Geoff Harrold Player - Ainslie, West Canberra & Queanbeyan Harrold Maddigan Player - Acton & Turner Ralph Rendell Player - Ainslie 2008 Colin Monger Player - Acton John Moody Player - RMC Jack O’Dea League Administration Alan Stevens Player - Ainslie 2009 Guy Cannon Player - Manuka, Weston, Southern District & Eastlake Robert Franklin Player - Woden & Manuka William Mahoney League Administration Alan Muir* Player - Queanbeyan 2010 Ken Macdonald League Administration Bruce Whatman Player - Ainslie Robert White Player - Belconnen 2011 Kevin Delmenico League Administration Robert Hughes Player - Tuggeranong Michael Kennedy Player - Queanbeyan Peter Taylor Player - Belconnen 2012 Ron Cahill League Administration Ken King Player - Eastlake Steve Mahar Player - Belconnen Charles Smith Player - Ainslie 2013 Mark Armstrong Player - Queanbeyan David Bennett Player - Belconnen David Grubb Player - Eastlake John Mulrooney League Administration 2014 Bob Stacey Umpire, League Administration Michael Goiser Player - Queanbeyan Roy William Player - Queanbeyan & Acton Brett Hannam Player - Ainslie & Southern Districts
21
22
2015 Brian Quade Coach - Manuka & Queanbeyan Keith Heales Administration - Ainslie Keith Schow Player - Queanbeyan 2016 Stafford Cooper Player - Tuggeranong, Ainslie & Eastlake John “Jacko” Pini Coach - Manuka Ronald "Chook" Fowlie League Administration, Administration - Queanbeyan Terry Gallagher Player - Manuka 2017 Kieran Johnson Player - Tuggeranong Steven Vizy Player - Queanbeyan Russell "Rusty" Taylor Umpire, League Administrator Barbara Marshall League Administrator, Administration - Ainslie 2018 Andrew Bishop Player – Ainslie Emily Diprose Player – Ainslie & Eastlake Ken Grigg Player - Manuka Melissa Backhouse Player – Eastlake Melissa Naughton Player - Tuggeranong Robert Anderson Player – Queanbeyan
200 Club Members
YEAR NAME CLUB(S) 1981 Charlie Smith Ainslie D. Ross Ainslie Ken King Eastlake Jack Dorman Manuka Robert Franklin Manuka Terry Gallagher Manuka Alan Muir* Queanbeyan Colin Wheeler* Queanbeyan Harold Williams* Queanbeyan Maurie McDonald Queanbeyan & Acton Karl Blundell Umpire Leigh Hyde Umpire 1982 Martin Smith Ainslie Paul Macdonald Eastlake Ken Grigg Manuka 1983 J. Buxton ANU Jamie Black Queanbeyan 1984 Denis Hopkins Queanbeyan & Belconnen 1985 Alan Smith Ainslie Geoff Harrold Ainslie, West Canberra & Queanbeyan Mark Briant Eastlake & Queanbeyan Frank Leverett Umpire 1987 Noel O’Neill Ainslie & Belconnen Alan Duffy Eastlake Robert Maiden Manuka & Manuka Weston Leigh McPhan Manuka & Manuka Weston 22
23
Peter Harrington Queanbeyan Russell Taylor Umpire 1988 David Bennett Belconnen Bernie Mickelson Eastlake Doug Malcolm Umpire J. Perry* Umpire 1989 Peter Taylor Belconnen 1990 Peter White Umpire Anthony Wynd Queanbeyan 1991 Doug Daniel Queanbeyan Robert Anderson Queanbeyan 1994 Brett Hannam Southern District & Ainslie 1995 George Stevens Queanbeyan Robert Baxter Ainslie 1996 Andrew Bishop Ainslie 1997 Ian Muir Ainslie Andrew Toy Umpire 1998 Michael Goiser Queanbeyan 1999 Eric Bowman Wildcats Dario Postai Wildcats Michael Richardson Ainslie 2000 Steve Vizy Queanbeyan 2001 Guy Cannon Eastlake Andrew Mellor Eastlake Bedri Sainovski Umpire 2004 Mark Armstrong Queanbeyan Jason Gilbert Queanbeyan 2005 Luke Jess Tuggeranong Brendan Read Belconnen Todd Pulford Ainslie 2006 Chris Davis Queanbeyan Michael Kennealy Umpire Steve Mahar Belconnen 2008 Ewen McDonald Umpire 2009 Stafford Cooper Tuggeranong, Ainslie & Eastlake James Rice Tuggeranong Jay Kickett Tuggeranong Scott Gurney Umpire 2010 Greg Healy Umpire 2011 Paul Raadts Belconnen 2013 James Kavanagh Ainslie & Queanbeyan Ryan Quade Sydney Swans & Queanbeyan Peter McGrath Sydney Swans, Ainslie, Eastlake & Tuggeranong 2016 Alexander Bennett Belconnen Chris York Belconnen 2017 Chris Rourke Ainslie Ryan Turnbull Belconnen
23
24
Attachment M – Melee Matrix
AFL Canberra is looking to reduce the instances of melees with a financial deterrent. In the instance of a major melee, the matrix below will be used to determine the financial fine imposed on each team.
Activation Point = $5.00 (inc GST)
MELEE MATRIX
Melee Details Activation Points Allocated Points Players actively involved from ONE team 6 or less 10 7 - 9 players 20 10 - 12 players 40 13 or more players 60 Officials involved No officials involved 0 2 or less manhandling own players 10 3 or more manhandling own players 20 2 or less manhandling opposition players 40 3 or more manhandling opposition players 60 Total Points 0 Fine $0.00
24
25
Attachment N – Player Loyalty and Pathway Policy
To enable Clubs to become established and for existing Clubs to be guaranteed longevity the following restrictions apply to domestic transfers between Clubs;
Clubs may only receive a maximum of three Players from each AFL Canberra club (Juniors and Seniors are separate in this instance); the following exemptions may be applied:
* Pending approval from the player’s former club, a club may request more than three transfers. In circumstances where the former Club agrees to allow more than three players, the approval of the Administration Committee must also be obtained by the Club prior to completing the transfer
* Home Players returning to their original club are exempt from this rule, pending approval of the Administration Committee
* Attachment “N” will not be applicable where the former Club does not field a team in the competition level the player is moving to and the former Club has informed the League that they will not be fielding a team in the division
* Where a player has not played for 24 months they will be excluded from the transfer limit
* This applies to both the Senior and Junior Clubs
Junior Clubs – For the purpose of this Law, a team in the age group of the players concerned includes a combined team, where there is an agreement by the former Club to field its Players in or refer its Players to that combined team.
Please visit www.aflcanberra.com.au for th any changes since 4 March 2019
25
AFL (NSW/ACT) Commission Limited
REGULATIONS
December 2018
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Topic Sub Topic Regulation INTRODUCTION DEFINITIONS 1. OBJECTIVES AND APPLICATION Objectives 1.1 AFL NSW/ACT Jurisdiction and Obligations 1.2 Affiliation Conditions 2.1 League Constitution 2.2 Affiliation Agreement 2.3 League Compliance 2.4 Laws of the Game 2.5 Application of Competition Rules and By-Laws 2.6 2. AFFILIATION CONDITIONS League Contact Details 2.7 Club Contact Details 2.8 Club Participation Agreement 2.9 Competition Management Committee 2.10 Club Incorporation 2.11 Refusal or Cancellation of Affiliation 2.12 Affiliation Fee 2.13 Insurance 2.14 Sponsorship / Marketing Affiliation 2.15 Club Names and Club Logos 2.16 Appointment of Umpires 2.17 Appointment of Club Integrity Officer 2.18 Compliance 3.1 3. NOTICE AND DISCIPLINARY SANCTIONS Disciplinary Sanctions 3.2 Exclusion of Liability 3.3 Player Registration 4.1 Registration Documentation 4.2 Dual Registration 4.3 Closing Date for Registrations and Transfers 4.4 Misleading and Incorrect information 4.5 4. PLAYER REGISTRATION AND Unregistered and Ineligible Players 4.6 ELIGIBILITY Eligibility of Minors or Juniors 4.7 Players seeking to play down a Competition 4.8 Age Group Female Participation 4.9 Pregnancy 4.10 Match Day Registrations – (Juniors) 4.11 Player Transfers 5.1 Interchange Agreements 5.2 5. PLAYER TRANSFERS No Transfer Required 5.3 Permits 5.4 Leagues / Clubs Disbanding / Amalgamation 5.5 General 5.6 6. CLUB TRANSFERRING 6 Coaches to be Registered and Accredited 7.1 7. COACHES AND OFFICIALS Unregistered and Unaccredited Coaches 7.2 2
Suspended Players / Coaches / Officials 7.3 8. DISQUALIFICATIONS - PERSON NOT TO 8 ACT 9. WORKING WITH CHILDREN 9 10. PLAYER POINTS SYSTEMS AND OTHER 10 LEAGUE RULES AND REGULATION AND BY-LAWS 11. OFFENCES IN INTER-LEAGUE 11 MATCHES 12. AFL MARKS AND LOGOS 12
13. BROADCASTING RIGHTS 13 14. FOOTBALLS AND APPROVED Footballs 14.1 SUPPLIERS AFL NSW/ACT Approved Apparel Suppliers 14.2 Umpire Uniforms Branding 14.3 15. DISCIPLINARY AND TRIBUNAL 15 PROCEDURES 16. APPEALS Appeals Board 16.1
Appeals Procedure 16.2 Hearing Procedure 16.3 Obligations of Appeals Board 16.4 Onus and Standard of Proof 16.5 Representation 16.6 Questions of fact and law 16.7 Reasons 16.8 Powers of Appeals Board 16.9 Decision Final 16.10 Matters not Provided for 16.11 17. DOMESTIC MATTERS 17 18. AMENDEMENTS TO REGULATIONS 18 19. MATTERS NOT PROVIDED FOR 19 APPENDIX “A” CODE OF CONDUCT APPENDIX “B” PRESCRIBED PENALTY SYSTEM APPENDIX “C” INCIDENT REFERRAL FORM
3
INTRODUCTION
The following Regulations have been made by the AFL (NSW/ACT) Commission Limited (ABN 53 086 839 385) pursuant to its object to administer and promote Australian Football in the State of New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.
DEFINITIONS
In these Regulations, unless the context requires otherwise, the following terms shall have the following meaning:
Affiliation Agreement means the agreement between AFL NSW/ACT and a League outlining the rights and obligations of the parties including the benefits to a League of affiliation with AFL NSW/ACT and AFL NSW/ACT’s requirements for affiliation.
AFL Marks means AFL logos, AFL club logos, the AFL NSW/ACT logo, trade names and other Intellectual Property, registered or unregistered owned by the AFL and/or AFL NSW/ACT (whichever is applicable).
AFL means the Australian Football League (ACN 004 155 211).
AFL NSW/ACT means AFL (NSW/ACT) Commission Limited (ABN 53 086 839 385).
Appeals Board means the state Appeals Board of AFL NSW/ACT appointed to determine an appeal in accordance with Regulation 16.1.
Appeals Board Panel means the AFL NSW/ACT state Appeals Board Panel constituted in accordance with Regulation 16.1.
Australian Football Match Policy means the AFL policy for the conduct of Australian Football for players aged 5-18 years as issued and amended from time to time.
Australian Football means the game played in accordance with the Laws of the Game.
By-Laws means the Competition By-Laws issued by the League.
Chair means the Chair of the Appeals Board as appointed in accordance with Regulation 16.1(a).
Chief Executive Officer or CEO means the Chief Executive Officer of AFL NSW/ACT or his/her nominee.
Club means a Club affiliated to a League with teams participating in Competitions.
Club Participation Agreement means the terms and conditions agreed between both a Club and a League with respect to a Club’s participation in the League’s competitions in the form as prescribed by AFL NSW/ACT.
Coach means any individual appointed, engaged or employed to coach a Club’s team, as well as any individual acting in such capacity, whether formally appointed or not, as well as assistant Coaches, whether formally appointed or not, who act in such capacity.
Code of Conduct means the AFL NSW/ACT Code of Conduct in Appendix “A”, or as issued from time to time.
Community League Club refers to all teams directly comprising Clubs within an Australian football competition, other than the AFL competition or State Leagues. 4
Competition means any Australian football competition conducted and organised by AFL NSW/ACT or a League.
Competition Management Committee (CMC) means a committee appointed by a League in accordance with Regulation 2.10, that controls the management of League’s Competitions including ensuring compliance with the Regulations and By-Laws.
Conduct Committee means an independent committee appointed by a League whose duties are to determine and enforce matters relating to the Code of Conduct.
Constitution means the Constitution of AFL NSW/ACT.
Footyweb means the AFL Competition Management System & Membership Database implemented for Competitions.
Foundation Coach Accreditation means the base AFL Coach Accreditation level, previously known as Level 1 Coach Accreditation.
Head Coach means either the “primary”, “senior” or “head coach” of a team.
Intellectual Property means all company and business names, trade names, trademarks, logos, symbols, emblems, designs or other indicia, inventions, patents, trade secrets, processes and any other intellectual property whatsoever (including copyright), registered or unregistered, currently owned and in existence or to be developed in the future by the AFL and/or AFL NSW/ACT.
Junior means Players up to and under the age of 19 as at 1 January in the year of the relevant season.
Laws of the Game means the Laws of Australian Football as administered and controlled by the AFL, as amended from time to time.
League means an AFL NSW/ACT managed or affiliated league which operates or conducts an Australian Football Competition within New South Wales or the Australian Capital Territory.
National Age Dispensation Policy means the AFL’s National Age Dispensation Policy as issued from time to time.
National Coaching Accreditation Policy means the AFL’s National Coaching Accreditation Policy as issued from time to time.
National Disciplinary Tribunal Guidelines means the AFL’s National Disciplinary Tribunal Guidelines, as amended from time to time, which have been formally adopted by AFL NSW/ACT to establish the tribunal and appeal process with respect to disciplinary matters.
National Player and Official Deregistration Policy means the National Player and Official Deregistration Policy regulating the Deregistration procedures as issued from time to time.
National Player Registration and Transfer Regulations means the National Player Registration and Transfer Regulations regulating the transfer of players between clubs as issued from time to time.
National Vilification and Discrimination Policy means the AFL’s National Vilification and Discrimination Policy, as issued from time to time, establishing the means to address vilification and discrimination.
Notice of Appeal means a Notice of Appeal lodged in accordance with Regulation 16.
5
Official means any person assuming an official role on behalf of, and with the consent (expressed or implied) of a Club of the controlling body, including any Club Umpire, President, Club Committee member, Coach or assistant Coach, Team Manager or assistant Team Manager, Runner, Trainer, Interchange Steward, “Water Carrier”, Ground Manager, or person officiating in any capacity on match day.
Player means a player registered with a Club.
Player Payment Rules means the player payment rules adopted by a League and approved by AFL NSW/ACT to regulate the level of payments and benefits to a Club’s Players, as issued by the League from time to time.
Player Points System means the community club sustainability player point’s system policy approved by AFL NSW/ACT and implemented by a League with respect to a Competition or Competitions, as issued from time to time.
Prescribed Penalty System means the Prescribed Penalty System as set out in Appendix “B”.
Prospective Players means a person displaying intention to play for a Club up to three (3) days after the initial approach who is not registered yet (Juniors).
Regulations means these AFL NSW/ACT Regulations including appendixes as issued from time to time.
Reportable Offence means a Reportable Offence within the meaning of the Laws of the Game.
State & Territory Tribunal Guidelines – NSW/ACT means the AFL’s State & Territory Tribunal Guidelines, as issued from time to time, which have been formally amended and adopted by AFL NSW/ACT to establish the tribunal and appeal process with respect to reportable offences.
State League means a Tier 1 and/or Tier 2 League as described in the National Player Registration and Transfer Regulations.
Tribunal means the tribunal constituted by a League under the State & Territory Tribunal Guidelines or National Disciplinary Tribunal Guidelines NSW/ACT as the case may be.
True Age means a Player who, as of midnight on 31 December prior to the relevant season of the year, is of the prescribed age.
Umpire means the field, boundary, goal and emergency umpires whether League or Club appointed.
INTERPRETATION
In the interpretation of these regulations, unless the context requires otherwise:
(a) words importing the singular shall be deemed to include the plural and vice versa;
(b) words importing any gender shall be deemed to include the other gender;
(c) headings are included for convenience only and shall not affect the interpretation of these regulations;
(d) “including” and similar words are not words of limitation;
6
(e) any words, terms or phrases defined in the remainder of these regulations shall have the meaning prescribed within the regulations; and Words, terms or phrases not otherwise defined in these regulations shall be given their ordinary meaning.
1. OBJECTIVES AND APPLICATION
These Regulations specify the regulations applicable for the conduct of the Leagues in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.
The Regulations specify the rules and regulations for the administration of the playing, participating, coaching and officiating in Australian Football within AFL NSW/ACT’s jurisdiction.
1.1 Objectives
The objectives of the Regulations are to:
promote, develop and protect Australian Football in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory by ensuring that the appropriate conduct and standards apply;
ensure that the Leagues and Competitions are regulated in a consistent and co- ordinated manner across New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory; and
align Leagues with AFL and AFL NSW/ACT rules and regulations.
AFL NSW/ACT Jurisdiction and Obligations
AFL NSW/ACT is responsible for the organisation, promotion and administration of Australian Football throughout New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. Accordingly, it has jurisdiction over all Leagues in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory including the relevant Matches and Competitions.
AFL NSW/ACT will:
(i) comply with these Regulations and ensure that these Regulations are not inconsistent with AFL rules and regulations;
(ii) ensure compliance of these Regulations by Leagues;
(iii) investigate any complaint about a breach of these Regulations by a League or Club;
(iv) impose disciplinary sanctions against a League or Club within its jurisdiction found to have breached these Regulations; and
(v) provide appropriate education and training to those who manage and implement these Regulations.
2. AFFILIATION CONDITIONS
2.1 Affiliation Conditions
Any Australian Football league, the membership of which includes any club or clubs in New South Wales or the Australian Capital Territory, may apply to affiliate with AFL
7
NSW/ACT subject to pre-conditions for affiliation and ongoing compliance with the conditions in Regulation 2.
2.2 League Constitution
Each League must be incorporated pursuant to the relevant legislation in New South Wales or the Australian Capital Territory and lodge its current constitution lodged with the AFL NSW/ACT at all times.
2.3 Affiliation Agreement
Each League must have in place a current Affiliation and Services Agreement with AFL NSW/ACT, unless directly managed by AFL NSW/ACT.
2.4 League Compliance
Each League agrees to adopt and comply with these Regulations including Appendixes.
2.5 Laws of the Game
Each League must adopt the Laws of the Game as administered and controlled by the AFL and as endorsed by AFL NSW/ACT.
2.6 Application of Competition Rules and By-Laws
Each League agrees to comply with these Regulations and that in the event of any inconsistency between the constitution of such League and the Constitution or Regulations of AFL NSW/ACT, then the constitution and/or by laws of such League will be invalid to the extent of such inconsistency.
2.7 League Contact Details
By 31 January each year, the League must submit to AFL NSW/ACT:
(a) a list of the names, addresses, telephone and email addresses of its Officials; and
(b) the League Members register.
2.8 Club Contact Details
By 31 March each year, the League must ensure that Club details as follows are updated on Footyweb a list of the names, addresses and contact details of the officers (including the President and Secretary).
2.9 Club Participation Agreement
Each League must have a Club Participation Agreement with each of its Clubs, in the form prescribed by AFL NSW/ACT from time to time.
2.10 Competition Management Committee
Each League shall establish a Competition Management Committee to control the day to day management of the League’s Competitions including the application and enforcement of the Regulations and By-Laws, which shall consist of at least two (2) of the following positions:
8
(a) League Chair/ President (if applicable);
(b) State Manager – Football Operations (AFL NSW/ACT);
(c) Regional Manager (AFL NSW/ACT);
(d) Regulatory Manager (AFL NSW/ACT);
(e) Community Football Manager (if applicable) (AFL NSW/ACT employee);
(f) Football Operations Manager or Coordinator (if applicable) (AFL NSW/ACT employee); or
(g) Other persons as delegated by the League.
2.11 Club Incorporation
Each Club must be incorporated, either as an incorporated association or a company.
2.12 Refusal or Cancellation of Affiliation
Any League which fails to comply with these Regulations, either in whole or prt, may be refused application for affiliation or have its affiliation suspended or terminated by AFL NSW/ACT in its absolute discretion in accordance with the Affiliation Agreement.
2.13 Affiliation Fee
Each League must pay an annual affiliation and/ or service fee to AFL NSW/ACT as determined from time to time by AFL NSW/ACT in its absolute discretion.
2.14 Insurance
Each League must ensure that its Players, Officials and Clubs, as a condition of affiliation to the League, are insured under the Australian Football National Risk Protection Program as arranged by JLT Sport or any substitute policy as arranged or administered by the AFL.
2.15 Sponsorship / Marketing Affiliation
(a) AFL NSW/ACT’s major sponsors or partners provide in part the financial resources for AFL NSW/ACT to develop, implement and support the development of Australian football generally and specifically in the New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory; and
(b) It will not enter into any contract, arrangement, agreement or understanding with any corporation/person for the supply, endorsement, approval or sponsorship of goods or services of the type provided by or associated with the operations of AFL NSW/ACT major sponsors or partners, unless otherwise approved by AFL NSW/ACT in writing.
2.16 Club Names and Club Logos
(a) All Club names, nicknames and Logos are subject to approval by the League in its absolute discretion.
(b) Clubs must submit details of its proposed name, nickname and and/or Club logo to the Competition Management Committee for prior approval. 9
(c) Existing Clubs must submit details of any proposed variation of its name, Club nickname and/or Club logo design to the Competition Management Committee for approval before use, such approval to be granted or withheld at the sole discretion of the Competition Management Committee.
2.17 Appointment of Umpires
(a) Each League must ensure that all Umpires appointed by the League and/or Club are from a panel of Umpires that are approved by AFL NSW/ACT through the national Umpire registration process.
(b) Any senior field, senior boundary or senior goal umpire coach:
(i) shall be eligible to be appointed to any practice match or home and away match as required;
(ii) shall not be eligible to be appointed to a senior representative fixture match;
(iii) shall be eligible to be appointed to any grand final, with the exception of a senior (first grade or equivalent) grand final unless prior written approval has been granted by the State Umpiring Manager or an independent selection panel is in place.
(c) For the avoidance of doubt, any other field, boundary or goal umpire coach that formally holds a coaching position with AFL NSW/ACT (for example, but not limited to a state league umpires’ coach or assistant coach) are not eligible to be appointed to Senior (first grade or equivalent) representative fixture matches or senior (first grade or equivalent) grand finals.
2.18 Appointment of Club Integrity Officer
Each Club must appoint an Integrity Officer who is responsible for ensuring compliance with the applicable rules and regulations by the Club, it’s Players and Officials and to the Club, it’s Players and Officials including but not limited to the National Member Protection Policy, the Code of Conduct, child safety, alcohol and illicit drug use. The Integrity Officer will act the primary point of contact for all Club related integrity matters.
3. NOTICE AND DISCIPLINARY SANCTIONS
3.1 Compliance
Each League, Club, Player and Official acknowledges that in order to meet the stated objectives of these Regulations, their terms must be strictly complied with and their spirit and intent honoured and AFL NSW/ACT has the right to impose disciplinary sanctions to enforce and encourage such compliance.
3.2 Disciplinary Sanctions
AFL NSW/ACT may enforce the terms of these Regulations and invoke the sanctions only if it has given the party alleged to have breached these Regulations:
(a) reasonable and sufficient notice of each and every particular of the alleged breach or breaches;
(b) notice of possible sanctions; and 10
(c) the opportunity to be heard and to make submissions in relation to that alleged breach or breaches.
3.3 Exclusion of Liability
AFL NSW/ACT may excuse:
(a) a League, Club, Player or Official from liability if that party ought reasonably and fairly be excused, wholly or partly, from that liability on such terms as AFL NSW/ACT thinks fit; and
(b) a Player or Official from liability in consideration of the Player’s co-operation and assistance in establishing a breach of the Regulations by any League, Club or Official.
4. PLAYER REGISTRATION AND ELIGIBILTY
Each League agrees to apply and enforce the uniform system of registration of players as set out in these Regulations.
4.1 Player Registration
(a) Individuals must be registered in accordance with this Regulation 4 in order to be eligible to play in Competition Matches with a Club. Online registration forms must be completed prior to a Player taking part in a Competition Match (unless in accordance with Regulation 4.11(a).
(b) All Player registrations are processed through Footyweb, or any other system as determined by AFL NSW/ACT or the AFL from time to time.
(c) No person will be registered or re-registered under an assumed name unless such assumed name and the reason for its necessary use is notified to and accepted by the League and the person’s legal name and current address are submitted to the League at the time of registration. Such information shall be kept confidential by the League.
(d) Upon a person’s registration application being approved, the person shall be deemed a player of that Club until such time as the person has either been granted a transfer to play with another club or a period of twenty-four (24) calendar months has elapsed since the person last played competition football for the Club with which he or she was last registered.
(e) Players are required to re-register with their existing Club each season through Footyweb. A new registration form is not required to be completed for re- registration.
4.2 Registration Documentation
(a) All Player registrations must be submitted electronically via Footyweb by the player or, where the Player is Under 18 years of age as of 1 January in the year of registration, the registration must be submitted by the Player’s parent or legal guardian.
(b) For the registration to be active, the Club must accept the Player’s registration.
(c) Clubs must not register a Player without the Player’s consent.
11
(d) Documentation evidencing proof of age in the form of an original birth certificate, photo licence, passport, original Baptism or similar certificate, immunisation booklet or student identification may be requested by the League at any time. Failure to produce such documentation may lead to the Player’s registration being refused or cancelled.
(e) On request from the Competition Management Committee, the Club must provide copies of documentation in Regulation 4.2(d) within three (3) working days of the request.
(f) Violation of Regulation 4.2(e) may result in a Player being disqualified and any dispensations withdrawn.
4.3 Dual Registration
No player can be registered with more than one club at the same time except as provided for under the National Player Transfer Regulations and Regulation 5 below, or otherwise in exceptional circumstances as determined by the League with which the player is registered and approved by AFL NSW/ACT.
4.4 Closing Date for Registrations and Transfers
(a) New Player registrations will be accepted until the end of the home and away series in the season in which the Player intends to play.
(b) Player transfer applications will be dealt with in accordance with the National Player Transfer Regulations.
4.5 Misleading and Incorrect Information
(a) Any Player who knowingly submits incorrect information or who intentionally fails to disclose information on any registration form or transfer application may be subject to the following penalties as determined by the League in its absolute discretion:
(i) De-registration for a defined period of time; or
(ii) Suspension from participation in a match or matches.
(b) In addition to Regulation 4.5(a) above, the League may also retrospectively deem or determine that the Player was ineligible for any Competition Matches in which he/she has played.
(c) Any Club Official or Club that is party to a breach of this Regulation may be sanctioned by the League in its absolute discretion.
4.6 Unregistered and Ineligible Players
(a) Any player not properly registered, or any Player registered based upon incorrect or insufficient information on the registration application will be deemed to be ineligible.
(b) Any Club that fields an ineligible player (including in finals) may be subject to disciplinary sanctions to be imposed by the League including but not limited to the loss of Competition Match points, a fine of up to $1,000 for each Competition Match in which such player has played and any additional conditions as reasonably determined by the League. Only under exceptional circumstances will the loss of Match points for that Competition Match not apply. 12
(c) Any ineligible Player(s), Official(s) and/or Club(s) who the League determines in its absolute discretion was knowingly involved with allowing an ineligible player to compete in a Competition Match in accordance with this Regulation may be liable for suspension or deregistration in addition to any loss of Match points and fine(s).
(d) If an allegation has been made against a Club with respect to fielding an ineligible Player, the Club must ensure that its Players and Officials attend and cooperate with any relevant investigation conducted by the League.
4.7 Eligibility of Minors or Juniors
(a) In accordance with the Australian Football Match Policy, Junior Players must be a minimum of seven (7) years of age by 31 July in New South Wales and 30 April in the Australian capital Territory in the year of the relevant season in order to be eligible to be registered.
(b) Players must be eligible to play in the specific age group of the relevant Competition as of 1 January in the year of the relevant season.
(c) The minimum age for Players to participate in a Competition is as follows:
(i) Senior/Open Grade Competitions – sixteen (16) years of age;
(ii) Under 18’s and 19’s Competitions – sixteen (16) years of age;
(iii) Under 17’s Competitions – fifteen (15) years of age; and
(iv) All Junior Age Competitions – two (2) years below the relevant age group (i.e. thirteen (13) years of age for an Under 15’s Competition).
(d) Subject to Regulation 4.7(a), a Player may seek to play in Competitions outside the minimum ages outlined above via written application to the League submitted by the Player’s Club accompanied by written consent of the Player’s parent or guardian using the Parent Consent Form prescribed by AFL NSW/ACT. Any such approval may only be granted by the League in exceptional circumstances and in accordance with the relevant considerations in the Australian Football Match Policy.
4.8 Players seeking to play down a Competition Age Group
A Player seeking dispensation to play down in a lower Competition Age Group must obtain a dispensation in accordance with the National Age Dispensation Policy.
4.9 Female Participation
In accordance with the Australian Football Match Policy, girls up to and including 14 years of age may choose to play in mixed-gender competition where the maximum age of male players is no greater than 14 years of age (i.e. Under 14’s only), or a female only competition.
13
4.10 Pregnancy
(a) In Accordance with the Member Protection Policy it is recommended that pregnant women wanting to participate in Australian Football consult with their medical advisers, make themselves aware of the facts about pregnancy in sport and ensure that they make informed decisions about participation.
(b) AFL NSW/ACT disclaims any liability for any injury or complication sustained by a pregnant woman in the course of an Australian Football Match.
4.11 Match Day Registrations – Juniors
(a) Registration of a Player on match day may be granted to Prospective Players subject to:
(i) Full registration details are subsequently entered into Footyweb by 5.00pm on the Tuesday following the relevant Competition Match;
(ii) New Player(s) name, address, birth date are noted on the back of the team sheet; and
(iii) The opposing Club’s Team Manager is informed that a new Player is being registered.
(b) Should the Player later be found to be ineligible, Regulation 4.6 will apply.
5. PLAYER TRANSFERS
5.1 Player Transfers
All Player transfers must be processed through Footyweb and in accordance with National Player Transfer Regulations.
5.2 Interchange Agreements
Neighbouring Leagues may enter into Match Day Permit Agreements (or Interchange Agreements) to enable the movement of players between such Leagues other than as provided for in these Regulations. For Match Day Permit Agreements to be binding, they must be in writing and formally adopted by each League and lodged with the AFL NSW/ACT via Footyweb.
5.3 No Transfer Required
The transfer provisions do not apply to any player who has not been registered with a League at any time during the past two (2) seasons.
5.4 Permits
(a) The various permit types available are:
(i) Local Interchange Permit; (ii) Match Day Permit; (iii) Temporary Transfer; (iv) Student Permit; (v) State League Player Trial Permit.
14
5.5 Leagues / Clubs Disbanding / Amalgamating
(a) In the event of the transfer of a Club from one League to another, all registered Players of that Club shall be transferred with the Club to the new League. The Secretary or authorised person of the transferor League shall supply a certified list of all registered Players of the Club concerned to the Club’s new League. This process must be completed in Footyweb.
(b) If a Player’s Club has disbanded or amalgamated, the Player must obtain a transfer from his/her League prior to playing with another Club.
(c) If a Player’s League has disbanded, the Player must obtain a transfer from AFL NSW/ACT prior to playing with another Club.
5.6 General
(a) Each League must keep a register of all Player Transfer applications in Footyweb.
(b) A Player or Coach under disqualification by a League or Tribunal may be granted a transfer to a Club in another League during his or her period of suspension but such Player or Coach must serve the remainder of his or her suspension before playing or coaching in Competition Matches with the new Club.
(c) Notwithstanding anything within these Regulations, Leagues may apply to AFL NSW/ACT accordance with the National Player Registration and Transfer Regulations to transfer a Player after 30 June.
6. CLUB TRANSFERRING
(a) Clubs seeking to transfer to another League must first seek the permission of that League to join it.
(i) If permission is granted by the proposed new League, the Club must lodge to its current League a written application to transfer from its current League which shall be required to deal with such application. Should the Club’s current League reject that application or fail to consider the application within sixty (60) days of lodgement, the Club may refer the matter to AFL NSW/ACT.
(ii) If permission is granted by both the proposed new League and the Club’s current League, the transfer will proceed. A copy of the application must be lodged with the AFL NSW/ACT at the same time as lodgement with the current League.
(iii) If permission is not granted by the proposed new League, the matter should be referred to AFL NSW/ACT for determination.
(iv) In all circumstances a copy of the application for transfer must be lodged with AFL NSW/ACT at the same time as lodgement with the League.
(b) If any League is seeking a Club(s) from any other League, then the inviting League must notify the Secretary of the current League of such Club(s) at least fourteen (14) days prior to the invitation to the Club(s). Any Club(s) that accepts the League’s invitation must provide its current League with no less than fourteen (14) days’ notice of its intention to transfer to another League. Should
15
the Club’s current League fail to determine the application within sixty (60) days of lodgement, the Club shall be permitted to transfer automatically to the new League. A copy of the application must be lodged with the AFL NSW/ACT at the same time as lodgement with the League.
(c) A League must obtain the prior written approval of AFL NSW/ACT prior to affiliating any newly formed Club.
(d) In the event of a Club being refused permission to transfer to or join another League, the Club may appeal to AFL NSW/ACT Appeals Board in accordance with Regulation 14.
(e) In the event of a League disbanding, the Clubs affiliated with that League will be transferred to another League as determined by AFL NSW/ACT in its absolute discretion.
(f) Any League or Club may appeal a decision made by AFL NSW/ACT pursuant to Regulation 6 (e) in accordance with Regulation 17.
7. COACHES AND OFFICIALS
7.1 Coaches to be Registered and Accredited
(a) All Coaches must be registered in Footyweb.
(b) All Head Coaches must have as a minimum, Foundation Coach Accreditation, applicable to the age group that they are coaching in order to coach a team.
(c) In addition to Regulation 7.1(b) above, Leagues may impose additional accreditation requirements on Coaches for specific Competitions.
(d) The League may revoke or suspend a Coach’s approval or authorisation to coach a Club’s team at any time in its absolute discretion.
7.2 Unregistered and Unaccredited Coaches
(a) Any Coach not accredited or registered or registered based upon incorrect information is ineligible to coach a Club’s team in a Competition Match.
(b) Any Club who engages or permits an ineligible Coach to officiate during a Competition Match may be subject to disciplinary sanctions including the loss of Competition Match points and / or a fine determined by the League in its absolute discretion.
(c) Ineligible Coach(es) may also be liable for disciplinary sanctions including a fine, suspension, deregistration or ban on registration as determined by the League in its absolute discretion.
(d) When an allegation has been made against any Club for engaging an ineligible Coach the Club is responsible for the appearance of the Coach at any investigation or hearing conducted by the League.
(e) Each Club must ensure that persons not eligible to Coach must not:
(i) display signs of Coaching, which includes communicating to the Players, assistant Coach or Coaches, runners, water carriers and/ or trainers, before or during the game; 16
(ii) enter the playing arena at any stage during the match. If, however, the Coach is a parent of a Player participating in a Juniors or Youth finals match, the Coach may enter the field at the quarter time and three- quarter time breaks but must not address the team; or
(iii) be within twenty-five (25) metres from the team’s interchange bench during a Competition Match.
7.3 Suspended Players / Coaches / Officials
(a) Any suspended Player, Coach or Official is an ineligible person and will not be allowed to act in any way as a Coach, Umpire, trainer, runner, water-carrier or any official "on field" capacity in any Competition Match for the duration of his/her suspension.
(b) Any suspended Coach is prohibited from, during the period of suspension, to:
(i) displaying signs of Coaching, which includes communicating to the Players, assistant Coach or Coaches, runners, water carriers, trainers etc, before or during the match;
(ii) entering the playing arena at any stage during the match;
(iii) being within twenty twenty-five (25) metres from the teams’ interchange bench during the match; or
(iv) entering the change rooms before or during the match, including half time.
8. DISQUALIFICATIONS – PERSONS NOT TO ACT
Any person who has been refused a transfer or permit to play or has been suspended or de-registered shall not hold any on field position with any League or Club until the transfer or permit is granted, or the period of suspension or de-registration has expired or is removed by the body imposing the suspension or de-registration.
9. WORKING WITH CHILDREN POLICY
(a) All persons must comply with the requirements of the Child Protection Legislation.
(b) All Coaches and Team Managers must obtain a Working with Children Clearance, whether they are exempt under the Regulations of the Child Protection Legislation as not requiring a check by reason of them being a parent or close relative of a Player in a team in which the Player usually participates.
(c) All Working With Children Check clearances must be valid and effective by 1 April each year.
10. PLAYER POINTS SYSTEMS AND OTHER LEAGUE RULES, REGULATIONS AND BY-LAWS
(a) Prior to any League introducing, utilising, or implementing, a Player Points System or Player Payment Rules, the Player Points System or Players Payment Rule must be in a form approved in writing by AFL NSW/ACT.
17
(b) In addition to the obligations of a League under Regulation 10(a), no League may introduce, utilise or implement any rule, regulation or other binding provision or direction that relates to or impacts on the registration or transfer of players, competitive balance or equalisation mechanisms in respect of the League’s Competitions or the number of teams Clubs may enter or field in the League’s Competitions, without the prior written approval of AFL NSW/ACT.
11. OFFENCES IN INTER-LEAGUE MATCHES
In the event of a Player being reported in an inter-league/ representative Match or in a Match between clubs of different leagues, the independent Tribunal of the League with which the Player is registered shall hear the charge.
12. AFL MARKS AND LOGOS
(a) Clubs and the League must not make use of AFL Marks without the prior written consent of the AFL and/or AFL NSW/ACT which consent may be given or withheld at the AFL and AFL NSW/ACT’s discretion (reasonably exercised). Clubs of the League, Leagues and associations affiliated or directly associated with the League or Leagues controlled by AFL NSW/ACT must submit details of any proposed use of AFL Marks to AFL NSW/ACT prior to any use thereof including use for advertising or promotional purposes.
(b) Clubs and the League acknowledge that the AFL and AFL NSW/ACT are the owners of the AFL Marks and of the goodwill attaching to the AFL Marks and agree that the AFL Marks must remain vested in the AFL and/or AFL NSW/ACT and agree not to challenge the validity or ownership of the AFL Marks.
(c) Clubs and the League must not register any trade marks, company or business names, logos, symbols, emblems, designs, or other indicia using the AFL Marks or any component thereof.
(d) Clubs and the League agree not to alter the AFL Marks in any way nor to affix, incorporate or use the AFL Marks, in connection with or as part of another trade mark, distinctive mark, name, brand or thing.
(e) Clubs and the League recognise the great value of the AFL Marks and acknowledge the goodwill attached thereto and that all rights, title and interest therein including the copyright thereto vests in and belongs to AFL and/or AFL NSW/ACT.
(f) Clubs and the League agree that they will not at any time do any act, matter or thing intended to or which might otherwise have the effect of interfering with, restricting, limiting or challenging the proprietary rights of AFL and/or AFL NSW/ACT in and to the AFL Marks.
13. BROADCASTING RIGHTS
(a) In this Regulation 15, the term “broadcast” means any service (by whatever means or process) which is or in the future becomes a content service for the purposes of the Telecommunications Act 1997 (Cth) and includes, but is not limited to any internet or on-line service, any television or radio transmission or any service making available to any member of the public (simultaneously with or consecutively to any other member of the public) text, sounds or images.
18
(b) Each Club acknowledges and agrees that the League AFL NSW/ACT has the exclusive right to authorise the public broadcast of all matches played in the Competition or such other competition/s conducted by the League.
(c) Clubs shall not participate in any match played in the Competition or such other competition/s conducted by the League which is broadcast by any provider of a broadcast other than a provider of a broadcast authorised or approved by the League.
(d) Where a Club is the ground manager or occupier of a venue at which matches are played in the Competition or such other competition/s conducted by the League or AFL NSW/ACT it shall use its best endeavours to provide any provider of a broadcast authorised by the League or AFL NSW/ACT with access to the necessary facilities required for the provision of the broadcast of matches played in the Competition and shall use its best endeavours to provide assistance to any provider of a broadcast authorised by the League or AFL NSW/ACT and its servants and agents as is necessary to ensure that the League or AFL NSW/ACT fulfils, to the maximum extent possible, its obligations to the provider of a broadcast authorised by the League or AFL NSW/ACT.
(e) Where a Club is the ground manager or occupier of a venue at which matches are played in the Competition or such other competition/s conducted by the League or AFL NSW/ACT, where it is within the Club’s control, it shall not permit, allow or assist any other person to permit or allow the admission into the venue of any equipment used in the provision of a broadcast including television and video cameras, on a day when any match in the Competition/s or such other competition is played at the venue, save as permitted by the preceding Regulation and save as is otherwise specifically authorised by the League or AFL NSW/ACT.
(f) Where a Club is not the ground manager or occupier of the venue at which the Club plays its home matches in the Competition, or such other competition/s conducted by the League or AFL NSW/ACT, the Club shall use its best endeavours to ensure that the ground manager or occupier of such venue complies with the provisions of this Regulation 13.
14. FOOTBALLS AND APPROVED SUPPLIERS
14.1 Footballs
(a) Two footballs of a suitable standard must be provided for use in each Competition Match. Subject to this Regulation 14, the standards and requirements relating to footballs for all grades of Competition will be determined by the League.
(b) AFL NSW/ACT’s approved suppliers of footballs are licensed and authorised as the only suppliers to use the AFL NSW/ACT logo on footballs. Where applicable, the official Match ball supplier(s) are licensed and authorised as the only suppliers to use the AFL NSW/ACT logo on footballs used in Competition Matches. The current list of AFL NSW/ACT official Match ball supplier(s) and approved suppliers are on the AFL NSW/ACT website.
(c) Match balls used in Competition Matches must include the AFL NSW/ACT logo, unless otherwise agreed by AFL NSW/ACT in writing.
(d) Unless otherwise agreed by AFL NSW/ACT in writing, the football sizes to be used in Competition Matches are as follows: 19
Competition Size Open Men’s 5 Open Women’s 4 Boy’s Under 15 – Under 19 5 Mixed Under 13 – Under 14 4 Mixed Under 11- Under 12 3 Mixed Under 8 – Under 10 2 Girls Under 15 – Under 18 4 Girls Under 12 3 Girls Under 10 2
14.2 AFL NSW/ACT Approved Apparel Suppliers
(a) AFL NSW/ACT approved suppliers are licensed and authorised as the only suppliers to use the AFL NSW/ACT logo. The current list of AFL NSW/ACT approved suppliers are on the AFL NSW/ACT website.
(b) Jumpers worn by Players must have the AFL NSW/ACT logo, which must not exceed 8cm x 8cm in size, on the right breast.
(c) Jumpers worn by Players may have the League or Club logo, which must not exceed 8cm x 8cm in size, on the left breast.
(d) Shorts worn by Players must have the AFL NSW/ACT logo, which must not exceed 39cm2 with a maximum width of 7cm on the left thigh.
14.3 Umpire Uniform Branding
(a) Subject to this Regulation 14.3, each League has the right to display partner or sponsor branding on Umpire uniforms.
(b) Subject to this Regulation 14.3, a League may have a formal written agreement with an Umpires’ Association which grants rights to that Umpiring Association to brand parts of the Umpiring uniform.
(c) Each League must provide AFL NSW/ACT with an agreed area on the umpiring uniform shirt for the purpose of promotion of an AFL NSW/ACT community umpiring partner.
(d) Each League must submit all Umpire uniform designs to AFL NSW/ACT for approval which will not be unreasonably withheld.
(e) Each League must ensure that on-field umpiring uniforms comply with the following design requirements:
(i) All umpiring uniform shirts and shorts must display the AFL NSW/ACT logo. AFL NSW/ACT approved apparel suppliers are licensed and authorized as the only suppliers to use the AFL NSW/ACT logo. A current list of AFL NSW/ACT approved apparel suppliers can be found on the AFL NSW/ACT website.
(ii) Any apparel supplier logo should be front mid neck on the shirt and not exceed 7cm in width and 3cm height.
20
(iii) Only the provider approved by the Australian Football League under the National Uniform Supply Program may reproduce the Umpire AFL logo.
(iv) On-field umpiring shirts must comply with the following:
a. Include the AFL NSW/ACT logo on the right breast which must not exceed 8cm width and 8cm height.
b. Any left breast sponsor logo must not exceed 8cm width and 8cm height.
c. Any front mid-region sponsor logo must not exceed 28.5cm width and 8.5cm height.
d. Any rear sponsor logo must not exceed 30cm width and 13cm height.
e. Any sleeve sponsor logo must not exceed 12cm width and 8cm height.
(f) On-field umpiring shorts must comply with the following:
(i) Include the AFL NSW/ACT logo on the left thigh which must not exceed 8cm width and 8cm height.
(ii) Any right thigh sponsor logo must not exceed 8cm width and 8cm height.
15. DISCIPLINARY AND TRIBUNAL PROCEDURES
(a) Leagues must adopt the procedures set out in the State & Territory Tribunal Guidelines – NSW/ACT, the National Disciplinary Tribunal Guidelines, the Code of Conduct including the Incident Referral form and the Prescribed Penalty System as issued from time to time, for any disciplinary related matters.
(b) League Tribunals and Appeals Boards shall be comprised of three (3) persons for any hearing unless exceptional circumstances apply where only two (2) persons are available to sit. In such instances, the Tribunal or Appeals Board Chair must seek consent of both parties for the hearing to proceed, otherwise the hearing will be adjourned.
16. APPEALS
16.1 State Appeals Board
(a) Members of the State Appeals Board Panel:
The Appeals Board Panel must consist of:
(i) a Chair being a member of the legal profession; and
(ii) a Panel of not more than four persons who in the opinion of the CEO possess the appropriate qualifications.
21
(b) Qualifications:
Save and except where the CEO otherwise determines, a person shall not be appointed to the Appeals Board Panel if that person:
(i) has been a member of a Board of Directors of a Club; or
(ii) has been a Coach or assistant or specialty Coach of a Club; or
(iii) has been a Player of a Club; or
(iv) has been an employee of the AFL or a Club.
in the twelve (12) months preceding the appointment.
(c) Appointment of Appeals Board Members:
The CEO may from time to time appoint persons to the Appeals Board, including the Chair.
(d) Absent Appeals Board Members:
If for any period and for any reason a member is absent or unable to attend a hearing of the Appeals Board, the CEO may appoint a person who in his/her opinion is a suitable replacement.
(e) Resignation:
A member of the Appeals Board may resign by providing notice in writing to the CEO.
(f) Removal:
The CEO may remove a member of the Appeals Board at any time in the CEO’s absolute discretion.
(g) Composition for Hearing:
On any occasion when an appeal is brought before the Appeals Board, there shall be an Appeals Board appointed to determine the appeal which shall sit as the Appeals Board and shall comprise three (3) persons being:
(i) a Chair; and
(ii) two (2) persons from the Appeals Board Panel.
16.2 Appeal Procedure
(a) Right of Appeal:
Any registered Player, Official, Club or League may appeal or apply to the Appeals Board in accordance with and on the grounds set out in the relevant AFL and AFL NSW/ACT regulations and policies including:
(i) these Regulations;
(ii) AFL National Player and Official Deregistration Policy;
22
(iii) State and Territory Tribunal Guidelines;
(iv) National Disciplinary Tribunal Guidelines;
(v) AFL National Vilification and Discrimination Policy;
(vi) AFL National Player Registration and Transfer Regulation’s; and
(vii) National Age Dispensation Policy.
In the event that the relevant AFL and AFL NSW/ACT regulations and policies do not outline the grounds for appeal or application to AFL NSW/ACT, the grounds set out in Regulation 16.2(b) apply.
(b) Grounds of Appeal – Administrative Decisions:
A Player, Official, Club and/or the League, may only appeal to the Appeals Board in respect of a decision made by a League (including a determination of a Tribunal with respect to a decision of a League) on one or more of the following grounds:
(i) that there was an error of law;
(ii) that the decision was so unreasonable that no League or Tribunal (as the case may be) acting reasonably could have come to that decision having regard to the evidence before it;
(iii) the classification of the level of the offence was manifestly excessive or inadequate; or
(iv) that the sanction imposed was manifestly excessive or inadequate, (each, a Ground).
For the avoidance of doubt, the Grounds in this Regulation 16(b) do not override the grounds, if any, set out in the relevant AFL and AFL NSW/ACT regulations or policies.
(c) Appeal Procedure:
(i) A registered Player, Official, Club or League:
a. may appeal a determination of a Tribunal to the Appeals Board in accordance with the timeframe prescribed in the State & Territory Tribunal Guidelines NSW/ACT or National Disciplinary Tribunal Guidelines (as the case may be); and
b. may appeal a determination (other than a Tribunal determination under 16.2(c)(i)a to the Appeals Board within 10 days of the relevant determination being made (including a failure to act or make a decision when the decision ought reasonably to have been made, which cannot be before 28 days after the relevant request for a determination).
23
(d) Lodgement of Appeals:
(i) Notice of an Appeal is brought by lodging a written notice with the CEO (or delegate). The Notice of Appeal must:
a. be in writing;
b lodged with the CEO (or delegate);
c. state the grounds of appeal and any submissions in respect of the Chair’s decision to be made under Regulation 16.2(d)(iii); and
d. include full details of the event precipitating the appeal together with any information which might assist in its consideration.
(ii) Prior to convening and fixing the time of an appeal hearing, the appellant must provide payment to AFL NSW/ACT of:
a. the sum of $500 towards the costs of the appeal, which is not refundable in any circumstances; and
b. an additional sum of $500 which shall be dealt with as follows:
1. Where an appeal is successful, this payment will be refunded by AFL NSW/ACT within 30 days of notice to the AFL NSW/ACT by the Appeals Board of its decision in accordance with Regulation 16.10; and
2. Where an appeal is not successful, this payment will not be refunded, unless the matter involves a monetary sanction and the Appeals Board determines that it would be manifestly unjust and unfair not to refund the whole or part of the payment in which case such amount as may be determined by the Appeals Board will be refunded.
(iii) The CEO (or delegate) will refer the matter to the Chair of the Appeals Board for consideration at the earliest opportunity. Where the Chair decides that an appeal has reasonable prospects of success, an Appeals Board Panel will be convened and the hearing will be held in accordance with Regulation 16.3.
16.3 Hearing Procedure
(a) Time for Hearing of Appeal:
(i) Upon receipt of a valid Notice of Appeal and the required sums outlined in Regulation 16.2(d)(ii) the CEO (or delegate), in consultation with the Chair, shall:
a. fix the date, time and place for the hearing of the appeal as soon as reasonably practicable; and
b. advise all parties with an interest in the appeal in writing of those particulars.
(ii) The Appeals Board, through the CEO (or delegate) can vary the date, time or place of the specified hearing and upon doing so must immediately provide all parties with an interest in the appeal written notice of the variation.
24
(b) Attendance:
All parties to the appeal shall attend and appear before the Appeals Board at the date, time and place fixed for the hearing of the appeal. Where a party fails to attend before the Appeals Board, the Appeals Board may hear and determine the appeal in that party’s absence or have the unavailable party available by phone or video link should the need arise.
(c) Submissions:
The Parties must provide written submission to the Appeals Board in accordance with the timeframe as determined by the Appeals Board.
16.4 Obligations of Appeals Board
(a) The Appeals Board will:
(i) to the extent that the rules of natural justice require, provide any person whose interest will be directly and adversely affected by its decision adequate notice of or sufficient time to prepare for an appeal;
(ii) provide any person whose interest will be directly and adversely affected by its decision a reasonable opportunity to be heard;
(iii) hear and determine the matter before it in an unbiased manner; and
(iv) make a decision that a reasonable body could honestly arrive at.
(b) If the appeal is an appeal from a decision of a Tribunal, the Appeals Board shall hear that appeal as on the basis of the evidence before that Tribunal and determine whether or not one or more of the Grounds have been established.
(c) The Appeals Board may have regard to the record of the proceeding before the Tribunal or other body against whose decision an appeal is made, including a record of any evidence taken in a Tribunal hearing.
(d) The Appeals Board may, subject to these rules, regulate any proceedings before it in such manner as it thinks fit.
(e) The hearing before the Appeals Board shall be:
(i) inquisitorial in nature; and
(ii) conducted with as little formality and technicality and with as much expedition as the proper consideration of the matters permits.
(f) The Appeals Board is not bound by the rules of evidence or by practices and procedures applicable to courts of record but may inform itself as to any matter in any such manner as it thinks fit.
(g) The question on appeal before the Appeals Board must be decided according to the opinion of a majority of the members constituting the Appeals Board.
16.5 Onus and Standard of Proof
The appellant bears the onus of establishing the grounds of the appeal on the balance of probabilities.
16.6 Representation
At any hearing before the Appeals Board a person may:
25
(a) appear in person; or
(b) subject to leave of the Appeals Board, be represented by a barrister, solicitor or agent on such terms, if any, as the Chair directs.
16.7 Questions of fact and law
In the hearing and determination of an appeal, the Appeals Board shall decide all questions of law and fact and without limitation, shall determine the meaning of any words.
16.8 Powers of appeals Board
(a) The Appeals Board is empowered to meet when and where it considers necessary, having regard to a fair and efficient resolution of the appeal.
(b) The Appeals Board has the power to make any determination it considers necessary including a decision to set aside the original decision which is appealed against or to impose any extra or different penalty, or to remit the matter back to the Tribunal for determination in accordance with the Appeals Board’s decision.
16.9 Reasons
The Appeals Board is not obliged to give reasons for a decision.
16.10 Decision Final
The Appeals Board shall, where practicable make the formal announcement of the appeal at the conclusion of the hearing and AFL NSW/ACT shall inform the parties in writing of the outcome of the appeal as soon as practicable thereafter. The decision of the Appeals Board shall be final and binding on all parties.
16.11 Matters not provided for
The Appeals Board shall have the power to decide any matters not provided for in this Regulation 16 to the extent that such matters arise during the course of any hearing.
17. DOMESTIC MATTERS
(a) Each League has the power to promulgate supplementary by-laws to provide for the effective management of its own affairs, provided that any such supplementary by-laws are not inconsistent with these Regulations.
(b) If a League seeks to include a regional variation to the By-Laws any such wording change must be appropriately indexed within the structure of the generic AFL NSW/ACT By-Laws.
(c) In the event of any inconsistency between a League rule or by-law and a provision contained with these Regulations and By-Laws, the latter will prevail to the extent of such inconsistency.
18. AMENDMENTS TO REGULATIONS
In accordance with the Constitution, AFL NSW/ACT may from time to time amend or repeal any of these Regulations as may be necessary for the proper conduct and management of AFL NSW/ACT and the regulation of its affairs.
26
19. MATTERS NOT PROVIDED FOR
AFL NSW/ACT has the power to decide or determine any matters not provided for in these Regulations.
27
Appendix “A”
AFL NSW/ACT CODE OF CONDUCT
1. The Code of Conduct aims to promote and strengthen the reputation of Australian Football in NSW and the ACT by establishing a standard of performance, behaviour and professionalism for its participants and stakeholders. It also seeks to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants and stakeholders and deter conduct that could impair confidence in the honest and professional conduct of Matches or in the integrity and good character of its participants.
2. This Code of Conduct:
(a) forms part of the AFL NSW/ACT Regulations and applies to the conduct and behaviour of Leagues, Clubs, Players and Officials;
(b) applies to all forms of Australian Football under AFL NSW/ACT’s jurisdiction;
(c) continues to apply to a participant even after that participants association, registration, employment or engagement has ended, if that participant breached this Code of Conduct while a current participant; and
(d) does not limit or restrict the application of the AFL or AFL NSW/ACT Rules and Regulations and the State and Territory Tribunal Guidelines, National Disciplinary Tribunal Guidelines, Member Protection Policy, AFL Vilification and Discrimination Policy or Anti-Doping Policy.
3. The Scope of the Code of Conduct
(a) The Code of Conduct does not govern Reportable Offences, the Order-Off Rule, or Citations.
(b) Where an incident may constitute both a Reportable Offence or a breach of the Code of Conduct, the charge of a Reportable Offence will take precedence. An individual must not be penalised under both the Prescribed Penalty System and the Code of Conduct.
(c) The Code of Conduct may be supplemented by additional codes of behaviour or procedures as imposed by a League or Club, provided that they are not inconsistent with the terms of this Code of Conduct.
(d) Clubs are responsible for the behaviour and conduct of its Players, Officials, Coaches and Supporters.
4. Players and Officials
Each Player and Official must:
(a) Not bring the game of Australian Football, the AFL, AFL NSW/ACT or the League or the Club into disrepute;
(b) Participate in Competition Matches in accordance with the Laws of Australian Football;
(c) Respect the spirit of the Laws of Australian Football and fair play, and behave accordingly;
28
(d) Display and foster respect for Umpires, opponents, Coaches, administrators, Officials, parents and spectators;
(e) Never to argue with or dispute a decision of an Official. If a Participant disagrees with a decision, they should deal with their dispute in accordance with the relevant Rules, Regulations, Policies and Determinations;
(f) Control their emotions, and not engage in verbal abuse of or swearing at or in the vicinity of others, sledging Players and/or Coaches or behaviour that deliberately distracts or provokes an opponent;
(g) Comply with the AFL and AFL NSW/ACT Rules and Regulations including the National Member Protection Policy, the League By-Laws and this Code of Conduct;
(h) Never engage in any type of violence either on or off the field;
(i) Contribute to a safe sporting environment and respectful culture which is accepting of individual differences, and behave accordingly;
(j) Cooperate with their Club Officials, Coaches and team-mates;
(k) Participate for their own enjoyment and benefit and for the enjoyment and benefit of their teammates, Coaches and Club Officials;
(l) Comply with and observe the AFL Vilification and Discrimination Policy including respecting the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of gender, ability, sexual orientation, cultural background or religion;
(m) Not engage in conduct that is (in AFL NSW/ACT’s reasonable opinion), unethical, unbecoming or likely to cause harm to the reputation of the Participant, the AFL, AFL NSW/ACT, the League, the Club or Australian Football;
(n) Not take part in any form of bullying including via the use of social media;
(o) Not make or post inappropriate, offensive or discriminatory comments in public, including via social media, about Players, Clubs, Umpires, Officials, the AFL, AFL NSW/ACT or the League. Social media includes, but is not limited to, email, instant messaging, text messages, phone messages, digital images, website postings (including social media such as, but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, websites and blogs);
(p) Use appropriately the facilities and equipment made available for administration, coaching, training, Competition Matches and events, including facilities provided by the opposing teams; and
(q) Comply with and observe the AFL Anti-Doping Code and any relevant Illicit Drugs policies.
5. Parents and Supporters
Each Parent and Supporter must:
(a) Support the participants and enjoy the Match;
(b) Encourage participation, but don’t force it;
(c) Teach that enjoyment is more important than winning; 29
(d) Not ridicule mistakes or losses;
(e) Lead by example and respect all Players, Coaches, Umpires, Officials and spectators. Physical or verbal abuse will not be tolerated;
(f) Recognise all volunteers who give up their valuable time;
(g) Not publicly criticise Umpires and instead raise personal concerns with Club Officials in private;
(h) Do not use remarks based on race, religion, gender or ability as many such comments are politically incorrect and it is your Coach, team-mates, Club and family that are let down with such remarks;
(i) Respect the facilities and equipment of their own and opposing Clubs;
(j) Not engage in physical and/or verbal intimidation, abuse or conduct toward any Player, Official, Umpire or supporter;
(k) Condemn the use of violence in any form, whether it is by spectators, Coaches, Officials or Players;
(l) Not use abusive language;
(m) Not to enter the field of play in any sanctioned Competition Match unless granted permission by an Official to do so;
(n) Not take part in any form of bullying including via the use of social media;
(o) Not make or post inappropriate, offensive or discriminatory comments in public, including via social media, about Players, Clubs, Umpires, Officials, the AFL, AFL NSW/ACT or the League. Social media includes, but is not limited to, email, instant messaging, text messages, phone messages, digital images, website postings (including social media such as but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, websites and blogs).
6. Notice and Disciplinary Process
(a) AFL NSW/ACT, a League including via the Competition Management Committee or the Conduct Committee may enforce the terms of this Code of Conduct and invoke the sanctions only if it has given the party alleged to have infringed this Code of Conduct:
i. reasonable details of the alleged infringement; ii. notice of possible sanctions; and iii. the opportunity to be heard in relation to the issues of infringement and sanction.
(b) Any alleged breaches must be dealt with upon receipt of a written ‘complaint’ issued by:
i. An authorised Club Official on behalf of the Club and any of its members; ii. The Competition Management Committee directly; iii. Officiating Umpires (on Umpire Match Report Form).
30
(c) Any alleged breach will be initially assessed by the Competition Management Committee. The League may in its absolute discretion taking into account all the available evidence either:
i. Commence the process in accordance with clause 4(A) and, impose disciplinary sanctions thereafter, in its discretion; ii. refer the matter to the Conduct Committee for determination in accordance with the National Disciplinary Tribunal Guidelines; or iii. dismiss the complaint including determining such complaint to be frivolous.
(d) Should the League or Conduct Committee determine a complaint made by a Club or Club Official to be frivolous, a fee of $100 may be imposed upon that Club.
(e) Individuals and Clubs will be notified via their Club President (or delegate) in writing of any case to answer and the time and date of a convened hearing. Those requested to attend a hearing must attend or have a representative attend in their place.
7. Disciplinary Sanctions
(a) The imposition of a sanction is immediate or as otherwise notified by the party imposing the sanction.
(b) AFL NSW/ACT, a League or Conduct Committee may impose any of the following disciplinary sanctions:
i. Appointing a mentor to an individual for a period of time; ii. Requiring that the individual participate in a remedial program or counselling; iii. Requiring a written apology; iv. Requiring mediation between parties including on specified conditions; v. Revoking a Player, Umpire or Coach’s registration for a period of time; vi. Revoking a child’s/associated Player’s position to play for a period of time in the case of a parent/spectator; vii. Banning or prohibiting an individual from admission to any recognised League event and venue; viii. Banning an individual from holding any post as an Official, administrator or committee person in the League. ix. Deducting Club of the Year Award points for the season in which the indiscretion has taken place; x. Imposing a fine on a Club (up to $1,000 per first offence); xi. Imposing the loss of competition points upon a Team/Club; xii. Imposing a suspended penalty of any of the above.
(c) The following is indicative of the process and available sanctions:
Breach Description Sanctions Referred to Conduct Committee Level 1 Minor breach Individuals name recorded; Usually Not counselling, mediation or written apology if appropriate; official warning or reprimand Level 2 Serious breach or Suspended sentence, Yes second breach registration ban or removal of (within 3 years) affiliation/ membership rights; the assigning of the individual to
31
a mentor program by the League; counselling, mediation or written apology; suspended fine for Club Level 3 Serious breach or Any of the above; AND/ OR Yes ‘Third Strike’ (third suspension, registration ban, Level 1 or second removal of affiliation/ Level 2 within 3 membership rights of an years) individual; fines and/or loss of competition points to a Club/team
(d) As such sanctions may potentially be apportioned to either an individual or Club or both as determined by the League or Conduct Committee,
(e) Clubs are liable for the conduct and behaviour of its Players, Officials and supporters.
(f) A third violation/breach of the Code of Conduct within a period of three (3) years in any capacity as Player, Coach, Official and/or spectator will bring about an automatic revocation or suspension of the Player’s eligibility to play and/or Coach’s permit to coach for a period of time as determined by the Conduct Committee in its absolute discretion.
(g) Failure to comply with any penalty or sanction imposed by the Conduct Committee or League may result in further disciplinary sanctions as determined by the Conduct Committee or League in its absolute discretion
(h) If a participant disputes the sanction or purported action taken under this Code of Conduct that party may appeal in accordance with the National Disciplinary Tribunal Guidelines.
8. Conduct Committee
(a) The Conduct Committee is an independent committee whose duties are to determine and adjudicate upon such matters that the League or CMC may from time to time refer.
(b) The League or CMC shall appoint the Conduct Committee of not less than three members which may consist of a combination of the following:
i. a representative from the independent Tribunal Panel, ii. a representative from the CMC or nominee(s), and/or iii. an independent Club President.
(c) Where reasonably practicable, the Conduct Committee will meet on the first Wednesday evening after all relevant parties can be notified of the hearing date and time and any formal investigations completed. Alternatively, where reasonably practicable the Conduct Committee may determine the matter by documentation and submissions.
9. Scope and Powers of the Conduct Committee
(a) The Conduct Committee is governed by the same procedures applying to the Tribunal as outlined in League By-Laws and the National Disciplinary Tribunal Guidelines.
32
(b) The Tribunal representative will chair all Conduct Committee hearings and ensure Tribunal procedures are followed.
(c) The Conduct Committee has the power to dismiss or change the grading of a breach, as well as postpone a hearing as they deem necessary in relation to the evidence produced.
10. Ground Manager a) In maintaining the Code of Conduct, the Ground Manager shall:
i. Liaise with Club Officials as requested (from either the home or visiting Club) to help identify and find details for the alleged offender(s), those affected and any witnesses; ii. Where an incident appears to represent a minor breach, issue a warning to any person that they may be close to breaching the Code of Conduct; iii. Where a formal complaint is warranted, advise the affected Club to submit a formal complaint to the Competition Management Committee and follow the procedures as described in paragraph 1.2 of these Code of Conduct Disciplinary Procedures; iv. Ensure that appropriate signage (provided by the League and clearly visible at the venue’s canteen and in each change-room. b) The Ground Manager will also assist the Umpires upon request to:
i. Identify and obtain the details of any supporter, member or non-member spectator that they believe to be an offender or witness to a breach; and ii. Identify and obtain the details of any Club Official or member that they believe to have been involved in a reportable offence where the Umpire has not been able to ascertain the individual’s identity. c) Club Officials must co-operate in assisting the Ground Manager upon request to identify and obtain details for any member or supporter belonging to their Club. Where it is believed that a Club Official has not co-operated appropriately, it will be considered a Level 2 breach.
11. Promoting the Code of Conduct a) A copy of this Code of Conduct must be available on each Club’s website. b) A copy of this Code of Conduct must be in a prominent position in the following locations: on canteen wall, in front of canteen; in the home and visitors change rooms; and at entrances to public toilets. c) The League will provide Clubs with an initial supply of A4 Code of Conduct signs and a large corflute sign to be displayed outside a Club’s canteen. d) All Clubs are required to ensure that all members, Players, Officials, Coaches and parents of Under 18 Players receive a copy of or accept at registration this Code of Conduct. Irrespective of whether a copy is provided, all Club persons have obligations under the Code of Conduct.
12. Liability for Spectator Conduct
a) A Club is responsible, and liable, for the conduct and behaviour of its supporters and spectators, whether at home or away Matches.
33 b) Each person at a Match must comply with the Spectator Code of Behaviour. It is the host Club’s responsibility to ensure the Spectator Code of Behaviour is implemented and enforced against all spectators.
34
Appendix “B”
PRESCRIBED PENALTY SYSTEM FOR REPORTED PLAYERS
Introduction
The League has adopted the State & Territory Tribunal Guidelines for the purposes of dealing with Reportable Offences. Section 5 of the State & Territory Tribunal Guidelines contains grading templates for various classifications of offences and outlines the prescribed penalties which can be offered to reported Players (where applicable).
The system will not apply to Officials who are reported. Those reports will be heard by the Tribunal.
Procedure
Umpires shall report and charge Players in the usual manner. The reporting Umpire shall complete the Player Report Form template and forward to the League by 10.00 am on the Monday immediately following the Match.
Once the Player Report Form and Report Template has been received the League will process the report and decide whether:
1. the offence by the Player is suitable for determination under the Prescribed Penalty System; or 2. the report should be referred to the Tribunal for determination.
If the offence and/or Player is suitable for determination under the Prescribed Penalty System, the prescribed penalty shall be offered to the Player (via the Club) on the Monday following the Match in which the Player was reported (where reasonably practicable).
The Player (either directly or via the Club) shall notify the League of the acceptance or refusal to accept the set penalty no later than 4.00pm on the Tuesday following the Match in which the Player was reported (or as reasonably prescribed by the League if the prescribed penalty was provided later than Monday). If accepted, the penalty shall be recorded against the player’s record kept by the league. If the prescribed penalty is rejected the report shall be referred to the Tribunal for hearing at a time to be advised by the League.
35
Appendix “C”
INCIDENT REFERRAL FORM
TO: [Insert League] E mail Fax]
I, the undersigned give notice I wish to refer an incident which may constitute a Reportable Offence under the Laws of the Game or a Breach of the Code of Conduct.
Round: ______Match: ______vs______
Venue: ______Date: ______
Person(s) involved (please state offending person/s): ______
______
______
Reportable Offence or Code of Conduct Breach: ______
Type of Reportable Offence/ Infringement (s): ______
Note:
The spirit of a Citing by-law is to provide a means for the investigation of serious incidents which occur behind the play or which go unnoticed by the umpires.
A serious incident for definition is a matter that may draw a base sanction of three or more matches in accordance with the grading table contained in the State & Territory Tribunal Guidelines - NSW/ACT, or as otherwise determined by the CMC based on the recommendation of the investigating officer. See over for suggested grading Table.
With all citing submissions at least one witness statement should be included.
Vicinity at Venue: ______
Quarter: ______Time of Incident: ______
Other relevant information: ______
______
______
______
36
Where a Classifiable Offence, as defined under 5.3 (a) of the State & Territory Tribunal Guidelines NSW/ACT is the reason for the citing use the table below to indicate the level of conduct alleged.
Impact Area struck Tick suggested
High/Groin High Body
High/Groin Intentional Medium Conduct Body N/A
High/Groin N/A Low Body N/A
High/Groin High Body N/A
High/Groin N/A Careless Conduct Medium Body N/A
High/Groin N/A Low Body N/A
Print Name: ______Club: ______(if applicable)
Signed: ______Dated: ______
Umpire / Umpires Observer / Umpires Coach / Club Official / other______
______(Please Circle)
This form is to be completed and lodged, along with the deposit in accordance with the League By-Laws
League use only:
Lodged with League on ______/______/______at ______(time)
37
STATE & TERRITORY TRIBUNAL GUIDELINES - NSW/ACT
2019
February 2019
1. APPLICATION
These State & Territory Tribunal Guidelines (Guidelines) apply to Australian Football State Leagues (and other leagues at the discretion of Controlling Bodies) conducted or administered by one of the following Controlling Bodies:
(a) NSW/ACT: AFL (NSW/ACT) Commission Ltd ACN 086 839 385;
(b) NT: AFL Northern Territory Limited ACN 097 620 525;
(c) QLD: AFL Queensland Limited ACN 090 629 342;
(d) SA: South Australian National Football League Inc ABN 59 518 757 737;
(e) TAS: Football Tasmania Limited ACN 085 213 350;
(f) Victoria: Australian Football League (Victoria) Limited ACN 147 664 579;
(g) WA: West Australian Football Commission Inc ABN 51 167 923 136.
A Controlling Body may, at its discretion, apply part or all of these Guidelines to additional leagues conducted or administered by, or affiliated with, that Controlling Body.
Where these Guidelines are adopted by a Controlling Body, the players, coaches, officials, spectators, administrators and any other people reasonably connected to that Controlling Body (and the applicable State League or other league) will be required to comply with these Guidelines.
2
2. COMPETITION TRIBUNAL RULES
2.1 Appointment of Tribunal Members
The Controlling Body may, from time to time, appoint persons to the Tribunal.
2.2 Tribunal Members
The Tribunal shall consist of:
(a) a Chairperson; and
(b) a panel of persons who in the opinion of the Controlling Body possess a sufficient knowledge of Australian Football (Tribunal Panel).
Persons appointed to the roles in section 2.2(a) and 2.2(b) may be rotated from hearing to hearing, as determined by the Controlling Body in its absolute discretion.
2.3 Qualifications of Tribunal Members
Except where the Controlling Body otherwise determines, a person shall not be appointed to the Tribunal if that person:
(a) has been a member of a Board of Directors of a Club;
(b) has been a coach or assistant or specialty coach of a Club;
(c) has been a Person of a Club; or
(d) has been an employee of the AFL or a Club,
in the twelve (12) months preceding the appointment.
2.4 Resignation and Removal of Tribunal Members
(a) A member of the Tribunal may resign by providing notice in writing to the Controlling Body.
(b) The Controlling Body may remove a person appointed to the Tribunal at any time in its absolute discretion.
2.5 Reporting Officer
(a) Subject to section 2.5(b), the Controlling Body may, from time to time and in its absolute discretion, appoint one or more Reporting Officers to:
(i) advise the Tribunal of the particulars of the charge or matter before it;
(ii) review Match footage;
(iii) make submissions in relation to the charge or matter;
3
(iv) respond to any matters put in defence;
(v) ask questions of any Person appearing before the Tribunal;
(vi) call any Persons to give evidence as the Reporting Officer may consider necessary or desirable in the interests of general justice and fairness; and
(vii) address the Tribunal by way of summing up prior to any final submissions of the advocate of any Person charged or otherwise appearing to be dealt with by the Tribunal and prior to the Tribunal retiring to consider its finding.
(b) The Reporting Officer shall have the power to withdraw any charge or matter prior to or at any time during a hearing before the Tribunal.
(c) The Reporting Officer shall, with leave of the Tribunal, have the power to amend any charge or statement of any matter to be determined by the Tribunal prior to or at any time during a hearing before the Tribunal.
2.6 Representation
(a) At any hearing before the Tribunal a Person charged with a Reportable Offence may:
(i) appear in person; or
(ii) be represented by a barrister, solicitor or agent.
(b) Where a Person charged with a Reportable Offence is under the age of 16 years at the time of the alleged Reportable Offence, the Person may be represented by a parent/guardian instead of a barrister, solicitor or agent.
(c) Where the Chairperson is of the opinion that a Person or representative of a Person appearing before the Tribunal has failed to observe directions of the Tribunal or otherwise acted in a contemptuous, irresponsible or discourteous manner, the Chairperson may dismiss the Person or Person’s representative and if appropriate, adjourn the proceedings to enable the Person to obtain fresh representation.
2.7 Composition for Tribunal Hearing
Except where otherwise determined by the Controlling Body, at any Tribunal hearing, the Tribunal shall comprise a minimum of three (3) and maximum of (5) persons (including the Chairperson) with the exact number of persons to be at the discretion of the Controlling Body.
2.8 Attendance at Tribunal Hearing
(a) A Person who has been summoned to attend a Tribunal hearing must attend at the time and place notified on the Notice of Charge or other relevant notice.
(b) The Tribunal hearing will be held in the State or Territory of the charged Person’s registered Club, unless otherwise advised or approved by the Controlling Body.
4
(c) A Person wishing to attend the Tribunal hearing via video or telephone conferencing must first seek the approval of the Controlling Body.
(d) If a Person issued with a Notice of Charge or other relevant notice fails to appear at the notified time and place, the Tribunal may proceed to hear and determine the charge or matter and any sanction, in the absence of that Person.
2.9 General Conduct of Hearing
(a) Tribunal hearings shall be conducted with as little formality and technicality and with as much expedition as a proper consideration of the matters before it permits.
(b) The Tribunal is not bound by the rules of evidence or by practices and procedures applicable to Courts of Record and may inform itself as to any matter in any such manner as it thinks fit.
(c) The Chairperson may make any guidelines not inconsistent with these Guidelines that he or she thinks appropriate for the practice and procedure of a hearing. Any such guideline shall be directory in nature and no decision of the Tribunal shall be invalidated by reason of a guideline not being followed.
(d) Subject to section 2.9(e), in accordance with natural justice principles the Tribunal shall:
(i) provide any Person whose interest will be directly and adversely affected by its decision, a reasonable opportunity to be heard;
(ii) hear and determine the matter before it in an unbiased manner; and
(iii) make a decision that a reasonable Tribunal could honestly arrive at.
(e) Whilst the Tribunal will endeavour to hear and determine any charge or matter referred to it before the Person’s Club is next scheduled to compete, to the extent that the rules of natural justice require that:
(i) a Person be given adequate notice of or sufficient time to prepare for a hearing; or
(ii) the Tribunal hearing be scheduled at a time which does not affect the Person’s or the Person’s Club’s preparation for the next scheduled Match,
those requirements are expressly excluded from these Guidelines.
2.10 Evidence
(a) Any Person required to attend before the Tribunal may request to adduce witness evidence at the Tribunal hearing, provided that such a request is submitted to the Controlling Body in writing by no later than 10.00am on the day after notification of the charge or matter, and contains:
(i) the name and address of the witness;
5
(ii) the qualifications and experience of the expert witness, if applicable; and
(iii) the substance of the evidence it is proposed to adduce from the witness.
(b) Unless permission is granted by the Chairperson, a Person shall not adduce the evidence of a witness unless that Person complies with section 2.10(a) above.
(c) Only in compelling and exceptional circumstances, as determined by the Controlling Body in its absolute discretion, will the Tribunal receive evidence from a Person who is not recorded on the Club official team sheet for a relevant Match.
(d) Any video evidence which is not already in the possession of the Controlling Body must be submitted to the Controlling Body by Clubs at a time to be determined by the relevant Controlling Body.
2.11 Challenge to Jurisdiction, Formalities of Report and Other Technical Matters
Where a Person intends at a hearing of the Tribunal to:
(a) challenge the jurisdiction of the Tribunal to deal with a matter;
(b) challenge the constitution of the Tribunal;
(c) challenge the formalities of the laying of any charge; or
(d) raise any other matter requiring a legal or technical interpretation,
the Person intending to do such things must provide full written particulars of all relevant matters and forward a copy of those particulars to the Controlling Body and any other Person who has an interest in the proceeding (including, without limitation, the Reporting Officer and the Controlling Body) by midday on the day after notification of the charge or matter to be heard by the Tribunal.
2.12 Standard of Proof
The Tribunal shall decide on the balance of probabilities whether a Reportable Offence or other charge against a Person has been sustained.
2.13 Onus of Proof
No Person appearing before the Tribunal shall bear an onus of establishing that an alleged offence has been committed.
2.14 Decision of the Tribunal
(a) The decision of the Tribunal shall be determined according to the opinion of a majority of the sitting Tribunal.
(b) Subject to section 2.9, the Tribunal may determine any matter in any such manner as it thinks fit.
6
(c) Subject to section 2.14(d), where a charge is sustained in respect of a Reportable Offence, the Tribunal must apply the sanction applicable to the Reportable Offence as per section 5.
(d) The Tribunal may determine the appropriate sanction in its absolute discretion, without having regard to the sanctions referred to in section 5 where there are exceptional and compelling circumstances which make it inappropriate or unreasonable to apply those sanctions. Exceptional and compelling circumstances will exist where (at the discretion of the Tribunal):
(i) a Player has a verifiable exemplary record;
(ii) a Reportable Offence was committed in response to provocation;
(iii) a Reportable Offence was committed in self-defence; or
(iv) there are multiple Reportable Offences arising from the same event or course of conduct.
(e) Where a charge is sustained with respect to a charge or matter not involving a Person or a Reportable Offence, the Tribunal may, subject to any contrary provisions in any relevant Code, Policy, Rules or Regulations, impose such sanctions as it, in its absolute discretion, thinks fit.
(f) The Tribunal is not obliged to give reasons for any decision made by it under these Guidelines.
(g) Where a charge is sustained against a Person under the age of 16 years at the time of the Reportable Offence, the Controlling Body shall not publicly release the decision of the Tribunal without the express permission of the Person charged and their parent/guardian.
2.15 Validity of Charge and Hearings
(a) Where there is a procedural irregularity in the making of a charge or any other matter, the Tribunal shall still hear and determine the matter unless it is of the opinion that the irregularity has caused or may cause injustice if the matter was heard.
(b) Without limitation, the Chairperson may direct that a Notice of Charge be amended to ensure that a matter before the Tribunal is decided according to its merits and not on the basis of a technicality. The power to amend shall include the power to substitute another charge.
(c) A decision of the Tribunal is not invalid because of any defect or irregularity in, or in connection with, the appointment of a Tribunal member.
(d) Subject to sections 2.9(e), 2.12 and 2.13, any procedure or requirement regulating the function of the Tribunal is directory in nature and a decision of the Tribunal is not invalid by reason of that procedure or requirement not being fulfilled.
7
2.16 Co-operation with Tribunal
(a) Subject to section 2.16(b), a Person shall appear before the Tribunal, if requested to do so by the Controlling Body or Tribunal.
(b) The Chairperson may excuse a Person from appearing before the Tribunal if the Chairperson is of the opinion that the Person is suffering from an injury or medical condition that would prevent that Person’s attendance.
(c) Any Person who appears before the Tribunal and who in the opinion of the Tribunal has:
(i) failed to fully co-operate with the Tribunal;
(ii) failed to truthfully answer any questions asked by the Reporting Officer or the Tribunal;
(iii) failed to provide any document in that Person’s possession or control relevant to the matter to be determined by the Tribunal following a request by the Tribunal; or
(iv) makes any false or misleading statement or makes a statement or acts in a manner calculated to or which is likely to mislead,
the Person shall be dealt with by the Tribunal as it, in its absolute discretion, thinks fit.
2.17 Prohibited Conduct
(a) A Person who has been issued with a Notice of Charge, or any Person acting on behalf or in concert with a Person who has been issued with a Notice of Charge, shall not contact or procure another to contact a Person who is or ought reasonably to be regarded as a Person required to give evidence before the Tribunal, where that contact is intended to or may otherwise mislead the Tribunal or unfairly affect the conduct of the Tribunal hearing.
(b) No Person shall publicly comment on:
(i) the contents of a Notice of Charge prior to the conclusion of any determination by the Tribunal and/or completion of the matter, as the case may be; or
(ii) a Notice of Investigation and any matter touching upon or concerning an Investigation under these Guidelines, until completion of such investigation and/or relevant determination by the Tribunal,
unless the Person establishes, to the reasonable satisfaction of the Controlling Body, that such public comment was not intended to influence or affect the conduct of the Tribunal hearing or the process of the investigation, as the case may be.
(c) A Person who contravenes this Rule shall:
(i) be deemed to have engaged in conduct which is unbecoming and prejudicial to the interests of a just and fair hearing; and
8
(ii) be dealt with by the Tribunal as it, in its absolute discretion, thinks fit.
2.18 Sanction on Club
In addition to any sanction or determination made in respect of a Person under section 2.17, the Tribunal may impose a sanction on that Person’s Club as they in their absolute discretion think fit, except where the Club satisfies the Tribunal that the conduct of the Person was not entered into with the consent, acquiescence or knowledge of the Club.
2.19 Criticism of Tribunal Decision
(a) No Person or Club shall make any unfair, unreasonable or excessive public criticism of a Tribunal decision or of any Tribunal Member or any other matter touching or concerning the Tribunal or a determination made by it.
(b) The Controlling Body shall determine in its absolute discretion in any case, whether any public criticism is unfair, unreasonable or excessive.
(c) Where the Controlling Body determines that any public criticism is unfair, unreasonable or excessive, the Controlling Body may impose a sanction in its absolute discretion.
(d) Where a Person contravenes this Rule, the Person’s Club may also be liable to a sanction at the discretion of the Controlling Body.
2.20 Person Suspension
(a) A Person who is suspended or disqualified by the Tribunal shall serve such suspension or disqualification in the grade in which he played immediately prior to such suspension or disqualification.
(b) Unless otherwise specified by the Tribunal in exceptional circumstances, where a Person is suspended or disqualified by the Tribunal, such suspension or disqualification shall apply to all Australian football competition Matches, subject to section 2.20(c) below. For the avoidance of doubt:
(i) a Person suspended in a previous season cannot serve his suspension in any pre- season fixtures or off-season fixtures;
(ii) a Person suspended in a junior competition graduating to a senior competition shall serve his suspension in his new grade;
(iii) a Person transferring from another league shall carry any suspensions with him; and
(iv) a Person suspended during a split round cannot serve his suspension in that same round in another grade (including representative football).
(c) Unless otherwise specified by the Tribunal in exceptional circumstances, a suspended Person will not be eligible to play representative football if the representative fixture occurs
9
while the Person is serving the suspension. If the suspended Person was selected in the representative team prior to being suspended then he foregoes playing in the representative fixture if the fixture occurs during the time of the suspension. In this situation the representative fixture does not count as part of the suspension.
(d) A Person suspended or disqualified by the Tribunal may still participate in practice/training Matches with his registered Club however such Matches will not count as part of the Person’s suspension or disqualification.
(e) Law 19.4 of the Laws of the Game shall apply in relation to all Persons suspended by the Tribunal.
10
3. REPORTING PROCEDURES
3.1 Umpire Report
If an Umpire has a good faith belief that a Person has committed a Reportable Offence during a Match, the Umpire shall inform the Person that they have been reported:
(a) at the time of the incident;
(b) before the commencement of the next quarter; or
(c) where the incident occurs in the final quarter, as soon as is reasonably possible after the completion of the final quarter.
An Umpire may inform the captain, acting captain or Official of the Club with which the reported Person is registered of the report, where it is impractical to inform the Person who has been reported.
3.2 Notice of Charge
As soon as practical after the completion of the Match, the Umpire shall complete a Notice of Charge in the form prescribed by the Controlling Body. The Umpire shall:
(a) categorise the Reportable Offence having regard to the categories of Reportable Offences (and, where applicable, the grading of a Reportable Offence), as set out in section 5 below;
(b) include the Notice of Charge in the Match day paperwork submitted to the Controlling Body at the completion of the Match; and
(c) retain a copy of the Notice of Charge.
3.3 Referral of Incident
Where an Umpire suspects that a Person may have committed a Reportable Offence, the Umpire must, as soon as practical after completion of that Match and on the day of the Match:
(a) complete an Incident Referral Form in the form prescribed by the Controlling Body;
(b) lodge a copy of the Incident Referral Form together with the Match day paperwork with the Controlling Body;
(c) Where a Club suspects that a Person may have committed a Reportable Offence, the Club may submit a written complaint to the Controlling Body, by no later than 5.00pm on the next business day after the relevant Match or other time as agreed by the Controlling Body. The Controlling Body may levy a fee for the administration of the referral (with the fee amount, if applicable, to be determined by the Controlling Body in its absolute discretion), which may be refunded if the Controlling Body determines, that the Person who is the subject of the written complaint may have committed a Reportable Offence.
11
(d) A complaint lodged in accordance with section 3.3(c) cannot be withdrawn by the Club after it has been lodged with the Controlling Body.
(e) Notwithstanding any other provision of these Guidelines, if an authorised person of a Controlling Body is of the opinion that a Person may have committed a Reportable Offence, that authorised person may report that Person by completing a Notice of Charge. The authorised person shall provide a copy of the Notice of Charge to the charged Person, their Club, any other Person and the Club of any other Person directly involved in the charge.
3.4 Investigation
The Controlling Body may order an investigation into the alleged Reportable Offence in accordance with the National Investigation Guidelines (if applicable as determined by the Controlling Body). After receiving the Investigation Report produced in accordance with the National Investigation Guidelines (if applicable as determined by the Controlling Body):
(a) if the Controlling Body believes in good faith that the Person and/or Club has committed a Reportable Offence in accordance with these Guidelines (and having regard to the Laws of the Game), the Controlling Body may order the Person and/or Club to appear before a Tribunal;
(b) if the Controlling Body believes in good faith that the Person and/or Club has otherwise breached a national policy that may be in place from time to time, including the National Member Protection Policy, or the Rules & Regulations (and, if applicable, the By-Laws) of the Controlling Body, the Controlling Body may order the Person and/or Club to appear before a Disciplinary Tribunal in accordance with the National Disciplinary Tribunal Guidelines (if applicable).
3.5 Match Footage Review
(a) Where a review of Match footage is deemed necessary by the Controlling Body, whether as a result of an Umpire Report, an Incident Referral Form, Investigation or any other reason whatsoever, the Controlling Body may appoint any number of Persons, in its sole discretion, to review the Match footage (Match Review Panel). If the Match Review Panel determines that the incident under review is a Reportable Offence, the Match Review Panel shall issue a Notice of Charge to the charged Person and that Person’s Club, as well as any other relevant Person involved in the incident.
(b) The Match footage shall be admissible evidence at the Tribunal hearing.
3.6 Person May Enter Early Plea
Subject to section 3.8, where a Person has received a Notice of Charge relating to a Reportable Offence, that Person may elect to plead guilty to the offence and accept the early guilty plea penalty offered, in accordance with section 5 as amended from time to time, by no later than 5.00pm on the day of receipt of the Notice of Charge, or other time as determined by the Controlling Body.
12
3.7 Where Early Plea Not Available
Where the Match Review Panel or the Controlling Body (as the case may be) determines in its absolute discretion, that a Notice of Charge should be determined by the Tribunal without the Person having the option to enter an early guilty plea, the Match Review Panel/Controlling Body shall provide written notification to that effect to the Person, in which case the Person shall be dealt with by the Tribunal in accordance with section 3.8(a)(iii). This written notification shall specify relevant particulars of the alleged offence, but if the Player is charged with a Classifiable Offence under section 5.2, the written notification need not specify an offence classification under section 0. In this instance the Tribunal will not be bound by the classification table in section 5.2(b) and will be at large in relation to penalty.
3.8 Persons Who Do Not Accept An Early Plea, Other Persons and Other Reportable Offences
(a) Subject to section 3.8(e), the Tribunal shall deal with the Notice of Charge where:
(i) a Person does not elect to accept an early guilty plea in accordance with section 3.6;
(ii) a person other than a Person is the subject of the Notice of Charge; or
(iii) notification referred to in section 3.7 has been given by the Match Review Panel or the Controlling Body.
(b) Subject to section 3.8(c), a Person who does not accept an early guilty plea in accordance with 3.8(a)(i) shall not be entitled to any reduction in the penalty set out in the Notice of Charge, including but not limited to discounts based on the entering of the guilty plea.
(c) Should a Person plead guilty to a Reportable Offence subject to an alternative classification, and successfully contest the Notice of Charge at the Tribunal (such that the Tribunal determines to downgrade the charge), the Person will be entitled to receive a reduction in the sanction equivalent to the reduction obtained had the Player submitted an early guilty plea for that lesser offence.
(d) Upon receipt of a Notice of Charge, the Controlling Body shall fix and give notice to the reported Person’s Club and any other Person or Club directly involved, of the date, time and place for the Tribunal hearing.
(e) The Controlling Body may vary the date, time and place of hearing by notice in writing to the reported Person’s Club and any other relevant party.
(f) Despite the other provisions of this section 3.8, where a Person does not elect to accept an early guilty plea, a Controlling Body may in its discretion apply a standard penalty (ie without discount) rather than directly referring the matter to a Tribunal hearing.
(g) Where the notification referred to in section 3.7 has been given by the Match Review Panel or the Controlling Body, the Person the subject of the Notice of Charge shall be entitled to
13
lodge a plea at the Tribunal hearing which may be considered by the Tribunal in the determination of any penalty.
3.9 Withdrawal of Charge
The Match Review Panel or the Reporting Officer as the case may be, may withdraw any Notice of Charge at any time prior to a Tribunal hearing by lodging a written notice with the Controlling Body.
3.10 Relationship to Laws of the Game
These Guidelines shall be read in conjunction with the Laws of the Game but to the extent of any inconsistency, these Guidelines shall prevail.
14
4. COMPETITION APPEAL RULES
4.1 League Tribunal and Appeal Rules Paramount
(a) These Guidelines prescribe the procedures for an appeal commenced by a Controlling Body, Club or Person in respect of a decision made by the Tribunal under these Guidelines.
(b) To the extent that anything within these Guidelines is inconsistent with any other player rule, regulation or by-law, the provisions of these Guidelines shall prevail.
4.2 Appointment
The Controlling Body may, from time to time, appoint persons to an Appeal Board.
4.3 Grounds for Appeal
Except where otherwise determined by the Controlling Body, a Person found guilty of a Reportable Offence by the Tribunal, or the Controlling Body may only appeal to the Appeal Board in respect of a decision made by the Tribunal under these Guidelines on one or more of the following grounds:
(a) that there was an error of law;
(b) that the decision was so unreasonable that no Tribunal acting reasonably could have come to that decision having regard to the evidence before it;
(c) the classification of the level of the offence was manifestly excessive or inadequate; or
(d) that the sanction imposed was manifestly excessive or inadequate,
(each, a Ground).
4.4 Lodgement of Appeals
(a) Any Person, Club or League may appeal to its Appeals Board where constituted or where no such body exists, to the Controlling Body’s Appeals Board in respect of a decision made by the Tribunal under these Guidelines.
(b) The League or Controlling Body (as the case may be) will refer the matter to the Chair of the Appeals Board for consideration. Where the Chair decides that an appeal has reasonable prospects of success, an Appeals Board Panel will be convened, and the hearing will be held in accordance with these Guidelines and any relevant Appeals Board rules.
4.5 Appeal Board Members
(a) The Appeal Board shall consist of:
(i) a Chairperson (Chairperson of the Appeal Board); and
15
(ii) at the discretion of the Controlling Body, a panel of not more than six (6) persons who in the opinion of the Controlling Body possess a sufficient knowledge of Australian Football (Appeal Board Panel).
(b) Persons appointed to the roles in section (a)a(i) and (ii) may be rotated from hearing to hearing, as determined by the Controlling Body in its absolute discretion.
(c) Any Appeal Board member, who has also been appointed a member of a Tribunal Panel and who did not comprise the Tribunal for the matter that is the subject of the appeal, shall be eligible for selection for the appeal hearing.
4.6 Qualifications of Appeal Board Members
Except where the Controlling Body otherwise determines, a person shall not be appointed to the Appeal Board if that person:
(a) has been a member of a Board of Directors of a Club;
(b) has been a Coach or assistant or specialty Coach of a Club; or
(c) has been a Player of a Club; or
(d) has been an employee of the AFL or Club,
in the twelve (12) months preceding the appointment.
4.7 Resignation and Removal of Appeal Board Members
(a) A member of the Appeal Board may resign by providing notice in writing to the Controlling Body.
(b) The Controlling Body may remove a person appointed to the Appeal Board at any time in its absolute discretion.
4.8 Representation
(a) At any hearing before the Appeal Board a Person may:
(i) appear in person; or
(ii) be represented by a barrister, solicitor or agent on such terms, if any, as the Chairman directs.
(b) Where the Chairperson is of the opinion that a Person or representative of a Person appearing before the Appeal Board has failed to observe directions of the Appeal Board or otherwise acted in a contemptuous, irresponsible or discourteous manner, the Chairperson may dismiss the Person or Person’s representative and if appropriate, adjourn the proceedings to enable the Person to obtain fresh representation.
16
4.9 Composition of Appeal Board
On any occasion when an appeal is brought before the Appeal Board, the Appeal Board shall comprise, at the discretion of the Controlling Body, up to three (3) Appeal Board members being:
(a) the Chairperson of the Appeal Board or, in the Chairperson’s absence, a member of the Appeal Board Panel who shall act as Chairperson; and
(b) up to two (2) Appeal Board Panel members.
4.10 Notice of Appeal
(a) Except where otherwise determined by the Controlling Body, an appeal under these Guidelines shall be brought by lodging with the Controlling Body, by no later than 5.00pm on the day following the decision of the Tribunal, a duly completed Notice of Appeal in the form prescribed by the Controlling Body and, in the case of an appeal under section 4.3, shall be accompanied by payment to the Controlling Body of:
(i) the sum of 50% of a fixed fee to be determined by the Controlling Body (inclusive of Goods and Services Tax), which sum shall not be refundable in any circumstances; and
(ii) the remaining 50% the fixed fee (inclusive of Goods and Services Tax) which shall be dealt with in accordance with section 4.19 – 4.22.
(b) The Controlling Body shall fix a date, time and place for the hearing before the Appeal Board, as soon as practicable after the lodgement of the Notice of Appeal, and shall advise all parties interested in the appeal of those particulars.
(c) The Appeal Board may, at any time prior to the hearing, vary the date, time or place specified in the Notice of Appeal and upon doing so shall, as soon as practicable, provide all parties interested in the appeal with written notice of such variation.
4.11 Attendance
(a) An appellant shall attend and appear before the Appeal Board at the date, time and place fixed for the hearing of the appeal. Where an appellant fails to attend before the Appeal Board, the Appeal Board may hear and determine the appeal in the appellant’s absence.
(b) The Appeal Board hearing will be held in the State or Territory of the appellant’s registered Club, unless otherwise advised or approved by the Controlling Body.
(c) A Person wishing to attend the Appeal Board hearing via video or telephone conferencing must first seek the approval of the Controlling Body.
(d) A Reporting Officer may attend and appear before the Appeal Board at the date, time and place fixed for the hearing of the appeal. Where a Reporting Officer fails to attend before
17
the Appeal Board, the Appeal Board may hear and determine the appeal in the absence of that Reporting Officer.
4.12 General Conduct of Appeal Hearing
(a) Subject to the further matters set out in these Guidelines, the Appeal Board may regulate any proceedings brought before it in such manner as the Chairperson of the Appeal Board thinks fit.
(b) The Appeal Board is not bound by the rules of evidence or by practices and procedures applicable to Courts of Record, but may inform itself as to any matter in such manner as it thinks fit.
(c) Subject to section 4.12(d), in accordance with natural justice principles the Appeal Board shall:
(i) provide any Person whose interest will be directly and adversely affected by its decision a reasonable opportunity to be heard;
(ii) hear and determine the matter before it in an unbiased manner; and
(iii) make a decision that a reasonable body could honestly arrive at.
(d) Whilst the Appeal Board will endeavour to hear and determine any charge or matter referred to it before the appellant’s Club is next scheduled to compete, to the extent that the rules of natural justice require that:
(i) a Person be given adequate notice of or sufficient time to prepare for an appeal; or
(ii) the appeal be scheduled at a time that does not affect the appellant’s or the appellant’s Club’s preparation for the next scheduled Match,
those requirements are expressly excluded from these Guidelines.
4.13 Review
(a) The Appeal Board shall hear all appeals by way of a review of the evidence presented before the Tribunal and determine whether one or more of the Grounds have been established.
(b) Neither the appellant nor Reporting Officer may produce fresh evidence at the hearing of an appeal without leave of the Appeal Board.
(c) If an appellant or Reporting Officer seek leave to produce fresh evidence, the Appeal Board shall not grant such leave unless:
(i) the evidence could not by reasonable diligence have been obtained by the appellant or Reporting Officer prior to the conclusion of the hearing before the Tribunal; and
18
(ii) the evidence is of sufficient probative value that, considered with other evidence which was before the Tribunal, the Tribunal would have reached a different decision.
4.14 Onus and Standard on Appeal
On the hearing of an appeal the appellant shall bear the onus of establishing, on the balance of probabilities, one or more Grounds.
4.15 Decision of Appeal Board
(a) Any question on appeal before the Appeal Board shall be decided according to the opinion of a majority of those constituting the Appeal Board.
(b) Where the Appeal Board determines that one or more Grounds have been established, the Appeal Board may confirm, reverse or modify the decision of the Tribunal and make such orders and give such directions in such manner as it thinks fit.
(c) The Appeal Board is not obliged to give reasons for any decision made by it under these Guidelines.
4.16 Person to Serve Sanction
Subject to section 4.17(b), where the Tribunal imposes a sanction that prevents the appellant from participating in a Match, the appellant shall serve that sanction pending the determination of the appeal.
4.17 Power to Adjourn
Subject to section 4.18, the Appeal Board may, of its own motion or upon application of any party to the appeal, order:
(a) that an appeal be adjourned; and/or
(b) a stay of the execution of the sanction imposed by the Tribunal pending the determination of the appeal.
4.18 Exceptional and Compelling Circumstances
The Appeal Board shall make an order under section 4.17 only where it is satisfied that there are exceptional and compelling circumstances that make it harsh and unreasonable if an order was not made. In determining that question, the Appeal Board shall without limitation have regard to:
(a) the merits of the appeal and the appellant’s prospects of success;
(b) the interests of other Clubs and Persons;
(c) the effect on the results of the Competition; and
(d) the need to permit the due and proper administration of Australian Football.
19
4.19 Successful Appeal
(a) For the purposes of this section, an appeal is successful if, and only if the Appeal Board determines that one or more Grounds has been established.
(b) Where an appeal is successful, any payment made under section 4.10(a)(ii) shall be refunded on receipt by the Controlling Body of an appropriate tax invoice.
4.20 Unsuccessful Appeal
Where an appeal is not successful, any payment made under section 4.10(a)(ii) shall not be refunded, unless the matter involves a monetary sanction and the Appeal Board determines that it would be manifestly unjust and unfair not to refund the whole or part of such payment in which case, the whole or part may be refunded.
4.21 Costs
Notwithstanding section 4.10(a) , each party to an appeal shall bear their own costs.
4.22 Abandon Appeal
(a) Subject to section 4.22(b), an appellant may abandon an appeal prior to any hearing by giving written notice to the Controlling Body in which case the payment under section 4.10(a)(ii) shall be refunded.
(b) Where an appellant abandons the appeal during the conduct of the appeal, the payment made under section 4.10(a)(ii) shall not be refunded.
4.23 Validity of Appeal and Hearings
(a) Where there is any procedural irregularity in the manner in which an appeal has been brought, the Appeal Board may still hear and determine the appeal unless it is of the opinion that the irregularity has caused or will cause injustice if the appeal was heard.
(b) A decision of the Appeal Board is not invalid because of any defect or irregularity in, or in connection with, the appointment of an Appeal Board Member.
(c) Subject to sections 4.12(c) and (d) any procedure or requirement regulating the function of the Appeal Board is directory in nature and a decision of the Appeal Board is not invalid by reason of that procedure or requirement not being fulfilled.
4.24 Prohibited Conduct
(a) No Club or Person shall publicly comment on the contents of a Notice of Appeal prior to the determination by the Appeal Board or conclusion of the matter, as the case may be.
(b) Where a Person contravenes section 4.24(a), the Person’s Club may also be liable to a sanction unless the Person establishes, to the reasonable satisfaction of the Controlling
20
Body, that such public comment was not intended to influence or affect the conduct of the Appeal Board hearing.
4.25 Criticism of Appeal Board Decision
(a) No Club or Person shall make any unfair, unreasonable or excessive public criticism of a decision of the Appeal Board or of any member of the Appeal Board or any other matter touching or concerning the Appeal Board or a determination made by it.
(b) The Controlling Body shall determine in its absolute discretion and in any case, whether any public criticism is unfair, unreasonable or excessive.
(c) Where a Person contravenes section 4.25(a), the Person’s Club may also be liable to a sanction at the discretion of the Controlling Body.
4.26 Exhaust Internal Appeal
A Club or Person shall exercise their right of appeal under these Guidelines and have any appeal heard and determined by the Appeal Board before commencing any relevant proceedings or becoming a party to any relevant proceedings in a court of law.
21
5. REPORTABLE OFFENCES
5.1 Application
This section 5 (together with the video examples of Reportable Offences referred to in Appendix 1) provides some guidelines as to the different categories of Reportable Offences and the appropriate sanctions and courses of action in respect of such offences.
These guidelines are designed primarily to be used by a Match Review Panel (or some other person or persons responsible for assessing a report or referral to determine the appropriate sanction or course of action prior to any Tribunal involvement) (Panel) at the discretion of that Panel.
Where there is no Panel, the Tribunal shall adopt these guidelines in assessing the particular alleged offence and appropriate sanctions for such an offence.
5.2 Classifiable Offences
(a) Which Reportable Offences are Classifiable Offences?
Classifiable Offences are those Reportable Offences (specified in the table below) which may be graded by a Panel in order to determine an appropriate base sanction for that offence.
Classifiable Offences
Charging
Unreasonable or Unnecessary Contact to the Eye Region
Forceful Front-On Contact
Headbutt or Contact Using Head
Kicking
Kneeing
Rough Conduct
Scratching
Striking
Tripping
Unreasonable or Unnecessary Contact to the Face
22
(b) Grading Classifiable Offences
A Panel may grade Classifiable Offences in accordance with the following table:
Conduct Impact Contact Base Sanction Early Guilty Plea 5+ Matches High/Groin N/A (Tribunal) Severe 4+ Matches Body N/A (Tribunal)
High/Groin 4 Matches 3 Matches High Body 3 Matches 2 Matches Intentional High/Groin 3 Matches 2 Matches Medium Body 2 Matches 1 Match
High/Groin 2 Matches 1 Match Low Body 1 Match Reprimand
4+ Matches High/Groin N/A (Tribunal) Severe 3+ Matches Body N/A (Tribunal)
High/Groin 3 Matches 2 Matches High Body 2 Matches 1 Match Careless High/Groin 2 Matches 1 Match Medium Body 1 Match Reprimand
High/Groin 1 Match Reprimand Low Body 1 Match Reprimand
A Panel may at its absolute discretion determine that the offence ought to be referred directly to the Tribunal on the basis that it is a Classifiable Offence which attracts a base sanction that the Panel finds inappropriate (see Direct Tribunal Offences in section 5.3(a)).
1. Conduct (Intentional, Careless)
Intentional conduct: A Player intentionally commits a Classifiable Offence if the Player engages in the conduct constituting the Reportable Offence with the intention of committing that offence.
An intention is a state of mind. Intention may be formed on the spur of the moment. The issue is whether it existed at the time at which the Player engaged in the conduct.
23
Whether or not a Player intentionally commits a Reportable Offence depends upon the state of mind of the Player when he or she does the act with which they are charged. What the Player did is often the best evidence of the purpose they had in mind. In some cases, the evidence that the act provides may be so strong as to compel an inference of what their intent was, no matter what they may say about it afterwards. If the immediate consequence of an act is obvious and inevitable, the deliberate doing of the act carries with it evidence of an intention to produce the consequence.
For example, a strike will be regarded as Intentional where a Player delivers a blow to an opponent with the intention of striking them.
The state of a Player’s mind is an objective fact and has to be proved in the same way as other objective facts. The whole of the relevant evidence has to be considered. If the matter is heard by the Tribunal, the Tribunal will weigh the evidence of the Player as to what their intentions were along with whatever inference as to their intentions can be drawn from their conduct or other relevant facts. The Player may or may not be believed by the Tribunal. Notwithstanding what the Player says, the Tribunal may be able to conclude from the whole of the evidence that the Player intentionally committed the act constituting the Reportable Offence.
Careless conduct: A Player’s conduct will be regarded as Careless where it constitutes a breach of the duty of care owed by the Player to all other Players. Each Player owes a duty of care to all other Players, Umpires and other persons (as applicable) not to engage in conduct which will constitute a Reportable Offence being committed against that other Player, Umpire or other person (as applicable). In order to constitute such a breach of that duty of care, the conduct must be such that a reasonable Player would not regard it as prudent in all the circumstances. Further, a Player will be careless if they breach their duty to take reasonable care to avoid acts which can be reasonably foreseen to result in a Reportable Offence.
2. Impact (Low, Medium, High or Severe)
In determining the level of impact, regard will be had to several factors.
Firstly, consideration will be given to the extent of force and in particular, any injury sustained by the Player who was offended against (as set out in the relevant, completed medical report using the template form contained in Appendix 2).
Secondly, strong consideration will be given to the potential to cause injury, particularly in the following cases:
• intentional head-high strikes, such as those with a swinging clenched fist, raised forearm or elbow;
• high bumps, particularly with significant head contact and/or Player momentum;
24
• any head-high contact with a Player who has his head over the ball, particularly when contact is made from an opponent approaching from a front-on position;
• forceful round arm swings that make head-high contact to a Player in a marking contest, ruck contest or when tackling;
• spear tackles; and
• driving an opponent into the ground when his arms are pinned.
The absence of injury does not preclude the classification of impact as Severe.
Thirdly, consideration will be given not only to the impact between the offending Player and the victim Player, but also any other impact to the victim Player as a result of such impact.
In addition, consideration will be given to the body language of the offending Player in terms of flexing, turning, raising or positioning the body to either increase or reduce the force of impact.
Low impact (which is the minimum impact required for a Classifiable Offence to constitute a Reportable Offence) requires more than just a negligible impact.
In addition to the above, the following table provides a summary of applicable base level impact guidelines for Low, Medium, High & Severe Impact incidents:
Impact Guidelines
Low Minimal or no impact on the match - the Player continued to play the majority of the match and suffered no or minimal ongoing issues.
Medium Clearly some impact on the Player, and / or the Player left the field for a lengthy period of time, and/ or some possible lower level ongoing treatment(s) required.
High Major impact on the Player, and / or the Player was unable to participate in the remainder of the game, and / or major ongoing issues that require medical intervention and / or may miss some matches.
Severe Major impact and serious injury to the Player, and / or likely to miss a significant number of matches.
Note – These are base level impact guidelines. The impact can be raised under the potential to cause serious injury.
25
3. Contact (High/Groin, Body)
High contact is not limited to contact to the head and includes contact above the shoulders. Contact to the Groin includes contact to the crease or hollow at the junction of the inner part of each thigh with the trunk together with the adjacent region and including the testicles.
Where contact is both High and to the Body, the Match Review Panel will classify the contact as High.
Contact shall be classified as High or to the Groin where a Player's head or groin makes contact with another Player or object such as the fence or the ground as a result of the actions of the offending Player. By way of example, should a Player tackle another Player around the waist and as a result of the tackle, the tackled Player's head made forceful contact with the fence or the ground the contact in these circumstances would be classified as High, even though the tackle was to the body.
(c) Impact of a Bad Record on Classifiable Offences
The sanction for Classifiable Offences will not usually be automatically increased where a Player has a bad record.
However, where a Player has been found or pleaded guilty to two low-level Classifiable Offences within a 12 month period (those Classifiable Offences with a base sanction of 1 match as per the classification table in section 5.2(b) above, and equivalent offences in the classification tables contained in section 5.4(b), any third or subsequent low-level Classifiable Offence within the same 12 month period (as at the date of the offence) will result in a base sanction of 2 matches, with the Player able to accept 1 match with an early guilty plea. For the avoidance of doubt, the Low-level Offences referred to in section 5.4 will not be affected by this bad record provision.
A Panel also has the discretion pursuant to section 3.7 to directly refer a Player to the Tribunal in their absolute discretion, which includes as a result of a bad record. In this instance the Tribunal will not be bound by the classification table in section 5.2(b) and will be at large in relation to penalty. Evidence in relation to the record of a Player can be tendered to the Tribunal without the leave of the Chair.
(d) Reductions in Base Sanction for an Early Guilty Plea
The base sanction for Classifiable Offences will be subsequently decreased where a Player submits an early guilty plea. As per the classification table in section 5.2(b) above:
• an early guilty plea in respect of a Classifiable Offence with a fixed base sanction of two, three or four matches will result in a one match reduction in the suspension; and
• an early guilty plea in respect of a Classifiable Offence with a base sanction of one match will result in a reprimand (at the discretion of the Controlling Body).
26
(e) No Automatic Reduction for Good Record
Players do not receive an automatic reduced base sanction for a good record. However, if a Classifiable Offence is contested or referred to the Tribunal, a Player with a verifiable exemplary record could argue it constitutes exceptional and compelling circumstances under section 2.14(d)(i) (which would make it inappropriate to apply the sanctions in section 5 to the determined classification). In such circumstances, the Tribunal would determine the appropriate sanction in its absolute discretion.
(f) Multiple Offences in a Single Match
Where a Player is found guilty of multiple Reportable Offences from a single match, the individual penalties are added together to form the final penalty to the Player.
5.3 Direct Tribunal Offences
(a) Which Reportable Offences are Direct Tribunal Offences?
Direct Tribunal Offences are those Reportable Offences (specified in the table below) which are referred by a Panel (or otherwise) directly to the Tribunal for determination without grading (ie without an assessment of the offence using the Classification Table):
Direct Tribunal Offences
Attempting to Strike an Umpire
Behaving in an Abusive, Insulting, Threatening or Obscene Manner Towards or in Relation to an Umpire
Eye Gouging
Intentional Contact with an Umpire
Spitting on Another Person
Spitting on or at an Umpire
Stomping
Striking an Umpire
Any Classifiable Offence or Low-Level Offence which Attracts a Base Sanction that a Panel Finds Inappropriate
Any Other Act of Serious Misconduct which the Panel Considers Appropriate to Refer to the Tribunal
(b) Determination of Direct Tribunal Offences
The Tribunal will determine Direct Tribunal Offences (as with any other Reportable Offence) in accordance with section 2.
27
5.4 Low-Level Offences
(a) Which Reportable Offences are Low-Level Offences?
Low-Level Offences are the following low-level Reportable Offences which do not require classification:
Low-Level Offences
Attempt to Strike / Kick / Trip
Careless Contact with an Umpire
Disputing Decision
Instigator of a Melee
Interfering with a Player Kicking for Goal
Unreasonable or Unnecessary Contact with an Injured Player
Unreasonable or Unnecessary Contact with an Umpire
Engaging in a Melee
Not Leaving the Playing Surface
Obscene Gesture
Pinching
Prohibited Boots, Jewellery or Equipment
Shaking Goal Post
Spitting at Another Player
Staging
Striking
Time Wasting
Using Abusive, Insulting or Obscene Language Towards or in Relation to an Umpire
Using Abusive, Insulting or Obscene Language
Wrestling
Any Other Act of Low-Level Misconduct which is not a Classifiable Offence or Direct Tribunal Offence
28
(b) Sanctions for Low-Level Offences?
First & Second Low-Level Third & Subsequent Low-Level Offences Offences Early Guilty Base Sanction Base Sanction Early Guilty Plea Plea
1 Match Reprimand 2 Matches 1 Match
A reference to second, third and subsequent Low-Level Offences is a reference to a second, third or subsequent Low-Level Offence occurring at any time in the previous 12 months (as at the date of the current offence). The second, third or subsequent Low-Level Offence need not be the same offence as the first Low-Level Offence. For the avoidance of doubt, a prior offence other than a Low-Level Offence will not count as a first offence for the purposes of the above table.
5.5 Auditory Offences In the case of Auditory Offences the umpire may grade the offence in accordance with the following matrix:
Comments Comments Conduct Base Sanction Early Plea Were Directed
Threat Tribunal NA
At Umpire Abusive / Obscene 4 matches 3 matches
Insulting 3 matches 2 matches
Loud * Threat Tribunal NA
At another person Abusive / Obscene 3 matches 2 matches
Insulting 2 matches 1 match
Threat Tribunal NA
At Umpire Abusive / Obscene 3 matches 2 matches
Medium** Insulting 3 matches 2 matches
Threat / Obscene 3 matches 2 matches
At another Person Abusive / Obscene 2 matches 1 match
Insulting 1 matches Reprimand
29
Threat Tribunal NA
At Umpire Abusive / Obscene 3 matches 2 matches
Insulting 2 matches 1 match
Low *** Threat / Obscene 3 matches 2 matches
At another Person Abusive / Obscene 2 matches 1 match
Insulting 1 match Reprimand
Threat / Obscene = If Player Unrepentant add 1 match to Base Sanction and Early Plea
* = Could be heard more than 50 metres
** = Could be heard less than 50 metres
*** = Could be heard less than 10 metres -Conversational
Auditory Definitions
i. Threatening displaying an intention to cause bodily harm or causing someone to feel vulnerable or at risk.
ii. Obscene/Abusive – extremely offensive, foul or disgusting.
iii. Insulting – disrespectful or scornfully abusive.
5.6 Grand Final
The Panel or Tribunal (as applicable) has the right to apply (at its absolute discretion) a loading of up to 100% for any Reportable Offence committed during a Grand Final.
5.7 Reportable Offences
The Laws of the Game sets out a non-exhaustive list of specific Reportable Offences in Law 19.2.2 as well as providing for various categories of permitted contact which shall not constitute a Reportable Offence (for example legally using a hip, shoulder, chest, arms or open arms, providing the football is no more than five metres away, and contact which is incidental to a marking contest where a Player is legitimately marking or attempting to mark the football).
The Laws define certain offences such as Charging and Engaging in a Melee, however they provide that in interpreting Reportable Offences, words, terms or phrases which are not defined in the Laws shall be given their ordinary meaning. The following provides some further guidance in relation to what constitutes particular Reportable Offences.
30
(a) Striking, Kicking
Striking and kicking are interpreted in accordance with their commonly understood meaning. A strike would usually be by hand, arm or elbow and would generally not apply to other contact using the body. A kick is generally applied to contact by foot or leg.
Under the Classifiable Offences, a strike or kick requires more than negligible impact. Where a strike, for example, does not have more than negligible impact, it is still open to a Panel to charge a Player with Striking under the Low-Level Offences table where it is satisfied that notwithstanding the result, the intention was to commit a Reportable Offence. Where no contact is made, a Panel can charge a Player with an Attempt to Strike or Kick, which are also Low-Level Offences.
(b) Classification of Certain Strikes
For the purpose of these Guidelines all Persons should note that the following factors are considered when determining the classification of a Striking offence:
• Intent: Notwithstanding any other part of these Guidelines, the fact that an act of striking occurred behind the play or off the ball or during a break in play or with a raised forearm or elbow is usually consistent with the strike being intentional.
• Impact: Notwithstanding any other part of these Guidelines, any Careless or Intentional strike which is of an inherently dangerous kind and/or where there is a potential to cause serious injury (such as a strike with a raised elbow or forearm) will usually not be classified as Low Impact even though the extent of the actual physical impact may be low. Such strikes will usually be classified at a higher level commensurate with the nature and extent of the risk of serious injury involved.
(c) Misconduct
Misconduct has a wide meaning and generally is any conduct which would be regarded as unacceptable or unsportsmanlike by other participants in the match or where it had the effect or potential to prejudice the reputation of any person, club or the Controlling Body or to bring the game of football into disrepute.
Serious misconduct offences will be referred directly to the Tribunal. However any other act of Misconduct will be subject to a Low-Level Offence to be determined by the Match Review Panel.
(d) Forceful Front-On Contact
Bumping or making forceful contact to an opponent from front-on when that opponent has his head down over the ball is a Reportable Offence. Unless Intentional, such actions will be deemed to be Careless, unless:
31
• the Player was contesting the ball and did not have a realistic alternative way to contest the ball; or
• the bump or forceful contact was caused by circumstances outside the control of the Player which could not reasonably be foreseen.
Note: A Player can bump an opponent’s body from side-on but any contact forward of side- on will be deemed to be front-on. A Player with his head down in anticipation of winning possession of the ball or after contesting the ball will be deemed to have his head down over the ball for the purposes of this law.
(e) Rough Conduct
Rough Conduct is interpreted widely in relation to any contact which is unreasonable in the circumstances. It is a Reportable Offence to intentionally or carelessly engage in rough conduct against an opponent which in the circumstances is unreasonable.
Without limiting the wide interpretation of Rough Conduct, particular regard shall be had to the following officially recognised forms of Rough Conduct.
1. Rough Conduct (High Bumps)
A Player will be guilty of Rough Conduct where in the bumping of an opponent (whether reasonably or unreasonably) the Player causes forceful contact to be made with any part of his body to an opponent’s head or neck. Unless Intentional, such conduct will be deemed to be Careless, unless:
• the Player was contesting the ball and did not have a realistic alternative way to contest the ball; or
• the forceful contact to the opponent’s head or neck was caused by circumstances outside the control of the Player which could not be reasonably foreseen.
In the interests of Player safety, the purpose of the rule dealing with high bumps is to reduce, as far as practicable, the risk of head injuries to Players and this purpose needs to be kept firmly in mind by all Players and will guide the application of the rule.
For the purpose of these guidelines, head clashes that result when a Player has elected to bump are circumstances that can reasonably be foreseen. Players will ordinarily be liable if they elect to bump if not contesting the ball.
2. Rough Conduct (Bumps to the Body)
It should be noted that even if the rule relating to high bumps does not apply (for example in the case of a bump to the body), a Player may still be guilty of Rough Conduct if his conduct
32
was unreasonable in the circumstances. In determining whether any bump was unreasonable in the circumstances, without limitation, regard may be had to whether:
• the degree of force applied by the person bumping was excessive for the situation;
• the Player being bumped was in a vulnerable position; and
• the Player could reasonably expect the contact having regard to his involvement in play or ability to influence the contest.
3. Rough Conduct (Dangerous Tackles)
The application of a tackle may be considered Rough Conduct which is unreasonable in the circumstances. In determining whether the application of a tackle constitutes a Reportable Offence and whether the offence is Careless or Intentional, without limitation, regard may be had to the following factors, whether:
• the tackle consists of more than one action, regardless of whether the Player being tackled is in possession of the ball;
• the tackle is of an inherently dangerous kind, such as a spear tackle or a tackle where a Player is lifted off the ground;
• the Player being tackled is in a vulnerable position (for example their arms are pinned) with little opportunity to protect himself; or
• an opponent is slung, driven or rotated into the ground with excessive force.
4. Rough Conduct (Contact Below the Knees)
Under the Laws of The Game, it is prohibited to make contact with an opponent below the knees. Players who keep their feet are vulnerable to serious injury from opponents who lunge, dive or slide toward them and make contact below the knees. It is the purpose of these guidelines to protect such Players from the risk of foreseeable injury. A Player may be guilty of Rough Conduct if he makes contact below the knees of an opponent and does so in a manner which is unreasonable in the circumstances. It is not a defence that the Player who made the prohibited contact was contesting the ball or was first to the ball. The primary responsibility of Players with respect to contact below the knees is to avoid the risk of foreseeable injury. In determining whether any contact below the knees is unreasonable in the circumstances, regard may be had to:
• the degree of momentum and/or force involved in the contact;
• whether the Player causes contact below the knees by sliding with his foot, feet, knee or knees in front of him;
33
• whether the opposition Player was in a position that was vulnerable to contact below the knees (for example, standing over the ball or approaching from the opposite direction); and
• whether the Player making contact had any realistic alternative ways of approaching the contest or situation.
It should be noted that even where the contact is not made below the knees of the opposition Player but to another part of an opponent's body, a Player may still be guilty under the general definition of Rough Conduct for making unreasonable contact by sliding or dropping in to an opponent with their knees or feet first.
(f) Contact with an Umpire
1. Intentional Contact with an Umpire
Contact with an Umpire that is aggressive, forceful, demonstrative or disrespectful will be deemed intentional and the Player will be directly referred to the Tribunal.
2. Unreasonable or Unnecessary Contact with an Umpire
Where contact with an Umpire is not aggressive, forceful, demonstrative or disrespectful but could otherwise be regarded as intentional, it will be classified as Unreasonable or Unnecessary Contact with an Umpire which is a Low-Level Offence.
3. Careless Contact with an Umpire
Contact with an Umpire by a Player will be regarded as careless when it constitutes a breach of the duty of care owed by the Player to the Umpire. Regard will be had to the following factors when determining if the contact is careless:
• Whether contact occurs at a centre bounce or ball up;
• Whether the Player has set up behind the Umpire;
• Whether the Player has taken a path that intersects the Umpire’s exit line from a stoppage;
• The force of the contact;
• Whether the Umpire’s decision making is impeded;
• Whether the Umpire goes to ground as a result of the contact;
• Any mitigating factors (effort to avoid contact, offline bounce or throw, pushed by opponent into Umpire’s path etc).
Careless Contact with an Umpire is a Low-Level Offence.
34
(g) Melee
1. Engaging in a Melee
A Melee is defined as an incident involving three or more Players and/or Officials who are grappling or otherwise struggling with one another and which is likely to bring the game of Australian Football into disrepute or prejudice the interests or reputation of the Controlling Body. The offence of Engaging in a Melee is a Low-Level Offence.
2. Instigator of a Melee
Instigator of a Melee is defined as where the Player's conduct results in retaliatory action which leads to a melee. The offence of Instigator of Melee is in addition to the offence of Engaging in a Melee which may have the effect of a Player being found guilty of both offences.
(h) Staging
A Player will be reported for staging. Staging can include excessive exaggeration of contact in an unsportsmanlike manner. Staging shall be a Reportable Offence as it may:
• affect umpires' decision-making;
• incite a melee; and/or
• not be in the spirit of the game (unsportsmanlike).
(i) Tripping
In determining whether a trip is above the level of impact to constitute a Reportable Offence, regard will be had to how fast the opponent was moving, whether the trip was by hand or by foot/leg and whether contact was made with a swinging motion.
35
DEFINITIONS
AFL means the Australian Football League ACN 004 155 211 or any State Body or individual engaged to operate on behalf of the AFL.
Club means a club fielding a team in the Competition.
Competition means any Australian Football competition, conducted by the Controlling Body.
Controlling Body has the meaning given to it in the Laws of the Game.
Laws of the Game or Laws means the Laws of Australian Football as administered and controlled by the AFL, as amended from time to time.
Match means any Australian football Match played between or directly or indirectly involving any Club.
Notice of Charge means the formal notice provided to a Person informing them that they are being charged with a Reportable Offence or other breach of the Rules and Regulations and/or Laws of the Game.
Officer means, as defined in the Corporations Law and without limitation, the Club president, chairman, vice president, vice chairman, general manager, chief executive, football manager, coach, any board or committee member and any servant or agent who makes or participates in the making of decisions that affect the whole, or a substantial part, of the business of the Club.
Person means a servant or agent of a Club, Player, coach, assistant coach, trainer, runner, Officer, medical officer, employee, independent contractor or volunteer of a Club or any other Person within the purview of these Guidelines.
Reportable Offence means any reportable offence identified in the Laws of the Game or any offence under the Rules and Regulations of the Controlling Body, as amended from time to time, including without limitation the reportable offences contained in section 5 as well as a breach of the National Anti-Doping Code, the National Vilification & Discrimination Policy or the National Member Protection Policy.
Reporting Officer means a person appointed by the Controlling Body to present evidence in support of the charge or matter, respond to matters put in defence and address the Tribunal at any hearing.
State League means the Victorian Football League, North-East Football League, Tasmanian State League, West Australian Football League or South Australian National Football League (as applicable).
Umpire includes a field, boundary, goal and emergency umpire.
36
APPENDIX 1 – EXAMPLES OF REPORTABLE OFFENCES (INDEX)
The following incidents are examples of Reportable Offences which were processed in accordance with these Guidelines. Vision of these incidents is available on request to the AFL.
CLASSIFIABLE OFFENCES
Striking Example 1 - Luke McDonald on Michael Barlow (Round 6, 2017) Careless Conduct, Low Impact, Body Contact Example 2 - Luke Hodge on Tom Papley (Round 19, 2017) Careless Conduct, Low Impact, Body Contact Example 3 - Willie Rioli on Ben Cunnington (Round 19, 2018) Careless Conduct, Low Impact, High Contact Example 4 - Alex Witherden on Ben Crocker (Round 7, 2018) Careless Conduct, Low Impact, High Contact Example 5 - Alex Rance on Luke Breust (Round 3, 2018) Careless Conduct, Low Impact, High Contact Example 6 - Josh Caddy on David Mackay (Round 2, 2018) Careless Conduct, Medium Impact, High Contact Example 7 - Jake Carlisle on Jack Riewoldt (Round 10, 2018) Careless Conduct, High Impact, High Contact Example 8 - Tim Membrey on Dylan Grimes (Round 16, 2017) Careless Conduct, High Impact, High Contact Example 9 - Harris Andrews on Mark Baguley (Round 12, 2018) Intentional Conduct, Low Impact, Body Contact Example 10 - Brayden Maynard on Sam Petrevski-Seton (Round 14, 2018) Intentional Conduct, Low Impact, Body Contact Example 11 - Brandon Ellis on Toby McLean (Round 23, 2018) Intentional Conduct, Low Impact, Body Contact Example 12 - Jack Steele on Max Gawn (Round 7, 2018) Intentional Conduct, Low Impact, Body Contact Example 13 - Michael Walters on Jake Kelly (Round 12, 2018) Intentional Conduct, Medium Impact, Body Contact Example 14 - Dayne Zorko on Lachie Plowman (Round 18, 2017) Intentional Conduct, Medium Impact, Body Contact Example 15 - Zaine Cordy on Cale Hooker (Round 3, 2018) Intentional Conduct, Low Impact, High Contact Example 16 - Mitch Robinson on Sebastian Ross (Round 1, 2018) Intentional Conduct, Low Impact, High Contact Example 17 - Sam Day on Neville Jetta (Round 8, 2018) Intentional Conduct, Low Impact, Groin Contact
37
Example 18 - Daniel Howe on Patrick Cripps (Round 18, 2018) Intentional Conduct, Medium Impact, High Contact Example 19 - James Parsons on Luke Hodge (Round 4, 2017) Intentional Conduct, Medium Impact, High Contact Example 20 - Bachar Houli on Jed Lamb (Round 14, 2017) Intentional Conduct, High Impact, High Contact Example 21 - Jeremy Cameron on Harris Andrews (Round 14, 2018) Intentional Conduct, Severe Impact, High Contact Example 22 - Andrew Gaff on Andrew Brayshaw (Round 20, 2018) Intentional Conduct, Severe Impact, High Contact
Kneeing Example 23 - Jarrad Waite on Harry Marsh (JLT Week 1, 2017) Careless Conduct, Low Impact, Body Contact Example 24 - Luke Shuey on Bailey Banfield (Round 6, 2018) Intentional Conduct, Low Impact, Body Contact Example 25 - Jeremy Cameron on Will Schofield (Round 8, 2018) Intentional Conduct, Low Impact, Body Contact
Rough Conduct Example 26 - Tom Hawkins on Nick Haynes (Round 7, 2018) Careless Conduct, Low Impact, Body Contact Example 27 - Dougal Howard on Josh Kennedy (Round 7, 2018) Careless Conduct, Low Impact, Body Contact Example 28 - Mitch Robinson on Patrick Dangerfield (Round 19, 2018) Careless Conduct, Low Impact, Body Contact Example 29 - Cameron Zurhaar on David Mirra (Round 5, 2018) Careless Conduct, Low Impact, Body Contact Example 30 - Braydon Preuss on Jackson Thurlow (Round 2, 2017) Careless Conduct, Medium Impact, Body Contact Example 31 - Ben Cunnington on Taylor Duryea (JLT Week 2, 2017) Careless Conduct, Medium Impact, High Contact Example 32 - Dale Thomas on Jordan Gallucci (Round 7, 2018) Intentional Conduct, Low Impact, Body Contact Example 33 - Brennan Cox on Shaun Higgins (Round 10, 2018) Intentional Conduct, Low Impact, Body Contact
Rough Conduct (High Bumps) Example 34 - Aidyn Johnson on Tom Cole (Round 21, 2018) Careless Conduct, Low Impact, High Contact Example 35 - Trent Dumont on Ed Phillips (Round 21, 2018) Careless Conduct, Low Impact, High Contact Example 36 - Lindsay Thomas on Logan Austin (Round 16, 2018) Careless Conduct, Low Impact, High Contact
38
Example 37 - Mitch Robinson on Shaun Higgins (Round 11, 2018) Careless Conduct, Low Impact, High Contact Example 38 - Devon Smith on Zac Langdon (Round 10, 2018) Careless Conduct, Low Impact, High Contact Example 39 - Steven May on Ed Curnow (Round 19, 2018) Careless Conduct, Medium Impact, High Contact Example 40 - Dale Thomas on Levi Greenwood (Round 14, 2018) Careless Conduct, Medium Impact, High Contact Example 41 - Jack Bowes on Jacob Weitering (Round 2, 2018) Careless Conduct, Medium Impact, High Contact Example 42 - Travis Varcoe on Luke Dahlhaus (Round 1, 2017) Careless Conduct, Medium Impact, High Contact Example 43 - Zak Jones on Kyle Langford (Round 19, 2018) Careless Conduct, High Impact, High Contact Example 44 - Lindsay Thomas on Scott Selwood (Round 5, 2018) Careless Conduct, Severe Impact, High Contact Example 45 - Nathan Brown on Adam Saad (Round 21, 2018) Intentional Conduct, High Impact, High Contact
EXCEPTION: CONTESTING THE BALL Example 46 - Jordan Murdoch on Isaac Heeney (Round 6, 2018) Example 47 - Brayden Crossley on Toby McLean (Round 7, 2018) Example 48 - Luke Hodge on Dyson Heppell (Round 12, 2018) Example 49 - Ben Ronke on Trent Dumont (Round 17, 2018)
EXCEPTION: CIRCUMSTANCES OUTSIDE CONTROL Example 50 - Aaron Young on Lachie Henderson (Round 23, 2018) Example 51 - Lance Franklin on Tim Taranto (JLT Week 3, 2017)
Rough Conduct (Dangerous Example 52 - Bradan Parfitt on Jayden Short (Round 20, 2018) Tackles) Careless Conduct, Low Impact, High Contact Example 53 - Steele Sidebottom on Zac Fisher (Round 3, 2018) Careless Conduct, Low Impact, High Contact Example 54 - Nick Vlastuin on Luke Breust (Round 3, 2018) Careless Conduct, Low Impact, High Contact Example 55 - Sam Frost on Jed Anderson (Round 3, 2018) Careless Conduct, Low Impact, High Contact Example 56 - Nic Naitanui on Karl Amon (Round 7, 2018) Careless Conduct, Medium Impact, High Contact Example 57 - Sam Menegola on Luke Hodge (Round 4, 2017) Careless Conduct, Medium Impact, High Contact
39
Example 58 - Koby Stevens on Nathan Wilson (Round 7, 2017) Careless Conduct, Medium Impact, High Contact Example 59 - Taylor Walker on Josh Kelly (Round 21, 2018) Careless Conduct, High Impact, High Contact Example 60 - Brodie Grundy on Ben Brown (Round 20, 2017) Careless Conduct, High Impact, High Contact Example 61 - Cam McCarthy on Sam Gilbert (Round 15, 2017) Careless Conduct, High Impact, High Contact Example 62 - Ryan Nyhuis on Robbie Gray (Round 17, 2018) Careless Conduct, Severe Impact, High Contact Example 63 - Kade Stewart on Andrew Mackie (JLT Week 1, 2017) Intentional Conduct, Low Impact, Body Contact
Forceful Front-On Contact Example 64 - Mason Cox on Jason Johannisen (Round 10, 2018) Careless Conduct, Low Impact, High Contact Example 65 - Jake Barrett on Rory Laird (Round 18, 2018) Careless Conduct, Low Impact, High Contact Example 66 - Ricky Henderson on Levi Casboult (Round 18, 2018) Careless Conduct, Low Impact, High Contact Example 67 - Conor McKenna on Riley Knight (Round 4, 2017) Careless Conduct, Medium Impact, High Contact Example 68 - Nathan Krakouer on Sean Dempster (JLT Week 2, 2018) Careless Conduct, Medium Impact, High Contact
EXCEPTION: CONTESTING THE BALL Example 69 - Dawson Simpson on Jack Newnes (Round 5, 2018) Example 70 - Archie Smith on Justin Westhoff (Round 13, 2017) Example 71 - Jesse Joyce on Jason Castagna (Round 19, 2017) Example 72 - Sam Powell-Pepper on Marc Murphy (Round 5, 2017)
Head-Butt or Contact Using Example 73 - Nick Robertson on Trent Cotchin (Round 17, 2017) Head Intentional Conduct, Low Impact, High Contact
Unreasonable or Unnecessary Example 74 - Dayne Zorko on Marc Murphy (Round 16, 2018) Contact to the Eye Region Careless Conduct, Low Impact, High Contact Example 75 - Jed Lamb on Jade Gresham (Round 17, 2018) Intentional Conduct, Low Impact, High Contact
Unreasonable or Unnecessary Example 76 - Lance Franklin on Luke Hodge (Round 19, 2017) Contact to the Face Careless Conduct, Low Impact, High Contact
40
Tripping Example 77 - Jack Ziebell on Jack Martin (Round 15, 2017) Careless Conduct, Low Impact, Body Contact Example 78 - Jack Newnes on Flynn Appleby (Round 9, 2018) Careless Conduct, Low Impact, Body Contact Example 79 - David Swallow on Gary Ablett (Round 11, 2018) Careless Conduct, Low Impact, Body Contact Example 80 - Dale Morris on Jy Simpkin (Round 21, 2018) Careless Conduct, Low Impact, Body Contact Example 81 - Daniel Howe on Zac Fisher (Round 18, 2018) Careless Conduct, Severe Impact, Body Contact
DIRECT TRIBUNAL OFFENCES
Any Other Act of Serious Example 82 - Conor McKenna on Tory Dickson (Round 3, 2018) Misconduct which the MRO Example 83 - James Sicily on Shaun Atley (Round 5, 2018) Considers Appropriate to Refer to the Tribunal Eye Gouging Example 84 – Jimmy Webster on Nick Suban (Round 15, 2017)
LOW-LEVEL OFFENCES
Instigator of a Melee Example 85 - Jake Carlisle (Round 15, 2017) Example 86 - Ben Ronke (Round 6, 2018) Example 87 - Sam Rowe (Round 14, 2018)
Careless Contact with an Example 88 - Josh Dunkley (Round 18, 2018) Umpire Example 89 - Clayton Oliver (Round 21, 2018) Example 90 - Christian Petracca (Round 20, 2018) Example 91 - Jack Steven (Round 10, 2018) Example 92 - Ben Cunnington (Round 16, 2018)
Engaging in a Melee Example 93 - Collingwood v Carlton (Taylor Adams, Patrick Cripps, Brayden Maynard) (Round 14, 2018) Example 94 - Fremantle v West Coast (Sean Darcy, Jeremy McGovern, Luke Ryan, Daniel Venables) (Round 20, 2018) Example 95 - Geelong v Sydney (Kieran Jack, Tom Stewart, Zach Tuohy) (Round 6, 2018)
41
Unreasonable or Unnecessary Example 96 - Brayden Fiorini on Dayne Zorko (Round 22, 2018) Contact with an Injured Player Example 97 - Bailey Banfield on Aaron Hall (Round 3, 2018)
Wrestling Example 98 - Matt Crouch and Sam Powell-Pepper (Round 8, 2018) Example 99 - Bailey Banfield and Jack Steven (Round 8, 2018) Example 100 - Mitch Robinson (Round 22, 2018)
Staging Example 101 - Alex Rance (Round 11, 2018) Example 102 - Josh Green (JLT Week 3, 2018) Example 103 - Callum Sinclair (Round 11, 2018)
Other Misconduct Example 104 - Sam Frost on Isaac Smith (Round 4, 2018) Example 105 - Dustin Martin on Jimmy Webster (Round 10, 2018) Example 106 - Ben Cunnington on Steven Motlop (Round 6, 2018) Example 107 - Toby Nankervis on Matt Crouch (Round 2, 2018)
42
APPENDIX 2 – MEDICAL REPORT TEMPLATE
I, ______
Club Medical Officer for the ______Football Club provide this Medical Report for player ______at the request of the Match Review Panel as a result of an incident that occurred during the match:
______v ______
Played on ___ / ___ / ______(date) at ______(venue).
The incident occurred at ______(time) during quarter ______at the following approximate location on the Playing Surface: ______.
The player received the following treatment (limit to clinical facts) –
Immediate
Condition(s) treated: ______
Player required immediate on field assessment: No Yes (Details: Trainer / Physio / Doctor)
Did the player leave the Playing Surface as a result of the incident: No Yes
If ‘Yes', estimated time missing from match as a result of the incident (excluding breaks): ______
Did the player return to play: No Yes
Was anything reported by the player after the match as a result of the incident: No Yes
If ‘Yes', specify what was reported: ______
Ongoing
Further investigation required: No Yes (Details: Radiology / Specialist referral)
Ongoing treatment required: No Yes (Details: Physiotherapy / Medication / Surgery)
Expected number of – Missed days training: ______Missed matches: ______
Any additional information: ______
Signed: (Club Doctor)
Date: ___ / ___ / ______Time: ______
Controlling Body to Complete
Lodged with the Secretary of the Match Review Panel on ____ / ____ / ______(date) at ______(time)
Signed: (Secretary of the Match Review Panel)
CONCUSSION RECOGNITION TOOL 5 © CONCUSSION RECOGNITION TOOL 5 © To help identify concussion in children, adolescents and adults To help identifyRole concussion of helmets in children, adolescents & mouthguards and adults Role of helmets & mouthguards
RECOGNISE & REMOVE RECOGNISE &in REMOVE Australian Football in Australian Football
Head impacts can be associated with serious and Head impacts can be associated with serious and potentially fatal brain injuries. The Concussion potentially fatal brain injuries. The Concussion Recognition Tool 5 (CRT5) is to be used for the Recognition Tool 5 (CRT5) is to be used for the MHIRXMƤGEXMSRSJWYWTIGXIHGSRGYWWMSR-XMWRSX STEP 3: SYMPTOMS MHIRXMƤGEXMSRSJWYWTIGXIHGSRGYWWMSR-XMWRSXHelmets STEP 3: SYMPTOMSMouthguards Helmets Mouthguards designed to diagnose concussion. designed to diagnose concussion. • Headache • “Don’t feel right” There is no definitive scientific • HeadacheMouthguards have• “Don’t a definite feel right” role in There is no definitive scientific Mouthguards have a definite role in • “Pressure in head” • More emotional evidence that helmets prevent • “Pressurepreventing in head” injuries• More to emotional the teeth and face evidence that helmets prevent preventing injuries to the teeth and face STEP 1: RED FLAGS — CALL AN AMBULANCE • Balance problems • More irritable STEP 1: RED FLAGS — CALL AN AMBULANCE • Balance problems • More irritable concussion or other brain injuries and for this reason they are strongly concussion or other brain injuries and for this reason they are strongly • Nausea or vomiting • Sadness • Nausea or vomiting • Sadness If there is concern after an injury, including If there is concernin Australian after an injury, Football. including recommended at all levels of football. in Australian Football. recommended at all levels of football. • Drowsiness • Nervous or anxious • Drowsiness • Nervous or anxious whether ANY of the following signs are observed whether ANY of the following signs are observed Mouthguards should be worn for all Mouthguards should be worn for all • Dizziness • Neck pain Helmets may have a role in the • Dizziness • Neck pain Helmets may have a role in the or complaints are reported, then the player or complaints are reported, then the player games and training sessions. games and training sessions. should be safely and immediately removed from • Blurred vision • (MJƤGYPX]GSRGIRXVEXMRK should be safelyprotection and immediately of players removed on return from to play• Blurred vision • (MJƤGYPX]GSRGIRXVEXMRK protection of players on return to play play/game/activity. If no licensed healthcare • Sensitivity to light • (MJƤGYPX]VIQIQFIVMRK play/game/activity.following If no licensedspecific healthcare injuries (e.g. face or• SensitivityDentally-fitted to light • laminated(MJƤGYPX]VIQIQFIVMRK mouthguards following specific injuries (e.g. face or Dentally-fitted laminated mouthguards professional is available, call an ambulance for professional is available, call an ambulance for • Sensitivity to noise • Feeling slowed down skull fractures). • Sensitivityoffer to noise the best• protection. Feeling slowed ‘Boil down and skull fractures). offer the best protection. ‘Boil and urgent medical assessment: • Fatigue or low energy • Feeling like “in a fog“ urgent medical assessment: • Fatigue or low energy • Feeling like “in a fog“ bite’ type mouthguards are not bite’ type mouthguards are not • Neck pain or • Loss of • Neck pain orOverall, however• Loss of there is insufficient Overall, however there is insufficient STEP 4: MEMORY ASSESSMENT STEP 4: MEMORYrecommended ASSESSMENT for any level of play as recommended for any level of play as tenderness consciousness tenderness scientific evidenceconsciousness to make a scientific evidence to make a • Double vision • Deteriorating (IN ATHLETES OLDER THAN 12 YEARS) • Double vision • Deteriorating (IN ATHLETESthey OLDER can dislodge THAN 12 duringYEARS) play and block they can dislodge during play and block recommendation for the use of helmets recommendation for the use of helmets • Weakness or conscious state • Weakness or conscious state the airway. the airway. tingling/burning in • Vomiting *EMPYVIXSERW[IVER]SJXLIWIUYIWXMSRW QSHMƤIH tingling/burningfor thein prevention• Vomiting of concussion in *EMPYVIXSERW[IVER]SJXLIWIUYIWXMSRW QSHMƤIH for the prevention of concussion in arms or legs • Increasingly appropriately for each sport) correctly may suggest arms or legsAustralian• Football. Increasingly appropriatelyThere for each is some sport) preliminary correctly may scientific suggest Australian Football. There is some preliminary scientific • Severe or increasing restless, agitated a concussion: • Severe or increasing restless, agitated a concussion: evidence that mouthguards may evidence that mouthguards may headache or combative • “What venue are we “What team did headache or combative • “What venue are we “What team did • Seizure or convulsion at today?” you play last • Seizure or convulsion at today?”prevent concussionyou play or other last brain prevent concussion or other brain • “Which half is it now?” week/game?” • “Which halfinjuries is it now?” in Australian week/game?” Football. (3) injuries in Australian Football.(3) • “Who scored last in • “Did your team win • “Who scored last in • “Did your team win 6IQIQFIV: this game?” the last game?” 6IQIQFIV: this game?” the last game?” • In all cases, the basic • Do not attempt to • In all cases, the basic • Do not attempt to TVMRGMTPIWSJƤVWXEMH move the player (other Athletes with suspected concussion should: TVMRGMTPIWSJƤVWXEMHReferencesmove the player (other Athletes with suspected concussion should: References (danger, response, than required for (danger, response, than required for • Not be left alone • Not be sent home • Not be left alone • Not be sent home airway, breathing, airway support) unless airway, breathing,1. McCrory P,airway Meeuwisse support) W, unless Dvorak J, et al. Consensus statement on concussion 1. McCrory P, Meeuwisse W, Dvorak J, et al. Consensus statement on concussion circulation) should trained to so do. initially (at least by themselves. They circulation) should trained to so do. initially (at least by themselves. They JSVXLIƤVWXLSYVW need to be with a JSVXLIƤVWXLSYVW need to be with a be followed. • Do not remove a be followed. in sport-the• Do not5th remove international a conference on concussion in sport held in Berlin, in sport-the 5th international conference on concussion in sport held in Berlin, responsible adult. responsible adult. • Assessment for a helmet or any other • Not drink alcohol. • Assessment for aOctober 2016.helmet Br or Jany Sports other Med 2017• Not doi: drink 10.1136/bjsports-2017-097699 alcohol. October 2016. Br J Sports Med 2017 doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2017-097699 spinal cord injury equipment unless • Not use recreational/ • Not drive a motor spinal cord injury equipment unless • Not use recreational/ • Not drive a motor is critical. trained to do so safely. prescription drugs. vehicle until cleared to is critical. 2. Echemendiatrained RJ, Meeuwisseto do so safely. W, McCroryprescription P, et al. drugs.The Concussionvehicle Recognition until cleared Tool to 2. Echemendia RJ, Meeuwisse W, McCrory P, et al. The Concussion Recognition Tool do so by a healthcare 5th Edition (CRT5). Br J Sports Med 2017 doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2017-097508do so by a healthcare 5th Edition (CRT5). Br J Sports Med 2017 doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2017-097508 professional. professional. -JXLIVIEVIRS6IH*PEKWMHIRXMƤGEXMSRSJTSWWMFPI -JXLIVIEVIRS6IH*PEKWMHIRXMƤGEXMSRSJTSWWMFPI3. Emery CA, Black AM, Kolstad A, et al. What strategies can be used to 3. Emery CA, Black AM, Kolstad A, et al. What strategies can be used to GSRGYWWMSRWLSYPHTVSGIIHXSXLIJSPPS[MRKWXITW The CRT5 may be freely copied in its current form GSRGYWWMSRWLSYPHTVSGIIHXSXLIJSPPS[MRKWXITW The CRT5 may be freely copied in its current form for distribution to individuals, teams, groups and effectively reduce the risk of concussionfor distribution in sport? to individuals, Br J Sports teams, Med groups2017 and effectively reduce the risk of concussion in sport? Br J Sports Med 2017 STEP 2: OBSERVABLE SIGNS organisations. Any revision and any reproduction in STEP 2: OBSERVABLEdoi:10.1136/ SIGNS bjsports-2016-097452.organisations. Any revision and any reproduction in doi:10.1136/ bjsports-2016-097452. a digital form requires approval by the Concussion a digital form requires approval by the Concussion Visual clues that suggest possible concussion include: in Sport Group. It should not be altered in any way, Visual clues that suggest possible concussion include: in Sport Group. It should not be altered in any way, rebranded or sold for commercial gain. rebranded or sold for commercial gain. • Lying motionless on the • Blank or vacant look • Lying motionless on the • Blank or vacant look playing surface • Balance, gait playing surface • Balance, gait • Slow to get up after a HMJƤGYPXMIWQSXSV ANY ATHLETE WITH A SUSPECTED • Slow to get up after a HMJƤGYPXMIWQSXSV ANY ATHLETE WITH A SUSPECTED direct or indirect hit to incoordination, CONCUSSION SHOULD BE IMMEDIATELY direct or indirect hit to incoordination, CONCUSSION SHOULD BE IMMEDIATELY the head stumbling, slow REMOVED FROM PRACTICE OR PLAY the head stumbling, slow REMOVED FROM PRACTICE OR PLAY • Disorientation or laboured movements AND SHOULD NOT RETURN TO ACTIVITY • Disorientation or laboured movements AND SHOULD NOT RETURN TO ACTIVITY confusion, or inability • Facial injury after UNTIL ASSESSED MEDICALLY, EVEN IF THE confusion, or inability • Facial injury after UNTIL ASSESSED MEDICALLY, EVEN IF THE to respond appropriately head trauma SYMPTOMS RESOLVE to respond appropriately head trauma SYMPTOMS RESOLVE to questions to questions 14 B. FOLLOW-UP MANAGEMENT 14 B. FOLLOW-UP MANAGEMENT THE MANAGEMENT OF CONCUSSION IN AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL 15 THE MANAGEMENT OF CONCUSSION IN AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL 15 © Concussion in Sport Group 2017 © Concussion in Sport Group 2017