Afl Canberra Ltd 2009

AFL CANBERRA LTD 2009

AFL CANBERRA LTD

COMPETITION BY-LAWS (Effective From Season 2009)

AFL Canberra By Laws Page 1

AFL CANBERRA LTD 2009

AFL CANBERRA – TABLE OF CONTENTS

DEFINITIONS

Part 1 - Title / Competitions / Clubs / Misc – Amendments to Rules, By Laws. 1.1 AFL Canberra Competitions 1.2 AFL Canberra Competition Awards 1.3 Entry into AFL Canberra Competitions 1.4 Withdrawal from Competition 1.5 Allocation to Districts to Clubs 1.6 Area Administered by AFL Canberra 1.7 Interpretation of Competition Rules 1.8 Matters Not Provided For 1.9 Suspension of Rules 1.10 Amendments to Rules 1.11 Appeals

Part 2 - Registrations 2.1 AFL Canberra – Player Listings for Each Club 2.2 New Registrations 2.3 Players Transferring from Interstate or Locally 2.4 Exception to the Rule 2.5 Length of Registration 2.6 Acceptance of New Registrations and Close Date of Clearances 2.7 Incorrect Information / Ineligible Players / Unregistered Players 2.8 Alliance (Between AFL Canberra Clubs and AFL Canberra Div3 & 4 Clubs) 2.9 Under 18 Competition 2.10 Women’s Competition (ACTWAFL) 2.11 Guidelines for the Sydney Swans Reserve Grade Team

Part 3 – Clearances / Transfers / Transfer fees / Armed Forces 3.1 Domestic Clearances 3.2 Consent to Transfer 3.3 Time Limit to Transfer 3.4 Players Returning to AFL Canberra from Interstate 3.5 Interstate Clearance 3.6 No Clearance Required 3.7 Commencement and Closing Date of Clearances 3.8 Transfer fees between AFL Canberra Clubs 3.9 Determination of Fee by Appeals Board 3.10 Failure to Pay Transfer Fee 3.11 Approaches to Player by Official / Permission to Interview 3.12 Try Outs 3.13 Appeals Board (6.17 also) 3.14 Refused Domestic Clearance 3.15 Refused External Clearance 3.16 Players in Armed Forces 3.17 Qualification for Players absent Due to Injury

AFL Canberra By Laws Page 2

AFL CANBERRA LTD 2009

Part 4 – Competition Arrangements 4.1 Fixtures 4.1.1 Match Schedule 4.1.2 Byes 4.1.3 Forfeits 4.1.4 Premiership Ladder 4.1.5 4.1.6 Adverse weather / Postponement of Matches / Abandonment of Matches 4.1.7 Wet Weather Procedures 4.2 Time of Play 4.3 Provision of Matches 4.3.1 Ground Marking 4.3.2 Post Pads 4.3.3 Scoreboard 4.3.4 Change rooms 4.3.5 Timekeepers and Timekeeping Facilities 4.3.6 Footballs 4.3.7 Emergency Medical Arrangements 4.3.8 Match Day Safety Check 4.3.9 Fines 4.4 Teams 4.4.1 Number of Players 4.4.2 Team Lists 4.4.3 Competition Eligibility (Includes NSW / ACT Under 18 RAMS Players) 4.4.4 Team Lists for Football Record 4.5 Uniforms 4.5.1 Uniform Design 4.5.2 Guernsey Numbers 4.5.3 Clash of Uniforms 4.5.4 Lycra Shorts 4.5.5 Sponsor’s Logos/Approved Suppliers 4.5.6 Inspection of Equipment 4.5.7 Mouthguards 4.5.8 Incorrect Uniforms 4.6 Club Officials and Duties 4.6.1 Team Managers 4.6.2 Team Runner 4.6.3 Water Carriers 4.6.4 Trainers and Other Medical Support Staff 4.6.5 Umpires’ Escort 4.6.6 Official on the Bench 4.7 Umpires 4.7.1 Appointments 4.7.2 Club Umpires 4.7.3 Umpires Fees 4.7.4 Payment of Umpires 4.7.5 Umpires’ Match Report 4.7.6 Club Report on Umpires 4.7.7 Reporting of Players and Officials 4.7.8 AFL Canberra Appointed Umpires Travelling with Clubs 4.8 Codes of Behaviour 4.9 Injury Treatment 4.10 AFL Canberra Divisions 4 – 16 a Side Rule 4.11 Head Count Rule

AFL Canberra By Laws Page 3

AFL CANBERRA LTD 2009

Part 5 Laws and Policy 5.1 Laws of the Game 5.2 Order off Laws – Seniors/Juniors 5.3 Infectious Diseases Policy (see AFL Canberra website) 5.3.1 ACTWAFL Player Safety 5.4 Smoke Free Policy (see AFL Canberra website) 5.5 Racial & Religious Vilification Policy (see AFL Canberra website) 5.6 Code of Conduct 5.7 Loss of Points

Part 6 – Disciplinary Procedures - Independent Tribunals (Disputes and Appeals) 6.1 Independent Tribunal (Appointment and Role) 6.2 Reports by Umpires / Penalties 6.3 Citings by Clubs 6.4 Video Evidence 6.5 Investigations 6.6 Board May Declare What is an Offence 6.7 Disputes Tribunal – Procedures and Penalties 6.8 Notice of Hearing of Reports under Laws of the Game 6.9 Notice of Hearing of Other Matters 6.10 Notice of Hearing Resumption 6.11 Lodgement of Hearing or Appeal 6.12 Representation at Hearing 6.13 Adjournment of Hearing 6.14 Witnesses and Evidence before Disputes Tribunal 6.15 Failing to Appear 6.16 Conduct of Hearing 6.17 Appeals Board (Appointment and Role) 6.17(a) Lodging an Appeal with Appeals Board 6.18 No Extension of Time 6.19 Appeal Bond 6.20 Appeal Board Convening and Decisions 6.21 Appeals in Urgent Matters 6.22 Decisions of the Appeals Board 6.23 Penalties

Part 7 – Finals 7.1 Finals Arrangements 7.1.1 Match Conditions 7.1.2 Drawn Finals 7.1.3 Emergency Umpires 7.1.4 Home finals for ACTWAFL 7.2 Player Eligibility - Finals 7.2.1 All AFL Canberra Grades / Divisions. 7.2.2 Service Personal / Long Term Injury Exception 7.2.3 Sydney Swans finals eligibility 7.3 Club Eligibility 7.4 Provision of Officials 7.5 Catering Rights 7.6 Venue Selection 7.7 Commencement Times of Finals

Part 8 – Representative Football 8.1 Participation 8.2 Venue Selection 8.3 Misconduct 8.4 League Colours 8.5 Appointments

AFL Canberra By Laws Page 4

AFL CANBERRA LTD 2009

Part 9 – Awards 9.1 AFL Canberra – Club Championship Award 9.2 AFL Canberra Division 3 & 4 - Club of the Year / ACTWAFL Club of the Year 9.3 Leading Goal kickers 9.4 Best and Fairest 9.5 Rising Star Award 9.6 Premiership Awards 9.7 Best Player in Grand Final

Part 10 – Administration and Finance 10.1 Football Operations 10.2 Club Meetings 10.3 Attendance at Meetings (includes ACTWAFL) 10.4 Fees 10.5 Fines 10.6 Outstanding Accounts 10.7 Dishonoured Cheques 10.8 Insurance

Part 11 – Players Contracts 11.1 General 11.2 Period of Contract 11.3 Form of Contract 11.4 Lodgement of Contract with AFL Canberra 11.5 Termination of Contract 11.6 Spare 11.7 Disputes 11.8 Revocation of Permit to Play 11.9 Interchange of AFL Players

Part 12 - General 12.1 Football Record 12.2 Admission to Grounds

AFL Canberra By Laws Page 5

AFL CANBERRA LTD 2009

AFL Canberra – Competition By-Laws

DEFINITIONS

For the purpose of interpretation of these Rules the following definitions shall apply:

AFL means the Australian Football League Appeals Board means the Appeals Board established by AFL Canberra Appeals Committee means the Appeals Committee established by AFL Canberra Board means the Board of AFL Canberra Ltd Contracted Player means a person who is obliged pursuant to a contract to render his services as a footballer to a club provided that the contract has been registered with the board or other State League(s) as appropriate Controlling Body has the same meaning in these rules as it does in the laws of the Game as published by the AFL Division means grade of competition for AFL Canberra Disputes Tribunal means the Disputes Tribunal established by the Board Investigating Officer means the person appointed by the Board to investigate a charge laid by a Club or the Umpires Control board or a designated official of the Board Laws means the Laws of the Game as published by the AFL League means the controlling body of the AFL Canberra Competitions Permit and Match Committee means the Permit and Match Committee established by the Board Season means the period commencing two weeks before the first home and away match and ending two weeks after the Grand Final Football Operations means the administrators / staff appointed by the Board under the Constitution to administer the day to day operations of the League Unaffiliated AFL Canberra Under 18 Clubs means the junior clubs known as Marist and St Edmunds or any other club who wishes to enter a stand alone Under 18 team Area Administered by the Board means the regions of both the ACT and NSW

AFL Canberra By Laws Page 6

AFL CANBERRA LTD 2009

AFL CANBERRA LTD COMPETITION BY-LAWS

PART 1 – TITLE COMPETITIONS AND CLUBS

These Rules may be cited as AFL Canberra Competition By - Laws. Any divergence from the application of these rules must be authorised by the AFL Canberra Board.

1.1 AFL Canberra Competitions

Separate competitions may be conducted each season to determine the premiership in the following Competitions: a. AFL Canberra Division 1 b. AFL Canberra Division 2 c. AFL Canberra Under 18 d. AFL Canberra Division 3 e. AFL Canberra Division 4 f. AFL Canberra Women’s (ACTWAFL)

The Competition appearing at (a) in Rule 1.2 is the highest Men’s Competition and the Competition appearing at (e) in Rule 1.1 is the lowest Men’s Competition. The Competitions in between have the intermediate relative rankings for the purposes of the Rules.

Competition (f) refers to the Women’s Competition and for the purpose of this competition all Rules referring to Men’s Competitions are to be applied to the Women’s Competition unless otherwise specified in these Rules .

1.2 AFL Canberra Competition Awards

In addition to the Premiership pennant, the winner of the Premiership in each Competition shall hold the following perpetual trophy until the grand final in the following season:

a. AFL Canberra Division 1 – FJ Dorman Trophy b. AFL Canberra Division 2 – JH Jarman Trophy c. AFL Canberra Under 18 - SJ Ray Trophy d. AFL Canberra Division 3 – WJ Mahoney Trophy e. AFL Canberra Division 4 – Alan Muir Memorial Trophy f. AFL Canberra Women’s Competition - TBA

1.3 Entry into competition

1.3.1 Each club admitted to a competition agrees to be bound by the Laws of Australian Football, the AFL Canberra Ltd Constitution, these rules and any reasonable direction of the Board and Football Operations.

1.3.2 The Board may at any time require a club to enter an agreement as to the terms and conditions, which shall not be inconsistent with these Rules, on which the club will be permitted to enter a team in a competition.

AFL Canberra By Laws Page 7

AFL CANBERRA LTD 2009

1.4 Withdrawal from competition

1.4.1 A club, which for any reason wishes to withdraw from a competition in any Grade after the competition has commenced, must apply in writing to the Board for approval to withdraw. The Board must consider the application and either approve or refuse it.

1.4.2 If a club forfeits three home and away matches in a Grade in a season, Football Operations shall report the matter to the Board. The Board shall consider the issue and, unless the Board otherwise determines, the club shall be deemed to have withdrawn from the competition in that Grade, for that season.

1.4.3 If a club withdraws from a competition in any Grade and its withdrawn team has not played in the season an equal number of home and away matches against each other team in that Division, all home and away matches already played by that club in that Grade in excess of an equal number against each other shall be deemed to have been forfeited. In such circumstances, that program of matches in that Grade for the remainder of the season may be reviewed and altered by the Board, provided that, if the program is not so varied, the teams drawn to play the withdrawn club in the remaining matches for that season shall be deemed to have drawn a bye. In this case the ladder will be adjusted accordingly.

1.5 Allocation of Districts to Clubs

The Board may from time to time allocate districts within the area administered by it to clubs for the purpose of the development of the game.

1.6 Area Administered By AFL Canberra

For the purpose of identifying an area covering player registrations for all clubs participating in competitions, the whole of NSW (ACT) will be deemed eligible.

Players living outside this area will not receive registration unless previously a resident of the ACT and a registered player of an AFL Canberra club before moving interstate in any one year .

1.7 Interpretation of the By-Law

Where agreement is unable to be reached involving a question of interpretation of these rules, the opinion of the Board shall be taken and acted upon and its decision shall be final.

1.8 Matters Not Provided For

In the event of any question arising which is not provided for in these rules, the opinion of the Board shall be taken and acted upon and its decision shall be final.

1.9 Suspension of Rules

On the recommendation of the Board - they may - where necessary, suspend any rule from operation. Any such suspension shall be advised to member clubs in writing and shall remain in force until the Board decides otherwise.

1.10 Amendments to Rules

These rules may be amended by the Board in the first instance. They may also be amended by way of being recommended by Football Operations and or by Clubs.

Amendments to the rules can only be made by way of due process. Notification must be made in writing to AFL Canberra Football Operations and forwarded to each of the Clubs.

AFL Canberra By Laws Page 8

AFL CANBERRA LTD 2009

A period of one month from the date of receiving the proposed amendment is to expire before a decision by the Football / General Managers of each Club meet after which a recommendation is made to the AFL Canberra Board.

The AFL Canberra Board must approve any change to the Rules / By Law.

1.11 Appeals

Any player, official, umpire or club who feels aggrieved by any decision resulting from these rules may appeal.

Such appeal must be lodged in writing together with a $500 deposit for AFL Canberra Division 1, 2 & U 18 Clubs and $250 for the AFL Canberra Division 3, 4 & Women’s Clubs and must set down the grounds of appeal and include any information which may assist in its consideration. A notice of appeal from a decision must be lodged with Football Operations in writing or email within 14 days of the decision being made.

The Board shall, within 7 days of receipt of such appeal, consider whether the appeal is justified and if so arrange for an independent board of three to hear the appeal within 14 days of its submission. The $500 or $250 appeal deposit shall be forfeited should the Board consider the appeal to be frivolous.

AFL Canberra By Laws Page 9

AFL CANBERRA LTD 2009

PART 2 – REGISTRATIONS AND PERMITS

• In any one year a person wishing to play Australian Football in a competition conducted by AFL Canberra must first apply for registration on the prescribed form (Form 4) prior to taking the field with the club with which they intend to play.

• The exception to the rule is those who have been previously registered.

2.1 AFL Canberra - Player Listing for each Club

2.1.1 At the beginning of each season clubs will be provided by AFL Canberra Football Operations with a list of active registered open-age players from the previous season. Players on this list are not required to complete another “Application for Registration” (Form 4). Upon receiving this list clubs are required to provide Football Operations in writing details of any deletions or personal detail alterations.

2.1.2 Before any player takes part in any match, the onus is on the club to satisfy themselves that AFL Canberra has permitted the player to take the field. At all times, open age and under 18 grade players shall be subject to approval of the Permit and Match Committee.

2.2 New Registration

2.2.1 In the case of a new registration, a permit must be given by the Permit and Match Committee of AFL Canberra prior to the player taking the field. Refer 2.4 for exemption(s)

2.2.2 An “Application for Registration as a Player” (Form 4) must be signed by the relevant player, a designated club official and where the player is under the age of 18 years, his parent/guardian as acknowledgement of his intention to play with the club he is registering with. For all players under the age of 18, unless the registration has been endorsed by a parent or legal guardian of the player, signifying consent to play, permission WILL NOT be granted.

2.3 Player Transferring from Interstate or Locally

In the case of a player transferring from interstate or from a local club to play either Division 1 or 2 of AFL Canberra, the player must receive a clearance from his previous club and be given a permit to play by the Permit and Match committee of AFL Canberra. This permit should be issued as of the final meeting of the Permit and Match Committee which is usually by the close of business each Thursday. Exception to this rule – see 2.4

(a) Player Transferring from Interstate (see also Part 3 – Clearances – 3.5)

A contracted player of a club of another controlling body shall not, unless the consent in writing of that club is given, be eligible to be registered with a Board club.

A person, other than a contracted player of a club of another controlling body, who is transferring in accordance with AFL Player Transfer Regulations from a club of another State may be granted registration in accordance with these Rules and, a permit to play.

A person, other than a contracted player of a club of another controlling body, who was last registered as a player with that club but who has not played in a competition match during the immediately preceding twenty-four months may be granted registration and a permit to play in accordance with these Rules.

The club official who witnesses the signature of an applicant and of his parent/guardian on an AFL Canberra Form 4 shall take all reasonable steps to verify the information provided on it, in particular the place of residence and the date of birth of the applicant.

AFL Canberra By Laws Page 10

AFL CANBERRA LTD 2009

(b) Player Transfer between AFL Canberra Clubs (See also Part 3 – Clearances – 3.1)

This part applies to players registered with AFL Canberra Clubs including Clubs associated with the ACTWAFL.

Application for transfer from one AFL Canberra Club to another AFL Canberra Club under these Rules shall be made on AFL Canberra Form 3. The form must be signed by the player and lodged with Football Operations who shall arrange for the endorsement of it with the date of receipt.

• Eligibility for transfers:

Where a club has registered a contract between it and the player by lodging a copy with Football Operations, the contracted player will not be eligible to transfer to another club until the contract has expired by efflux ion of time or has otherwise been terminated.

An uncontracted player is eligible to transfer to another club.

• Consent to transfer:

If a player is eligible for transfer, the club with which the player is registered shall not unreasonably withhold its consent to the player’s transfer to another club.

The transferee (receiving) club shall endorse the AFL Canberra Form 3 indicating its agreement to the transfer of the player.

• Time limit for application

An application for transfer under these Rules shall not be dealt with unless it is lodged in accordance with Rule 3.3 before midnight on the thirtieth day of June in a season.

• Processing of application

As soon as practicable after receipt of an application on AFL Canberra Form 3, Football Operations shall send a copy of the form to the club from which the player seeks a transfer. That club shall return the completed form to Football Operations within ten days of its dispatch to it. Should the club fail to return the form within this time, consent by that club to the transfer shall be deemed to have been given and the Football Operations shall endorse the Form 3 and advise the player and the Permit and Match Committee accordingly.

• Limitation to transfer

Subject to these Rules, a player shall not be eligible: (a) to be registered with more than two clubs during a season; or (b) upon transfer to another club under these Rules, to transfer back to his former club until twelve months have elapsed since his original transfer.

2.4 Exception to the Rule

The exception to By Law 2.2 or 2.3 would be an out of session approval by a member of the Permit and Match Committee or by a staff member of AFL Canberra Football Operations.

2.4.1 In the case of a player wishing to play with an Under 18 team or with an AFL Canberra Division 3 or 4 the above mentioned registration form must be submitted to AFL Canberra by the Thursday after the match. (This does not apply to a player who needs a clearance ) Failure to do so MAY result in loss of points.

AFL Canberra By Laws Page 11

AFL CANBERRA LTD 2009

2.5 Length of Registration

A registration to play shall remain in force until such time as the player has been granted a clearance by the club with which he was registered to any other club, league or association, or until such time as a period of twenty-four (24) calendar months has elapsed from the date on which the player last played competition football for the club with which he had been granted registration to play. After 24 months the registration becomes null and void and the player is then allowed to reregister with any club.

2.6 Acceptance of New Registrations and Close of Clearances

2.6.1 Player registrations not involving clearances will be accepted until the end of the home and away series in the season in which the player intends to play. Registrations involving clearances close on 30 th June.

2.6.2 No person shall be registered or re-registered under an assumed name unless such assumed or adopted name, and the reason therefore, is notified to Football Operations together with the player’s correct name and address at the time of the registration. Such information shall be kept confidential by AFL Canberra Football Operations.

2.6.3 No player shall be registered with two AFL Canberra clubs at the same time. The exception being when a player is required to play for the Sydney Swans Reserves in accordance with 2.10 of these Rules.

2.6.4 Registration with a club shall remain in force until:

• The player transfers in accordance with these Rules to the club of another controlling body.

• The player has not played in the AFL Canberra competition for a period of 24 months. See 2.5

2.7 Incorrect Information / Ineligible Player

2.7.1 The omission of any information or incorrect information on any registration form or clearance application may result in a four (4) week suspension for the player concerned and he may be deemed ineligible for any games in which he has taken part. Any club official or club that is party to any premeditation to deceive shall be dealt with by the Board as they deem fit.

2.7.2 Any player not registered and any player registered following an incorrect declaration shall be deemed to be an ineligible player and any club playing an ineligible player may lose all match points and be fined up to $100 for each match in which such player has taken part.

2.7.3 Ineligible player(s) and/or official(s) and/or club(s) responsible may be liable for disqualification in addition to loss of match points and fine(s). However points for and against stay the same as the result of the game.

2.7.4 When a charge has been made against any club for playing a player illegally, such club shall be responsible for the appearance of such player, if required at any investigation conducted by AFL Canberra. Failure to produce such player (without reasonable excuse) shall be taken as prima facie evidence of the truth of the charge.

AFL Canberra By Laws Page 12

AFL CANBERRA LTD 2009

2.8 Alliance Between AFL Canberra clubs

A player registered with an AFL Canberra Club may play with another AFL Canberra Division 1 club and Division 3 or 4 Club or vice versa subject to the following conditions –

2.8.1 A stand alone Club that enters a team or teams in an AFL Canberra Division 3 or 4 competition can form an alliance with an AFL Canberra Club. The alliance may cover matters of mutual assistance including:

• Promotion and relegation of players between the two clubs including finals in accordance with 7.2.7 • Coaching assistance • Sponsorship arrangements

2.8.2 The interchange of all players under this rule must be approved by AFL Canberra Football Operations. Clubs that have already approved alliances can interchange.

2.8.3 The player only plays with the lower division team before the higher division team on any given weekend. If a player plays in the higher division before the lower division then the lower division game may be deemed a forfeit. Approval can be gained through Football Operations under exceptional circumstances.

2.9 Under 18 Division

2.9.1 A person shall be eligible to play in the AFL Canberra Under 18 Division until the end of the season in the calendar year in which his eighteenth birthday occurs.

2.9.1(a)However a person who turns 18 years on or after 1 st December of the preceding year can apply to AFL Canberra Football Operations for an exemption to play in the under 18 competition.

2.9.1(b) AFL Canberra Football Operations may grant an exemption if an application is made under 2.9.1.(a) The matters that AFL Canberra Football Operations may take into account (1) The ability of the player, (2) Football experience of the player (3) The height and weight of the player (4) And any matter that AFL Canberra Football Operations considers relevant.

2.9.2 The minimum age for Under 18 Division is 15 years as at 1 st January preceding the commencement of the season. Special consent may be granted to players under this age limit upon written application by the parent or guardian to the AFL Canberra. Such written application shall accompany the registration form.

2.9.3 Matches played by the NSW/ACT Under 18 team will be considered equivalent to AFL Canberra Under 18 Grade games therefore games played (not trials) by a player in the NSW/ACT Under 18 team will count towards finals eligibility for an Under 18 game for the club that player is registered with.

2.9.4 A person registered to play for an Under 18 Grade stand alone club (the first club) may also apply for, and be granted, a temporary permit to play with a club (the second club) that has entered teams in AFL Canberra First and Reserve Grade competitions. A person granted a temporary permit under this Rule may play for either club during the season but must not play in an AFL Canberra Under 18 team for the second club.

A person granted temporary permit under this rule is only eligible to play finals for the first club if he qualifies under 7.2 He does not qualify for a finals match under 7.2.1,1 dot point one. His first club is the only club he can represent in the finals.

2.9.5 A player from another League/Competition may be granted a temporary permit to play with a club in AFL Canberra By Laws Page 13

AFL CANBERRA LTD 2009

the AFL Canberra Under 18 Division for a trial period of a maximum of 4 matches. The players must complete an “Inter League Under 18 temporary permit to play form . NOTE: Games under 2.9.5 do not allow for the player to play in any final series of the respective competitions.

2.9.6 A player who has been granted a permit to play with a Clubs Junior Organisation but has not played with that Club in the Under 18 competition in at least 4 home and away matches shall be eligible to play in the AFL Canberra Finals if he has played at least four home and away matches in the immediate lower grade of the respective Junior Club.

2.10 Women’s Competition

2.10.1 The minimum age for the Women’s competition is 15 years as at 1 st January following the commencement of the season (i.e.: players turning 15 at any time during the year of competition will be eligible to play).

2.10.2 ACTWAFL players must be female.

2.11 Guidelines for the Sydney Swans Reserve Grade Team

• For home and away games in which Sydney participates, both teams will have squads of 24 players rather than 22 players, and that of the 24 players in the Swans Reserves squad, 18 will be Sydney Swans listed players (senior or rookie) and 6 will be top up players. Only 13 Sydney Swans listed players can be on the playing field at any time.

• For matches in Canberra, the top up players will be drawn from AFL Canberra Clubs and will be players of draft or rookie age groups in accordance with any agreement between AFL Canberra, Sydney Swans and the AFL Canberra Clubs. ( example; the 2007 roster system) For other matches (in Sydney), the top up players will be those who would benefit from the development opportunity.

• For AFL Canberra finals matches, squads would revert to 22 players and the Sydney Swans will have a maximum of 12 listed (senior or rookie list) on the team list, with the balance of the list being top-up players selected under the top-up and finals eligibility rules as per 2007 – see 7.2.3

• Swans players not selected in either their senior or reserves side will play with the Tuggeranong Hawks. Swans will provide a physio as well to the TFC (when Swans players are playing in Canberra)

• The subsidy for AFL Canberra based Clubs travelling to Sydney will be:

Overnight stay: $3170 plus $220 for additional players Day trip: $1,470 plus $220 for additional players.

(Additional players being the 23 rd and 24 th players)

• AFL Canberra will continue to schedule all Sydney Swans Reserves grade home matches as curtain raiser to Sydney Swans senior matches played at the SCG or Telstra Stadium.

• Finals Eligibility - See 7.2.3.

AFL Canberra By Laws Page 14

AFL CANBERRA LTD 2009

AFL Canberra By Laws Page 15

AFL CANBERRA LTD 2009

PART 3 – CLEARANCES

(INCLUDING TRANSFER AND INTERCHANGE OF PLAYERS BETWEEN AFL CANBERRA CLUBS)

3.1 Domestic Clearances (Between AFL Canberra Clubs)

3.1.1 Any Open Age or Under 18 Grade player who desires to transfer from a club in any AFL Canberra Competition (the transferor club) to another AFL Canberra League club must first obtain a clearance from his club. Such club shall have a period of five (5) business days (date of receipt counted as day one) from the date the clearance is forwarded by Football Operations to the transferor club to consider the clearance application. Should the transferor club fail to respond to this application in writing on the prescribed form by 5pm on the 5th business day, AFL Canberra Football Operations shall grant the clearance. Players applying for domestic clearances will not be permitted to play with the club to which they wish to transfer until their clearance has been granted, except for pre-season competition or practice matches. Training will be allowed.

3.1.2 Eligibility for Transfers - Where a club has a contract between it and the player the contracted player will not be eligible to transfer to another club until the contract has expired by efflux ion of time or has otherwise been terminated or an agreement reached between the respective parties being the player, the transferor club and the transferee club

3.1.3 An uncontracted player is eligible to transfer to another club, provided that player has fulfilled a Club to Club Clearance Form 3.

3.1.4 Application for transfer from one club to another under these Rules shall be made on AFL Canberra Form 3 . The form must be signed by the player and lodged with AFL Canberra Permits and Match Committee who shall arrange for the endorsement of it with the date of receipt.

3.2 Consent to Transfer

3.2.1 If a player is eligible for transfer, the club with which the player is registered (transferor club) shall not unreasonably withhold its consent to the player’s transfer to another club.

3.2.1 The transferee (receiving) club shall endorse the AFL Canberra Form 3 indicating its agreement to the transfer of the player.

3.3 Time Limit for Application

An application for transfer under these Rules shall not be dealt with unless it is lodged before midnight on the 30th day of June in a season.

3.4 Players Returning to AFL Canberra

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 36 months must transfer back to the club he left or obtain a domestic clearance from that club to the club he wishes to join. Transfer fees would apply if within the 36 months less discounts as per 3.8.4 under Notes. A player transferring back to AFL Canberra after a period of 36 months has elapsed (from the date of his initial clearance interstate) is eligible to play with the club of his choice.

3.5 Interstate Clearances

3.5.1 The transfer of players between interstate bodies shall be in accordance with AFL Interstate Player Transfer Regulations. 3.5.2 An uncontracted player, who was last registered with a club of another STATE League, will become registered with AFL Canberra when his transfer has been approved or when a period of 14 days has elapsed after lodgement of an AFL Interstate Transfer Form (Form 1) . 3.5.3 A player who was last registered with an interstate DISTRICT League will become registered with AFL Canberra when his transfer has been approved or when a period of 7 days has elapsed after lodgement of an AFL Interstate Transfer Notification Form (Form 2) .

AFL Canberra By Laws Page 16

AFL CANBERRA LTD 2009

3.6 No Clearance Required

Any player not having played at any level in any State / Territory during the previous 24 calendar months shall receive an automatic clearance provided he is not under disqualification or bound by a contract to his former club. Whilst the clearance is automatic, the normal clearance papers must be completed and submitted. Note that AFL players are tied to their original clubs for a period of three years after signing the interchange form to play with their AFL Club.

3.7 Commencement and Closing Dates for Clearances

3.7.1 The commencement date for the lodgement of clearance applications accompanying new AFL Canberra player registrations will be 1 st February each year. AFL Canberra will acknowledge receipt of paperwork outside of this time but it will not officially process the form until February 1. 3.7.2 The closing date for the lodgement of clearance applications accompanying new AFL Canberra player registrations will be 30th June each year.

3.8 Transfer Fees Between AFL Canberra Clubs

This part applies to all registered players in AFL Canberra;

EXCEPT

• a player who is eligible to play in the AFL Canberra Under 18 competition and has not played a game in any Division 1 or 2 match with the exception of the Youth Football Transfer Fee scheduled in 3.8.4 which is applicable to a player who has won an award at Club or League level as prescribed in the by law.

• a player who is transferring to or from a club that only has teams entered in AFL Canberra Division 3 or 4 competitions.

• Open clearance for player with 10 years service.

• A player whose contract has been terminated for any reason by a Club is still eligible to a Transfer Fee under 3.8.4

• ACTWAFL There are no transfer fees for ACTWAFL players

3.8.1 When a player transfers to another club in accordance with these Rules, that club shall pay to the player’s former club such amount as per AFL Canberra Interclub Player Transfer Fee Schedule (3.8.4) or that has been agreed between the clubs as a transfer fee, provided that amount shall not exceed the maximum fee set in accordance with these Rules.

3.8.2 Upon notification of registration of a transferred player (who has played at least five First Grade matches) by the permit and match committee where there is a dispute over the transfer fee to the transferor club an appeals board hearing will automatically be set for as close as possible to 14 days after notification. If the transferor club and the transferee club can reach agreement on the transfer fee before 14 days after notification of registration of the transferred player then notification should be given to Football Operations so the appeals hearing can be cancelled.

3.8.3 A player who has transferred and who is eligible for a transfer fee, shall be entitled to play with his new club only if an agreement between the two clubs regarding an arrangement for payment is made. Otherwise the player cannot play until full payment is received.

AFL Canberra By Laws Page 17

AFL CANBERRA LTD 2009

3.8.4 AFL Canberra Interclub Player Transfer Fee Schedule

A player wishing to transfer from one AFL Canberra Division 1 based Club to another within the League would command a transfer fee(s) based on Division 1 Games played in Categories 1, 2 and / or 3 and or on a Youth Football Grading. The following schedule applies only where the transfer club and transferee club have not reached agreement on a transfer fee.

There is no Transfer fee for players who have played predominantly Division 2 Football being 50 plus games.

For players who have played under 50 Division 2 games and do not come under the Youth Football or Category One Grading the transfer fee is then structured based on Category One - Additional Payment* less 75% of each amount and minus the $1000 on the clearance being signed . ______

Youth Football

An Under 18 Division player is eligible to a Transfer Fee under Youth Football in accordance with Category One (Additional payment*)

Additionally – an Under 18 Division player who has obtained any of the following achievements would command a transfer fee for each one of the following plus Category One.

Voted Under 18 Club Best and Fairest $1,000 Voted Under 18 Club Runner Up Best and Fairest $1,000 Voted Third in Under 18 Club Best and Fairest $1,000

Voted Under 18 AFL Canberra Best and Fairest $1,000 Voted Under 18 AFL Canberra Runner Up Best and Fairest $1,000

AFL Canberra Under 18 Division Leading Goal kicker $1,000 AFL Canberra Under 18 Club Leading Goal kicker $1,000 AFL Canberra Under 18 Representative player or a member of an NSW / ACT RAMS Development Squad / Team from Under 16’s up. $1,500

______

Category One

A player having played under 50 Division 1 games (being 0 to 49) with an AFL Canberra Club would command the following based on current Club and AFL Canberra achievements (one only in each category and only the highest award in the best and fairest counts):

Division 1 Best and Fairest $3,000 Division 1 Runner-up and / or third Best and Fairest $2,000 Division 1 Club Leading Goal kicker $1,000 AFL Canberra Division 1 Leading Goal kicker $2,000 Mulrooney Medalist $2,000

Additional Payment* $1000 on the clearance being signed (only if the player has one of the above mentioned achievements in Youth Football) plus the following amounts when the transferred player plays the following Division 1 matches with his new Club

After 1 $2500 After 15 $2500 After 25 $1000

AFL Canberra By Laws Page 18

AFL CANBERRA LTD 2009

If the player has played Representative Football (at State Body and or State League as described in the AFL Interstate Player regulations document reference 1.19 and 1.20) prior to his transfer an additional $1000 is added to the first game figure. The exception being for an Under 18 player as a fee has already been obtained by way of the Youth Football transfer fee.

______

Category Two

A player having played between 50 and 100 Division 1 games (inclusive) with an AFL Canberra Club would command the following based on current Club and AFL Canberra achievements (one only in each category and only the highest award in the best and fairest counts):

Division 1 Best and Fairest $3,000 Division 1 Runner-up and third in Best and Fairest $2,000 Division 1 Leading Goal kicker $1,000 AFL Canberra Division 1 Leading Goal kicker $2,000 AFL Canberra Mulrooney Medal $2,000

Additional Payment* $3000 on the clearance being signed plus the following amounts when the transferred player plays the following Division 1 matches with his new Club -

After 1 $3500 After 15 $3500 After 25 $3000

______

Category Three

A player having played in excess of 101 Division 1 games with an AFL Canberra Club would command the following based on Current Club and AFL Canberra achievements (one only in each category and only the highest award in the best and fairest counts):

Additional Payment* $5000 on the clearance being signed plus the following amounts when the transferred player plays the following Division 1 matches with his new Club -

After 1 $1000 After 15 $1000 After 25 $1000

AFL Canberra By Laws Page 19

AFL CANBERRA LTD 2009

Notes

• The AFL Canberra General Manager will adjudicate on these issues. If this is not feasible, then the AFL Canberra appointed Appeals Board shall determine the outcome.

• All transfer fees incur GST as an addition to the above amounts.

• Recruiting has been initiated when permission to interview has been emailed/faxed to the club of the player who the interview is being sought. (Copy to also be forwarded to AFL Canberra at the same time)

• A Club recruiting from either of the two bottom teams in the AFL Canberra Division 1 competition will pay a 50% (last placed) and 25 % (second last) loading of the respective transfer fee applicable.

• Open clearance for player with 10 years service.

• A player transferring back to AFL Canberra after a period of 36 months has elapsed (from the time of his initial clearance interstate) is eligible to play with the club of his 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 36 months must transfer back to the club he left or obtain a domestic clearance from that club to the club he wishes to join. Transfer fees would apply if within the 36 months less the discounts mention 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. i.e. If a player leaves one AFL Canberra club to play in an alternative competition, is away for three years and returns to AFL Canberra but not his original club then the second AFL Canberra club is obliged to pay 25% of the clearance fee the player would have attracted the year he left the competition.

• Should a player transfer to a third club, with milestone payments pending, it is the responsibility of the third club to be aware of any further clearance fee payments owed to the player’s original club. For example Tommy P transfers from club A to club B, plays 24 games for Club B and then decides to go to club C. On playing his 25 th game Tommy triggers another payment to club A. It is club C’s responsibility to get necessary information about Tommy’s playing history as they will be paying any further milestone payments to club A (and whatever was negotiated with club B).

3.8.5 Maximum Transfer Fee

The maximum transfer fee shall be $20,000 (a) Any transfer fee set by the Appeals Board must be paid within 30 days of its determination or within such other time as agreed between the clubs. (b) Any transfer fee set by agreement between the clubs must be paid within 30 days of the agreement being reached unless the parties agree to some other time of payment.

AFL Canberra By Laws Page 20

AFL CANBERRA LTD 2009

3.9 Determination of Fee by Appeals Board in accordance with the Transfer Fee schedule – 3.8.4

3.9.1 Upon notification of a dispute between the Transferor Club and the Transferee Club, Football Operations shall inform the Chairman of the Appeals Board who shall convene a hearing of the Board to consider the matter.

3.9.2 Football Operations shall give the clubs concerned at least seventy-two hours notice of the hearing. Each club shall be entitled to present written or oral evidence to the Appeals Board about the amount it regards as reasonable for the transfer fee. For this purpose, a member of each club concerned shall be entitled to appear at the hearing together with a representative, provided that such representative shall not be a person who has at any time qualified to practise as a barrister and/or solicitor.

3.9.3 After considering the evidence presented to it, the Appeals Board shall determine the transfer fee payable, provided that such fee shall not exceed the maximum fee set in accordance with these rules where relevant. In making its determination, the Board shall consider and take into account all the circumstances and matters relevant to the case.

3.10 Failure to Pay Transfer Fee

Should a club fail to pay all or any part of a transfer fee payable under these Rules, the club to which the fee is payable shall report the matter to Football Operations within seven days. Football Operations shall, within seven days of receiving such a report, serve a notice in writing on the debtor club requiring it to forward the outstanding amount through him to the other club. The debtor club shall not be eligible to play in any match under the control of the Board unless and until it complies with that notice. Football Operations shall upon receipt of the moneys owing immediately pay the amount of the transfer fee to the player’s former club with a detailed accounting of such moneys.

3.11 Approaches to Players by Officials / Permission to Interview

3.11.1 Any official representing a club who makes an approach to a registered player of another club must notify the other club of the fact that the two parties have spoken and now there is an intention to interview that player. This can be done by email or a phone call and AFL Canberra must also be informed of the notification.

3.11.2 Any alleged breach of Rule shall be reported to Football Operations and shall be dealt with by the Disputes Tribunal which may impose a fine not exceeding $2000 on the club which appointed the official concerned.

3.12 Try Outs

3.12.1 A player who, without the prior approval of the player’s club, trains or plays in a practice or trial match with another club shall, upon such action being reported to Football Operations, be dealt with by the Disputes Tribunal as it may deem fit.

3.12.2 A club shall not permit a player of another club to train or play in a practice or trial match with it unless the prior approval of that other club has been given in writing. The Disputes Tribunal will deal with any alleged breach of this Rule reported by Football Operations. The Disputes Tribunal may impose a fine not exceeding $2000 on the club concerned.

3.13 Appeals Board

3.13.1 An Appeals Board shall be established to hear and determine all appeals relating to the refusal of Domestic Clearances. 3.13.2 The Appeals Board shall be appointed each year by the AFL Canberra Board, each of who shall not be an official of any club playing in the AFL Canberra Competition. 3.13.3 The Appeals Board shall hold office for one year. Each member may be reappointed for further terms of office. 3.13.4 At any sitting of the Appeals Board, a minimum of two members shall constitute a Panel. AFL Canberra By Laws Page 21

AFL CANBERRA LTD 2009

3.14 Refused Domestic Clearance

3.14.1 The transferor club must clearly state the reason(s) why the clearance is declined. 3.14.2 There are only 3 reasons why a clearance can be refused: (1) Player is a contracted player (2) Player has a debt owing to the club (3) Player has equipment which belongs to the club The club must produce evidence within 5 days of notification of refusal.

3.15 Refused External Clearance

Refused clearances for players wishing to transfer between AFL Canberra Clubs and other affiliated State Competitions will be dealt with in accordance with AFL Interstate Rules and Regulations.

3.16 Players in Armed Forces

On application by a player’s club, Football Operations (in consultation with the Board) may vary the number of qualifying games required where Services personnel are posted a significant distance away during the home and away matches.

3.17 Qualification for Players Absent Due to Injury

A player absent due to long term injury may apply to AFL Canberra Football Operations to vary the number of qualifying games required where the player misses a significant number of matches due to serious injury; or under other exceptional circumstances.

AFL Canberra By Laws Page 22

AFL CANBERRA LTD 2009

PART 4 – COMPETITION ARRANGEMENTS

4.1 Fixtures

4.1.1 Match Schedule

Following receipt and acceptance of club affiliation applications, Football Operations shall prepare a schedule of matches (fixture draw) for each grade of competition and distribute same to clubs at least four weeks prior to the commencement of the season . Other than in approved circumstances by Football Operations, these fixture draws will not be varied once the season has commenced.

Each competition fixture draw shall consist of a series of home and away premiership matches followed by a finals series.

Matches shall commence at the times set by the Board.

For all premiership matches, four (4) match points shall be awarded for a win or win by forfeit and two (2) match points shall be awarded for a draw. No points shall be awarded for a loss.

4.1.2 Byes

In competitions where clubs have an equal number of byes in the fixture draw, no premiership points or player qualification shall apply when a club has a bye. Where an unequal number of byes exist, four (4) premiership points shall be allocated for each bye and Football Operations will rule on eligibility of finals for players.

4.1.2.1

When there is a bye and a player plays in a higher grade the previous week that player cannot play in A lower grade side in the week of a buy. Subject to by-law 4.1.2.2

4.1.2.2.

However a player can apply to AFL Canberra Football Operations for permission to play in the lower Grade. The matter that AFL Canberra Football Operations may take into account in determining whether to allow a player to play in the lower grade in.

4.1.2.3

Only 2 players from any club shall be allowed to play in the lower grade in these circumstances refer To 4.1.2.2

4.1.2.4

Any club that breaches this rule will forfeit the game. The club is entitled to apply to the Appeals Board by notice in writing should it wish to challenge the forfeiture. This notice must be provided within 48 hours of the notice of forfeiture to the club

4.1.3 Forfeits

Any club unable to play a match for which it is drawn is to advise the opposing club and Football Operations no later than 10am on the Friday prior to the match concerned. The match will then be treated as a forfeit and provided a satisfactory explanation is furnished to Football Operations, no penalty other than those specified in this rule will be imposed.

Should a club forfeit a match without the required notice, a fine of up to $1000 may be imposed at the discretion of Football Operations.

Where Football Operations is unable to advise the appointed Umpires prior to them attending a

AFL Canberra By Laws Page 23

AFL CANBERRA LTD 2009

forfeited match, Football Operations may pay the Umpires and the forfeiting club may be invoiced for the full amount.

The forfeiting team will be liable for ground hire charges if applicable.

If for any reason a team is not ready to commence play 15 minutes after the appointed commencement time for a match, the opposing club may claim the match as a forfeit. If however the start of a match is delayed due to unforeseen circumstances and by mutual agreement between the competing clubs the match is still played, the clubs must agree on a shortened time of play to ensure that any following matches will not be delayed.

All Division 1 Clubs must field a Division 1 team in the competition unless otherwise arranged with Football Operations. Should a club play in a Division 2 fixture and subsequently forfeit their Division 1 match in the same round, that club will not be awarded any match points for the Division 2 fixture and shall be liable to disqualification or such other penalty as Football Operations may determine.

A team shall forfeit a match if it is unable or fails, refuses or neglects to complete a match already commenced.

Where a forfeit occurs, the team receiving the forfeit shall; a) receive four match points. b) have their “points” for increased by the average of the points scored by the winners of the other matches in the round. c) have no points added to their “points against”.

The forfeiting team shall; a) receive no match points. b) have no points added to their “points for”. c) have their “points against” increased by the average of the points scored by the winners of the other matches in the round.

Teams receiving a forfeit may submit a team sheet for the purpose of player eligibility for finals

4.1.4 Premiership Ladder

A premiership ladder shall be maintained for the duration of the home and away matches with teams positioned in the order of premiership points awarded. Where more than one club has been awarded the same number of premiership points, those clubs will be positioned on the premiership ladder in order of percentages calculated from the points scored for and against such clubs.

The Premiership Team(s) for the season shall be the teams, which wins the Grand Final in each respective competition.

4.1.5 Adverse Weather

From time to time Football Operations may vary the playing conditions due to extreme weather. In the case where there is lightning during a match the umpire or an AFL Canberra Board Member or a member of Football Operations has the authority to delay, or abandon, the match where they believe the conditions have become unsafe.

Postponement of Matches

When, because of adverse weather or the unsuitable condition of a playing arena or the withdrawal of an oval by the ground controlling authority, the Board postpones a match or a round of matches, it shall notify its decision:

(a). relating to a round of matches - to the President, General Manager or equivalent or Team Manager of all clubs not later than nine o'clock on the morning of the day on which they are

AFL Canberra By Laws Page 24

AFL CANBERRA LTD 2009

scheduled to be played; or (b). 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.

Subject to notification being made in accordance with (a) or (b) above, all decisions of the Board shall be final.

A home and away match which has commenced may, in circumstances which are considered likely to prevent its completion, be postponed only by the unanimous agreement of the Field Umpire(s) and the two captains.

A finals match which has commenced may be postponed but only by a decision of the Board in circumstances which are considered likely to prevent completion of the match.

A match postponed under either Rule 2.12 or 2.13 must be replayed from the commencement under arrangements made by the Board. The Board 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.

Abandonment of Matches

When an Umpire, in accordance with the Laws of the Game abandons a match, the Secretary shall on receipt of the umpire's report refer the matter to the Disputes Tribunal which shall conduct a hearing and decide whether:

(a). the match shall be awarded to either team and, if so, whether the scores at the time of abandonment will apply for the purpose of calculating the percentage of total scores for and against each team or whether the match shall be deemed to have been forfeited; or (b). the match shall be replayed; and (c). any penalty shall be imposed on either of the football clubs concerned, its player or officials.

Should the Disputes Tribunal decide that the match shall be replayed, the Board shall make the necessary arrangements.

4.1.6 Wet Weather Procedures

Where adverse weather conditions prevail, clubs are to advise Football Operations as early as possible of the likelihood of ground closures to enable alternative arrangements for the playing of scheduled matches to be considered.

Where a ground to which a match has been scheduled is unfit for play or has been closed, Football Operations will, in liaison with the clubs concerned, provisionally reschedule the match to be played on the away club’s ground if available.

Where a match is transferred to the opposing club’s ground, that club will assume the home 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.

Where neither ground is available, Football Operations will make every effort to move the fixture to an alternative venue. Clubs whose grounds are vacant and playable will be expected to cooperate with Football Operations by making their ground available to minimise the likelihood of cancellations. In this situation, the home team responsibilities will be assumed by the home team as nominated in the fixture.

If a match is not played because neither ground nor an alternative venue is available, Football AFL Canberra By Laws Page 25

AFL CANBERRA LTD 2009

Operations will decide whether or not the match is to be rescheduled to another date or cancelled.

Should it appear likely that more than one match in a round may not be played, Football Operations may postpone or cancel all matches for that round.

In the event that any match is cancelled, no premiership points shall be awarded to either team or such match shall not count towards players’ eligibility for finals.

In the event of a WASH OUT ROUND a match ratio is applied to ensure teams are ranked fairly in the finals series. The match ratio is determined by dividing the number of games won by the number of games played. The figure is then multiplied by 100.

Each club is required to have procedures in place, which will enable them to contact their players, and officials to notify them at short notice of any changes to scheduled matches.

AFL Canberra By Laws Page 26

AFL CANBERRA LTD 2009

4.2 Times of Play

The actual starting times, quarter lengths, time-on arrangements, break intervals (quarter, half and three- quarter time) and warning siren arrangements for matches shall be determined by AFL Canberra Football Operations. The following start times apply except for changes as shown on the draw: AFL Canberra Division 1 2.00pm AFL Canberra Division 2 11.30am AFL Canberra Under 18’s 9.30am AFL Canberra Division 3 2.15pm AFL Canberra Division 4 12.00 pm

The following playing times apply for AFL Canberra Senior Divisions Division 1 - 20 minutes plus time on per quarter Division 2 - 25 minutes no time on (except in case of stretcher) Under 18 - 20 minutes no time on (except in case of stretcher) Division 3 - 25 minutes no time on (except in case of stretcher) Division 4 - 25 minutes no time on (except in case of stretcher) Women’s - 20 minutes no time on (except in case of stretcher)

The length of breaks between quarters apply Quarter time 5 minutes Half time 15 minutes Three quarter time 5 minutes

If any match does not start by the appointed time, the Field Umpire shall note the particulars on the Umpire’s match report. In home and away matches clubs in default may be fined $10 per minute or part thereof and in finals matches the fine may be $20 per minute or part thereof.

Clubs not adhering to times for a break interval shall be fined in a similar manner as a late start unless it is proved that extenuating circumstances existed.

If for any reason a team is not ready to commence play fifteen (15) minutes after the appointed time, the opposing club may claim the match as a forfeit. The decision is made by the umpires.

If however the start of a match is delayed due to unforeseen circumstances and by mutual agreement between the competing clubs the match is still played, the clubs must agree on a shortened time for each quarter so that any following matches will not be delayed.

If for any reason a club should not finish a match, the Field Umpire must report the matter to Football Operations for investigation.

4.3 Provisions for Matches

The club named first on the official fixture draw shall be the home club. Home clubs are responsible for ensuring that the following provisions for matches are made.

4.3.1 Ground Marking – Open Age

Goal-squares, boundary lines, 50 metre centre square, 50 metre arc at each end of the ground, 3 metre centre circle (with intersecting line), 10 metre centre circle (with intersecting line) and an interchange area must be clearly marked. The interchange area comprising two short lines across the boundary line 15 metres apart should be marked on one wing and adequate seating provided equal distance on either side not less than 50 metres apart for the interchange players and team officials of each club.

The boundary line must be marked at least three (3) metres inside the fence line. If there is no fence spectators must stand behind a second marked line or an imaginary second line, which is three (3) metres outside the boundary line around the whole ground.

AFL Canberra By Laws Page 27

AFL CANBERRA LTD 2009

4.3.2 Post Pads

Padding must be provided on all goals and behind posts to a height of at least 2.5 metres from the ground.

4.3.3 Scoreboard

For all Division 1, 2 and Under 18 matches suitable scoreboard with numbers and team names clearly visible to players and spectators must be in operation. For all other competitions, if available and if practical, a scoreboard should be in operation.

4.3.4 Change rooms

For all AFL Canberra Division 1, 2 and Under 18 matches separate and adequate changing facilities and showers must be provided for each club and the umpires.

In all instances these rooms must be presented in a clean and tidy condition at the commencement of each match.

4.3.5 Timekeepers and Timekeeping Facilities

Each club is to appoint a Timekeeper for each match. The Timekeepers are to perform the duties as set out in the AFL Laws of the Game or as otherwise specified by Football Operations from time to time.

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 Umpire(s) shall report the matter to Football Operations for attention.

In addition to performing timekeeping duties, timekeepers will be required to record the scores of each game in which they officiate.

The Field Umpire(s) shall have the power to dispense with the services of either or both timekeepers during a match, but must file a report with Football Operations with the reasons for the dispensation.

a) 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. b) Each club shall be responsible to provide a timekeeper(s) for all matches in which its teams participate. The timekeeper shall familiarise him/herself with the match timing requirements as set out in c) Each club shall supply a clock or stopwatch for the use of its timekeeper(s). d) Each ground shall have a siren/hooter. The operation of such siren shall be under the control of the timekeepers appointed for the game.

4.3.6 Footballs

At least 15 minutes before the scheduled commencement time of a home and away match the home team shall provide the Field Umpire with footballs for the respective matches as per the following competitions:

a) For all Division 1 matches, two new footballs of a required standard must be provided for use in each match, marked with only approved logos.

b) For all Division 2 and Under 18 matches, one new football of a required standard and one used football of a standard considered satisfactory by the Field Umpire must be provided for use in each match, marked with only approved logos.

c) In all other competitions two used footballs of a standard considered satisfactory by the Field Umpire shall suffice. AFL Canberra By Laws Page 28

AFL CANBERRA LTD 2009

d) In any AFL Canberra matches played under lights, yellow leather footballs must be used.

e) For a home and away match, the football may, by agreement between the captains of both teams, be changed at the end of each quarter; and

f) For a finals match, the members of the Board present may direct that the football be changed at the end of each quarter

4.3.7 Emergency Medical Arrangements

a) It is the home club’s responsibility to ensure that appropriate medical procedures are in place on match days and that visiting clubs are aware of local arrangements.

b) A Jordan frame stretcher or similar style stretcher must be located in a quickly accessible location for the duration of the day’s play. The home club is also to ensure that it can promptly facilitate ambulance access to the field of play if necessary.

c) The telephone numbers and addresses of the nearest medical services – ambulance, medical centres, hospitals etc must be available for use in an emergency.

4.3.8 Match-Day Safety Check

Under the Australian Football National Risk Protection Program, home clubs are required to conduct a match day health and safety check for each home game and complete the checklist as per attachment “C” as evidence that this check has been done. This is to be completed and signed by both home and away clubs prior to the first game of the day.

The match day safety check list remains steadfast for the duration of all games played during the day regardless of clubs / teams following the initial check. However teams / clubs playing games at the ground following the initial checklist can raise concerns and have a further checklist produced if warranted.

Completed checklists are to be retained by home clubs for future reference by Football Operations or its insurers if so required.

4.3.9 Fines

Failure to comply with these provisions may result in a $25 fine for each offence.

4.4 Teams

4.4.1 Number of Players

The number of on field and interchange players for each competition shall be determined by the Board

For AFL Canberra Senior Grade AFL Canberra Matches– being Division 1, 2, 3, 4 and Women’s competitions the maximum number of players is 22, 18 players on the field and 4 on the interchange bench.

The exception being when playing the Sydney Swans Reserve Grade team in Division 1 when an extra two players are allowed to be named ( refer 2.9 ) (total 24), 18 players on the field and 6 on the interchange bench.

For AFL Canberra Under 18 matches the maximum number of players is 24, 18 players on the field and 6 on the interchange bench.

AFL Canberra By Laws Page 29

AFL CANBERRA LTD 2009

4.4.2 Team Lists

For each match, an official team list containing players’ names and jumper numbers and the names of team officials is to be prepared - four copies are required - by each competing team. The original copy, duly completed and signed is to be handed to the Field Umpires at least 10 minutes prior to the commencement of the game. The second copy is to be handed to the opposing teams Team Manager prior to the commencement of the game. The third copy is to be clearly marked with the quarter-by- quarter scores and goal-scorers at the conclusion of the game and returned to Football Operations Office with the match paperwork. The fourth copy is to be retained by the club for reference purposes.

Team match sheets are to be completed in alphabetical order. To assist clubs facilitate this, an alphabetical list of currently registered players for each club will be available, if required, from Football Operations in advance of each weekend’s matches.

Alterations or additions may be made to the original Team List up until the end of the half time interval by arrangement with the Field Umpires.

Goals not listed on the Team List at the time it is received at Football Operations may not be credited to a player’s tally if subsequently disclosed.

Clubs providing incorrect Team Lists or incorrect goal lists may be fined $20 per indiscretion. Clubs providing incorrect Team Lists may also be liable to lose the match concerned if suitable reasons for the incorrect information are not forthcoming following investigation by the Football Operations.

If a match is deemed to have been forfeited by the Football Operations for any reason relating to an incorrect Team List, the Club losing the points can Appeal the decision to the Board. The Appeal must be lodged in writing within five days of the written notification of the decision to award a forfeit.

Any player who plays in a higher Division on a given weekend before the lower Division is deemed ineligible for the lower Division. If any player plays in the lower Division after playing in the higher Division, the match will be deemed a forfeit. (Exceptions will be made in special circumstances upon applications with AFL Canberra Football Operations).

4.4.3 Competition eligibility

a) Senior Grades will be ranked in the following order 1 AFL Canberra Division 1 2 AFL Canberra Division 2 3 AFL Canberra Under 18 Division 4 AFL Canberra Division 3 5 AFL Canberra Division 4

b) Matches played by the NSW/ACT U18 Squad will be considered equivalent to AFL Canberra Under 18 Division. Games played (not trials) by a player in the NSW/ACT Under 18 Squad will count towards finals eligibility for an Under 18 game for the club that player is registered with.

c) Any open age or Under 18 Division player who has played in a total of nine or more home and away matches of a higher grade or grades shall not be eligible to play final matches in a lower grade unless teams from the club play finals on the same weekend. (See 7.2 Player eligibility for finals for more details).

d) In AFL Canberra Division 3 and 4 games, a player only plays with the lower division team before the higher division team on any given weekend. If a player plays in the higher division before the lower division then the lower division game will be deemed a forfeit. This includes games between AFL Canberra Division 1 and 2 Competition. Compensation can be given after requests to AFL Canberra Football Operations.

AFL Canberra By Laws Page 30

AFL CANBERRA LTD 2009

4.4.6 Team Lists for the Football Record

All Clubs teams are required to provide a list of names and jumper numbers (in numerical order) of their players who are likely to play Division 1, 2, 3, 4, Under 18 and Women’s matches for publication in the Football Record. These lists must be updated with Football Operations as changes occur.

Clubs providing incorrect team lists may be fined $20 for each player listed whose number differs from the list provided to Football Operations for the Football Record.

4.5 Uniforms

4.5.1 Uniform Design

New clubs shall be required to submit complete details of the proposed colour and design of its uniform to the Board Once approved, such club shall have exclusive rights to its uniform design. Existing clubs must submit details of any proposed variation of their uniform design for approval by the Board

4.5.2 Guernsey Numbers

Players of each team must play in their club uniform as registered with AFL Canberra and wear numbers on the back of their jumpers corresponding to the numbers shown on the Team List. All numbers must be whole numbers between 1 and 99 inclusive. No two players or more within the same team are permitted to wear the same number.

4.5.3 Clash of Uniforms

a) AFL Canberra Division 1, 2 and Under 18 Matches: Players are required to wear white shorts at away matches to minimise any clash of uniforms. Where a clash of colours exists in home and away matches, AFL Canberra will endeavour to supply the away team with an alternative uniform. Occasionally dispensation will be given to a club to be allowed to wear one colour shorts.

b) AFL Canberra Division 1 and 2 Clubs, Where a clash of colours exists in home and away matches, AFL Canberra will endeavour to supply the away team with an alternative uniform. For the purposes of this rule, the sole arbitrator on uniform clashes shall be the Board.

4.5.4 Lycra Shorts

Lycra or “bike” shorts may be worn under club shorts provided that they are either of a natural colour or the same colour as the club shorts.

4.5.5 Sponsor’s Logos/Approved Suppliers

Jumpers worn by AFL Canberra Clubs must have the AFL (NSW/ACT) logo on the jumper. Club jumpers and shorts with the AFL (NSW/ACT) logo may only be obtained from AFL Canberra’s official suppliers or an approval supplier or where an existing arrangement was in place prior to the approval of these By Laws in 2006.

Sponsor’s logo as approved by the Board may be worn either on the front or back of players’ jumpers as follows – • Front of Jumper The logo must be positioned on the breast, directly opposite the AFL (NSW/ACT) logo. • Back of Jumper The logo must be positioned and centred underneath or above the player number. It is not to exceed 10-12 cm high and the width of the Guernsey.

AFL Canberra By Laws Page 31

AFL CANBERRA LTD 2009

Sponsor’s logo as approved by the Board may be worn on shorts as follows – • The logo must not exceed 7sqcm with a maximum width of 11cm and a minimum depth of 6.3cm. • The logo must be placed on the front of the right leg.

Football Operations will consider any other proposals for the display of club or sponsors’ logos on players’ uniforms.

4.5.6 Inspection of Equipment

a) No player shall be permitted to play in a match wearing apparel or protective equipment which may cause injury to them or other players. b) All protective equipment must be approved for use by Football Operations before its use. c) The Field Umpires may at their discretion inspect players’ equipment either before or at any time during the match. d) Players who wear spectacles during matches and training must wear spectacles with plastic frames and plastic lenses and must be held on securely by a band.

4.5.7 Mouthguards

The Board strongly recommends that all Open Age and Under 18 Division players wear a mouthguard during match play.

4.5.8 Incorrect Uniforms

Where players take the field wearing incorrect uniforms, the club(s) concerned may be fined $5 for each instance.

4.6 Club Officials and Duties

4.6.1 Team Managers

Each club shall appoint a Manager for each team it fields in the competition. It shall be the Team Manager’s responsibility to ensure that all his or her team’s players and officials comply with the requirements specified in these competition rules and with any request reasonably made by the umpires officiating in a match in which their team is participating.

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”.

The home club Team Manager will be responsible for the ground arrangements and extra match paperwork for the day.

Umpires will be responsible for Each team manager will be responsible for providing providing 1. Umpire match reports 1. Team sheets 2. Best and Fairest Vote Form 2. Club report on umpires on request and envelope 3. Time Keeper’s card provided in match 3. Goal Umpire match scorecards envelope 4. Match Day envelopes 5. Umpire report if any are made

All Clubs are to ensure that spare paperwork for all forms is available at all grounds.

The Team Manager should introduce him/herself to the umpires and officials of the visiting club on arrival and acquaint them with the ground facilities. Should the Team Manager be replaced during the day, the newly appointed person should inform both the umpires and visiting club of the change.

AFL Canberra By Laws Page 32

AFL CANBERRA LTD 2009

The following requirements are to be met for each match:

1 Ten minutes prior to the commencement of each game, the Team Managers should collect the original team lists, and hand to the field umpires.

2 A copy of the team sheet is to be kept by each club for recording of goal kickers and best players and handed to the umpires at the end of the game.

At the end of each match – the Team Manager should ensure that the Umpires have collected the following and placed such in the match day envelope:

1 Completed Team List – both originals from umpires and the duplicates from the team managers. Team managers should ensure that each club has entered the quarter by quarter scores, best players and the goals scored by player in the appropriate position on their team lists. The tally of goals entered for players must equal the number of goals scored by the respective teams. 2 Time Keeper’s cards – from the timekeepers 3 Umpire’s official result cards 4 Sealed best and fairest votes – from the umpire 5 Goal Umpire’s match result scorecards – from the Goal Umpires 6 Umpire’s players report forms (if any) – from the Umpires 7 Sealed club report on Umpire if requested

At the end of the day the Home Team Manager should collect from the umpires all paperwork and arrange to have it returned in the prescribed manner, to reach the AFL Canberra Football Operations Office not later than 10am on the Monday following the game. Early deliveries can be placed in the locked letter box at the main entrance to Manuka Oval at any time over the weekend.

IT IS THE HOME TEAM’S RESPONSIBILITY (and not the umpire’s) TO ENSURE THE DELIVERY OF THE MATCH DAY ENVELOPE.

When playing at home - Sydney Swans Reserves, Cootamundra, Yass, Cooma and Goulburn may / should hand the results envelope to the visiting team to return to Canberra by the specified time.

Failure to comply with this provision may result in a fine of $25 and a further $25 for each subsequent day the documents, in total, are not received at Football Operations Office.

It shall be the Team Manager’s responsibility to ensure that a representative of the home club faxes/emails, in the manner prescribed on the match results sheet, the results of all the day’s matches to the required person(s) or media outlet(s), prior to 5.30 pm on the day concerned. A penalty of $25 may also apply to each instance of a club not notifying the scores as required, or for notification of incorrect scores.

4.6.2 Team Runner

The sole duty of the official Team Runner or Runners is to deliver messages to players of his club and then leave the field immediately having done so. For all teams, runners’ names are to be provided on Team Sheet.

The Team Runner must wear a green top with the word “Runner” clearly marked on the back. The Runner must also wear (1) green shorts/club shorts or (2) tracksuit pants – which may be either black or green. Footwear must be either running shoes or football boots. Football Operations may vary the uniform requirement for Runners from time to time. Jeans are not permitted.

Suspended players or officials are not permitted to act as the official Team Runner.

Each team is permitted to use either one (1) or two (2) Runners. If a club uses two Runners, each Runner must enter and leave the field through the interchange area, with only one Runner being allowed on the field of play at any one time. If a club uses one Runner, he/she may operate directly from the bench.

AFL Canberra By Laws Page 33

AFL CANBERRA LTD 2009

Note: Runners are NOT allowed inside the 50m arch at each end during kicks for goals or inside the centre square during the centre bounce.

4.6.3 Water Carriers

Teams can have a maximum of four (4) persons (Water Carriers) to carry liquid refreshments. These personnel are to wear coloured shirts as determined by AFL Canberra and their names are to be provided on Team Sheet. They will enter the field of play only when a major score is registered and will leave the field of play immediately on completion of their task. They will NOT act as Team Runners. They are to be no younger than 14 years of age. Either tracksuit pants or shorts are to be worn (jeans are not permitted), together with running shoes or football boots. Note: Water Carriers are NOT allowed inside the 50m arch at each end during kicks for goals or inside the centre square during the centre bounce.

4.6.4 Trainers and Other Medical Support Staff

Respective Teams are permitted to utilise a maximum of six (Sports Medicine Trainers with appropriate qualifications) and other medical support staff per team. 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.

Trainers and other medical support staff for each team must be dressed in white tops. Either tracksuit pants or shorts are to be worn (jeans are not permitted), together with running shoes or football boots.

4.6.5 Umpires’ Escorts

For each match, the home club may appoint a suitable person to ensure the safety of Umpires. (This can be the runner as has occurred in the past) The Umpires’ Escort is to escort the umpires; 1 from their assembly point on the field to their change-rooms at half-time. 2 from their change-rooms to the centre of the field after the half-time break. 3 from their assembly point on the field to their change-rooms at the conclusion of the match.

4.6.6 Officials on the Bench

IN addition to the maximum number of trainers, other medical staff and water carriers, interchange players and team runner(s) there will be a maximum of 4 other officials allowed on the bench area inside the ground during play.

4.7 Umpires

4.7.1 Appointments

AFL Canberra will appoint official Umpires to matches as available and the names of the appointed Umpires will be provided by Football Operations to clubs in advance of each round of matches.

All members of the Umpires’ panel must make themselves available to AFL Canberra for appointment as a Field, Boundary or Goal Umpire as required. All Umpires must conform to the rules and arrangements of AFL Canberra and shall appear when called upon by the Board/Tribunal.

Umpires should be at the ground no less than thirty minutes before the official starting time of the match and must be on the field correctly attired at least five minutes before such starting time.

Where two Field Umpires are appointed and for some reason one Field Umpire is unable to complete a match, the remaining Field Umpire may continue to control the match as a single Umpire if another member of the current Umpires’ panel is not available to take the place of the unfit Umpire.

If only a single Field umpire is appointed and that Umpire is unable to continue for any reason and no other member of the current Umpires panel is available to act as a replacement, a suitable person acceptable to both captains in consultation with the respective Coaches may act as a substitute Umpire for the remainder of the match. Any such substitute Umpire shall for the period he or she acts, be considered to be a member of the current panel. AFL Canberra By Laws Page 34

AFL CANBERRA LTD 2009

Should the official Umpire(s) be unable to continue and a suitable substitute Umpire be unavailable, further play in the match shall be abandoned and the matter referred to the Board for determination. Note: time of abandonment, score at time of abandonment and reason for abandonment to be recorded by the home team

4.7.2 Club Umpires

Where AFL Canberra has not appointed official Field Umpires, it shall be the home club’s responsibility to arrange for a suitable person or persons to Umpire the match. Club Field Umpires are to be attired in the appropriate colours determined by AFL Canberra.

Where Official Goal and Boundary Umpires have not been appointed by AFL Canberra, 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 white coat and Club Boundary Umpires must be attired in appropriate colours determined by AFL Canberra, and equipped with a suitable whistle.

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.

Failure to comply with these competition rules may result in a fine of $25 for each offence.

4.7.3 Umpires’ Fees

The Umpires’ fees for the ensuing season shall be decided by the Board.

4.7.4 Payment of Umpires

All appointed Umpires are to sign the Umpires’ attendance sheet on arrival at the ground and at the end of the day’s play it is to be collected and returned to Football Operations with the match paperwork.

In the event of a match being cancelled other than because of forfeit, no payment shall be due to the affected Umpires.

Substitute Umpires will be entitled to payment.

4.7.5 Umpires’ Match Report

At the conclusion of each match, the Field Umpire(s) shall provide a report to the Football Operations on the prescribed umpires match report form.

The Field Umpires shall also complete the best and fairest player voting slip, seal it in the envelope provided and place in the match day envelope.

For all competitions, where no AFL Canberra appointed Umpire is present, then the club appointed Umpire shall vote for the best and fairest vote. These votes are to be sealed in envelope provided and returned with all match paperwork to AFL Canberra Football Operations Office.

Failure to comply with this rule may result in a fine of $25.

4.7.6 Club Report on Umpires

To assist AFL Canberra in its assessment of umpires, clubs may at their discretion, provide a report on the Umpire(s) performance to Football Operations. Such report should be provided on the prescribed form, duly signed by the team Coach or Captain and forwarded with the match paperwork.

AFL Canberra By Laws Page 35

AFL CANBERRA LTD 2009

4.7.7 Reporting of Players and Officials

Umpires shall report to Football Operations any player or official who, during the progress of a match or within the oval on the day of the match, commits a reportable offence. The procedure for making and lodging such a report shall be as specified by the Laws of the Game and by AFL Canberra Tribunal Rules.

Non-official Field Umpires are permitted to report players – but club (non-official) Boundary and Goal Umpires are not permitted to do so.

4.7.8 AFL Canberra Appointed Umpires Travelling with Clubs

No AFL Canberra appointed Umpire shall travel to and from a match with any person connected with the participating clubs, unless granted permission to do so by Football Operations and the Umpire controller.

4.8 Codes of Behaviour (These are available on the AFL Canberra Website – www.aflcanberra.com.au)

The team officials are to be conversant with the Codes of Conduct and/or Behaviour for coaches, officials, players, parents, supporters and administrators. Team officials are to encourage/enforce these Codes.

4.9 Injury Treatment

All clubs are to comply with the Infectious Diseases Policy as issued by Sports Medicine Australia, as issued from time to time and as adopted by the AFL NSW/ACT. Additionally it is strongly recommended that all clubs have a copy of the Australian Dental Association’s “dislodged teeth” guidelines available at all games so that dislodged teeth can best be preserved.

4.10 AFL Canberra Division 4 – 16 a Side Rule

For all AFL Canberra Division 4 competition matches, clubs who are aware that they can only field a maximum of 16 or 17 players on any given weekend, must advise AFL Canberra Football Operations and their opposition team prior to 12 noon Friday preceding the match. If the opposition team has a full complement of players available, they will take the field with the same number of players as the team with the lesser number of players. However the team with the full complement can increase its number of interchange players by the number of players taken from a normal starting 18 man line up.

4.11 Head Count Rule

The captain or acting captain of a team may at any time during a match request that the field umpire count the number of players of the opposing team who are on the playing field. Where such a request is made the field umpire shall stop play at the first available opportunity. He shall call time on and then call into line within the centre square the players of both teams who are at the time on the playing field and count the number of players.

4.11.1 Where the team has more than the permitted number of players on the playing field the following shall apply:

a) a Field Umpire shall instruct both goal umpires to record the scores of both teams at the time of the player count and score for the offending team to be reduced to zero;

b) a Field Umpire shall award a free kick to the captain or acting captain of the opposing team which shall be taken at the centre circle or where play was stopped, whichever is the greater penalty against the offending team;

c) a fifty metre penalty shall then be imposed from the position where the free kick was awarded; and

AFL Canberra By Laws Page 36

AFL CANBERRA LTD 2009

d) the Field Umpire as soon as practical after the match, report to Football Operations that a request has been made to count the number of players in a team and the number of players actually counted.

4.11.2 Where a count reveals that the opposing team has the permitted number of players on the playing field, the following shall apply:

a) a Field Umpire shall award a free kick to the captain or acting captain of the opposing team which shall be taken at the centre circle or where play was stopped, whichever is the greater penalty against the offending team;

b) a fifty metre penalty shall then be imposed from the position where the free kick was awarded: and

c) if a Field Umpire is of the opinion that request was made primarily to delay play or such request did not have sufficient merit, the field umpire shall report the player who requested the count for time wasting and send the offending player from the playing field for the remainder of the match.

PART 5 – LAWS AND POLICY

5.1 Laws of the Game

Except where otherwise noted in these Competition Rules, AFL Canberra Competition matches shall be played under the Laws of Australian Football as laid down by the Australian Football League. The Board may alter, vary, delete or add to these rules.

5.2 Order off Rule- Seniors

The following Order Off Laws shall be applied in all AFL Canberra senior matches.

A player who commits the following reportable offences specified in the Laws of Australian Football shall be reported and ordered off the ground for the remainder of the match.

20.2. (a) intentionally, recklessly, or negligently making contact with or striking an Umpire

20.2. (b) attempting to make contact with or strike an Umpire

20.2. (c) using abusive, insulting, threatening or obscene language towards or in relation to an Umpire

20.2. (d) behaving in an abusive, insulting, threatening or obscene manner towards or is relation to an Umpire

20.2. (e) intentionally, recklessly or negligently kicking another person

20.2. (f) an act of misconduct if the Umpire is of the opinion that the act constituting misconduct is serious in nature

(Note: Misconduct according to its normal meaning in common usage means Improper or unprofessional behavior. It covers offences not covered specifically under other Laws of Australian Football. Urinating in view of spectators or exposing oneself in front of spectators is an example)

20.3 reported on a second occasion in a match by an Umpire for the same or any other reportable ` offences listed in law 20.2.

A player ordered off the ground for the remainder of the match may be replaced immediately by another player

AFL Canberra By Laws Page 37

AFL CANBERRA LTD 2009

5.3 Infectious Diseases Policy

All AFL Canberra Clubs are to comply with the AFL (NSW/ACT) Code of Practice for infectious diseases (H.I.V and Hepatitis B) as follows:

Clubs should strongly recommend to all players and officials that they be vaccinated against Hepatitis B.

Clubs should ensure that their dressing rooms are clean and tidy, with particular attention to hand basins, toilets and showers.

Spitting and/or urinating in the team areas must not be permitted.

Trainers are to be instructed to wipe all blood away from players’ faces or limbs if they have been injured.

Soiled towels should be discarded and clean towels should be available to avoid re-use or sharing of bloodied material.

Appropriate containers need to be accessible for storing soiled towels.

Jumpers soiled with blood should be changed at the earliest opportunity.

Trainers should wear protective gloves when dealing with bleeding wounds.

Players with wounds that are bleeding profusely are to leave the field for treatment and will not be permitted to resume playing until the bleeding has stopped and the wound is adequately covered.

Field Umpires who observe a bleeding player are empowered to stop play and send a player from the field for treatment if in their opinion such action is warranted. Such player shall leave the field immediately through the interchange area.

The replacement player may enter the field of play while the bleeding player is in the process of leaving the field and should do so through the interchange area also. The Umpire shall wait until the replacement player has reached his position on the field before restarting play. If there is any undue delay in the replacement player entering the field of play, the umpire may restart play at his/her discretion.

5.3.1 – Applicable to ACTWAFL

• If the length of a players fingernails is likely to cause injury to an opponent during the course of play – (in the opinion of the Umpire) – the fingernails must be cut or covered to the satisfaction of the Umpire.

• Pregnant players are strongly discouraged from competing due to the potential dangers to both mother and foetus. If a player elects to compete while knowing she is pregnant, it must be in close consultation with he doctor and she must hold a medical certificate from an obstetrician clearing her to compete in contact sport. Any injury (to mother of foetus) may not be covered by ATEWAFL or AFL Canberra Sports Insurance.

• A player who suffers serious concussion (loss of consciousness of any duration or symptoms lasting more than 30 minutes) should not return to play until cleared by a doctor to resume contact sport.

5.4 Smoke Free Policy (this is available on the AFL Canberra website – www.aflcanberra.com.au)

AFL Canberra By Laws Page 38

AFL CANBERRA LTD 2009

5.5 Racial and Religious Vilification Policy

AFL Canberra adheres to the Australian Football League’s Racial Vilification Policy which is available on the AFL Canberra website – www.aflcanberra.com.au.

5.6 Code of Conduct

Clubs are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct which is available on the AFL Canberra website – www.aflcanberra.com.au. Clubs are required to ensure that all club members receive a copy of the Code of Conduct.

5.7 Loss of Points

Where a team loses a match through violation of the rules, the competition points for the match concerned shall be credited to the opposing team. Points scored for and against each team and goals kicked by players shall be credited in the normal manner.

AFL Canberra By Laws Page 39

AFL CANBERRA LTD 2009

PART 6 – DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES

INDEPENDENT BOARDS

• DISPUTES TRIBUNAL (refer 6.1) • APPEALS BOARD (refer page 6.17 Page 40)

Appointment and Role of Disputes Tribunal

A panel of independent Tribunal members shall be appointed annually by the Board. The Independent Tribunal shall investigate the following in accordance with AFL Canberra Tribunal Rules

a) reports by umpires against players and/or officials participating in AFL Canberra competitions, pre- season or practice matches and;

b) such other matters (including citings by clubs) as may be referred to it by Football Operations.

c) The Tribunal will apply to senior and junior football.

d) For a Disputes Tribunal to sit there must be a minimum of two members in attendance.

6.1 DISPUTES TRIBUNAL HEARINGS

REPORTS AND TRIBUNALS

At the conclusion of each game each club will have a representative who will check with the umpires as to whether there have been any reports.

The Tribunal will be held on Tuesday evenings at Manuka Oval at 5.30pm unless otherwise advised.

SUGGESTED TRIBUNAL PROCEDURE

*NOTE : Players / Umpires may be supported by a Player / Umpires representative (advocate) who shall not have a legal background

A All parties assemble in the presence of the Disputes Tribunal and the Chairman of the Disputes Tribunal reads out loud the charge against the reported player.

B The reported player pleads guilty or not guilty to the Charge.

C The Chairman of the Disputes Tribunal then asks the Umpire to elaborate on his report. The Player’s Representative may ask the Umpire questions about his or her evidence. The members of the Disputes Tribunal may also ask the Umpire questions. At the completion of this step, the Chairman of the Disputes Tribunal may excuse the Umpire from the remainder of the proceedings.

D The Chairman of the Disputes Tribunal will then call upon the Players Representative to give whatever evidence that the Player wishes to call, that evidence can include the following:

(i) the Player giving evidence (ii) other Players or witnesses giving evidence (iii) the showing of video evidence (which must be provided in accordance with Rule 6.4)

AFL Canberra By Laws Page 40

AFL CANBERRA LTD 2009

If the reported Players or any other Player or persons give evidence, then members of the Disputes Tribunal may ask questions of that Players or witness .

E The Chairman of the Disputes Tribunal will then give the Player’s Advocate an opportunity to provide a summary of his Player’s case.

F All Parties, other than the Disputes Tribunal members, leave while the Disputes Tribunal considers its findings.

G If the Disputes Tribunal finds the reported Player not guilty it must dismiss the report, if the Disputes Tribunal find the reported Player guilty it must then go onto the sentencing or penalty stage. In the event of a finding of guilt, the Disputes Tribunal must give the reported Players representative an opportunity to make submissions in relation to the reported Player. The reported Players representative can call the reported Player or other witnesses or can provide written material if it is considered relevant.

H All parties other than the Disputes Tribunal will leave while the Disputes Tribunal considers what penalty is appropriate.

6.2 Reports by Umpires

The handing of a copy of a report under the Laws to a club representative at the conclusion of the match shall constitute notice that the report by the Umpire will be dealt with by the Disputes Tribunal at a hearing commencing at 5.30 p.m. on the Tuesday following the match. If no club representative attends the Umpires’ room as required by the Laws, any notice given by Football Operations to a club official shall be deemed sufficient notice of hearing.

Reported players and/or officials and reporting Umpires are required to attend the Tribunal Hearing. A representative of the reported person’s club is required to contact Football Operations Office by midday of the first working day after the match to confirm their attendance at the hearing.

The procedures to be followed should a reported person be unable to attend the hearing are set out in the AFL Canberra Tribunal Rules and must be adhered to.

Should the reporting Umpire be unable to attend, Football Operations may defer the hearing in which case the reported player or official may continue to play or act until such time as the hearing is held.

Any suspended player and/or official will be deemed to be an ineligible person and will not be allowed to act in any way as a trainer, runner, water-carrier or any official “on ground” capacity in any competition match for the duration of his/her suspension. However, should the suspended player be the registered playing coach and is suspended as a result of on-field play, he may continue as coach only. However he is not permitted to enter the playing arena, to address his players in a competition match at quarter-time, half- time and three-quarter time. The address must take place from off the field.

6.3 Citings

The following can cite a player and / or official of a club alleging a breach of the Laws of the Game or of these Rules providing any citation be lodged with AFL Canberra within 48 hours of the conclusion of the match the alleged offence occurred:

AFL Canberra Board Member AFL Canberra Employee AFL Canberra Umpires Observer An Official of an AFL Canberra Club

AFL Canberra By Laws Page 41

AFL CANBERRA LTD 2009

(a) Football Operations shall decide whether or not the matter should be referred to the Independent Tribunal.

(b) Football Operations will not act in response to a Club requesting a referral to an alleged incident unless a complete citation is submitted as per this by law.

The time limit to cite a player and / or an official is as follows:

(1) For games (any competition as prescribed in by law 1.1) played on a Saturday the time limit is 5.00pm on the following Monday

(2) For games (any competition as prescribed in by law 1.1) played on a Sunday the time limit is 5.00pm on the following Tuesday

(3) For games (any competition as prescribed in by law 1.1) played on any other day the time limit is 48 hours from the time of the conclusion of the game played. If that time limit is during a weekend, notification of the citing must be forwarded to an AFL Canberra Football Operations staff member via email with the necessary documents to be at AFL Canberra by 10.00am on the following Monday.

The citation must:

• state the terms of the alleged offence

• describe the incident like manner to that required of an officiating umpire

• be accompanied by any video evidence that will be relied upon

• be accompanied by a list of the names, address and telephone numbers of any witnesses

• be accompanied by a deposit of $500, which will only be refunded if the charge is found proven by the Disputes Tribunal.

The complainant must;

• give a copy of the citation and the accompanying material (except the video) to the President or General Manager of the other Club within the prescribed 48 hours of the conclusion of the time limit mentioned in by law 6.2 – (1) or (2) - in which the alleged offence occurred.

• In the case of a game being played on any other day were the prescribed time limit expires over a weekend, the documentation must reach the other club by 12 noon on the following Monday as described in 6.2 – (3)

6.3.1 Failure to Act

Failure to act on any of the above procedural points could result in the citation being dismissed.

6.3.2 Notification in Writing

The person against whom such a complaint is lodged will be notified in writing by Football Operations of his rights and the procedures to be followed for the investigation. Each of the clubs concerned will receive a copy of such correspondence.

6.3.3 Spirit of the By Law

Note – The spirit of this 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.

6.4 Video Evidence at Tribunal Hearings

AFL Canberra By Laws Page 42

AFL CANBERRA LTD 2009

Any club wishing to use video evidence at a tribunal hearing must seek approval by providing a copy of the incident on video to AFL Canberra Football Operations by 12 noon on the Tuesday following the match.

The exception of 12 noon on the Tuesday being if the video evidence is to accompany a citation. In this instance the video evidence must accompany the citation within the time frame as per by law 6.3 (1), (2) or (3).

Unless approval is given, clubs will not be permitted to use video evidence.

6.5 Investigations

6.5.1 Power to Investigate

a) AFL Canberra Football Operations will nominate a person to act to investigate any matter which he/she considers relevant to whether or not a person may have committed a Reportable Offence.

b) Without limiting the powers and discretions conferred upon AFL Canberra Football Operations, its nominee may investigate any matter:-

• of its own motion; or

• on the basis of video evidence; or

• upon the written request of an Authorised Official of a Club subject to 6.3 (b) being adhered too.

6.5.2 Cooperation

For the purpose of conducting an investigation under this Rule, all persons shall, upon request by the investigating officer:-

a) fully cooperate;

b) truthfully answer all questions; and

c) provide any document in that person’s possession or control as requested.

6.5.3 Failure to Cooperate

A person who fails to observe and comply with the investigation or who provides any information or has acted in a manner which is in any respect false or misleading or likely to mislead, shall be deemed to have been involved in conduct which us unbecoming or prejudicial to the interests of the AFL Canberra and shall be liable to a sanction as determined by AFL Canberra Football Operations in its absolute discretion.

6.5.4 Interpretation

The nominated investigating officer 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

AFL Canberra By Laws Page 43

AFL CANBERRA LTD 2009

writing of the charge laid against him and the date and time for the hearing and determination of the charge by the Tribunal.

6.6 Board May Declare what is an Offence

The Board may by resolution from time to time declare any acts or omissions by clubs and players, not specifically stated in these Rules, to be offences under these Rules and may also determine the penalty for such offences; provided that no such penalty shall be imposed until a circular setting out the offences so declare and the penalties for which have been sent by AFL Canberra Football Operations to each club.

6.7 Disputes Tribunal Procedures and Penalties

6.7.1 Reports, charges or protests under these By-laws shall be heard by the Disputes Tribunal in the manner provided by this part as soon as practicable under arrangements made with the Chairman, or in his absence, a Deputy Chairman of that Tribunal. 6.7.2 Except as otherwise provided in these By-laws, all reports or charges under the Laws of the Game or these By-laws shall be dealt with by the Disputes Tribunal which may impose a fine not exceeding $1,000 or, in the case of a players, such fine and/or suspension as the Tribunal deems fit.

6.8 Notice of Hearing of Reports under the Laws of the Game

6.8.1 The handling of a copy of a report under the Laws to a club representative at the conclusion of the match shall constitute notice that the report by the umpire will be dealt with the Disputes Tribunal at a hearing commencing at 5.30pm on the Tuesday following the match. If no club representative attends the umpires’ room as required by the Laws, any notice given by Football Operations to a club official shall be deemed sufficient notice of hearing.

6.8.2 The Chairman or, in his absence, a Deputy Chairman of the Disputes Tribunal may decide, in exceptional circumstances, that a report shall be heard at a later date or time of which Football Operations shall give at least 24 hours notice by oral or written means to all parties to the hearing.

6.9 Notice of Hearing of Other Matters

As soon as practicable after the receipt of notice of any dispute, complaint or citation, Football Operations will cause the body required to hear such matter to convene and will give at least 72 hours notice of the hearing to all parties concerned.

6.10 Notice of Hearing Resumption

If any body hearing a matter under 6.9 adjourns the matter indefinitely, Football Operations shall give at least 72 hours notice to all parties of the date, time and place of such a hearing or of the resumption of the hearing.

6.11 Lodgement of Protest Or Appeal When:- a) a club reports an infringement of the Laws of the Games or these By-laws b) a club appeals against the registration of a player with another club; or c) a club or a players refers a contract dispute for arbitration;

the club or player must lodge a deposit of $500 with Football Operations. After the body hearing the matter has given its decision, the body may order the deposit to be refunded if

a) the matter is decided in favour of the club or players bringing the matter to the body and b) the body also decided that the protest or appeal was not frivolous or vexatious.

6.12 Representation at Hearings

A party concerned in a matter may appear at the hearing together with a representative provided that the representative must not be a person who has at any time qualified to practice as a barrister and/or solicitor AFL Canberra By Laws Page 44

AFL CANBERRA LTD 2009

6.13 Adjournment of Hearing

In the event of a reported player seeking and being granted an adjournment of any report against him, and adjournment granted must be conditional upon the reported players not being eligible to participate in any match under the control of the Board until this report has been finally determined.

6.14 Witnesses and Evidence Before Disputes Tribunal

6.14.1 The Disputes Tribunal, or the parties concerned in a matter before it with the consent of the Tribunal, may summon any person whose evidence may be material to appear and give evidence at the hearing. A witness summoned by the Disputes Tribunal shall be given at least 72 hours notice of the hearing at which he is required to appear. 6.14.2 In the event of video evidence being available to the Disputes Tribunal from any source a) Football Operations will inform the parties and club concerned if video taped evidence will be used in the hearing. Parties and clubs involved in any hearing will then be given the opportunity to view the video evidence at an agreed time prior to the hearing. b) The video evidence will be used during the hearing as the Tribunal directs; And c) The Tribunal members may view the video of the incident whilst determining the report.

6.15 Failing to Appear

6.15.1 If a person is required by these By-Laws to appear or is given notice to appear at a hearing, the matter may be heard and determined even if the person does not appear. 6.15.2 A Player or Umpire who fails to attend a hearing before the Disputes Tribunal as required by these By-Laws or after due notice has been given shall be dealt with as the Tribunal deems fit. 6.15.3 A person summoned as a witness by the Disputes Tribunal who fails to attend a hearing before it, after due notice has been given shall, if subject to the control of the Board, to be dealt with as the Tribunal deems fit.

6.16 Conduct at Hearing

All persons appearing at a hearing of any body established by the Board shall abide by any ruling given by the Chairman for the time being of the body concerned.

6.17 APPEAL BOARD PROCEDURES

Appointment and Role of Appeals Board

A panel of independent Appeals Board members shall be appointed annually by the Board. The Appeals Board shall investigate the following in accordance with AFL Canberra Tribunal Rules (refer attachment “E” to these Rules).

a) Determine transfer fees for the transfer of players between AFL Canberra Clubs in which the clubs involved cannot reach an agreement on the transfer fee amount.

b) Hear appeals from decisions from the permit and match committee and dispute tribunal

c) The Appeals Board will apply to senior and junior football.

d) For Appeals Board to sit there must be a minimum of two members in attendance.

6.17 (a) Lodging an Appeal with Appeals Board

6.17.1 A person may appeal to the Appeals Board from a decision of the Permit and Match Committee or the Disputes Tribunal if the person is aggrieved by the decision and is able to produce evidence that was not available when the decision was made. 6.17.2 A notice of appeal from a decision of the Permit and Match Committee must be lodged with Football Operations in writing or email within 14 days of the decision being made. AFL Canberra By Laws Page 45

AFL CANBERRA LTD 2009

6.17.3 A notice of appeal from a decision of the Disputes Tribunal must be lodged with Football Operations in writing or email within 24 hours of the decision being made. 6.17.4 No person bound by the AFL Canberra Ltd Constitution or these By-Laws shall take any appellate action other than pursuant to Rule 6.17.1

6.18 No Extension of Time

No extension of time will be granted for lodging an appeal from decisions of the relevant Permit & Match Committee or Disputes Tribunal.

6.19 Appeal Bond

A bond of $500 payable to AFL Canberra must accompany a Notice of Appeal. An appeal is not lodged and cannot be heard by the Appeals Board if the bond does not accompany the Notice of Appeal. An appeal bond is refundable by the AFL Canberra only if the Appeals Board orders its refund on the sole ground that the appellant’s prospects of success before the Board were at the time of lodgement of the Notice of Appeal sufficiently meritorious to justify the lodging of the appeal.

6.20 Appeal Board Convening & Decisions

6.20.1 Football Operations, as soon as practicable upon receiving the written Notice of Appeal and appeal bond, shall cause an Appeals Board to be convened and shall inform each member of the Appeals Board of that notice and bond. 6.20.2 The members of the Appeals Board shall convene the matter as soon practical so a minimum number of members is available to sit and shall elect one of their members to be the presiding member. 6.20.3 Questions arising at an Appeals Board shall be determined by a majority of the votes of members present and voting. 6.20.4 The presiding member shall have a deliberative vote and, in the event of an equality of votes, has a casting vote. 6.20.5 The Appeals Board may, subject to this By-law, regulate the conduct of its proceedings in such manner as it believes the circumstances warrant and which allow the Board, in its opinion, to most efficiently, effectively and fairly determine the matter or matters before it. 6.20.6 The Appeals Board will come to a decision and make the decision in the most effective, efficient and fair manner it considers appropriate that shall permit it to convey its decision and reasons in writing or by email to Football Operations after a decision is made.

6.21 Appeals in Urgent Matters

Where an appellant believes that a matter is urgent, reasons to support that belief shall be notified with the written Notice of Appeal and delivered to Football Operations in the manner provided by these By-laws. The onus of satisfying the members of the Appeals Board that matter is urgent rests with the appellant.

6.22 Decisions of the Appeals Board

6.22.1 An Appeal Board may; a) confirm the decision the subject of the appeal; b) vary that decision in parts; or c) set aside the decision and make a decision in substitution for it so long as the Appeal Board decision is one lawfully capable of being made by the original decision maker.

6.22.2 A decision made by the Appeals Board takes effect at the time at which the original decision was made. 6.22.3 Nothing in these Rules prohibits the Appeals Board from adjourning a matter so that parties might mediate, arbitrate or resolve their dispute in any manner approved by the Appeals Board

6.23 Penalties

Where no specific fine or penalty is prescribed in these By-laws, a fine not exceeding $2,000 may be AFL Canberra By Laws Page 46

AFL CANBERRA LTD 2009

imposed where an offence is found proven.

AFL Canberra By Laws Page 47

AFL CANBERRA LTD 2009

PART 7 – FINALS

7.1 Finals Arrangements

7.1.1 Match Conditions

Finals matches in each grade of competition shall be played in the manner set out by AFL Canberra Football Operations.

Match conditions and duration of play in all grades shall be the same as for home and away matches unless otherwise advised by AFL Canberra Football Operations.

7.1.2 Drawn Finals

In the event of a drawn game in any finals match the following conditions will apply:

1 Goal Umpires will confirm the scores. 2 Field Umpire(s) will recommence the game for a period duration of five (5) minutes. 3 The siren will sound at the end of 5 minutes, the teams will immediately change ends and a further five (5) minutes is played. 4 If the game is still drawn after the second 5 minutes of play, play will continue until the first score. 5 At no stage before or during extra time are coaches permitted to address players. (in the situation that one team has a non playing coach and the other a playing coach the Umpires will instruct players of both teams to move into their respective team positions immediately while waiting confirmation of scores by Goal Umpires. If either team congregates a free kick will be awarded to the opposing team from the resumption of play at the centre bounce. If both teams congregate a penalty of $2,000 will be imposed on both Clubs. 6 There will be no Time-Out added in extra time, except in the AFL Canberra 1st Grade or if a stretcher is called for any grade.

7.1.3 Emergency Umpires

For AFL Canberra senior matches (including Under 18) emergency Umpires appointed to officiate in finals matches shall have the power to report players in the normal manner.

7.1.4 ACTWAFL

The ACTWAFL team that finishes higher on the ladder can nominate to have a home final for the semi or preliminary finals (not the Grand Final). I.e.: Finishing first, second, fifth or sixth on the ladder allows the club to host the respective semi final provided they notify Football Operations of AFL Canberra so appropriate arrangements can be made.

AFL Canberra By Laws Page 48

AFL CANBERRA LTD 2009

7.2 Player Eligibility - FINALS ALL DIVISIONS

7.2.1 Unless a player has played with a Club in four or more matches in any Division in a season he must not represent that club in the finals matches for that season.

1. Any player who has played in a total of nine or more home and away matches of a higher Division(s) shall not be eligible to play final matches in a lower Division except :

a) A player – who has played more than nine games in a higher grade(s) – can represent his club in the immediate lower division final only if the teams are playing on the same day/weekend.

b) In the instance that there is no team in an immediate lower division, then a player must have played at least four games in the lowest division available. Example Only: XYZ Club has Division 1 and Division 2 and a team in Division 4 of AFL Canberra. A player can only drop to the Division 4 team during the finals if he is eligible as per 7.2.1, 7.2.1.1 and 7.2.1.1(a)

c) Under 18 Division players can drop from Division 1 to their respective age group as per games qualification.

2. A player reported and suspended in any division cannot serve his suspension in another division if the division he was reported in is not playing that weekend.

3. AFL Canberra Division 1 clubs with affiliation agreements with stand alone clubs (lodged and approved by the League) in the AFL Canberra Division 3 & 4 Competitions are eligible to select those players in finals matches and vice versa as long as 7.2.1, 1 has been adhered.

4. A club fielding two teams in any grade must nominate which team is their number one team and which team is their number two team prior to the commencement of the season proper. In this way, if both teams make the finals, a player must have played at least 4 games in the number two team to be eligible for finals.

Penalty

Any club that allows a player to play in a final contrary to Paragraph 7.2.1 (1, 2, 3, and 4) above shall the result if they are successful in that final. If the club wishes to challenge the forfeiture it must in writing provide to AFL Canberra Football Operations, so that the matter be determined by the Appeals Board no later that the Wednesday prior to the weekend’s finals

7.2.2 On application by a player’s club, AFL Canberra Football Operations (in consultation with the Board) 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.

AFL Canberra By Laws Page 49

AFL CANBERRA LTD 2009

7.2.3 Finals Selection Sydney Swans

For a Sydney Swans player to be eligible for the finals he must:

Play at least four (4) games for the Swans Reserves unless he is an AFL listed player or a rookie listed player, then if he has played five (5) games or more in the AFL he must have played at least nine (9) or more games in the Swans Reserves.

Sydney Swans can choose players from the AFL Canberra Clubs if:

1 They have not qualified for the AFL Canberra finals and are eligible for the following year’s rookie draft or younger. 2 Have played four or less Division 1 AFL Canberra games – the exception being if they have played on permit with the Sydney Swans Reserves during the season – those games do not count. 3 From players who played for an AFL Canberra Under 18 Division Club that did not finish in the finals

• AFL Canberra Clubs are to make any players available that fits this criterion for finals participation with one exception: They do not have to provide players if their Division 1 team is playing the Swans in the finals.

For AFL Canberra finals matches, squads would revert to 22 players and the Sydney Swans will have a maximum of 12 listed (senior or rookie list) on the team list, with the balance of the list being top-up players selected as per the above listed requirements and a maximum from and the following source:

a) Two scholarship players from NSW b) Two players from NSW who are eligible for the following year’s rookie draft of younger

If the Sydney Swans senior team is not playing AFL Finals or has been eliminated a player who has played 5 games or more in the AFL must have played at least 9 games in the Swans Reserves to qualify for the AFL Canberra Finals

• If the Sydney Swans play in an AFL game and the Swans Reserves are playing on the same weekend then the Swans will be able to play any unqualified players.

7.3 Club Eligibility

If any club is financially in arrears to AFL Canberra at a period of seven days prior to the first semi-final, teams of such club may be ineligible to compete in finals series matches. In the event that this occurs, teams placed next on the respective competition table shall fill the place of the ineligible team and so forth.

For the purposes of this Rule, clubs, which are under a financial scheme of arrangements with Football Operations and are up to date with all payments under that scheme, shall be considered financial.

7.4 Provision of Officials

During finals series matches, non-competing clubs may be rostered to provide personnel to assist with ground management tasks such as gatekeepers, timekeepers, interchange steward and scoreboard attendants etc.

AFL Canberra By Laws Page 50

AFL CANBERRA LTD 2009

7.5 Catering Rights for Finals

Football Operations may charge a fee for the catering rights and will have the authority to limit the prices of any articles it thinks fit. If a fee is to be charged AFL Canberra Board shall determine the fee at the commencement of the season.

The catering club shall have sole responsibility for the supply of food, soft drinks and– alcohol. No other person or club shall be permitted to take food or alcohol into the ground unless prior approval is gained from Football Operations. No products which conflict with AFL Canberra sponsors products are to be supplied.

The catering club for senior matches shall also be responsible for obtaining a liquor licence where necessary.

7.6 Venue Selection

Football Operations shall determine the venues for finals series matches with the exception of 7.1.4 in relation to the ACTWAFL. Factors which will be taken into consideration in the selection of grounds include location, condition of the playing surface and facilities, ability to charge admission, catering rights, cost and any special circumstances which may exist at the time.

7.7 Commencement Times of Finals

Unless otherwise decided by AFL Canberra Football Operations, the commencement time of finals matches shall be:

Division Grand Final Other Finals a) AFL Canberra Under 18 Division 9.00am 9.45am b) AFL Canberra Division 2 11.15am 11. 45am c) AFL Canberra Division 1 2.30pm 2.15pm d) AFL Canberra Division 3 2.15pm 2.15pm e) AFL Canberra Division 4 11.45am 12.00pm f) AFL Canberra Women’s (A CTWAFL ) 9.30am 9.30am

AFL Canberra By Laws Page 51

AFL CANBERRA LTD 2009

PART 8 – REPRESENTATIVE FOOTBALL

8.1 Participation

AFL Canberra representative teams shall participate in inter-league matches as directed by the AFL Canberra Board. This includes Representative fixture matches for ACTWAFL.

AFL Canberra shall have first call on the services of all players for its matches. Any player who does not make themselves available or declines selection, the AFL Canberra Board may suspend the player for two club competition matches subsequent to the representative match concerned.

Any player who declares themselves unavailable because of injury or illness must be prepared to undergo a medical examination by a doctor of AFL Canberra’s choice.

Any player who fails to attend a scheduled representative training session of which he has been properly notified must tender an explanation to Football Operations. If in the opinion of Football Operations the player’s explanation is unacceptable, such player may be dealt with as the Board thinks fit.

Except in exceptional circumstances as approved by Football Operations, 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 rule shall be liable for further disqualification. The team with which he played shall lose any premiership points gained and his club may be fined up to $1,000.

8.2 Venue Selection

Where the Board schedules a representative match to be played in Canberra, Football Operations shall select a venue taking into consideration the standard of playing surface and facilities, ground hire costs and the ability to charge admission.

Football Operations may allocate catering rights to any club which is prepared to undertake all ground management duties for the fixture. Any gate takings will be used by Football Operations to offset staging costs.

8.3 Misconduct by Representative Team Players and/or Officials

All players and/or officials accompanying any representative team from the ACT shall conduct themselves in accordance with the codes of conduct and manner acceptable by the Board. If any report against a player is submitted and upheld by the Disputes Tribunal, the player shall be disqualified from playing in at least two home and away matches and the Tribunal may impose such other additional penalty or fine as it thinks fit. Any report against an official will be handled by the Tribunal, who may impose penalties as they think fit.

8.4 League Colours

The design of AFL Canberra’s representative jumpers and uniforms shall be the responsibility of the Board and Football Operations.

8.5 Appointments

The AFL Canberra Board will appoint the Coaching and Managerial Staff of the Representative program(s) prior to the opening of the new season.

AFL Canberra By Laws Page 52

AFL CANBERRA LTD 2009

PART 9 – AWARDS

Each season, Football Operations shall arrange for the presentation of the following awards.

9.1 AFL Canberra– Club Championship

The Club Championship Trophy shall be awarded to the AFL Canberra Club that performs best across all three grades of their respective competitions being Division 1, 2 and Under 18’s. Points will be accrued on the basis of on-field results.

The club which wins the club championship in each season in accordance with these rules, shall hold the CW Chandler Cup until the conclusion of the home and away matches in the following season.

Each club shall be allotted points for the club championship for each win, bye or forfeit in home and away matches in the season as under: a. AFL Canberra Division 1 eight points b. AFL Canberra Division 2 four points c. AFL Canberra Under 18’s four points

Provided that, should a club be given approval in accordance with these Rules to enter a second team in any Division, the points allotted shall be in respect of only one team in that Division. The identity of that team will be determined by the club and notified to the Board prior to the first match of the season and the determination, once made for a particular season, shall be final in relation to that season.

In the event of a tie in a match, each club shall be allotted half of the points allotted for a win.

The club championship shall be determined at the end of the home and away matches in a season in accordance with the total number of points allotted to each club or, in the event of a tie in total points:

• By the number of points allotted in AFL Canberra Division 1;

• In the event of a tie in AFL Canberra Division 1 points, by the number of points allotted in AFL Canberra Division 2; or

• In the event of a tie in both AFL Canberra Division 1 and Division 2 points, by the average percentage of the teams of the respective clubs in all three Divisions.

9.2 AFL Canberra Division 3 and 4 – Club of the Year / ACTWAFL Club of the Year

9.3 Leading Goal kickers

Football Operations shall maintain records of goal kickers in each grade of competitive competitions from the information recorded on the club team lists, which are returned to Football Operations following each match throughout the season. The goal kicking award for each senior competition division (including Under 18) shall be presented to the player who scores the most number of goals during the home and away matches.

9.4 Best and Fairest Players

A medal/trophy will be presented each year to the Best and Fairest player in each division of competition. The medals shall be known as:

AFL Canberra Division 1 – Mulrooney Medal AFL Canberra Division 2– J McNamara Trophy AFL Canberra Under 18 Division – ACTEW/AGL Trophy AFL Canberra Division 3 – JP O’Dea Trophy AFL Canberra Division 4 – TW Campbell Trophy AFL Canberra Women’s League – Mary-Ann Bainrot Trophy

AFL Canberra By Laws Page 53

AFL CANBERRA LTD 2009

The winners of the Best and Fairest medals shall be determined by votes cast by the field umpires on a 3-2-1 basis for the best, second best and third best players in each home and away match. At the conclusion of each match, such votes shall be sealed in an envelope by the field umpires for forwarding to AFL Canberra Football Operations.

In the event that two or more players have been awarded the same number of votes at the end of the home and away series, no count back shall be applied and the players concerned will be declared joint winners and each will be awarded a Best and Fairest medal

Should a player be found guilty of a field offence arising out of a competition match during the current season for which best and fairest votes are cast by the umpires, he shall be ineligible to receive any AFL Canberra best and fairest award.

9.5 Rising Star Awards

The AFL Canberra Rising Star Award was launched in 2006. The purpose of the award is to recognise outstanding young talent in the AFL Canberra Division 1 competition.

To be eligible to win the award a player must:

1 Have played a minimum of four senior matches in the AFL Canberra Division 1.

2 Be 21 years of age or under, in the current year.

3 Be in his first or second year of senior football. A player is considered to have played a season of senior football when they play four or more senior matches in any one season in AFL Canberra competition or any other competition.

At end of the season the selection panel will select a winner based on their performances at senior level in the AFL Canberra Division 1. Matches outside the AFL Canberra competition will not be taken into consideration. The AFL Canberra Rising Star Award will be presented at the Mulrooney Medal Presentation Evening at the end of the season.

9.6 Premiership Awards

A perpetual Premiership Trophy shall be presented to the winning club in the Grand Final of each grade of competition. The winning clubs shall have their name inscribed on the premiership trophies, which they may retain for the ensuing year. Each winning Premiership team will also receive suitable inscribed medallions.

Premiership winning clubs in each of Division 3 and 4 AFL Canberra Competitions shall also receive a premiership pennant suitably inscribed and manufactured in their club colours.

9.7 Best Player in Grand Final

The best player in the grand final of each grade of competition shall be presented with the following awards at the conclusion of the match. In each case votes cast by the field umpires, or a person or person(s) appointed by Football Operations, will decide the winning player in each respective division.

AFL Canberra Division 1 – Alex Jesalenko Trophy

AFL Canberra Division 2 – TBA

AFL Canberra Under 18 Division – TBA

AFL Canberra Division 3 TBA

AFL Canberra Division 4 TBA

AFL Canberra Women’s Competition TBA

AFL Canberra By Laws Page 54

AFL CANBERRA LTD 2009

PART 10 – ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE

10.1 Football Operations

AFL Canberra Board appointed staff comprising the General Manager, Football Operations Manager – Senior and Junior shall control the day-to-day operations of the AFL Canberra competitions.

10.2 Club Meetings

AFL Canberra Football Operations may hold meetings with participating clubs from time to time.

10.3 Attendance at Meetings

Each club is required to have at least one representative in attendance at scheduled meetings for which notice has been properly given. Non-attendance of any club may result in a fine of $50.

ACTWAFL • A Club delegate from each team must attend all Female Footabll Advisory Committee Meetings • The delegate must be a player – the exception being made for non ACT based teams who may send a coach or manager. • A non ACT club unable to send a delegate will provide input to the meeting by way of a conference call at the cost of ACTWAFL. • A fine of $20 will be made for each offence that a delegate is not in attendance. Failure to pay this fine may result in the loss of two competition points and the inability to play finals football should they qualify.

10.4 Fees

AFL Canberra Football Operations shall prepare a detailed budget each season taking into account all known and projected income and expenditure items. AFL Canberra clubs shall be levied an annual affiliation fee, which will be used to offset the operational cost of the respective competitions. Affiliation fees and other relevant charges will be invoiced to clubs either on an annual or monthly basis.

10.5 Fines

Where a club, player, official or umpire has been fined by AFL Canberra or incurs an automatic fine, such fine shall be paid within 14 days of notification of the penalty except where otherwise specified. Failure to pay such fine by the specified time without a satisfactory explanation may result in the fine being increased by AFL Canberra Football Operations.

Where a fine has not been paid, the player’s or official’s club or in the case of an umpire, the Umpires Association, shall be responsible to pay the fine to Football Operations.

10.6 Outstanding Accounts

10.6.1 Any club which is in arrears to AFL Canberra for a period in excess of 60 days, shall 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.

10.6.2 Where extenuating circumstances exist, Football Operations may at 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 to be financial with AFL Canberra provided that it is up to date with all payments specified by the scheme and for the current year.

AFL Canberra By Laws Page 55

AFL CANBERRA LTD 2009

10.7 Dishonoured Cheques

Any club, which pays an account to AFL Canberra by an instrument, which is not honoured by their bank or other institution upon presentation, shall automatically be fined $50 on each occasion plus any bank costs incurred will be invoiced to the club.

10.8 Insurance

AFL Canberra undertakes a limited coverage of insurance with the AFL nominated insurers (JLT Sports Insurance). The charges for this insurance coverage will be invoiced to clubs on an annual basis. Each member club should check insurance levels and if required to take out extra coverage. Each club should ensure they have adequate levels of insurance – public and products liability, association liability, personal accident and non-Medicare medical as required.

AFL Canberra By Laws Page 56

AFL CANBERRA LTD 2009

PART 11 – PLAYERS CONTRACTS OPEN AGE COMPETITIONS

11.1 General

A club and a person playing in an open age competition may enter into an agreement under which that person undertakes to provide his services as a footballer to that club.

11.2 Period of Contract

A contract may provide that it shall take effect on the day of execution or the 1st day of January in the year following its execution, and cease to have effect on the 31st day of December in the year of its completion.

11.3 Forms of Contract

All player contracts shall be executed on the authorised standard contract provided under the AFL Interstate Transfer Regulations incorporating a provision evidencing the adherence of the parties to the contract in relation to these Rules. The contract shall be signed by the player and an authorised official of the club and, in the case of a person under the age of 18 years, by the player’s parents or guardian.

11.4 Lodgement of Contract with AFL Canberra

Clubs should ensure that a list of contracted players be provided to AFL Canberra by the commencement of each season along with a blank copy of the contract form. Upon dispute – the actual contract between the Club and the player may be required and must be produced. AFL Canberra Football Operations shall maintain a register of all contracts.

11.5 Termination of Contract

A club shall, within seven days of a contract being terminated for any reason whatsoever, lodge notification of termination with Football Operations on contract provided under the AFL Interstate Transfer Regulations, signed by both praties and, in the case of a person under the age of 18 years when the contract was signed, by the person’s parent or guardian. If a club is unable to obtain the counter signature of a contracted player on this form because of player has left the area administered by the Board, or for good reasons, it may submit a statutory declaration setting out the reasons.

11.6 Spare

11.7 Disputes

11.7.1 Should any dispute arise between a club and a player concerning the interpretation or application of these Rules or the playing rules of the club as they relate to the player’s contract, either party may refer the matter in accordance with Part 11 of these Rules to the Appeals Board for arbitration. The decision of that Board in the matter shall, except as it may affect their rights under civil law, be binding on both parties.

11.7.2 Procedures and requirements for the transfer of players to or from an AFL Canberra Club (not being a club to club transfer within AFL Canberra) are to be in accordance with the AFL Interstate Transfer Regulations as may be amended from time to time.

11.7.3 The only player contract recognised under the AFL Interstate Transfer Regulations is the standard contract provided under these regulations. AFL Canberra Clubs should be fully aware that any dispute between State / Affiliate Leagues were a player is transferring could be dismissed if an alternate contract form - other than one recognised by AFL - has been signed by the player.

AFL Canberra By Laws Page 57

AFL CANBERRA LTD 2009

11.8 Revocation of Permit to Play

On the recommendation of the Board, Football Operations may revoke a player’s Permit to Play at any time.

11.9 Interchange of AFL Players

Where an AFL Canberra player registers with an AFL Club, such player shall retain his registration with his original club for a period of 36 months and may interchange at his AFL Club’s discretion. This arrangement will continue to apply should the player transfer to another AFL Club during this period of time.

AFL Canberra By Laws Page 58

AFL CANBERRA LTD 2009

PART 12 – GENERAL

12.1 Football Record

The weekly “Football Record” shall be considered an official journal of AFL Canberra and any notices inserted therein by Football Operations should be taken as official and acted upon where necessary. Each Division 1 Club shall provide, by no later than the Tuesday immediately preceding a home and away fixture or finals round match in which the club is participating, any changes to players names and/or jumper numbers.

12.2 Admission to Grounds

Admission prices for all AFL Canberra Division 1 home and away matches will be determined each year by the AFL Canberra Board in consultation with the respective Clubs.

Clubs will commence charging ground admittance from half time of the Under 18 Division matches only. Note: There will be no charge for stand alone Under 18 Division matches

AFL Canberra Football Operations will issue season passes to: 1 AFL Canberra 200 game players 2 AFL Canberra staff 3 AFL Canberra Corporate Sponsors 4 AFL Canberra Board/Junior Operations Committee 5 AFL Canberra Life Members 6 AFL Canberra Umpires 7 AFL Canberra Sponsors 8 Media 9 Division 1, 2 and U18 Division Club Officials

AFL Canberra Football Operations will organise 100 players’ passes per club for Division 1 Clubs . Note: Any player pass given to other persons to use for admittance to matches will incur a $50 fine and confiscation of the pass. These passes will allow admittance to home and away matches for all AFL Canberra matches. These passes WILL NOT allow access for finals. Special passes will be issued for all finals matches.

AFL Canberra By Laws Page 59