2020 WRFL Junior Modified Rules

Date Created: 21 February 2020

Contents

2020 Game Times ...... 2 Junior Mixed/Boys Competitions Matrix ...... 3 Junior Girls Competitions Matrix ...... 4 Competitions with Modified Rules ...... 5 Under 8 (Mixed) Competition ...... 5 Under 9 (Mixed) Competition ...... 9 Under 10 (Mixed) Competition ...... 13 Under 10 (Girls) Competition ...... 16 Under 12 (Mixed) Competition ...... 19 Under 12 (Girls) Competition ...... 20 Evening Up of Players Rules ...... 22 Order Off Rule ...... 23 Mercy Rule ...... 24

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2020 Game Times

Time Age Groups 8:40am Under 8 and Under 9 9:50am Under 12 and Under 12 Girls 11:25am Under 10 and Under 10 Girls 12:50pm Under 14, Under 14 Girls and Under 16 Girls 2:40pm Under 16 Boys and Under 18.5 Girls * These are general starting times for each specific age group

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Junior Mixed/Boys Competitions Matrix

ADMINISTRATION U8 (Mixed) U9 (Mixed) U10 (Mixed) U12 (Mixed) U14 (Mixed) U16 (Boys) PHASE Introductory Development Development Competition Competition Competition Full size to half size at Ground size 80m x 60m 100m x 80m Standard Standard Standard discretion of home club Game starting time 8:40am 8:40am 11:25am 9:50am 12:50pm 2:40pm Zones ✓ ✓ ✓    # Players on ground Max: 12* Max: 15* Max: 18* Max: 18 Max: 18 Max: 18 Min: 6 Min: 9 Min: 9 Min: 14 Min: 14 Min:14 # Interchange players Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited 7 7 7 Ball type Synthetic Synthetic Synthetic Leather Leather Leather Ball size 2 2 2 3 4 5 Quarter duration (mins) 12 12 15 15 18 20 Break length 3 – 6 – 3 3 – 6 – 3 3 – 7 – 3 3 – 8 – 5 3 – 10 – 5 3 – 10 – 5 UMPIRES F: 2 (Club) F: 2 (Club) F: 2 (Club) F: 2 (WRFL) F: 2 (WRFL) F: 2 (WRFL) Umpires B: 0 B: 0 B: 0 B: 0 B: 2 (Club) B: 2 (WRFL) G: 2 (Club) G: 2 (Club) G: 2 (Club) G: 2 (Club) G: 2 (Club) G: 2 (WRFL) LAWS Tackling No Tackling Modified Modified ✓ ✓ ✓ Bumping    ✓ ✓ ✓ Stealing    ✓ ✓ ✓ Barging    ✓ ✓ ✓ Smothering    ✓ ✓ ✓ Fending Off    ✓ ✓ ✓ Shepherding    ✓ ✓ ✓ Bouncing the Ball 1 Max 1 Max 1 Max Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Kicking off the Ground     ✓ ✓ Nominated Nominated Nominated players of equal players of equal players of equal Ball Ups ✓ ✓ ✓ height / must height / must height / must tap tap tap Throw-Ins     ✓ ✓ Distance over which marks are Any distance, Any distance, Any distance, reasonable reasonable reasonable 15m 15m 15m paid attempt attempt attempt Distance Penalty 15m 15m 15m 15m 15m 50m Deliberate out of Bounds Last Touch Rule Last Touch Rule Last Touch Rule Last Touch Rule ✓ ✓ Deliberate rushed behind    ✓ ✓ ✓ COMPETITION DETAILS Premiership ladders/finals    ✓ ✓ ✓ Mercy rule    ✓   Scores kept    ✓ ✓ ✓ If both teams Evening Up rule ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ agree Record best players/goal kickers    ✓ ✓ ✓ Coach allowed on field ✓ ✓ ✓    Runner ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Water Person ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

* Lesser numbers, teams to agree

Coach and Runner are not permitted on the ground during play at the same time

Up to five (5) water persons, inclusive of trainers

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Junior Girls Competitions Matrix

ADMINISTRATION U10 Girls U12 Girls U14 Girls U16 Girls U18.5 Girls PHASE Introductory Development Competition Competition Competition Ground size 80m x 60m 100m x 80m Standard Standard Standard Game starting time 11:25am 9:50am 12:50pm 12:50pm 2:40pm Zones ✓     Max: 12* Max: 16 Max: 16 Max: 16 Max: 18 # Players on ground Min: 6 Min: 12 Min: 12 Min: 12 Min: 12 # Interchange players Unlimited Unlimited 7 7 7 Ball type Synthetic Synthetic Leather Leather Leather Ball size 2 3 4 4 4 Quarter duration (mins) 10 12 15 15 17 Break length 3 – 7 – 3 3 – 8 – 5 3 – 8 – 5 3 – 10 – 5 3 – 10 – 5 UMPIRES F: 2 (Club) F: 2 (Club) F: 2 (WRFL) F: 2 (WRFL) F: 2 (WRFL) Umpires B: 0 B: 0 B: 2 (Club) B: 2 (Club) B: 2 (WRFL) G: 2 (Club) G: 2 (Club) G: 2 (Club) G: 2 (Club) G: 2 (WRFL) LAWS Tackling No Tackling Modified ✓ ✓ ✓ Bumping   ✓ ✓ ✓ Stealing   ✓ ✓ ✓ Barging   ✓ ✓ ✓ Smothering   ✓ ✓ ✓ Fending Off   ✓ ✓ ✓ Shepherding  ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Bouncing the Ball 1 Max 1 Max Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Kicking off the Ground    ✓ ✓ Nominated Nominated players of equal players of equal Ball Ups ✓ ✓ ✓ height / must height / must tap tap Throw-Ins    ✓ ✓ Any distance, Any distance, Distance over which marks are paid reasonable reasonable 15m 15m 15m attempt attempt Distance Penalty 15m 15m 15m 25m 50m Deliberate out of Bounds Last Touch Rule Last Touch Rule ✓ ✓ ✓ Deliberate rushed behind   ✓ ✓ ✓ COMPETITION DETAILS Premiership ladders/finals  ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Mercy rule  ✓    Scores kept  ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Evening Up rule ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Record best players/goal kickers  ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Coach allowed on field ✓     Runner ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Water Person ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

* Lesser numbers, teams to agree

Coach and Runner are not permitted on the ground during play at the same time

Up to five (5) water persons, inclusive of trainers

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Competitions with Modified Rules

Under 8 (Mixed) Competition

The following modified rules shall apply in all Under 8 games. In all other aspects, games shall be conducted in accordance with total WRFL by-laws.

Modification to game conditions;

a) Scores shall not be recorded b) No scoreboard shall operate c) No premiership points shall be awarded d) Ladders shall not be compiled/published e) No finals series to be played f) No WRFL awards shall be made to individual players

The umpire should at all times;

• Endeavour to apply the rules of the games whilst preferring to award kicks to players in preference to calling for “ball-ups” • Understand that the spirit of AFL Junior match rules for this age group is to enable all players to gather possession and that ‘the player in possession of the ball should be given opportunity to kick or handball’. For this reason, restrictions are placed upon body contact (refer to contact/tackling) • Attempt to involve all players as the opportunities arise, particularly when indicating which players are to receive a ‘free kick’ upon the ball being kicked out of bounds and ensuring the effective rotation of players through the three zones of play • Enforce the ‘full possession rule’ at all ball ups (see below)

Playing Time:

Game duration shall be four (4) quarters of 12 minutes duration (no time on) with breaks as follows:

¼ Time: 3 minutes

½ Time: 6 minutes

¾ Time: 3 minutes

Teams:

Teams shall comprise twelve per side, split into 4 forwards, 4 centres, 4 backs, plus an unlimited amount of interchange players. Interchange may take place at any time, but all players must play at least three quarters of the match.

Where one team is short on players, the opposition will loan players to ensure equality of team numbers on the field.

Players are to be rotated every quarter to provide opportunities in several positions, i.e. players to change from one zone to another and interchange onto the field.

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Playing Ground and Officials:

The size of the playing field should be no bigger than 80m x 60m and divided into three equal zones (thirds) identified by markers or lines on the ground.

A field umpire is needed, there are no boundary throw-ins (no boundary umpires) but two goal umpires are required.

Zones:

Backs are restricted to the back zones. Centres are restricted to the centre zone. Forwards are restricted to the forward zone. Rotate players to provide opportunities in several positions (as above).

Transition of Ball:

When the ball is in transition from the Back Zone to the Forward Zone, it must be touched by a player in the Mid- Zone. Failure for this to occur will see a free kick awarded to the opposition team at the point at which the ball entered the end zone.

Scoring:

Only players who are positioned as Forward Zone players may score.

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Possession Rule:

The ball is possessed by the act of controlling it by catching it, grabbing it, or laying two hands on it when it is on the ground. Once the ball is possessed, all other players must back off to the side of the player in possession, so that the player may kick or handball uncontested (there is to be no blocking or standing in the pathway of the player in possession). Decide doubtful cases with ball-ups.

Start of Play (Quarter or Post Goal):

When all players are inside their own zones, a ball-up is conducted between two centre players of similar height as nominated by the umpire. The umpire should nominate different pairs of players for subsequent ball-ups after goals are scored.

Field Ball Ups:

Where a scrimmage develops, unless awarding of a free kick is possible under the spirit of the game the umpire shall stop play and nominate two opponents of approximately equal size to contest the ball-up. The nominated players need not be the tallest nor the nearest.

A player contesting a ball-up (either in the centre or around the ground) may not grab the ball and play on. The player must knock, palm or punch the ball to a teammate or open ground, and may not play the ball against until it has either been touched by another player or hits the ground.

Contact and Tackling:

There is to be absolutely no contact or spoiling whatsoever except accidental and light ‘shoulder to shoulder’ contact while running to an at the ball. Players cannot:

• Hold an opponent with their hands • Steal the ball or knock it out of an opponent’s hands • Push, bump or barge another player (incidental contact only is permitted) • Smother an opponent’s kick • Shepherd

Mark:

A mark is awarded, no matter how far the ball has travelled, to any player who catches, or makes a reasonable attempt to catch, the ball directly from the kick of another player.

Bouncing the Ball:

A player may bounce the ball only once, and then must dispose of it. In the case of any infringement, the umpire shall effect a ball-up at the spot where the second bounce occurs.

Kicking off the Ground:

Deliberately kicking the ball off the ground in general play in not permitted and will result in a free kick being awarded against the offending player. 7 | P a g e

Out of Bounds:

When out of bounds from a kick, a free kick shall be awarded to nearest opponent. If in doubt to which team kicked it out, a ball up will take place five (5) metres in from boundary.

Coaches:

The Coach is allowed on the ground during play for the sole purpose of providing immediate feedback to players; they must not pressure, instruct or make comment to or about officiating umpires decisions that they make. The Coach must not pressure, instruct or make comment to the opposition team.

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Under 9 (Mixed) Competition

Changes to the Under 9 competition match rules are the following;

• Number of players on the ground • Inclusion of zones • Modified ground size

Please be reminded of the following important modified rules that apply in all Under 9 game.

Teams:

Teams shall comprise of no more than fifteen per side, plus an unlimited amount of interchange players. Interchange may take place at any time, but all players must play at least three quarters of the match.

Where one team is short on players, the opposition will loan players to ensure equality of team numbers on the field.

Players are to be rotated every quarter to provide opportunities in several positions, i.e. players to change from one zone to another and interchange onto the field.

Playing Ground and Officials:

The size of the playing field should be no bigger than 80m x 60m and divided into three equal zones (thirds) identified by markers or lines on the ground.

A field umpire is needed, there are no boundary throw-ins (no boundary umpires) but two goal umpires are required.

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Ground Set-Up:

The ground size must be approximately 100m x 80m and can be set up in either of the following ways for match days.

Portable Auskick goal posts can be used at each end and cones around the outside of the ground to mark the boundary.

Portable Auskick goal posts can be used at one end of the ground and cones around the outside of the ground to mark the boundary.

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Zones:

Backs are restricted to the back zones. Centres are restricted to the centre zone. Forwards are restricted to the forward zone. Rotate players to provide opportunities in several positions.

Start of Play (each quarter):

In each quarter, play shall be started by a ball up between rucks. Players must not grab the ball at the ball up. It must be knocked, palmed or punched. This applies to centre throw ups only.

Start of Play (following goals):

Each time a goal is scored by either team, play will be restarted with a player of the team that did not score the goal given possession in the centre circle. The player awarded such possession will be selected at the discretion of the umpire.

All players (both teams) must remain in their positions and on-ballers/wingers must stay behind the centre circle away from the kicker. Penalty for non-compliance is a 50m penalty.

Out of Bounds:

When out of bounds from a kick, a free kick shall be awarded to nearest opponent. If in doubt to which team kicked it out, a ball up will take place five (5) metre in from the boundary.

Tackling:

A player in possession of the ball may be tackled by an opponent wrapping both arms around the area below the top of the shoulders and on/above the knees. The tackle may be from either side or from behind, providing the tackle from behind does not thrust forward the player with the ball (i.e. push the player in the back).

If the player in possession of the ball is taken to the ground in the act of tackling, they will receive a free kick. If the umpire feels the player drops to the ground deliberately in order to receive a free kick, they will be penalised for holding the ball.

A player in possession of the ball, when held by an opponent applying the wrap-around tackle, should be given a reasonable chance to dispose of the ball by kick or by handball, or by attempting to kick or handball, otherwise a free kick shall be awarded to the tackler for holding the ball.

The field umpire shall conduct a ball-up when the player with the ball has the ball held to the body of an opponent, unless the player has had a reasonable time to dispose of the ball prior to being tackled, in which case a free kick shall be awarded to the tackler for holding the ball.

The field umpire shall allow play to continue if the ball is accidently knocked out of a player’s hands by an opponent.

There is strictly no bumping, slinging or deliberately bringing the opposition player in possession of the ball to the ground.

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Players cannot:

a) Knock the ball out of an opponent’s hands; b) Push the player in the side; c) Steal the ball from another player; or d) Smother an opponent’s kick

A free kick shall be awarded to any infringed player.

Bouncing the Ball:

A player may bounce the ball only once, and then dispose of it. In the case of any infringement, the umpire shall effect a ball-up at the spot where the second bounce occurs.

Order off Rule:

The order-off rule applying in other WRFL grades will apply in Under 9 and Under 10 games.

Player Reports & Tribunals:

If a player is reported in an Under 9 or Under 10 game (U10 girls included), he/she will not appear before the Independent Tribunal or the Independent Hearing Committee. Instead, the following will apply:

a) League will ask both Clubs and umpires for their statements/recollection of events which must be forwarded onto the League by Tuesday 12pm noon after the game; b) All information will be handed to the Independent Tribunal who will deal with the matter as it deems fit and may impose any penalties.

Coach on the Ground:

The coach is allowed on the ground during play for the sole purpose of providing immediate feedback to players. He or she must not pressure, instruct or make comment to or about officiating umpires or decisions that they make. The coach must not pressure, instruct or make comment to players or officials of the opposition team.

When the coach elects to remain on the ground during play, then no runner for that team will be permitted on the ground at the same time as the coach.

The order-off rule (by-law 3.2.1) applies to all players and officials in all junior games.

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Under 10 (Mixed) Competition

Please be reminded of the important modified rules that apply in Under 10 games.

Playing Ground:

At the discretion of the home club, games may be played on grounds marked to range in size from full-size down to a minimum of half the size of a full ground. Home clubs must notify opposition clubs no later than the Thursday before the game should they determine to play on a reduced sized ground.

Clubs are encouraged to use reduced size grounds wherever possible for Under 9 and Under 10 games.

Teams:

Teams shall comprise of 18 players per side, the coaches of both teams agree to a lesser number if one team is short of players. Players should be rotated every quarter, eg. Centres, backs, forwards. Coaches are encouraged to share excess players with the opposition team if they are short. All players should be allocated a minimum on-field game time equivalent to half of the game.

Start of Play (each quarter):

In each quarter, play shall be started by a ball up between rucks. Players must not grab the ball at the ball up. It must be knocked, palmed or punched. This applies to centre throw ups only.

Start of Play (following goals):

All players (both teams) must remain in their positions and on-ballers/wingers must stay behind the centre circle away from the kicker. Penalty for non-compliance is a 50m penalty.

Out of Bounds:

When out of bounds from a kick, a free kick shall be awarded to nearest opponent. If in doubt to which team kicked it out, a ball up will take place five (5) metre in from the boundary.

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Tackling:

The field umpire shall allow play to continue if the ball is accidently knocked out of a player’s hands by an opponent.

There is strictly no bumping, slinging or deliberately bringing the opposition player in possession of the ball to the ground.

Players cannot:

e) Knock the ball out of an opponent’s hands; f) Push the player in the side; g) Steal the ball from another player; or h) Smother an opponent’s kick

A free kick shall be awarded to any infringed player.

Bouncing the Ball:

A player may bounce the ball only once, and then dispose of it. In the case of any infringement, the umpire shall effect a ball-up at the spot where the second bounce occurs.

Staying in Position:

Insofar as practical, players must stay in or near their allocated positions. Umpires will have discretion to stop play and demand players return to their positions when they deem play to be overly congested.

Order off Rule:

The order-off rule applying in other WRFL grades will apply in Under 9 and Under 10 games.

Player Reports & Tribunals:

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c) League will ask both Clubs and umpires for their statements/recollection of events which must be forwarded onto the League by Tuesday 12pm noon after the game; d) All information will be handed to the Independent Tribunal who will deal with the matter as it deems fit and may impose any penalties.

Coach on the Ground:

When the coach elects to remain on the ground during play, then no runner for that team will be permitted on the ground at the same time as the coach.

The order-off rule (by-law 3.2.1) applies to all players and officials in all junior games.

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Under 10 (Girls) Competition

The following modified rules shall apply in the Under 10 Girls competition.

Modifications to Game Conditions:

a) Scores shall not be recorded b) No scoreboard shall operate c) No premiership points shall be awarded d) Ladders shall not be compiled/published e) No final series to be played f) No WRFL awards shall be made to individual players

The umpire should at all times:

Teams:

Where one team is short on players, the opposition will loan players to ensure equality of team numbers on the field.

Players are to be rotated every quarter to provide opportunities in several positions, i.e. players to change from one zone to another and interchange onto the field.

Playing Ground and Officials:

The size of the playing field should be no bigger than 80m x 60m and divided into three equal zones (thirds) identified by markers or lines on the ground.

A field umpire is needed, there are no boundary throw-ins (no boundary umpires) but two goal umpires are required.

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Zones:

Transition of Ball:

Scoring:

Only players who are positioned as Forward Zone players may score.

Possession Rule:

Start of Play (quarter or post goal):

Field Ball Ups:

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Contact and Tackling:

There is to be absolutely no contact or spoiling whatsoever except accidental and light ‘shoulder to shoulder’ contact while running to an at the ball. Players cannot:

Order off Rule:

The order-off rule applying in other WRFL grades will apply in Under 10 girls matches.

Mark:

A mark is awarded, no matter how far the ball has travelled, to any player who catches, or makes a reasonable attempt to catch, the ball directly from the kick of another player.

Bouncing the Ball:

A player may bounce the ball only once, and then must dispose of it. In the case of any infringement, the umpire shall effect a ball-up at the spot where the second bounce occurs.

Kicking off the Ground:

Deliberately kicking the ball off the ground in general play in not permitted and will result in a free kick being awarded against the offending player.

Out of Bounds:

When out of bounds from a kick, a free kick shall be awarded to nearest opponent. If in doubt to which team kicked it out, a ball up will take place five (5) metres in from boundary.

Coaches:

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Under 12 (Mixed) Competition

The following modified rules shall apply in the Under 12 Mixed competition.

Kicking off the Ground:

Deliberately kicking the ball off the ground in general play in not permitted and will result in a free kick being awarded against the offending player.

Mercy Rule:

The Mercy Rule will apply to the Under 12 age group and will be invoked by the umpires if the score differential at half time or three quarter time of a match is sixty (60) points or greater. Once invoked the rule will remain in place for the remainder of the match.

Once invoked the following change to match conditions will be implemented by the umpires:

• After any score by the winning team, play is restarted with the losing team given possession of the ball in the centre circle. • All players (both teams) must remain in their positions and on-ballers/wingers must stay behind the centre circle away from the kicker. Penalty for non-compliance is a 50m penalty.

There is no discretion for club officials to agree to non-implementation of the Mercy Rule. The Mercy Rule does not apply in finals matches.

This rule is not designed to achieve an even sharing of the ball between all players irrespective of their ability. The purpose of the rule is, however, to create a more fair and even contest once one team has a significant lead in a match. The WRFL expects all team officials, players and supporters to adhere to the spirit of this rule and reserve the right to monitor all matches to ensure clubs are meeting this responsibility.

Last Touch out of Bounds:

When out of bounds from a kick (between the 50 metre arcs only), a free kick shall be awarded to nearest opponent. If in doubt to which team kicked it out, a ball up will take place five (5) metre in from the boundary. Within both teams 50m arcs when out of bounds from a kick will result in a ball up five (5) metres in from the boundary.

Evening Up of Players:

Please refer to the Evening-Up Rule detailed later in this document.

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Under 12 (Girls) Competition

The following modified rules shall apply in the Under 12 Girls competition.

Out of Bounds:

When out of bounds from a kick (between both 50 metre arcs), a free kick shall be awarded to nearest opponent. If in doubt to which team kicked it out, a ball up will take place five (5) metre in from the boundary. Within both teams 50m arcs when out of bounds from a kick will result in a ball up five (5) metres in from the boundary.

Tackling:

The field umpire shall allow play to continue if the ball is accidently knocked out of a player’s hands by an opponent.

There is strictly no bumping, slinging or deliberately bringing the opposition player in possession of the ball to the ground.

Players cannot:

i) Knock the ball out of an opponent’s hands; j) Push the player in the side; k) Steal the ball from another player; or l) Smother an opponent’s kick

A free kick shall be awarded to any infringed player.

Bouncing the Ball:

A player may bounce the ball only once, and then dispose of it. In the case of any infringement, the umpire shall effect a ball-up at the spot where the second bounce occurs.

Staying in Position:

Order off Rule:

The order-off rule applying in other WRFL grades will apply in Under 12 girls matches.

Mercy Rule:

Once invoked the following change to match conditions will be implemented by the umpires:

There is no discretion for club officials to agree to non-implementation of the Mercy Rule. The Mercy Rule does not apply in finals matches.

Evening Up of Players:

Please refer to the Evening-Up Rule detailed later in this document.

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Evening Up of Players Rules

Applied in the following competitions;

• Under 12 Mixed • Under 12 Girls • Under 14 Mixed • Under 14 Girls • Under 16 Girls • Under 18.5 Girls

*Under 8, 9, 10 (mixed and girls) matches MUST even up players in the spirit of junior football.

Where a team in grades listed above has less than 18 players on their team sheet, the following modified rules shall apply:

1. If a team does not have 14 of its own registered players a scratch match will be played with the opposing team receiving a win by forfeit (as per by-law 3.5).

2. Where a team does not have a full 18 players, it must approach the opposing team and request that players be loaned to even up team numbers. This request should be made at least 15 minutes prior to the commencement of the match. If the team requiring players does not make this request, then the opposing team may take the field with an additional two players (up to the maximum player numbers of 18 e.g. team A has 15 players and does not request players be loaned, team B may take the field with 17 players).

3. Where a team has requested players to be loaned and still takes the field with less than 18 players, the opposing team must also take the field with the same amount of players.

4. Any goals kicked or best player votes received whilst playing for the opposing team should appear for the player’s regular team.

5. Players on loan can be rotated back each quarter.

6. If a club requiring players does not have sufficient jumpers available the evening up rule will not apply.

7. Player send offs or injuries incurred during the game will not results in evening up of players.

8. The evening up rule does not apply in finals matches

9. The evening up rule can be used for junior grades other than those previously listed, with the mutual agreement of both coaches.

Any disputes relating to the Evening Up Rule shall be referred to the CEO or his/her delegate for decision.

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Order Off Rule

1. Any player or match official may be ordered from the field, for any offence of manhandling, assault or threatening an umpire during the progress of any match and shall be precluded from returning to the field for the remainder of the match, and shall be reported by the field umpire. The umpire will show a RED card. Any such player so ordered off cannot be replaced.

2. The field umpire shall have the power to report to the Tribunal and/or order from the field any player or official who during any match commits a reportable offence or whose actions are not considered in the best interest of the League. The offender shall be shown a YELLOW card and is to remain off the field for a period of 15 minutes playing time, in which time they cannot be replaced.

3. Upon being shown the YELLOW card the offender must go directly to the coaches box, save any match official who must leave the playing arena (behind the fence or four meters behind the boundary line), and remain there for the duration of the order off period. The official team runner must report to the timekeepers who will note the time that the report was received (not the time of the incident triggering the send-off) and advise the official or player through the runner when a further period of 15 minutes is completed.

4. Any player ordered off who does not go straight to the coaches box, or remain there (unless carried off or via the blood rule), will not be able to return for the remainder of the match, but can be replaced after the 15 minutes of playing time has elapsed, unless the player had been ordered off for the second time in the match.

5. In the event of a player or official failing or refusing to leave the ground when ordered off, they shall be reported for misconduct, the match shall terminate and the offending player’s team deemed to have forfeited.

6. Any player or match official ordered from the field for the second time during any match, shall be precluded from returning to the field for the remainder of the match, and shall be reported by the field umpire. The umpire shall show a RED card, the player cannot be replaced.

7. In the event of a player or players being ordered off while on the interchange bench, the team shall be required to remove the equivalent number of players from the field for the duration of the send-off (example: two players are sent off while on the bench, the team must play with 23 16 players for the duration of the send-off). The player or players who received the order off cannot play during the order off period.

8. In all home/away and finals games, all officially appointed umpires in addition to the field umpire appointed to that game shall have the power to order players or match officials from the playing field. They shall contact the field umpire at the first opportunity who shall direct the player or match official in accordance with by- laws 3.21.1and 3.21.2.

9. Any player or match official ordered off for a third occasion during the one (1) season shall automatically receive a one (1) week suspension. A fourth order off shall incur a two (2) week suspension, a fifth order off shall incur a three (3) week suspension. Further send offs shall result in the player appearing before the

10. Any such suspensions shall be served cumulatively with any penalty handed down by the Tribunal, IHC or accepted under by-law 3.14.4 (automatic penalty). Any player/official ordered off who is reported for the incident for which they were ordered off, and subsequently found not guilty, the send-off shall not apply for the purpose of calculating a suspension under this by-law

WRFL By-Law 3.21 ORDER OFF RULE 23 | P a g e

Mercy Rule

Once invoked the following change to match conditions will be implemented by the umpires:

There is no discretion for club officials to agree to non-implementation of the Mercy Rule. The Mercy Rule does not apply in finals matches.

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