NEW rules will be implemented for the 2010 West Australian Football League season in line with changes adopted by the AFL last year.
WAFL Operations Manager Clint Roberts said law 15.10 – Free Kicks after Disposal – would be amended to protect ball carriers and maintain the flow of play, in line with the AFL competition.
“As we have many AFL listed players competing in the WAFL each weekend, we believe it is best to have the same rules as the national competition,” Roberts said.
“We review new rules adopted by the AFL at the end of each season, with the view to introducing them to the WAFL the following year,” Roberts said.
“At the WAFL Football Managers meeting last Thursday, it was agreed to adopt all 2009 Law changes except for the rushed behind Law. After considerable debate it was decided that the incidence of ‘rushed’ behinds was so low in the WAFL that it required no ‘remedy’.”
Umpires will also pay closer attention to players encroaching on the mark or failing to return the ball promptly to an opponent after a free kick or mark. Free kicks will continue to be awarded for holding the ball where a player has no prior opportunity but makes no real effort to dispose of the ball.
The 2010 WAFL season kicks off this Friday night with South Fremantle hosting East Perth at Subiaco Oval.
Rule Changes for 2010
Note: The Force behind Rule will not be adopted by the WAFL competition for 2010.
