2009 Rule changes and interpretations?

Question

on afl.com.au

the 2009 rule changes and new interpretations. There are only 4 minor (and very minor) tweeks to the rules (one is to recall bad bounces), two changes to interpretations (which I like as an umpire - particually the goal line one) and a handful of changes to the NAB cup rules, but nothing drasticlly new to what we normally see, although the play on rule off the post is now gone.

http://www.afl.com.au/News/NEWSARTICLE/tabid/208/Default.aspx?newsId=70858

post of what you think, I agree with it overall. There will be a few arguments over a couple, but as an umpire, I think that these tweeks are going in the right direction to getting the 'perfect game'.

and for all of you who just want the AFL to leave things alone, well stop winging, they want to make the game BETTER for all!

Answer 1

I'm happy about the rule introduced regarding the bounces, if only it was in place for the Collingwood vs Kangaroos game!



As long as the rules aren't too drastic I'm happy with them. However, I don't support the interchange changes in the NAB cup, they're ridiculous!

Answer 2

The big problem is the word potential changes in the 2009 season.



The AFL has left a window for themselves to change the rules any time it likes during the season, if the stick to the minor changes no worries but if they bring in a free kick at the umpires discretion for a rushed behind, talk about open up a can of worms.



They have made it harder for defenders and umpires with the chopping and hand in the back rules and now they potentially want to make it harder no wonder most want it left the way it is including most umpires I reckon



With the four boundary umps they might be able to help out if the goal umps not sure, moving the line is OK

Answer 3

I dont know how and why they continue to find reasons to change the great game of AFL. Sure, a couple of the rule changes make sense but what the hell is number 4, what does that mean? The 50m one? Anyway... the interchange penalty is still ridiculous. In 150 years we have one team accidental have 19 men on the field and gimp Anderson sees fit to introduce a penalty harsher than what would be paid for murdering someone during the course of the game. Its lame. I agree with moving the goal line and recalling a bad bounce, that's fine and makes sense. I dont know why the AFL are trying to change the game with all their dumb rules. If it ain't broke, dont fix it!!!!!

Answer 4

I think that the rule changes are very minor, but appropriate.

Nothing drastic but slight improvements (especially the controversial goal line one)



I couldn't care less what they do with the NAB Cup, so the rush behind rule is fine as long as it is never implemented in the home and away season.



If nothing was done, I wouldn't have cared but the changes that were made were subtle, yet appropriate

Answer 5

Don't seem like bad changes from what i've read, have to see them used in play before I judge. They will probably be confusing to start with but there not drastic changes, so i'm happy so far.



The scoring line to be drawn so the back of the line is equal with the back of the padding rather than being through the centre of the posts, I think that is a little weird, I thought it was fine how it was.



And I hate the 9 pointer rule, but that's okay because we have Lynch!

Answer 6

Pretty good, i just wish that they would leave it at that and not change them again. I like the rule about Re calling bounces, that just increases the fairness between both teams which is a good thing.



As mentioned by sharna (i love wc eagles), we have the big unit, quinten lynch - so bombing it that far for a nine pointer wont be a problem!

Answer 7

I think that its funny how the majority of people comment on these things but they don't actually realise or understand how much time and effort and afl umpire puts in. The afl umpires but in just as much time and effort as afl players do. Players have it easy compared to the umpires. They have to read and understand all laws, train multiple nights a week and then umpire. With all the physical and mental pressure that the umpires have to go through week in and week out I believe that the umpires do a great job. We all make mistakes and umpires are no exception

Answer 8

Funny you added that about whinging, what i want to know is why do they have to change things every year, the game was great 40 years ago but it's hardly anything like it is today, just leave it alone for 5 minutes

Answer 9

I better not say anything about Joel Bowden they ay as its old! My thoughts:



Rush behinds - YES GREAT DECISION

Interchange (6 not 4) - YES GREAT DECISION

50 Meter penalty - DONT MIND IT

No rebound of goal post - YES GREAT DECISION

Boundry umpire positioning - YES GREAT DECISION

Interchange limit - DONT MIND IT



Overall - Im happy with this outcome!