- Oct 9, 2013
- 10,902
- 14,800
- AFL Club
- Western Bulldogs
Very glad to see this change announced by the AFL regarding holding the ball.
For many years now, the AFL have not adjudicated the HTB the rule in accordance with the laws of the game. As per the rule, when you have prior and are tackled, you must dispose of the ball immediately. This wording is absolutely clear in the rules. Unfortunately when it comes to decision making by umpires this isn't the case in reality. Players are given an inordinate amount of time to dispose of the ball, seemingly the more well known of a player you are the more time you get. Gary Ablett's "immediate" was something like two or three full 360 spins with the ball in hand while tackled.
It was always a bug bear of mine that in the discussion around congestion and keeping the game flowing, the AFL (and media) would talk about significant rule changes that would alter the way the game is played. To me the answer (or at least part of it) was always in the rules to begin with. Pay HTB in accordance with the actual laws! I think this will help speed the game up and result in a lot less stoppages, good decision by the AFL.
‘Immediately and correctly dispose of the ball’: AFL to crack down on holding the ball interpretation
The AFL has tightened two rule interpretations in a bid to keep the game moving and avoid congestion.
www.theage.com.au
For many years now, the AFL have not adjudicated the HTB the rule in accordance with the laws of the game. As per the rule, when you have prior and are tackled, you must dispose of the ball immediately. This wording is absolutely clear in the rules. Unfortunately when it comes to decision making by umpires this isn't the case in reality. Players are given an inordinate amount of time to dispose of the ball, seemingly the more well known of a player you are the more time you get. Gary Ablett's "immediate" was something like two or three full 360 spins with the ball in hand while tackled.
It was always a bug bear of mine that in the discussion around congestion and keeping the game flowing, the AFL (and media) would talk about significant rule changes that would alter the way the game is played. To me the answer (or at least part of it) was always in the rules to begin with. Pay HTB in accordance with the actual laws! I think this will help speed the game up and result in a lot less stoppages, good decision by the AFL.