Umpires don't know the rules...

[Spade]

From a local comp - any fieldies care to have a go at explaining it?

Can only be one reason the umpire (umpi) was maybe setting the mark and had blown time off which the player did'nt hear.

 

[Spade]

cqtiger - this might clarify it...

15.2.3-b
has not had a prior opportunity to dispose of the football, the
field umpire shall award a free kick against that player if,
upon being correctly tackled, the player does not correctly
dispose or attempt to correctly dispose of the football after
being given a reasonable opportunity to do so.


don't worry - it's one that a lot of people get wrong.

good call