SHORT VERSION
Please find below the official Laws of the Game (Short Version), for matches of 18-a-side Australian Football.
Contents
1. Definitions and Interpretations
2. Controlling Body
3. Playing Surface and Goal Posts
4. The Football
5. Teams and Players
6. Team Officials and Team Runner
7. Interchange
8. Umpires
9. Players’ Equipment
10. Match Timing
11. Unauthorised Playing Surface Entry, Incomplete Match and Match Forfeiture
12. Choice of Goal and Start of Play
13. Jump Ball
14. Ball-Up
15. Marking the Football
16. Scoring
17. Procedure After A Behind Has Been Scored
18. Free Kicks
19. 50 Metre Penalty
20. Disposal After Mark or Free Kick
21. Play On and the Advantage Rule
22. Reporting Players and Officials
23. Order Off Law
1. DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATIONS
For the full list of definitions and interpretations please click here.
These Laws shall apply to all Matches of Australian Football organised and conducted by AFI or its affiliates.
3. PLAYING SURFACE AND GOAL POSTS
3.1 PLAYING SURFACE
(a) The Playing Surface shall be:
(i) oval in shape;
(ii) between 135 metres and 185 metres in length; and
(iii) between 110 metres and 155 metres in width.
(b) A white line shall be marked on the ground to identify the Playing Surface. This white line shall be drawn in the shape of an arc from the behind post at one end of the Playing Surface to the behind post at the other end of the Playing Surface. The white lines which are drawn are called the Boundary Line.
3.2 GOAL POSTS AND BEHIND POSTS
3.2.1 Position
(a) Two posts, to be called goal posts, shall be a minimum height of 6 metres and be placed at each end of the Playing Surface at a distance of 6.4 metres apart.
(b) A further two posts, to be called behind posts, shall be a minimum height of 3 metres and be placed at a distance of 6.4 metres on each side of the goal posts so that a straight line can be drawn on the ground to join each post.
3.3.2 Padding
Padding must be attached around each goal and behind post as follows:
(a) a minimum of 35 millimetres thick foam padding, covered in canvas or painted;
(b) a minimum height of 2.5 metres from the bottom of each goal and behind post;
(c) a suitable width to allow the padding to be fixed around each goal and behind post; and
(d) the padding must be securely attached around each goal and behind post.
3.4 GOAL SQUARE AND KICK-OFF LINE
The Goal Square shall be marked by drawing two lines at right angles to the Goal Line for a distance of 9 metres from each goal post and connecting the outer end of each line by a straight line. This line is called the Kick-Off Line.
3.5 MARKINGS ON THE PLAYING SURFACE
The following areas shall also be marked on the Playing Surface:
(a) a square, to be called the Centre Square, which shall be located in the centre of the Playing Surface and be 50 metres long and 50 metres wide;
(b) a Centre Circle 3 metres in diameter and an outer circle 10 metres in diameter (Ten Metre Circle) which shall be located in the middle of the Centre Square and be divided into two semi-circles, by drawing a straight line parallel to each Goal Line;
(c) an Interchange Area, which shall be 15 metres wide;
(d) a Goal Square at each end of the Playing Surface;
(e) the Goal Line and Behind Line; and
(f) a Fifty Metre Arc at each end of the Playing Surface.
4.1. A football shall be of a symmetrical oval shape and conform to the standard size recommended by the Controlling Body.
4.2 The home Team shall supply a minimum of two footballs to the field Umpires before the commencement of the Match.
5.1 A Team must consist of between 14 and 18 Players, who may be on the Playing Surface at any one time, and no more than 4 Interchange Players.
5.2 A Team Sheet shall list the names and numbers of the Players in the Team, identify the Interchange Players, identify the captain and vice-captain; and list the name of the coach, Team Runner(s) and any other Official participating in the Match.
5.3 The maximum number of Players permitted on the Playing Surface at the same time is 18 per Team. The captain of a Team may at any time during a Match request that the field Umpire count the number of Players of the opposing Team who are on the Playing Surface.
5.4 The field Umpire shall stop play at the first available opportunity and call into line within the Centre Square the Players of both Teams who are on the Playing Surface and count the number of Players.
5.5 Where a Team has more than the permitted number of Players on the Playing Surface, a field Umpire shall award a Free Kick to the captain of the opposing Team, which shall be taken at the Centre Circle or where play was stopped, whichever is the greater penalty against the offending Team. A 50 Metre Penalty shall then be imposed from the position where the Free Kick was awarded.
6. TEAM OFFICIALS AND TEAM RUNNER
6.1 A Controlling Body shall adopt rules which specify the times and occasions when an Official and Team Runner may enter the Playing Surface; and identify the tasks or duties which such persons may perform when on the Playing Surface.
6.2 Each Team Official and Team Runner shall wear a uniform or other form of identification (such as shirt or a bib), which must not be of the same colour as either Team.
7.1 One or two Interchange Stewards may be appointed to officiate during a Match.
7.2 The Interchange Steward(s) shall monitor and approve the interchange of Players made by each Team during a Match, and report to the field Umpire any infringement by a Team of this Law.
7.3 The Players intending to interchange shall leave and enter the Playing Surface through the Interchange Area.
7.4 Any Player who is injured during a Match and requires a stretcher shall be attended by the Team’s training staff and a stretcher as soon as possible so as to ensure the health and safety of the Player.
A Match of Australian Football shall be umpired by 2 field Umpires, 2 boundary Umpires and 2 goal Umpires.
8.1 FIELD UMPIRES
The field Umpires shall have full control of and officiate a Match in accordance with these Laws.
8.2 BOUNDARY UMPIRES
8.2.1 The duties of a boundary Umpire shall include:
(a) judging whether a football is Out of Bounds or Out of Bounds On the Full and signalling to the field Umpire when that has occurred;
(b) throwing the football back into play if it has gone Out of Bounds, when directed to do so by a field Umpire;
(c) bringing the football back to the Centre Square after a Goal has been scored; and
(d) assisting goal Umpires to determine a score.
8.2.2 When the boundary Umpire signals that the football is Out of Bounds, the field Umpire shall immediately blow their whistle to indicate that the football is out of play. When directed by the field Umpire, the boundary Umpire shall bring the football into play by throwing the football over their head towards the centre of the Playing Surface.
8.3 GOAL UMPIRES
8.3.1 The duties of a goal Umpire shall include:
(a) judging whether a Goal or Behind has been scored;
(b) signalling that a Goal or Behind has been scored upon being given the ‘All Clear’ or ‘Touched All Clear’ by a field Umpire;
(c) recording the Goals and Behinds scored by each Team during a Match; and
(d) assisting boundary Umpires to determine if the football is Out of Bounds.
8.3.2 If a goal Umpire is unsure whether a Goal, Behind or no score shall be recorded, the goal Umpire may consult with the field and boundary Umpires to determine the outcome.
8.3.3 At the end of each quarter and at the end of a Match, the goal Umpires shall compare the score which they have recorded.
9.1 Protective Equipment includes but is not limited to helmets, knee braces, shoulder pads, back support and arm guards.
9.2 A Player shall not wear any form of jewellery, boot studs, plates/cleats or any Protective Equipment unless the field Umpire is satisfied that the item does not constitute a danger or increase the risk of injury to other Players competing in the Match.
9.3 At any time before or during a Match, a field Umpire may inspect a Player’s boots or hands or any Protective Equipment that a Player intends to wear or use during the Match.
10.1 A Match shall be played for a period of 80 minutes, divided into four quarters, each of 20 minutes duration. The 20 minute duration for each quarter shall be actual playing time and shall not include stoppages in play.
An interval shall be taken between each quarter as follows:
(a) a maximum period of 5 minutes between the end of the first quarter and the beginning of the second quarter;
(b) a maximum period of 20 minutes between the end of the second quarter and the beginning of the third quarter; and
(c) a maximum period of 7 minutes between the end of the third quarter and the beginning of the fourth quarter.
10.2. One or two people will be appointed to act as the Timekeeper for a Match. The Timekeeper shall:
(a) keep time for each quarter of the Match;
(b) record the time taken to play each quarter;
(c) sound the siren until acknowledged by any field Umpire; and
(d) stop the clock as required under Law 10.2.4.
10.3 To start the quarter, the Timekeeper shall commence the clock used for timing the Match when the football leaves the Umpire’s hands in the act of throwing the football up.
10.4 The end of a quarter occurs when any field Umpire first hears the siren sounded by the Timekeepers to signal the end of a quarter. The field Umpire shall acknowledge the siren and bring play to an end by blowing a whistle and holding both arms above their head.
10.5 The Timekeeper shall stop the clock when an injury on the field is serious enough to stop play, or the football is lost or damaged and needs to be replaced.
10.6 The Timekeeper shall recommence the clock when directed to do so by the field Umpire.
10.7 A field Umpire shall signal to the Timekeeper to stop the clock or re-start the clock by blowing a whistle and raising one arm above their head.
11. UNAUTHORISED PLAYING SURFACE ENTRY, INCOMPLETE MATCH AND MATCH FORFEITURE
11.1 UNAUTHORISED PLAYING SURFACE ENTRY
11.1.1 Where an unauthorised person or animal enters the Playing Surface, the field Umpire shall seek assistance to remove the person or animal from the Playing Surface.
11.1.2 Once the unauthorised person or animal has been removed from the Playing Surface, the field Umpire shall recommence play.
11.2 MATCH FORFEITURE
11.2.1 A Team forfeits a Match if it is unable or it fails or refuses to commence or recommence play.
11.2.2 Where a Team forfeits a Match, the points shall be awarded to the Team who did not forfeit.
11.3 INCOMPLETE MATCHES
11.3.1 If, for reasons beyond the control of either Team (including circumstances where it is unsafe), a Match is unable to commence, or is subject to a delay, the field Umpire(s) shall, having regard to the health and safety of the Players and Officials and any other relevant circumstances, be responsible for determining:
(a) whether the start of a Match is to be delayed;
(b) whether a Match is to be delayed at any time after starting;
(c) when the circumstances of that delay have ended; and
(d) whether a match can start or resume (as applicable) following a delay.
11.3.2 A field Umpire must determine that a Match is to be delayed for such time as lightning is present at or within 10km of the Match venue.
11.3.3 Where the field Umpire(s) determines that the delay has ended, the following shall apply:
(a) If the equivalent of at least one half of the Match (including any time already played) can be completed:
(i) the Match is to start or resume (as applicable); and
(ii) the result will be determined by the scores at the end of the Match.
(b) If the equivalent of at least one half of the Match (including any time already played) cannot be completed:
(i) the Match is not to start or resume (as applicable);
(ii) where the match had started prior to the delay, the Match shall be deemed to be drawn and the scores of the Teams at the time the Match was interrupted shall be used in calculating the percentage of each Team; and
(iii) where the Match had not started prior to the delay, the result of the Match shall be determined by the Controlling Body.
(c) Where a Team is directed to start or recommence play by a field Umpire and the Team fails, refuses or neglects to comply with this direction, then the Team shall be deemed to have forfeited the Match (in which case Law 9.2 shall apply.
(d) The field Umpires may vary the length of quarters and quarter time breaks to suit practical circumstances where it allows the equivalent of at least one half of the Match to be played.
12. CHOICE OF GOAL AND START OF PLAY
12.1 The end of the Playing Surface to which a Team shall attack shall be decided by the toss of a coin as follows:
(a) the field Umpire shall toss the coin;
(b) before the coin is tossed, the captain of the away Team shall call ‘heads or tails’;
(c) the captain of the Team who wins the toss of the coin shall choose the end to which their Team shall attack in the first quarter; and
(d) at the conclusion of each quarter, the Teams shall change ends.
12.2 Before commencing play in each quarter, the field Umpire shall confirm:
(a) the Timekeeper is ready to commence timing the Match;
(b) all Interchange Players have left the Playing Surface;
(c) the starting positions set out in these Laws are met; and
(d) that both Teams are ready to commence play.
12.3 The field Umpire shall commence play in each quarter by holding the football above their head, blowing a whistle and throwing up the football in the Centre Circle.
13.1 STARTING POSITIONS
13.1.1 When the field Umpire throws up the football in the Centre Circle, to start a quarter or recommence play after a Goal has been scored, this is known as the Jump Ball.
13.1.2 The following starting positions must be set before the field Umpire commences their approach to the Centre Circle to throw up the football:
(a) 6 Players from each Team in the Fifty Metre Arcs;
(b) 4 Players from each Team in the Centre Square;
(c) of these 4 Players, one Player from each Team will be the Ruck and is positioned within the 10 Metre Circle in their defensive half;
(d) one Player from each Team is positioned in each shaded area in Diagram 2;
(e) if a Team is unable or elects not to have 18 Players on the Playing Surface, the requirements stated in Law 13.2(a), (b) and (c) are modified such that the number of relevant Players for each starting position can be reduced but not exceeded.
13.2 CONTESTING THE JUMP BALL
(a) The Jump Ball shall be contested by the Ruck who must start with both feet within the 10 Metre Circle, and may only enter the Team’s attacking half or exit the 10 Metre Circle after the football is thrown up by the field Umpire.
(b) No other Player may enter the 10 Metre Circle until the football is thrown up by the field Umpire.
(c) Where a Player contravenes Law 11.2(a) or (b), the field Umpire shall award a Free Kick to the Ruck of the opposing Team.
13.3 RECALLING JUMP BALLS
A field Umpire may recall any throw-up of the football that in the Umpire’s opinion does not allow for the football to be contested by both Rucks.
14.1 When the field Umpire throws up the football anywhere in the field of play, apart from the Jump Ball in the Centre Circle, this is known as a Ball-Up.
14.2 In addition to the other instances specified in these Laws, the field Umpire shall blow their whistle and conduct a Ball-Up in the following circumstances:
(a) where the football becomes pinned as two or more opposing Players are contesting the football;
(b) where the field Umpire is unsure about which Player has taken a Mark; and
(c) unless a Free Kick or a Mark is awarded, or a Player has possession of the football, if the football is in the proximity of an injured Player.
15.1 A Mark is taken if a Player catches the football after it has been Kicked by another Player a distance of at least 15 metres, and has not touched the ground or been touched by another Player.
15.2 A Mark shall be awarded if a Player catches the football before it has passed completely over the Boundary Line, Goal Line or Behind Line.
15.3 Where a field Umpire is of the opinion that a Player has taken a Mark, the field Umpire shall award the Mark to the Player at the location where the Mark was taken. This location is known as The Mark.
15.4 Where the football is touched by another Player during the period when the football was Kicked until it is caught or controlled by a Player, the field Umpire shall immediately call and signal ‘Touched Play On’ in order to indicate to the Players that a Mark will not be awarded.
15.5 Where a Player claims to have taken a Mark which is not awarded by the field Umpire, the field Umpire shall conduct a Jump Ball, provided they are satisfied that the Player did not hear or see the signal of ‘Touched Play On’ or ‘Play On’. If the field Umpire considers that the Player did hear or see the signal of ‘Touched Play On’ or ‘Play On’, Law 18.6 shall apply.
15.6 Where a field Umpire is of the opinion that they have incorrectly blown the whistle to award a Mark that was not subsequently completed, they may cancel the decision and call ‘Play On’.
16.1 GOALS AND BEHINDS
16.1.1 Scoring a Goal
A Goal is scored when the football is Kicked completely over the Goal Line by a Player of the Attacking Team without being touched by any other Player.
16.1.2 Scoring a Behind
A Behind is scored when any of the following occurs:
(a) the football passes completely over the Behind Line;
(b) the football touches or passes over the goal post or touches the padding or any other attachment to the goal post;
(c) a Player of the Attacking Team Kicks the football over the Goal Line but before completely passing over the Goal Line, the football is touched by another Player;
(d) a Player from the Attacking Team Handballs, knocks or carries the football over the Goal Line;
(e) a Player from the Defending Team Kicks, Handballs, knocks or carries the football over the Goal Line or Behind Line; or
(f) if a defending Player plays on from behind the Goal Line or Behind Line and subsequently changes direction before entering the Playing Surface.
16.1.3 Clarification and Examples
For the avoidance of doubt:
(a) if the football touches an Umpire or any Official, and in the opinion of the field Umpire it has affected a score, play will be stopped and the Umpires will determine if the score should be recorded;
(b) if the football touches an Umpire or any Official, and in the opinion of the field Umpire it has not affected a score, the field Umpire shall call ‘Play On’ and the football shall remain in play; and
(c) if the football is Kicked by a Player on the Attacking Team at the time when another Player is touching the football, the football shall be deemed to have been touched by that Player.
16.1.4 Football Touching or Passing Over the Behind Post
Where a football touches or passes over a behind post, the football shall be Out of Bounds or Out of Bounds On the Full.
16.2 ‘ALL CLEAR’ AND ‘TOUCHED ALL CLEAR
16.2.1 Signal by Field Umpire
A Goal or a Behind shall only be signalled by a goal Umpire and recorded as a Goal or Behind when:
(a) the field Umpire signals ‘All Clear’; or
(b) in the case of the football being touched by another Player and then passing over the Goal Line, the field Umpire signals ‘Touched All Clear’.
16.2.2 Goal Umpire to Notify Field Umpire
(a) Where the goal Umpire is of the opinion that a Goal or Behind has been scored and the field Umpire has allowed play to continue, the goal Umpire shall immediately notify the field Umpire.
(b) Upon being notified by the goal Umpire, the field Umpire shall stop play and signal ‘All Clear’ or ‘Touched All Clear’, and the Goal or Behind shall be signalled by the goal Umpire and recorded as a score.
16.3 SIGNALLING A GOAL OR BEHIND
16.3.1 The goal Umpire shall signal that a Goal has been scored by raising both index fingers and then waving two flags.
16.3.2 The goal Umpire shall signal that a Behind has been scored by raising one index finger and then waving one flag.
16.3.3 The goal Umpire may change their decision about the scoring of a Goal or a Behind if the goal Umpire notifies the field Umpire before the football is brought back into play.
16.4 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FREE KICKS AND ‘ALL CLEAR’
Where a Free Kick is awarded to the Attacking Team prior to the football crossing the Goal Line or Behind Line on the full; or hits the Attacking Team’s Goal Posts on the full, the Attacking Team shall choose to have the score recorded or re-take the kick from the location of the infringement. For the avoidance of doubt, if the football does not cross the Goal Line or Behind Line or hits the Attacking Team’s Goal Posts on the full, the Free Kick will be awarded in accordance with Law 18.3.3.
16.4.1 Free Kick Awarded Before ‘All Clear’
Where a Free Kick is awarded to a Player immediately after the football passes the Goal or Behind Line but before the field Umpire signals ‘All Clear’ or ‘Touched All Clear’, the following shall apply:
(a) where the Player is from the Attacking Team, the field Umpire shall signal ‘All Clear’ or ‘Touched All Clear’, after which the goal Umpire shall signal and record the score. The Free Kick shall then be taken where the infringement occurred, or the position at which the football is brought back into play, whichever is the greater penalty against the Defending Team; or
(b) where the Player is from the Defending Team, the field Umpire shall not signal ‘All Clear’ or ‘Touched All Clear’ and a Free Kick shall be awarded.
16.4.2 ‘All Clear’ Given But Play Has Not Recommenced
(a) Where a Free Kick is awarded to a Player during the period when the field Umpire has signalled ‘All Clear’ for a Goal to be recorded and the football is thrown up in the Centre Circle, the Free Kick shall be taken where the infringement occurred, or at the Centre Circle, whichever is the greater penalty against the offending Team.
(b) Where a Free Kick is awarded to a Player after the field Umpire has signalled ‘All Clear’ or ‘Touched All Clear’ for a Behind to be recorded but before the football has been brought back into play:
(i) in the case of a Free Kick being awarded to the Attacking Team, it shall be taken from the centre of the Kick-Off Line, or where the infringement occurred, whichever is the greater penalty against the Defending Team; or
(ii) in the case of a Free Kick being awarded to the Defending Team, it shall be taken where the infringement occurred, or the field Umpire shall award a Fifty Metre Penalty from The Mark defined in Law 17.1(d), whichever is the greater penalty against the Attacking Team.
16.5 SCORING A GOAL OR BEHIND AFTER PLAY HAS ENDED
16.5.1 Even though play has been brought to an end under Law 10.5, a Goal or Behind shall be recorded for a Team if:
(a) the Goal or Behind is scored by a Player from a Free Kick or Mark which was awarded to the Player before play came to an end;
(b) the Goal or Behind was scored by a Player who disposed of the football before play came to an end; or
(c) the Goal or Behind is scored by a Player who was awarded a Free Kick under Law 14.6.
16.5.2 A Behind shall still be recorded under Law 14.5.1 if the football is touched in transit by another Player, provided the field Umpire is satisfied that the scoring of the Behind was not assisted by a Player from the same Team.
16.5.3 A field Umpire shall be the sole judge in deciding whether a Free Kick or Mark should be awarded or whether the football was disposed of by a Player before play came to an end.
16.6 FREE KICK AFTER PLAY HAS ENDED
16.6.1 Before Kick or in the Act of Kicking
After a field Umpire has signalled that play has come to an end, any field Umpire may award a Free Kick to any Player when a Player is preparing to Kick or in the act of Kicking for Goal. In such cases, the following shall apply:
(a) if the Player awarded the Free Kick is playing for the Attacking Team, the Free Kick shall be awarded to the Player where the infringement occurred, or the Player shall be awarded a 50 Metre Penalty, whichever is the greater penalty against the Defending Team; or
(b) if the Player awarded the Free Kick is playing for the Defending Team, the Player shall be awarded the Free Kick where the infringement occurred or where the football is at the time of the infringement, whichever is the greater penalty against the Attacking Team.
16.6.2 After the Kick
After a field Umpire has signalled that play has come to an end, any field Umpire may award a Free Kick to any Player after a Player has Kicked for Goal but before the field Umpire has signalled ‘All Clear’ or ‘Touched All Clear’. In such cases, the following shall apply:
(a) if the Player awarded the Free Kick is playing for the Attacking Team and a Goal is Kicked, the field Umpire shall signal ‘All Clear’ and a Goal shall be recorded.
(b) if the Player awarded the Free Kick is playing for the Attacking Team and a Goal is not scored:
(i) if the Free Kick occurs within the Playing Surface then that Player will take the Free Kick where the Free Kick was awarded or at the location of the Kick for Goal, whichever is the greater penalty against the Defending Team;
(ii) if the Free Kick occurs outside the Playing Surface then that Player will take the Free Kick at the closest point to the Goal Line, Behind Line or Boundary Line where the infringement occurred or at the location of the Kick for Goal, whichever is the greater penalty against the Defending Team; or
(iii) where a Behind is scored, that Player may elect to have the Behind recorded; or
(c) if the Player awarded the Free Kick is playing for the Defending Team, the Player shall be awarded the Free Kick where the infringement occurred. For the avoidance of doubt, any Goal or Behind shall not be recorded.
16.7 RECORDING SCORES
A Controlling Body may appoint a person to record the scores of a Match independently from the goal Umpires and Timekeeper. Where the goal Umpires cannot agree on the final score of a Match, the Controlling Body may take into account the scores recorded by the Timekeeper and person so appointed to determine the result of a Match.
17. PROCEDURE AFTER A BEHIND HAS BEEN SCORED
17.1 BRINGING THE FOOTBALL BACK INTO PLAY
After a goal Umpire has signalled a Behind:
(a) any player of the Defending Team may elect to Kick the football from within the Goal Square or play on by exiting the Goal Square within a reasonable time;
(b) if the Player has not elected to Kick the football or exit the Goal Square within a reasonable time, a field Umpire will call ‘Move it along, Play On’;
(c) a Player may not handball the football from within the Goal Square unless the field Umpire has called ‘Play On’;
(d) The Mark shall be set at 15 metres from the centre of the Kick-Off Line towards the centre of the Playing Surface, as shown in Diagram 3.
17.2 FOOTBALL BROUGHT INTO PLAY INCORRECTLY
Where the field Umpire is of the opinion that a Player has not brought the football back into play in accordance with Law 17.1, the field Umpire shall reset the play.
17.3 PROTECTED AREA
Other than the Player bringing the football into play, all Players must make every endeavour to immediately vacate the Protected Area described in Diagram 3.
17.4 ATTACKING TEAM DELAYING RECOMMENCEMENT OF PLAY
Where the field Umpire is of the opinion that a Player from the Attacking Team:
(a) is within the Protected Area described in Law 17.3 at the time when a Player from the Defending Team is bringing the football back into play, and not made every endeavour to immediately vacate the area;
(b) has prevented or attempted to prevent the Player from the Defending Team from bringing the football back into play; or
(c) has otherwise delayed play.
The field Umpire shall award a Free Kick to the Defending Team and a 50 Metre Penalty from The Mark.
18.1 INTRODUCTION
18.1.1 Spirit and Intention of Awarding Free Kicks
It is the spirit and intention of these Laws that a Free Kick shall be awarded to:
(a) ensure that a Match is played in a fair manner and spirit of true sportsmanship;
(b) where possible in a contact sport, protect Players from sustaining injury;
(c) provide a Player, who makes obtaining possession of the football their sole objective, every opportunity to obtain possession; and
(d) a Player who executes a Legal Tackle which results in an opponent failing to dispose of the football in accordance with these Laws.
18.1.2 Awarding Free Kicks
Free Kick can be awarded at any location on the Arena and shall be taken where it is awarded or where the football is at the time, whichever is the greater penalty against the offending Team. For the avoidance of doubt, Free Kicks awarded outside the Playing Surface will be taken at the nearest location on the Boundary Line or where the football is at the time, whichever is the greater penalty against the offending Team.
18.1.3 When a Free Kick May be Awarded
A Free Kick may be awarded when the football is or is not in play, between when a field Umpire starts and ends a quarter. However, a Free Kick may also be awarded:
(a) if an infringement occurs on the Arena before the commencement of a quarter, in which case the Free Kick shall be taken at the Centre Circle or in accordance with Law 16.1.2, whichever is the greater penalty against the offending team; and
(b) after a score has been recorded or play has come to an end, in the circumstances described in Laws 16.4, 16.5 and 16.6.
18.2 STARTING POSITIONS
18.2.1 Spirit and Intention
Starting positions are aimed at retaining the traditional positions of Australian Football.
18.2.2 Free Kicks – Starting Positions
(a) Unless otherwise prescribed by the Controlling Body, where a team fails to comply with the requirements listed in Law 13.1, the field Umpire shall award a Free Kick to the Player of the opposing Team who is in the Centre Circle.
(b) Where the starting positions specified in Law 13.1 have been met, but a Player subsequently fails to maintain a starting position listed in Law 13.1 prior to the ball leaving the field Umpire’s hand in the act of the ball being thrown up, an Umpire shall award a Free Kick to the Player of the opposing Team who is in the Centre Circle.
(c) Where a Player has been pushed or otherwise forced outside of the starting positions specified in Law 13.1, the Free Kick shall be awarded against the Team which caused the transgression.
(d) The Free Kicks specified above shall be taken in the centre of the Playing Surface behind the line through the Centre Circle.
(e) Where a field Umpire is satisfied that an intentional breach of Law 13.1 has occurred, a Free Kick and Fifty Metre Penalty shall be awarded to the Player of the opposing Team who is in the Centre Circle.
18.3 PROHIBITED CONTACT
18.3.1 Spirit and Intention
A Player who makes the football their sole objective shall be provided every opportunity to do so.
18.3.2 Free Kicks – Prohibited Contact
A field Umpire shall award a Free Kick against a Player when that Player makes any of the following Prohibited Contact with an opposition Player:
(a) executes a tackle that is not legal (refer to the definition of Legal Tackle);
(b) pushes or bumps an opposition Player in the back;
(c) makes high contact to an opposition Player (including the top of the shoulders) with any part of their body;
(d) holds an opposition Player who is not in possession of the football;
(e) executes an illegal Shepherd;
(f) Charges an opposition Player;
(g) trips or attempts to trip an opposition Player, whether by hand, arm, foot or leg;
(h) kicks or attempts to kick an opposition Player;
(i) kicks or attempts to kick the football in a manner likely to cause injury;
(j) strikes or attempts to strike an opposition Player, whether by hand, fist, arm, knee or head;
(k) bumps or makes forceful contact to an opposition Player from front-on when that Player has their head down over the football.
18.3.3 Free Kick After Disposal
If a Player receives prohibited contact after disposing of the football, a Free Kick will be awarded where the Free Kick occurs or where the football lands after the disposal, whichever is the greater penalty against the offending Team
18.3.4 Permitted Contact
A Player may use their hip, shoulder, chest, arms or open hands provided that the football is no more than five metres away from the Player and the Player does not make Prohibited Contact as per Law 16.3.2 above.
18.4 RUCK CONTESTS
18.4.1 The Ruck whose sole objective is to contest the football shall be permitted to do so.
18.4.2 Each Team must have no more than one Ruck contesting any throw-up or boundary throw-in.
18.4.3 A field Umpire shall award a Free Kick in a Ruck contest against a Player where the Player:
(a) who is not a Ruck, contests a throw-up or boundary throw-in;
(b) unduly pushes or bumps an opposition Ruck;
(c) blocks an opposition Ruck;
(d) makes contact with an opposition Ruck prior to the football leaving the field or boundary Umpire’s hand;
(e) who is a Ruck, enters their attacking half or steps outside the Centre Circle prior to the field Umpire throwing up the football; or
(f) hits the football Out of Bounds On the Full from a throw-up by a field Umpire or a throw-in by a boundary Umpire.
18.5 MARKING CONTESTS
18.5.1 The Player whose sole objective is to contest or spoil a Mark shall be permitted to do so.
18.5.2 A field Umpire shall award a Free Kick in a Marking contest against a Player where the Player:
(a) holds or blocks an opposition Player;
(b) unduly pushes or bumps an opposition Player;
(c) deliberately interferes with the arms of an opposition Player;
(d) makes contact to an opposition Player from front-on and whose sole objective is not to contest or spoil a Mark; or
(e) makes an unrealistic attempt to contest or spoil a Mark which interferes with an opposition Player.
18.5.3 Incidental contact in a Marking contest will be permitted if the Player’s sole objective is to contest or spoil a Mark.
18.6 HOLDING THE BALL
18.6.1 The Player who has Possession of the Football will be provided an opportunity to dispose of the football before rewarding an opponent for a Legal Tackle.
Holding the Ball
18.6.2 Where a Player in Possession of the Football has had Prior Opportunity, a field Umpire shall award a Free Kick if that Player does not Correctly Dispose of the football immediately when they are Legally Tackled.
Incorrect Disposal
18.6.3 Where a Player in Possession of the Football has not had Prior Opportunity, a field Umpire shall award a Free Kick if that Player elects to Incorrectly Dispose of the football when Legally Tackled.
For the avoidance of doubt, a Player does not elect to Incorrectly Dispose of the football when:
(a) the Player genuinely attempts to Correctly Dispose of the football;
(b) the Legal Tackle causes the football to be dislodged from the Player’s possession.
No Genuine Attempt
18.6.4 Where a Player in Possession of the Football has not had Prior Opportunity, a field Umpire shall award a Free Kick if the Player is able to, but does not make a genuine attempt to Correctly Dispose of the football within a reasonable time when Legally Tackled.
Diving on Top of the Football
18.6.5 A field Umpire shall award a Free Kick against a Player who dives on top of or drags the football underneath their body and fails to immediately knock clear or Correctly Dispose of the football when Legally Tackled.
18.7 ROUGH CONDUCT
Spirit and Intention
18.7.1 Players shall be protected from unreasonable conduct from an opposition Player.
Free Kicks
18.7.2 A field Umpire shall award a Free Kick against a Player when that Player engages in rough conduct against an opposition Player which in the circumstances is unreasonable, which includes but is not limited to:
(a) executing a dangerous tackle on an opposition Player;
(b) making forceful contact below the knees of an opposition Player or executing a forceful action towards the lower leg of an opposition Player causing the opposition Player to take evasive action,
(c) sliding knees or feet first into an opposition Player;
(d) using boot studs in a manner likely to cause injury;
(e) making high contact to an opposition Player (including the top of the shoulders) with any part of their body, unless the Player was contesting the ball and it was reasonable for the Player to contest the ball in that way or unless the forceful contact was caused by circumstances outside the control of the player which could not be reasonably foreseen.
18.8 UMPIRES
Spirit and Intention
18.8.1 Umpires shall be protected from unreasonable contact and behaviour whilst performing their duties and their decisions should be respected and followed by Players and Officials.
Free Kicks
18.8.2 A field Umpire shall award a Free Kick against a Player or Official who:
(a) uses abusive, insulting, threatening or obscene language towards an Umpire;
(b) behaves in an abusive, insulting, threatening or obscene manner towards an Umpire;
(c) intentionally, unreasonably or carelessly makes contact with an Umpire;
(d) disputes a decision of an Umpire;
(e) fails to follow the instruction of an Umpire; or
(f) intentionally or carelessly engages in conduct which affects, interferes with or prevents an Umpire from performing their duties.
18.9 OUT OF BOUNDS
Spirit and Intention
18.9.1 Players shall be encouraged to keep the football in play.
Free Kicks
18.9.2 A field Umpire shall award a Free Kick against a Player who:
(a) Kicks the football Out of Bounds On the Full;
(b) Kicks, Handballs or forces the football over the Boundary Line and does not demonstrate sufficient intent to keep the football in play; or
(c) fails to immediately hand the football to the boundary Umpire or drop the football directly to the ground once the football is Out of Bounds.
18.9.3 A Free Kick awarded under Law 18.9 shall be taken at the point where the football crossed the Boundary Line.
18.10 DELIBERATE RUSHED BEHINDS
Spirit and Intention
16.10.1 Players shall be encouraged to keep the football in play.
Free Kicks
18.10.2 A field Umpire shall award a Free Kick against a Player from the Defending Team who intentionally Kicks, Handballs or forces the football over the Attacking Team’s Goal Line or Behind Line or onto one of the Attacking Team’s Goal Posts, and the Player:
(a) is greater than 9 metres from the Goal Line or Behind Line;
(b) is not under immediate physical pressure;
(c) has had time and space to dispose of the football; or
(d) from a Ruck contest, hits the football over the Goal Line or Behind Line on the full.
18.10.2 A Free Kick awarded under Law 16.10.2 shall be taken from the middle of the Goal Line if the football crossed the Goal Line or hit the goal post, or at the point where the football crossed the Behind Line.
18.11 INTENTIONALLY SHAKING, CLIMBING OR OTHERWISE INTERFERING WITH A GOAL POST OR BEHIND POST
18.11.1 Free Kicks – Intentionally Shaking, Climbing or Otherwise Interfering with a Goal Post or Behind Post
Unless Law 18.11.3 applies, a field Umpire shall award a Free Kick against a Player or Official who intentionally shakes, climbs or otherwise interferes with a goal or behind post (either before or after a Player has disposed of the football).
18.11.2 Taking Free Kick
The following shall apply to a Free Kick awarded under Law 18.11.1:
(a) if a Free Kick is awarded against a Player or Official of the Defending Team and a Goal is not scored, the Player from the Attacking Team who was about to or who has Kicked for Goal shall take the Free Kick at the centre of the Goal Line;
(b) if the Free Kick is awarded against a Player or Official of the Attacking Team, the Player on the Defending Team who was nearest to the position from where the football will be or has been Kicked shall take the Free Kick from that position. For the avoidance of doubt, any Goal or Behind which would have been recorded in favour of the Attacking Team but for the awarding of the Free Kick, shall not be recorded.
18.11.3 Goal Scored
If a Player or Official of the Defending Team contravenes Law 18.11.1 but a Goal is still scored, the field Umpire shall not award a Free Kick. In such cases, the field Umpire shall signal ‘All Clear’ and a Goal shall be recorded.
18.12 OTHER
A field Umpire shall award a Free Kick against a Player who:
(a) Throws the football;
(b) hands the football to another Player;
(c) whilst in possession of the football, does not bounce or touch the football on the ground at least once every 15 metres, irrespective of whether such Player is running in a straight line or otherwise.
(d) engages in Time Wasting;
(e) makes unreasonable or unnecessary contact with an injured opposition Player;
(f) engages in misconduct;
(g) uses abusive, insulting, threatening or obscene language; or
(h) uses an obscene gesture.
18.13 OFFICIALS
A field Umpire shall award a Free Kick against an Official who:
(a) uses abusive, insulting, threatening or obscene language;
(b) uses an obscene gesture;
(c) interferes with the football, an opposition Player, an Umpire or general play; or
(d) is located within the Fifty Metre Arc during the time when a Player is preparing to bring or bringing the football back into play after a Behind is scored, unless attending to an injured Player or making every endeavour to immediately vacate the area.
19.1 SPIRIT AND INTENTION
After a Mark or Free Kick has been awarded to a Player, a 50 Metre Penalty will be awarded against the opposing Team which delays or impedes the play, or behaves in an unsportsmanlike manner.
19.2 WHEN IMPOSED
Where a field Umpire has awarded a Mark or Free Kick to a Player, or a Player is preparing to bring or bringing the football back into play after a Behind is scored, a 50 Metre Penalty in favour of that Player will be awarded if the field Umpire is of the opinion that any Player or Official from the opposing Team:
(a) has moved off The Mark;
(b) when in the immediate contest, unreasonably holds a Player after that Player has Marked the football or been awarded a Free Kick;
(c) when not in the immediate contest, holds a Player after that Player has Marked the football or been awarded a Free Kick;
(d) enters or does not make every endeavour to immediately vacate the Protected Area, except when the Player is accompanying or following within two metres of their opponent;
(e) has not returned the football directly and on the full to the Player awarded theMark or Free Kick;
(f) engages in any conduct which delays or impedes the play; or
(g) engages in any other conduct for which a Free Kick would ordinarily be awarded.
19.3 PREVENTING A PLAYER TAKING PART IN THE NEXT ACT OF PLAY
If a Player intentionally makes Prohibited Contact against an opposition Player who has disposed of the football for the purpose of preventing that Player from taking part in the next act of play, the field Umpire shall award a Free Kick and a 50 Metre Penalty to that Player.
19.4 IMPOSING A FIFTY METRE PENALTY
When the field Umpire imposes a 50 Metre Penalty, the following procedure shall apply:
(a) the field Umpire shall advance The Mark by 50 metres in a direct line with the centre of the Goal Line of the Team awarded the 50 Metre Penalty;
(b) if the Player who received the 50 Metre Penalty is less than 50 metres from the Goal Line, The Mark shall become the centre of the Goal Line;
(c) if any Player from the opposing Team impedes or delays the Player with the football whilst The Mark is being advanced, a second 50 Metre Penalty shall be imposed by the field Umpire after the initial 50 metre advancement; and
(d) the Player who is awarded the 50 Metre Penalty may elect to Play On at any stage whilst The Mark is being advanced.
19.5 LOCAL CONDITIONS
A Controlling Body may reduce the distance of a 50 Metre Penalty to 25 metres for the Matches played in the competition conducted by the Controlling Body.
20. DISPOSAL AFTER MARK OR FREE KICK
20.1 STANDING THE MARK AND THE PROTECTED AREA
20.1.1 Standing The Mark
When a Player is awarded a Mark or Free Kick, only one Player from the opposing Team may stand on The Mark.
All other Players from the opposing Team must be positioned behind The Mark or otherwise outside the Protected Area defined in Law 20.1.2.
20.1.2 Protected Area
(a) The Protected Area after a Player is awarded a Mark or Free Kick is a corridor which extends from 10 metres either side of The Mark and five 5 behind the Player with the football.
(b) No Player shall enter and remain in the Protected Area unless the field Umpire calls ‘Play On’ or the Player from the opposing Team is accompanying or following within two metres of their opponent. Any Player caught in the Protected Area must make every endeavour to immediately vacate the Protected Area.
20.2 DISPOSAL FROM BEHIND THE MARK
(a) A Player who has been awarded a Mark or Free Kick shall be directed by a field Umpire to dispose of the football within a reasonable time in a direct line from The Mark to the centre of their Goal Line.
(b) If a Player does not dispose of the football within a reasonable time, or attempts to dispose of the football other than in a direct line over The Mark, the field Umpire shall call ‘Play On’ and the football shall immediately be in play.
(c) This Law does not apply if a Player is disposing of the football from beyond the Goal Line, Behind Line or Boundary Line, in which case Law 20.3 or 20.4 shall apply.
20.3 DISPOSAL FROM OUT OF BOUNDS
20.3.1 Bringing the Football Back Into Play
(a) A Player who is awarded a Mark or Free Kick and attempts to bring the football back into play or is called to play on from beyond the Boundary Line must bring the football back into play.
(b) If a Player breaches Law 20.3.1(a), including being tackled, the football shall be deemed Out of Bounds and a boundary throw-in shall result from the location of The Mark or Free Kick.
20.3.2 Moving in One Direction
(a) A Player who is awarded a Mark or Free Kick may bring the football back into play from outside the Playing Surface beyond the Boundary Line provided that the Player moves in one direction off the line of The Mark in the process of re-entering the Playing Surface.
(b) If a Player breaches Law 20.3.2(a), the football shall be deemed Out of Bounds and a boundary throw-in shall result.
20.4 DISPOSAL BY A DEFENDING PLAYER – WITHIN NINE METRES
Where a Player from the Defending Team is awarded a Mark or Free Kick inside the Nine Metre area.
20.4.1 Setting the Mark
A field Umpire will set The Mark where the Nine Metre Line intersects the direct line between the location of the Mark or Free Kick and the centre of the Defending Team’s Goal Line.
A field Umpire will set The Mark at the Nine Metre Line, by stating “Come Back to the Nine” or “Come Back Level with the Nine”.
20.4.2 Crossing the Goal Line or Behind Line
(a) In the event the Player from the Defending Team crosses the Goal Line or Behind Line and then elects or is called to play on:
(i) the Player must re-enter the Playing Surface by crossing the same Goal Line or Behind Line; and
(ii) the Player must move in one direction off the line of The Mark in the process of re-entering the Playing Surface.
(b) If the Player breaches Law 20.4.2(a)(i) or (ii), including being tackled, a Behind shall be registered.
(c) If the football hits either the goal or behind post after the Player disposes of the football, the Player shall be given the football again to recommence play.
20.4.3 Crossing the Boundary Line
(a) In the event the Player from the Defending Team crosses the Boundary Line and elects to play on through the Goal Line or Behind Line, a boundary throw-in shall result adjacent to the behind post.
(b) If the football hits either the goal or behind post after the defending Player disposes of the football, a boundary throw-in shall result adjacent to the behind post.
20.5 KICKING FOR A GOAL
20.5.1 Line of The Mark
Where a Player from the Attacking Team is Kicking for a Goal after being awarded a Mark or a Free Kick, the Kick shall be taken along a direct line from The Mark to the centre of the Attacking Team’s Goal Line, except in the following cases:
(a) where the Mark or Free Kick is awarded within or on a line of the Goal Square, the Kick shall be taken from directly in front of the Goal Line from a spot horizontally across from where the Mark or Free Kick was awarded;
(b) where the Kick will occur after the siren, the Player shall be entitled to approach The Mark from any direction, as long as the location of the Kick does not improve the angle to the goal posts.
20.5.2 Moving Off The Mark While a Player is Kicking for a Goal
If the Player standing The Mark moves off The Mark whilst a Player is in the act of Kicking for a Goal, the following shall apply:
(a) if a Goal is Kicked, the field Umpire shall signal ‘All Clear’ and a Goal shall be recorded; and
(b) if a Goal is not Kicked, the Player may elect to take another Kick, in which case the Player shall also be awarded a 50 Metre Penalty.
20.6 INJURY PREVENTING DISPOSAL
Where a Player is awarded a Mark or Free Kick and, in the opinion of the field Umpire, that Player is suffering from an injury which will prevent them from disposing of the football, the nearest Player from the same Team shall dispose of the football at the location of the Mark or Free Kick.
21. PLAY ON AND THE ADVANTAGE RULE
21.1 PLAY ON
The football shall remain in play on each and every occasion when the field Umpire calls and signals ‘Play On’ or ‘Touched Play On’.
21.2 THE ADVANTAGE RULE
A field Umpire will call and signal ‘Advantage’ where a Team offended against demonstrates an intent to continue with play within a reasonable time.
22. REPORTING PLAYERS AND OFFICIALS
22.1 OBLIGATION TO REPORT
An Umpire shall report to the Controlling Body any Player or Official who commits or engages in conduct which may constitute a Reportable Offence:
(a) during a Match; or
(b) on the day of the Match and Within the Immediate Proximity of the Arena where the Match is conducted.
22.2 REPORTABLE OFFENCES
22.2.1 Clarification
(a) Where any of the Reportable Offences listed in Law 22.2.2 specify that conduct may be intentional or careless:
(i) any report or notice of report which does not allege whether the conduct was intentional or careless shall be deemed to and be read as alleging that the conduct was either intentional or careless; and
(ii) the Tribunal or other body appointed to hear and determine the report may find the report proven if it is satisfied on the balance of probabilities that the conduct was either intentional or careless.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision in the Laws, in all circumstances a Player owes a duty of care to all other Players, Umpires and other persons (as applicable):
(i) not to engage in conduct which will constitute a Reportable Offence being committed against that other Player, Umpire or other person; and
(ii) to take reasonable care to avoid acts which can be reasonably foreseen to result in a Reportable Offence.
22.2.2 Specific Offences
Any of the following types of conduct is a Reportable Offence:
(a) intentionally or carelessly:
(i) striking another person;
(ii) kicking another person;
(iii) kneeing another person;
(iv) charging an opponent;
(v) engaging in Rough Conduct against an opponent;
(vi) bumping or making forceful contact to an opponent from front-on when that Player has their head down over the football;
(vii) head-butting or making contact to another person using the head;
(viii) making unreasonable or unnecessary contact to the eye region of another person;
(ix) making unreasonable or unnecessary contact to the face of another person;
(x) scratching another person; or
(xi) tripping another person whether by hand, arm, foot or leg;
(xii) eye-gouging another person;
(xiii) stomping on another person;
(xiv) intentionally making contact with, or striking, an Umpire;
(xv) attempting to strike an Umpire;
(xvi) spitting on or at an Umpire;
(xvii) behaving in an abusive, insulting, threatening or obscene manner towards or in relation to an Umpire;
(xviii) using abusive, insulting or obscene language towards or in relation to an Umpire;
(xix) unreasonable or unnecessary contact with an Umpire;
(xx) carelessly making contact with an Umpire;
(xxi) disputing a decision of an Umpire;
(xxii) spitting on or at another person;
(xxiii) attempting to strike another person;
(xxiv) attempting to kick another person;
(xxv) attempting to trip another person whether by hand, arm, foot or leg;
(xxvi) making unreasonable or unnecessary contact with an injured Player;
(xxvii) engaging in a Melee or wrestling another person;
(xxviii) instigating a Melee;
(xxix) pinching another person;
(xxx) engaging in an act of staging;
(xxxi) using abusive, insulting, threatening or obscene language;
(xxxii) use of an obscene gesture;
(xxxiii) engaging in Time Wasting;
(xxxiv) interfering with a Player Kicking for Goal;
(xxxv) intentionally shaking, climbing or otherwise interfering with a goal or behind post;
(xxxvi) failing to leave the Playing Surface when directed to do so by an Umpire;
(xxxvii) wearing boots, jewellery and equipment prohibited under Law 9; or
(xxxviii) engaging in any other act of misconduct or serious misconduct.
22.3 REPORTING PROCEDURE
22.3.1 Reports During a Match
(a) Where an Umpire reports a Player or Official during the course of a Match, the Umpire shall use their best endeavours to inform the Player or Official of the report:
(i) at the time of the incident;
(ii) before the commencement of the next quarter; or
(iii) where the incident occurs in the final quarter, after the completion of the Match.
(b) The Umpire shall use their best endeavours to inform the person against whom the Reportable Offence has been committed (if applicable).
(c) An Umpire may inform the captain, acting captain or Official of a Team of the report where it is impracticable to inform the Player or Official who has been reported.
(d) Apart from informing a Player or Official of the report, an Umpire shall not speak with the reported Player or Official or any other Player or Official about the report which has been made.
22.3.2 Completing Notice of Report
(a) During or after the completion of the Match, the Umpire shall complete a notice of report in the form prescribed by the Controlling Body.
(b) The Controlling Body shall adopt rules which prescribe the procedures for the lodgement and notification of notices of report.
22.4 SANCTIONS AND SUSPENSIONS
22.4.1 Controlling Body
(a) A Controlling Body shall hear and determine a report made against a Player or Official and if the report is proven, may impose such sanctions (including suspension for any term or a monetary sanction), make such orders and give such directions in each case as it in its absolute discretion thinks fit.
(b) A Controlling Body may prescribe set sanctions for Reportable Offences.
22.4.2 Delegation
A Controlling Body may delegate the power to investigate, hear and determine a report to a Tribunal or other similar body duly established and constituted in accordance with the Controlling Body’s Constitution.
22.4.3 Rules
Each Controlling Body shall adopt Rules which prescribe the procedures for the hearing and determination of a report. Such Rules must prescribe that the person reported be given a reasonable opportunity to be heard.
22.4.4 Effect of Suspension
(a) A Player or Official suspended by a Controlling Body is, for the period of the suspension, or while the suspension remains unserved, prohibited from playing or participating in a Match conducted by the Controlling Body imposing the suspension and a Match conducted by any other Controlling Body.
(b) Where a suspended Player or Official transfers from one Club to another Club competing in the same or another competition, the Player or Official shall complete the period of suspension with their new Club if that Club competes in a competition conducted during the same period as the Club from which the Player has transferred.
23.1 ORDER OFF REPORTABLE OFFENCES
In addition to being reported, a field Umpire shall order the Player reported from the Playing Surface for the remainder of the Match if the Player is reported for any of the following Reportable Offences:
(a) intentionally striking, kicking, kneeing, stomping, eye-gouging or head-butting another person;
(b) intentionally striking or making contact with an Umpire;
(c) attempting to strike or make contact with an Umpire;
(d) using abusive, insulting, threatening or obscene language towards or in relation to an Umpire;
(e) behaving in an abusive, insulting, threatening or obscene manner towards or in relation to an Umpire;
(f) spitting on another person;
(g) an act of serious misconduct.
A Controlling Body may specify other Reportable Offences or conduct for which a Player may be ordered from the Playing Surface for the remainder of the Match.
23.3 SECOND REPORTABLE OFFENCE
A Player reported on a second occasion by an Umpire for the same or any other Reportable Offence other than those listed in Law 23.1, shall, in addition to being reported, be ordered from the Playing Surface for the remainder of the Match.
23.4 REPLACING PLAYER
A Controlling Body may determine a period of time which must elapse before a Player ordered from the Playing Surface under Laws 23.1 or 23.2 can be replaced by another Player. In the absence of a determination by a Controlling Body, a Player ordered from the Playing Surface under this Law shall not be replaced by another Player.
23.5 ORDER OFF FOR SPECIFIED PERIOD
In addition to being reported on the first occasion for committing a Reportable Offence, other than those listed in Law 23.2, a Controlling Body may determine that a Player be ordered from the Playing Surface for such period as it in its absolute discretion deems fit.
23.6 SIGNALLING AND PROCEDURE FOR ORDER OFF
23.6.1 Signal
(a) A field Umpire shall, in addition to informing a Player that they are to immediately leave the Playing Surface, signal that the Player has been ordered off the Playing Surface by pointing to the Interchange Area.
(b) The field Umpire shall hold aloft a red card to signal that the Player has been ordered off for the remainder of the Match or a yellow card to signify that the Player has been ordered off for a period of time as specified by the Controlling Body.
23.6.2 Player to Leave Playing Surface
(a) A Player shall immediately leave the Playing Surface when ordered to do so by an Umpire under this Law 23.
(b) Where a Player refuses to or does not immediately leave the Playing Surface when ordered to do so by an Umpire, the following shall apply:
(i) in addition to being reported for the Reportable Offence which led to the Player being ordered from the Playing Surface, the Player shall be reported for misconduct in failing to follow a direction of an Umpire;
(ii) the Match shall immediately end and the reported Player’s Team shall forfeit the Match; and
(iii) Law 11.2 shall apply to any Match which is forfeited.
23.7 REDUCTION OF PLAYERS
If a Team is reduced to less than 14 Players by reason of a Player(s) being ordered from the Playing Surface, the following shall apply:
(a) the field Umpire may, in their absolute discretion, declare the Match forfeited by the Team with less than 14 Players, in which case Law 11.2 shall apply; or
(b) if the Match continues, the field Umpire shall, as soon as practicable, lodge with the relevant Controlling Body a written report which contains:
(i) the circumstances leading to the reduction of Players;
(ii) the scores of each Team at the time the field Umpire allowed the Match to continue; and
(iii) the final score of the Match; and
(c) upon receipt of the written report, the Controlling Body may in its absolute discretion:
(i) confirm the results of the Match; or
(ii) determine the Match forfeited by the Team with less than 14 Players, in which case Law 11.2 shall apply.
A Controlling Body may amend the minimum number of Players before Law 23.7(a) applies in their absolute discretion, in the circumstances where both Teams have less than 18 Players on the Playing Surface at the start of the Match
