FOOTY 9s MATCHES PLAYED ON SOCCER FIELDS
FULL VERSION
Please find below the official Laws of the Game, for Footy 9s matches played on Soccer Fields.
LAWS OF THE GAME
CONTENTS
Introduction
A. This Publication
B. Application
C. Nature and Object of Footy 9s
D. Purpose of Laws
1. Definitions and Interpretations
2. Controlling Body
3. Playing Field and Positions
4. The Football
5. Teams
6. Player’s Equipment
7. Starting the Match
8. Scoring
9. Kicking In
10. Marking the Ball
11. Ball Disposal
12. Ball Possession
13. Physical Contact
14. Free Kicks
15. Ten Metre Penalty
16. Play On
17. Jump Ball
18. Umpire Duties and Instructions
19. Reporting Players & Officials
20. Match Time
21. Corner Kicks
Introduction
A. This Publication
This publication contains the Laws of Footy 9s as administered and controlled by Australian Football International (AFI). It applies to all matches played on soccer fields.
B. Application
These Laws apply to bodies playing matches utilising these Laws. Controlling bodies may make appropriate modifications consistent with the spirit of these laws for under-age competitions.
C. Nature and Object of Footy 9s
Footy 9s is a game played between two teams competing in accordance with these Laws. The objective of each team playing Footy 9s is to win by scoring more goals than the opposing team. The winner of a Match of Footy 9s is the team which has scored the greater number of goals at the conclusion of the Match. A Match is drawn when each team has the same number of goals at the conclusion of the Match.
D. Purpose of Laws
These Laws explain how a Match of Footy 9s is played and seek to attain the following objectives:
(a) to ensure that the game of Footy 9s is played in a fair manner and a spirit of true sportsmanship; and
(b) to prevent injuries to Players participating in a Match so far as this objective can be reasonably achieved in circumstances where Footy 9s is a body contact sport.
1. DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATIONS
Unless the context requires otherwise, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
AFI: Australian Football International.
AFI Affiliates: a league, association or body responsible for the organisation and conduct of Matches of Australian Football and which is affiliated to AFI.
Arena: means the Playing Field and all of the area between the Playing Field and the perimeter fence, including any break in the perimeter fence.
Big Box: the area on the Playing Field known as the Penalty Area on a regulation soccer field.
Boundary Line: the white line drawn on the ground to identify the Playing Field.
Centre Circle: the area on the Playing Field in which play commences at the start of each half and after each goal.
Footy 9s: the contest played between two teams competing in accordance with these Laws.
Goal: a score that results from the football being kicked through the soccer goals.
Handball: the act of holding the football in one hand and disposing of the football by hitting it with the clenched fist of the other hand.
Kick or Kicking: in relation to disposing of the football, means making contact with the football with any part of the Player’s leg below the knee.
Mark: the act of catching the football, provided it has been kicked a minimum of 10 metres without being touched by another player.
Playing Field: the field of play inside the Boundary Line, excluding the area between such lines and the perimeter fence.
Small Box: the area on the Playing Field known as the Goal Area on a regulation soccer field.
The Mark: the position on the Playing Field where an opposition Player may stand after a Player has been awarded a Free Kick or a Mark.
Throw: shall be given its ordinary meaning, but also includes the act of propelling the football with one or both hands in a scooping motion. A Player does not throw the football if the Player hits, punches or taps the football without taking possession of the football.
These Laws shall apply to all Matches of Footy 9s played on soccer fields, organised and conducted by a Controlling Body. A Controlling Body includes:
(a) AFI;
(b) any league, association or body responsible for the organisation and conduct of Matches of Footy 9s, who has determined to play such Matches in accordance with these Laws; and
(c) a league, association or body responsible for the organisation and conduct of Matches of Footy 9s and which is affiliated to AFI (“AFI Affiliates”).
3. PLAYING FIELD AND POSITIONS
Footy 9s has been created and designed by AFI to be played on Soccer Fields throughout the world.
3.1 The Playing Field shall be rectangular in shape, between 110-120 metres in length, and between 70-90 metres in width.
3.2 The Playing Field will use the same markings as a standard Soccer field.
3.3 A line known as the Boundary Line shall mark the boundary of the Playing Field.
3.4 The football will be thrown up directly over the middle of the Centre Circle to start the match.
3.5 Two goals shall be placed at each end of the Playing Field.
3.6 The line between the goal posts shall be called the Goal Line.
3.7 After an attacking team misses a shot for goal, the football shall be brought back into play by a defending player, who must kick the football from inside the Small Box.
3.8 When the defending player kicks the football back into play, all other players must be outside the Big Box.
3.9 At the start of a Match and after the scoring of a goal, players must line up in their respective positions, which are:
(a) Backs – within the Big Box
(b) Midfielders – within the Centre Circle
(c) Forwards – within the Big Box
If a player leaves their designated area before the football leaves the Umpire’s hand in the act of being thrown up, a Free Kick will be awarded to the opposition in the middle of the Centre Circle.
4.1 Footballs shall be oval in shape and made of rubber, leather or other suitable material. They shall conform to the shape and standard specification approved by AFI.
4.2 For senior matches all footballs must be full size and of good quality.
4.3 The Home Team shall provide a minimum of two footballs to the Umpire before the commencement of the Match.
4.4 Red footballs shall be used for day matches, whilst yellow footballs shall be used for night matches.
5.1 Each Team must wear colours that distinguish them from each other and also from the Umpires.
5.2 Each Team shall consist of 9 players on the field at any one time and up to 6 interchange players.
5.3 Prior to the commencement of play the team manager of each Team shall hand to the Umpire a list of names and numbers of the players comprising the Team and indicating the captain and interchange players who will not take part in the match at its commencement.
5.4 At any time during the course of the Match, one of the players not then taking part in the Match may be interchanged with one of the participating players.
5.5 The Umpire shall at the request of either captain, stop the match and call the players of the opposing team into line for the purpose of a Team count. Such players shall line up in the center of the PLaying Field and remain until dismissed by the Umpire.
5.6 If a Team has been counted and found to have more than the permitted number of players on the Playing Field, the League shall impose a penalty by way of reverse of match result, annulment of score or part thereof, fine or censure as it shall consider proper.
6.1 The basic compulsory equipment of a player consists of a playing jumper, shorts, socks and footwear.
6.2 No player shall be permitted to play in a Match with apparel or protective equipment which may cause injury to their opponents. This shall include:
6.2.1 Bootstuds or plates considered dangerous.
6.2.2 A finger ring or other jewellery.
6.2.3 Surgical applications or guards.
6.3 The Umpire may inspect players’ boots, hands and guards prior to the commencement of play or at any time prior to the conclusion of the Match. The Umpire shall have the sole prerogative to determine whether apparel or protective equipment has the potential to cause injury.
7.1 Prior to the commencement of play, the Umpire shall:
7.1.1 Consult the Timekeeper as to their readiness to commence.
7.1.2 Inspect and approve the football(s) to be used.
7.2 The Umpire shall toss the coin with the captains for the choice of goal.
7.2.1 At the conclusion of each half, each Team shall change ends.
7.3 To commence play at the start of each half, the Umpire shall hold the football aloft, blow their whistle and throw the football up in the air. Match timing shall commence on the sound of the whistle.
7.4 After a goal has been kicked, the football shall be thrown up directly over the middle of the Centre Circle to re-start the match. This is known as the Jump Ball.
7.5 A maximum of 3 players of each team is permitted in the Centre Circle for the Jump Ball.
7.6 The Jump Ball shall be contested only by one player of each team who shall take up a position in their team’s defensive half. Neither of these players shall enter their team’s attacking half until the football leaves the Umpire’s hand in the act of being thrown up.
7.7 In the event of a breach of this Law, the Umpire shall award a Free Kick to a player of the opposing side in the middle of the Centre Circle.
7.8 After a goal is scored, the football shall be returned to the Center Circle as quickly as possible.
8.1 A goal is scored when an attacking player kicks the football over the Goal Line, between the Goal Posts and under the Crossbar. The whole of the football must pass over the Goal Line.
8.2 When the football crosses the Goal Line, the field Umpire shall give the goal Umpire an “All Clear” signal if there have not been any incidents in play which the field Umpire intends to penalise.
8.3 A score cannot be registered unless the field Umpire calls or indicates “All Clear” to the goal Umpire.
8.4 A goal shall be awarded if, in the act of kicking for goal, the football strikes one of the Goal Posts or Crossbar and continues through the Goal Posts/
8.5 A goal shall be awarded if, in the act of kicking for goal, the football strikes or touches any player, whether a member of the attacking Team or defending Team.
8.6 If the football strikes a Goal Post or Crossbar and bounces back into the field of play, the Umpire shall call ‘Play On’ and play shall continue.
8.7 The goal Umpires shall be the sole judges of goals and their decisions are final.
8.8 Upon receiving “All Clear”, the goal Umpire shall indicate a goal by extending their arms away from their body and raising both thumbs.
8.9 Controlling bodies shall authorise such officials as they deem appropriate to record scores, separate from the goal Umpires. In the event of the goal Umpires disagreeing on the final scores, the controlling body may take the separately recorded scores into consideration in determining the result of the Match.
9.1 When the attacking Team attempts a shot for goal and misses, a player of the defending Team shall kick the football into the field of play from within the Small Box, contact with the football being made before the football completely crosses the line. When the football is being kicked in, no other player shall be allowed in the areas known as the Small Box or Big Box.
9.2 If the football is not brought into play correctly, the Umpire shall throw the ball up directly over the penalty spot.
9.3 The football shall not be kicked in until all other players, both attacking and defending, are outside the Small Box and Big Box.
9.4 If an opposing player attempts to delay play by standing within either the Small Box or Big Box, or prevents the player from kicking in, the Umpire shall penalise the offending Team by awarding a 10 metre penalty.
9.5 If a player will not kick in when directed to do so by the Umpire, the Umpire shall blow their whistle twice and call ‘Move it along, Play On.’
10.1 A Mark is catching the football directly from the kick of another player, provided the football travels at least 10 metres. The football must be held a reasonable time and must not be touched by another player in transit from kick to catch.
10.2 A Mark shall be awarded to a player who crosses the Boundary Line from the field of play but controls the football before it has passed completely over the Boundary Line.
10.3 A Mark shall be allowed when the football is caught and controlled on the Boundary Line.
10.4 When a player takes a Mark or is given a Free Kick, an opponent is permitted to stand on The Mark or spot where this occurrence took place.
10.5 Only one opponent may stand on The Mark.
10.6 No other player is allowed within a corridor which extends from 5 metres either side of The Mark to 5 metres either side of, and 5 metres behind, the player with the football. This corridor is to be known as the 10 metre protected area.
10.7 In the event of an opponent encroaching over The Mark when a player is kicking for goal and a goal is kicked, the Umpire shall give the ‘All Clear’ and the goal shall be registered. If a goal has not been kicked, the player shall be given the option of another kick, and The Mark shall be advanced 10 metres.
11.1 The football may be either kicked or handballed. It cannot be thrown.
11.2 A player shall handball the football by holding it in one hand and hitting it with the clenched fist of the other hand. If the football is not handballed correctly, a Free Kick shall be given to the nearest opponent.
11.3 A player may kick the football by making contact with the football below the knee.
11.4 A player who takes a Mark or who is awarded a Free Kick shall play the football from directly behind the spot where the Mark or Free Kick was awarded. The 10 metre protected area shall apply. If the player attempts to play the ball other than in a direct line over The Mark, the Umpire shall call ‘Play On’ and the football shall immediately be in play.
11.5 If there is no player on The Mark, the football may be played in any direction.
11.6 When a player is kicking for goal from a Mark or a Free Kick, the kick shall be taken along a direct line through The Mark to the center of the Goal Posts.
11.7 The football shall be deemed to be brought into play when any portion of it is on or above the Boundary Line.
11.8 If a player taking their kick from outside the Boundary Line after having been awarded a Mark or a Free Kick, and attempts to play on outside the Boundary Line, the Umpire shall give the player another kick to correctly put the ball into play.
12.1 A player may hold the football for any length of time provided they are not held by an opponent.
12.2 If the player runs with the football they must bounce it or touch it on the ground at least once within every 10 metres from the commencement of their run, whether running in a straight line or turning and dodging.
12.3 If a player with the football bounces it, they are deemed to be in possession of the football.
12.4 If a player runs with the football and handballs it over an opponent’s head and catches it, they must, within 10 metres of commencing their run or striking the football on the ground, bounce it or touch the ground with it or dispose of the football.
12.5 A player who lies on or over the football is deemed to be in possession of the football.
13.1 A player may be fairly met or checked by an opponent by the use of the hip, shoulder, chest, arms or open hand provided the football is not more than 5 metres away.
13.2 A player may be pushed in the chest or side or shepherded by an opponent provided the football is not more than 5 metres away.
13.3 A player in possession of the football may fend off a prospective tackler by pushing them with an open hand in the chest, shoulder or side.
13.4 A player in possession of the football may be tackled and grasped in the area below the top of the shoulders and on or above the knee. The tackle may be from the front, side or behind provided that the tackle from behind does not thrust forward the player with the football.
Procedures
13.5 Procedures for administering this law are as follows:
13.5.1 A player in possession of the football who has had a reasonable time (prior opportunity) to dispose of the football must, when legally held by an opponent firmly enough to retard their progress, dispose of the football by a kick or handball within a reasonable time of being held, otherwise a Free Kick shall be awarded against the player for failing to dispose of the football in a legal manner.
13.5.2 The Umpire shall throw the ball up when the player with the football has it held to his body by an opponent, unless the player has had a reasonable time to dispose of the football prior to being tackled in which case a Free Kick shall be awarded for holding the ball.
13.5.3 A player who elects to dive on the football and/or drag the football under them when they are on the ground, will be penalised for holding the ball if they do not immediately hit the football clear when held legally.
13.5.4 A player not in possession of the football when held by an opponent, shall be awarded a Free Kick.
13.5.5 When a player claims a Mark, the football having been touched in transit, and retains possession when held by an opponent, the Umpire shall not award a Free Kick but throw the football up if they are satisfied that the player did not hear their call of ‘Play On’.
13.5.6 The Umpire shall allow play to continue if a player in the act of kicking or handballing the football, is swung off balance and their foot or hand does not connect with the football.
13.5.7 The Umpire shall allow play to continue if a player is bumped and the football falls from their hands.
13.5.8 The Umpire shall allow play to continue when a player’s arm is knocked, causing them to drop the football.
13.5.9 The Umpire shall allow play to continue if a player has their arms pinned to their sides, causing them to drop the football.
13.5.10 The Umpire shall allow play to continue if a player is pulled by one arm or swung, causing the football to fall from their hand.
14.1 The spirit of the laws relating to free kicks is:
14.1.1 The player who makes the football their sole objective shall be given every opportunity to gain possession of the football.
14.1.2 The player who has possession of the football and is held by an opponent shall be given a reasonable time to kick or handball the football.
14.1.3 The football shall be kept in motion. The Umpire shall call ‘Play On’ even though a Free Kick should have been awarded, but by doing so would penalise the team offended against.
14.2 All breaches of the laws shall be penalised whether the football is dead or in play. The Umpire shall blow their whistle for the awarding of a Free Kick. Unless otherwise specified, the player nearest to the opponent who commits a breach of the Laws shall receive a Free Kick.
Advantage Rule
14.2.1 If the Umpire has blown their whistle for a Free Kick, they may cancel such a Free Kick by calling ‘Play On, Advantage] if the Team offended against will be penalised by enforcing the Free Kick.
14.2.2 Should the Umpire cancel a Free Kick, they may reverse the decision if it is obvious that it is not to the advantage of the Team concerned.
14.2.3 A player awarded a Free Kick must go back to the spot where the breach occurred before being allowed to kick or play the football. If the player kicks or plays the football without complying with this law, the Umpire shall stop play and enforce compliance.
14.2.4 A Free Kick shall be awarded against a player who throws or hands the football to another player while the football is in play.
14.2.5 When a player who has taken a Mark or been awarded a Free Kick is, in the opinion of the Umpire, unable to dispose of the football through accident or the deliberate action of an opponent, the Umpire shall award a Free Kick to the nearest player of the same Team at the time the incident occurred. The Free Kick shall be taken at the spot nearest to where the incident occurred.
14.2.6 If a player has been awarded a Free Kick or a Mark, and before the kick is taken a further breach of the laws is made by a player on the same Team as the first offender, the Umpire shall blow their whistle and direct the Free Kick to be taken by a teammate at the spot where the subsequent breach took place, if doing so will penalise the offending Team. Where a subsequent breach is committed by a teammate of the player taking the kick, a Free Kick shall be given to the nearest opponent at the spot of the original Free Kick, if doing so will penalise the offending Team.
14.2.7 If a breach of the laws is committed, regardless of the position on the Playing Field, the Free Kick is to be taken at the spot where the infringement occurred, or where the football is at the time, whichever would be the greater penalty for the offending Team.
14.2.8 A Free Kick shall be given if a player infringes any of the laws between the time the Umpire blows their whistle and throws the football up.
Free Kicks – Throwing the Football Up
14.3 Free kicks for infringements concerning the Umpire throwing the football up will be awarded against the player who:
14.3.1 Crosses the halfway line when the Umpire is in the act of throwing the football up in the Centre Circle at the start of the Match, the start of each half, and after a goal has been scored.
14.3.2 Interferes with an opponent from the time the football has been thrown up in the Centre Circle until the football subsequently makes contact with a player or the ground.
14.3.3 Unduly interferes with the throwing up of the football by the Umpire or deliberately interferes with an Umpire during the progress of the match.
Free Kicks – Interfering with Opponents
14.4 A Free Kick will be awarded against a player who interferes with an opponent in the following manner:
14.4.1 Interferes with an opponent from the time the football goes out of bounds, until the football, after being kicked in by a player, makes contact with a player or the ground.
14.4.2 When a goal is kicked by a player, and while the football is being kicked or is in transit a breach of the laws is made by an opponent, the Umpire shall give the ‘All Clear’ signal and the goal shall be registered.
14.4.3 After the football has been kicked and an infringement occurs, and the football does not score a goal, the option of another kick shall be given to the player who originally kicked the football at the spot from where the kick originated.
14.4.4 If a breach of the Laws is made by a player of the attacking Team, the Umpire shall not signal ‘All Clear’ but will instead award a Free Kick, to the nearest player of the defending Team.
14.4.5 If a player is fouled immediately after scoring a goal and after the Umpire has given the ‘All Clear’, the umpire shall award such player a Free Kick at the spot where the offence took place. Another score may then be registered without the football having been thrown up in the Centre Circle or kicked in.
14.4.6 If a breach of the laws is committed against a player who has disposed of the football, and this occurs after the football has been kicked or handballed, a penalty Free Kick (known as ‘Downfield’) shall be awarded to a player of the Team offended against at the spot where the football first touched the ground, a player, was marked or went out of bounds. If the awarding of such a Free Kick will penalise the Team offended against, the Free Kick shall be given to the player who originally kicked the football.
14.4.7 Trips or kicks, attempts to trip or kick or slings an opponent, or when not in possession of the football, kicks in a manner likely to cause injury to an opponent, or strikes or attempts to strike an opponent with either hand or arm or deliberately with the knee.
Free Kicks – Out of Bounds
14.5 A Free Kick shall be awarded against a player who kicks, handballs or forces the football out of bounds, whether deliberate or not, anywhere along the Side Line.
14.5.1 The Free Kick shall be taken at the spot where the football went out of bounds across the Boundary Line or adjacent to the Goal Posts.
14.5.2 When kicking in from the Small Box, if the football is kicked out of bounds without it having been touched by any player, a Free Kick shall be given at the spot where the football went out of bounds.
14.5.3 This rule applies whether the football has been forced out of bounds either along the ground or out on the full.
Free Kicks – Illegal Contact
14.6 A Free Kick shall be awarded against the player who checks or tackles an opponent in the following manner:
14.6.1 Catches hold of an opponent below the knee or by the neck or head, which includes the top of the shoulder.
14.6.2 Charges an opponent.
14.6.3 Pushes an opponent from behind in any way, except when legitimately going for a Mark.
14.6.4 Pushes, bumps or shepherds an opponent in the face, head, neck or in the shoulder.
14.6.5 Pushes, bumps or shepherds an opponent who is in the air for a Mark.
14.6.6 Shepherds an opponent when the football is more than 5 metres away or is out of play.
14.6.7 Deliberately holds back or throws an opponent after the opponent has kicked or handballed the football. No free kick shall be given if the player, unable to release their hold at once, throws the opponent down.
Free Kicks – Interference with Play
14.7 A Free Kick shall be awarded against a player who interferes with play as follows:
14.7.1 If the football is in transit towards goal from a Free Kick, Mark or field kick and an opponent shakes the Goal Post, the umpire shall give the player the option of another kick if in the umpire’s opinion, the opponent’s action could have affected the result.
14.7.2 If a teammate shakes the goal post, the umpire shall award a free kick to the nearest opponent at the spot from where the ball was kicked.
14.8 A free kick shall be awarded against a player who wilfully wastes time by not allowing the ball to be brought into play prior to, or when directed to do so, by the umpire.
14.9 A free kick shall be awarded against the team as follows:
14.9.1 Any team official who interferes with the ball, the play or a player of the opposing team during the course of the game shall cause the umpire to award a free kick to the nearest player of the team offended against at the spot of the infringement, or where the ball is at the time, whichever would be a greater penalty to the offending team.
14.9.2 A free kick shall be awarded against a player who uses abusive, insulting or obscene language to an umpire or behaves in an abusive, insulting or obscene manner towards an umpire.
15.1 When a player has been awarded a Mark or Free Kick, a 10 metre penalty will be applied in the following instances where an opposition player:
(a) encroaches over The Mark;
(b) wastes time and/or delays the play;
(c) uses abusive, insulting or obscene language to an Umpire or;
(d) behaves in an abusive, insulting or obscene manner towards an Umpire.
15.2 When the Umpire applies a 10 metre penalty, the player receiving the penalty shall not be permitted to play on. The Mark shall then be advanced 10 metres in a direct line with the center of the goal. The player receiving the penalty shall be given free access to take up a position behind the advanced mark. When the Umpire is satisfied the player has taken up a correct position, they will instruct the player they are free to play the football, irrespective of whether an opponent is standing on the mark.
15.3 A 10 metre penalty shall have the same implication as a Free Kick.
15.4 If a Free Kick or Mark has been awarded and a player of the opposing team runs through the 10 metre protected area, unless accompanying or following an opponent within 2 metres, a 10 metre penalty shall be awarded.
15.5 Where a 10 metre penalty advances The Mark to the center of the Goal Posts, the kick shall be taken from the penalty spot.
15.6 Where a Free Kick is awarded for intentionally tripping, a 10 metre penalty shall automatically apply.
The Umpire shall call and indicate ‘Play On’ and the football shall immediately remain in play in any of the following circumstances:
16.1 When an Umpire, or any other official or player, is struck by the football while it is in play.
16.2 When the football, having been kicked, is touched while still in transit.
16.3 When the football is caught directly from a kick of another player that has traveled less than 10 metres.
16.4 When the Umpire cancels a Free Kick.
16.5 When a player who has taken a Mark or been awarded a Free Kick, attempts to run, handball or kick otherwise than over The Mark.
The Umpire shall throw the ball up (also known as the Jump Ball) in the following circumstances:
17.1. At the start of the Match, at the start of each half and after each goal has been kicked.
17.2 When in doubt as to which player has taken a Mark.
17.3 When a defending player, in kicking in from within the Small Box, fails to correctly bring the football into play, the football to be thrown up directly over the penalty spot.
17.4 In a scrimmage where players are struggling for possession of the football.
17.5 When a player claims a Mark, the football having been touched, and retains possession of the football when held by an opponent, the Umpire will throw the football up if they are satisfied the player did not hear their call of ‘Play On’.
18. UMPIRE DUTIES AND INSTRUCTIONS
Appointment of Umpires
18.1 The controlling body shall appoint for each Match a field Umpire (known as the Umpire) and two goal Umpires. There are no boundary Umpires. The Umpire shall have full control of play and shall award Free Kicks in accordance with the Laws.
Replacement of Umpires
18.2 When any Umpire, before or during the progress of the game, becomes incapable through sickness, injury or accident in performing their duties, a substitute shall be chosen according to arrangements made by the controlling body.
Inspection of Players Equipment
18.3 Prior to the commencement of play the Umpire may inspect the boots, hands and guards of players. The Umpire may similarly inspect the players’ equipment at any time during the game.
Time On
18.4 The Umpire shall indicate to the timekeeper when ‘Time On’ is to be added due to a major delay in play, and shall indicate that ‘Time On’ has ended when satisfied that play is ready to recommence.
Out of Bounds
18.5 The Umpire shall be the sole judge of when the football is out of bounds.
18.6 To be out of bounds, the football must be completely outside the Boundary Line. If any portion of the football is on or above the Boundary Line, the football is still in play.
18.7 When the football has completely crossed the Boundary Line, whether along the ground or out of bounds on the full, the Umpire shall blow their whistle and award a Free Kick to the nearest opposition player at the spot where it crossed the line.
Goal Umpires
18.8 Goal Umpires shall keep a record of all goals scored in a Match.
18.9 Goal Umpires shall signal and record a goal upon receiving the ‘All Clear’ from the field Umpire.
18.10 If the goal Umpire is unable to decide if the football has been kicked through the Goal Posts, they may consult the field Umpire before making a decision.
19. REPORTING PLAYERS AND OFFICIALS
19.1.1 Umpires may report any player or official who during the progress of the Match commits a reportable offence.
19.1.2 Umpires may report an offending player without taking into consideration whether the offending player received provocation or not.
19.1.3 Umpires may caution a player but must not at any time threaten a player.
Reportable Offences
19.2 A player or official who commits the following offences may be reported:
19.2.1 Unduly interferes with, or assaults, or uses threatening language to an Umpire or behaves in a threatening manner towards an Umpire.
19.2.2 Assaults another player or official.
19.2.3 Intentionally kicks or attempts to kick an opponent or official.
19.2.4 Deliberately wastes time.
19.2.5 Unduly interferes with a player whilst such player is kicking for goal.
19.2.6 Uses abusive, insulting or obscene language to an Umpire or behaves in an abusive, insulting or obscene manner towards an Umpire.
19.2.7 Uses abusive, threatening or insulting language.
19.2.8 Throws an opponent after that player has taken a mark, or after the ball is otherwise out of play.
19.2.9 Violently pushes an opponent after that player has disposed of the ball.
19.2.10 Intentionally trips or attempts to trip an opponent by foot or leg.
19.2.11 Strikes or attempts to strike a player or official with their hand or arm.
19.2.12 Charges an opponent.
19.2.13 Engages in unduly rough play by committing a breach of the Laws against an opponent in a deliberate and violent manner.
19.2.14 Remains on the playing ground not wearing proper uniform after being warned by the Umpire.
19.2.15 Wears unacceptable equipment – boot studs, rings, jewellery, surgical appliances or guards.
Reporting Players
19.3.1 When an Umpire intends to make a charge against a player, they shall notify the player concerned as soon as reasonably possible after the incident.
19.3.2 If the umpire is unable to notify the player during the course of the Match, notification on the official report sheet handed to team officials at the conclusion of the Match will suffice.
19.3.3 Umpires shall make themselves thoroughly familiar with the offences which must be reported and report all offending players.
19.3.4 After reporting a player, Umpires must not at any time enter into any conversation with club officials or players relating to any incident of the Match or any charges made against a player.
Reporting Procedures
19.4.1 The controlling body shall provide Umpires with report sheets on which they shall enter particulars of any charge or charges they make against players or officials. This shall be completed during or immediately after the termination of a Match.
19.4.2 The controlling body shall adopt By-Laws to determine the procedures for lodgement, notification and processing of such reports.
Player Disqualification
19.5.1 The controlling body may disqualify for any term, players or officials who have been reported for and found guilty of breaches of the Laws.
19.5.2 The controlling body may delegate this power to any person or body or persons duly constituted in accordance with its rules for the purpose of investigating any report of a player made in accordance with these :aws.
19.5.3 Any player disqualified for committing an offence against these Laws shall not be permitted to play in any match under the control of AFI.
Order Off
19.6.1 A player who is reported by the Umpire under laws 19.2.1 – 19.2.3 shall be ordered from the field for the remainder of the Match.
19.6.2 A player reported by the Umpire for a second offence under Laws 19.2.4 – 19.2.15 shall be ordered from the field for the remainder of the Match.
19.6.3 The controlling body shall determine the period of time, if any, to elapse before a player ordered off may be replaced.
19.6.4 The controlling body may authorise the Umpire to order a player from the field, for a period of time, for a first offence under Laws 19.2.4 – 19.2.15.
19.6.5 The Umpire shall signal that a player has been ordered off, by pointing to the interchange area with an outstretched arm. The player shall leave the ground immediately.
19.6.6 In the event of a player failing or refusing to leave the ground when ordered off, the Match shall terminate and their team shall forfeit.
Duration of the Game & Intervals
20.1.1 All Matches shall consist of two halves each of 20 minutes i.e. a total of 40 minutes playing time.
20.1.2 At half time the players may leave the Playing Field for not more than 5 minutes, the match must recommence not later than 10 minutes after the conclusion of the first half.
20.1.3 The Timekeeper shall indicate the end of each half by sounding the siren and the football shall be deemed dead and play shall cease when the Umpire hears the first sound of the siren. The Umpire shall signify that the siren has been heard by blowing their whistle and holding up both arms above their head. When a player has been awarded a Mark or Free Kick prior to the first sound of a siren, the player will be permitted to take their kick.
20.1.4 The duration of games and intervals may be varied by a controlling body.
Timekeepers
20.2.1 The controlling body shall appoint a Timekeeper, or in the absence of such arrangements, the home shall appoint a Timekeeper, whose duties shall be:
20.2.2 To sound a siren at the start and finish of each half, and to keep sounding it until the Umpire indicates that they have heard it.
20.2.3 To add time on to the playing time of the half as required under these Laws.
Time On
20.3.1 The Timekeeper shall add ‘Time On’ when directed to do so by the Umpire when there is undue delay in play, such as a serious injury or lost ball.
20.3.2 The Timekeeper shall stop adding time on when instructed by the Umpire, or when the ball is obviously in play.
20.3.3 The Umpire shall adopt the following procedure for indicating ‘Time On’ to the Timekeeper.
20.3.4 To indicate the commencement of the time added period, the Umpire shall blow their whistle and raise one arm above their head.
20.3.5 To indicate that the time added period has elapsed, the Umpire shall again blow their whistle and raise one arm above their head.
21.1 If a member of the attacking Team knocks the football over the Goal Line, a member of the defending team shall bring the ball back into play via a kick, from inside the Small Box.
21.2 However, if a member of the defending Team is deemed to have deliberately knocked the ball over the Goal Line, a Free Kick (corner kick) will result.
21.3 The corner kick will take place at the intersection of the Goal Line and Side Line i.e. the corner of the Playing Field.
21.4 Opposition players must be no closer than 10 metres from the player taking the corner kick.
21.5 The player taking the corner kick has two options – to kick the football to a teammate or to attempt a shot for goal.
21.6 As soon as the player taking the corner kick steps into the field of play, the Umpire shall call play on.
