Do you know all the rules?
- Details
- Published on Monday, 24 July 2017 20:19
- Written by Michael O'Keeffe
As umpires we always find it interesting how many players and spectators have never seen a rule book. For most people, they learn the game through watching and participating but have never actually sat down as read through the over 80 pages of rules. For us umpires the rule book is our most important resource along with our whistle or flags. Each year we pour over the changes, remind ourself of older rules, and use the document as a reference when unusual circumstances arrive.
When the first set of rules were written down in May 1858, there was only 10.
- The distance between the goals and the goal posts shall be decided upon by the captains of the sides playing.
- The captains on each side shall toss for choice of goal; the side losing the toss has to kick-off from the centre point between the goals.
- A goal must be kicked fairly between the posts, without touching either of them, or a portion of the person of any player on either side.
- The game shall be played within a space of not more than 200 yards wide, the same to be measured equally on each side of a line drawn through the centres of the two goals; and the two posts to be called the 'kick-off' posts shall be erected at a distance of 30 yards on each side of the goal posts at both ends, and in a straight line with them.
- In case the ball is kicked behind goal, any one of the side behind whose goal it is kicked may bring it 20 yards in from of any portion of the space between the 'kick-off' posts, and shall kick it as nearly as possible in a line with the opposite goal.
- Any player catching the ball directly from the foot may call 'mark'. He then has a free kick; no player from the opposite side being allowed to come inside the spot marked.
- Tripping and pushing are both allowed (but no hacking) when any player is in rapid motion or in possession of the ball, except in the case provided for in Rule VI.
- The ball may be taken in hand only when caught from the foot, or on the hop. In no case shall it be lifted from the ground.
- When the ball goes out of bounds (the same being indicated by a row of posts) it shall be brought back to the point where it crossed the boundary line, and thrown in at right angles with that line.
- The ball, while in play, may under no circumstances be thrown.
The 1858 game would have been a much easier game to umpire, however the code has evolved, and we as umpires must keep adapting.
So next time you question an umpire on the rules, ask yourself. Have you read the AFL Rules of the Game document? and if so do you remember the 80 pages of rules contained within?
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