After a weekend of widespread confusion surrounding the rules, the AFL has clarified its expectations for high contact in a statement.
A number of pundits implored the league to be more clear on what the rules were after a round which had seen various interpretations of the high contact rule across different matches.
Here is how the rule will be officiated from round 19 onwards:
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Where the tackle is reasonably applied, there is no prior opportunity and the ball carrier is responsible for the high contact via a shrug, drop or arm lift – play on should be called.
Where the tackle is reasonably applied, and there is prior opportunity, and the ball carrier is responsible for the high contact via a shrug, drop or arm lift – holding the ball should be called.
If a player has their head over the ball and trying to gain possession and contact is high, a free kick for high contact will be called.
AFL umpires boss Dan Richardson said the rules were made as such so that players encouraging high contact or searching for free kicks were not rewarded.
“First and foremost, players attempting to win the ball must be protected and the onus on duty of care is on the tackler. However, having won the ball, the ball carrier has a duty of care to not put themselves in a position for high contact,” Richardson said in a statement on Tuesday.
“Ultimately, the rules do not reward players for putting themselves in vulnerable positions to draw a free kick. This is something we prefer not to see in our game at any level.
“We want to be clear, if the umpire believes the ball carrier is responsible for the high contact, then they won’t be rewarded.
“Our umpires strive to get every decision right, every single time, however there are instances where, just like players, decisions are made at full speed at ground level without the benefit of slow-motion replay.
“The health and safety of players is the primary concern of both the AFL and the clubs, and we will continue to work with clubs, their coaching panels, as well as players to ensure the safety of the game.”