AFL Says They're Not Changing Any Rules In 2018

Staying the same.


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The AFL has resisted the urge to change any rules for the 2018 season.

After tweaks to rules over the last few years, such as the deliberate out of bounds rules, the AFL has opted to keep things the same for 2018.

AFL umpires coach Hayden Kennedy said on Wednesday said the lack of change allowed them to focus on other facets of umpiring.

"The beauty about this year is that there have been (no changes), which is great for the players and great for the umpires," he said.

"Last year we spent a hell of a lot of time in the pre-season coaching new rules and we haven't done that this year, so we've been able to spend time on other things."

It includes keeping the bounce, which Kennedy backed in as a skill of the umpires.

"It's a skill that needs to stay in the game and we expect our umpires to be bouncing it at the level that is required in AFL football," Kennedy said.

"I imagine it will be just the same as it has been in years past - if we get injuries then we'll deal with it.

"It's a very low percentage of bounces that are actually recalled.

"They actually bounce at around 96 per cent where the two ruckmen can get to the ball, which is a phenomenal effort when you think about it."

Triple M Footy Newsroom

21 February 2018

Article by:

Triple M Footy Newsroom




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