The New Shot Clock Rule Fully Explained

(Image: Getty)

The AFL has announced some mid-season changes to the shot clock, introducing a few changes.

The shot clock has been brought back for the entire length of the quarter, instead of being removed for the final two minutes of each term.

It arose after last week's game between the Western Bulldogs and North Melbourne, where Shaun Higgins did not see a shot clock and was told to play on late in the third quarter.

However, AFL general manager of football Simon Lethlean said umpires, if they desire, have the power to call play on if the player taking a set shot is trying to delay the game and run down the clock.

This means an umpire can blow his whistle before the 30 seconds are up.

AFL statement:

The AFL wrote to all clubs today to advise that the shot clock, for players preparing to kick for goal, would now remain on screen for the complete quarter.

The countdown clock had previously been removed for the final two minutes of each term.

AFL General Manager Football Operations Simon Lethlean said the issue had been raised with club coaches at their informal meeting earlier this week, following the situation that arose during last week's North Melbourne v Western Bulldogs match. 

The AFL had moved to alter its position on the basis of:

• making the umpiring of this element of the game as clear and consistent as is possible for the umpires
• making this element of the game as clear and consistent as possible for players to understand during a match
• making the time being permitted for players to shoot for goal as consistent as possible

Mr Lethlean said the umpires would have the power to call play on if a player was clearly seeking to delay the resumption of play.

• Where a player is clearly and deliberately delaying the commencement of a normal goal kicking routine, the umpire will blow his whistle to instruct the player to move the ball on (as per around the ground marks and free kicks), and if the player does not do so immediately, then play on will be called.