Umpiring Instructions

1. Pay the first free kick and do not allow packs to form.

2. Give the utmost protection to the player in front or going for the ball.

3. Give reasonable time to dispose of the ball (less emphasis on the tackler).

4. Free kick against player raising a leg when marking or spoiling from behind and in all ruck contests

5. Strictly enforce the verbal abuse rule with Green card penalty

6. Infringement penalty is 50 metres.

7. Prior opportunity rule applies

8. Ruck can come from any direction but only one player from each team to contest the knock or throw in.

9 Make all efforts to stop packs from forming. Discourage diving on the ball. Throw the ball up

to break up the pack immediately it is obvious the ball will not be released into play.

10 Centre Square rule is operative at throw ups - 2 umpires and boundary umpires will control this.

This will operate when boundary umpires are available.

11. Umpires to advise both verbally and by sign what penalty the kick is given for.

12. If no boundary umpires available-ball to be thrown up 10 metres inside boundary line

13. Shoulder charge (shirtfront) is outlawed. Only bumping from the side is allowed.

Front on tackling allowed provided it is below the shoulders and above the knee.

14. Off-the-Ball incidents are to be penalised by either officiating field umpire.

15. 3 field umpires to be used when possible

16. Supergoal is 12 points. Must be a drop kick from outside a 20-metre arc from goal.

Field umpire to adjudge distance and award supergoal. Indicated by goal umpires waving a red flag.

17. Play the advantage rule if it facilitates continuous play and keeps the game flowing.

RACIAL & RELIGIOUS VILIFICATION RULE

1. No player, spectator or official shall act towards or speak to other person in a manner, or engage in any other conduct which threatens, disparages, vilifies or insults another person on the basis of that person's race, religion, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin.

2. In the event that it is alleged that a person has contravened Rule (1) an umpire, club or player may lodge a complaint in writing within 24 hours to the State President who shall call an Executive meeting immediately.

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR SPECTATORS

Applaud good performances and efforts from each team. Congratulate all participants upon their performances regardless of the game's outcome.

Respect official's decisions at all times, Condemn the use of violence in any form, be it by spectators, coaches, officials or players.

Show respect for your team's opponents. Without them there would be no game. Encourage players to follow the rules and the official's decisions.

Do not use foul language or harass players, coaches, and officials.

Each club, state or territory is responsible for the behaviour of their spectators and officials during and at the conclusion of their games.