The AFL’s raft of rule changes for next year are no certainty to be introduced into AFL Riverina competitions.
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Local officials remain in ongoing discussions with the state governing body, AFL NSW-ACT, regarding the suitability of the changes for country competitions.
It’s a month since the AFL announced the nine changes. They include players not having to kick to themselves to play on out of the goal square after a behind (and defenders to be 10m back from the top of the goal square); limits on water carriers and runners entering the field; changes to hands-in-the-back and ruck contest interpretations; the ability to play on during a 50m penalty advance; and a traditional set-up at centre bounces (six players in the 50m arcs, and one in the goal square).
“It’s probably a unique season because there are so many changes,” AFL Riverina operations manager, Shane Buchanan, said.
“There’s been a lot of discussion already and we’re still waiting on more feedback from Sydney. Then we’ll have a conversation with our clubs...
“There is some scope to have local conditions and local rules applicable to your own competition.
Buchanan said, statewide, officials need to take into consideration the full range of competitions including men’s, women’s and youth leagues. And, practically, the ability to enforce and adequately police some of the changes.
Match officials will also be consulted about the potential interpretations and adjustments.
“Umpires need to be engaged in this as well because some of those rules mean the umpire needs to change how they go about their business, so there are some practical things that umpires need to consider,” Buchanan said.
“And we're not professional competitions, we’re community footy and we need to take that into account.”
AFL Riverina hopes to have some feedback from Sydney in time for a meeting with all clubs on November 26.