Umpires, coaches and players in AFL Riverina leagues have a month of pre-season to get used to the six new rules coming in this season.
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The AFL brought in nine new rules for the game at the elite level but only two thirds will be applied in the Riverina and Farrer Leagues:
- Players can play on from the goalsquare without kicking to themselves, and the man on the mark will be 10 metres back, not five.
- When defenders mark within nine metres of their own goal line, the man on the mark will be in line with the top of the goalsquare
- Hands-in-the-back rule allows players to protect their position in marking contest but not push opponent
- Ruckman who takes direct possession of ball from bounce, throw-up or throw-in will no longer be regarded as having had prior opportunity.
- Players cannot set up behind the umpire at centre bounces
- After-the-siren kicks for goal can be snaps or check-sides
The new interpretations will be in play for pre-season practice matches which begin this weekend, giving many players and coaches their first real taste.
However, Troy Mavroudis, the AFL's Southern NSW Umpire Coordinator, said there's been plenty of groundwork by officials.
"We had a new rules session last week with our senior and junior field umpires at Maher Oval. Our next scheduled rules session will be at the end of this month," Mavroudis said.
"I have been going over the rule changes with club umpire coordinators from each club (including a session this week with 10 Riverina and Farrer League clubs)."
Mavroudis said the law changes will be presented at a coaches' forum next week in Narrandera and umpires are also conducting club visits upon request.
"We have put the offer out to clubs to personally attend training sessions to address players, coaches and support staff on changes. A number of clubs have taken up the offer for (Riverina Umpires Association field coach) Ryan (Dedini) or myself to attend one of their sessions," Mavroudis said.
He said some umpires involved in women's competitions have already been officiating under the new rules.
The changes are designed to open up more free-flowing games.
Football officials last year decided not to apply locally the three other rules which have come into at AFL level - enforcing traditional starting positions at centre bounces; changes to 50m penalties including allowing quick play-on; and tight restrictions on water carriers and runners on the ground.
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