by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago
In an effort to encourage more long kicking and contested marks, the AFL will increase the distance for a mark to be paid from 15 to 20 meters 16-22 yards). And a backward kick will not be paid as a mark in a team's defensive area. Instead, it will be "play on".
The umpires will enforce greater protection for a player with his head over the ball, with any front on contact being penalized under a rule change announced at the end of last season. A free kick will be paid against any player who makes forceful front on contact with a player who has his head down over the ball.
The commission also decided that "intentionally, recklessly, or negligently bumping or making forceful contact to an opponent from front on when that player has his head down over the ball" will be a reportable offense. Only side bumping will be allowed.
For both the preseason and regular season, there will be stricter enforcement of the "in the back" rule during marking contests as well as the rule regarding dangerous tackles such as unnecessarily and dangerously driving an opponent into the ground with their arms pinned.
Rules from previous seasons, such as three points for a rushed behind, play on when the ball hits the point post, and nine-point goals from 50 meters (55 yards) or more will still apply this preseason.
Source: afl.com
Article last changed on Monday, February 05, 2007 - 3:49 PM EST
