AFL makes mid-season change to controversial holding-the-ball rule

The AFL made a midseason change to the controversial possession rule after weeks of backlash from coaches and fans.

The AFL hierarchy ordered umpires to shorten the “reasonable time” component of the rule after a number of coaches expressed confusion about how the law was being applied.

“It has become clearer over the course of the season that, in fulfilling their duty of care while making a tackle, tacklers affirmatively choose not to bring tackled players to the ground on the tackle, or generally do so in a reasonable manner, including not using excessive force, “, the AFL said in a statement on Wednesday.

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“As a result, we’re seeing players hold onto the ball a bit longer and challenge the definition of ‘reasonable time.’

“Our umpires are clear about the interpretation of holding the ball and this continues to be the focus of umpire training each week.

“We want to ensure our clubs, coaches and players understand the rules and how they are enforced.”

The AFL released three examples of what will now be a free kick and two of what will be called a play on, ahead of Round 12, which starts on Thursday night.

Carlton’s Michael Voss, Gold Coast’s Damien Hardwick and Geelong’s Chris Scott are among the coaches in the past week who have expressed confusion over the rule.

Hardwick, after the Suns’ loss to Carlton, said the length of time it took to pay possession free kicks created a “very, very dangerous situation”.

The triple champion’s coach said the referees had to “take a free-kick or signal”.

“What I will say is 131 effective tackles today and four held the balls for both sides,” he said after the game.

“We just have to understand that because certainly the players owe a duty of care to each other, but as referees we have to play earlier.

“Because the reality is that they put players in a really compromising position, that they can get hurt, and we don’t want that.

“So we have to look at it. We have to train him.

“I know it’s incredibly difficult, but from a player’s health and wellbeing perspective, we just have to make sure that for the benefit of the game, we look after the players.”

Voss said after that game he would continue with the AFL, while Geelong’s flag-winning coach Scott added his voice to the chorus of concern.

“The players are in an incredibly difficult position at the moment,” he told Fox Footy on Monday night.

“The tribunal made it clear that if you hook the ball carrier’s arm … (and) the head hits the ground, that’s a dangerous tackle.

“It’s a real coaching challenge right now.”