News

Hi all

Just a couple of things as a reminder leading into finals and following a few incidents recently in a number of senior games.

Player safety

We have a responsibility to look after player safety both on and off the ball with the rules stating

Reckless play, such as sliding tackles and other overly physical challenges by field players, which take an opponent to ground and which have the potential to cause injury should attract appropriate match and personal penalties (9.13)
Goalkeepers are not permitted to conduct themselves in a dangerous manner which is dangerous to other players by taking advantage of the protective equipment they wear (10.2)

Umpire briefing states

Players sliding for the ball must not make contact with the opponent or make the opponent make take evasive action. This includes both attackers and defenders

So what does this mean

If a field player is sliding for a ball and brings a player to ground this should result in a 10min yellow card. It does not matter if it’s an attacker or defender bringing a player to ground and it does not matter if they get the ball first.

If a goalkeeper is sliding for a ball, it does not matter if they take the ball first :

if the goalkeeper is still moving when they take a player to ground it is a stroke and a potential card dependent on intent
if the goalkeeper is stationary and the player then runs into the goalkeeper (even if they go over the top of a goalkeeper) then it’s against the player. Dependent on intent will then depend on if a card is given
Abuse

Abusive outbursts will not be tolerated. Abuse is deemed to be:

Verbal attack or aggression
Harassing, labelling, insulting, rebuking or excessive yelling
Delivery of statements that belittle a person
So it’s not just swearing at an umpire. It includes repeated questioning of umpire decisions as well as the tone of voice used towards players and officials.

If we can all please be proactive and consistent with this.

If you have any questions just ask

Regards

Anne