AFL umpires given extra powers

AFL Umpire's manager Jeff Gieschen will oversee the rule changes to be implemented in the NAB Cup. Picture: Greg Scullin Source: Herald Sun

THE AFL will unveil a series of rule changes during this weekend's NAB Cup matches, with sliding the most contentious.

Under the new rules, a free kick will be paid against a player who slides into a contest, taking out an opponent's legs.

The crack down follows an incident last year when Sydney speedster Gary Rohan had his leg snapped in a legal contest with North Melbourne goalsneak Lindsay Thomas.

Thomas received a three-match ban for the challenge later dismissed as an accident by the AFL Tribunal.

Sydney champion Adam Goodes was also pinged for sliding into Port Adelaide defender Jacob Surjan.

"The free kick for forceful contact below the knees was aimed to protect players from serious lower limb injuries such as broken legs, ankles and knee ACL injuries," the league said in a statement today.

"The change to throw the ball up around the ground at stoppages has been introduced to help alleviate congestion and encourage quick ball movement and genuine marking contests."

But Geelong great Cameron Ling expects the sliding rule to divide opinion.

"Contact below the knees is going to be an interesting one this year!! Could be a lot paid early and some confusion!" the triple premiership star and football commentator tweeted today.

The new rules include:

Forceful contact below the knees – A free kick will be awarded against any player who makes forceful contact below the knees of an opponent (excludes smothers)

Ball up around the ground – Umpires will only bounce the ball at the start of each quarter and after goals.

Ruckman at stoppages – Ruckman will not be allowed to make contact at stoppages until the ball has left the umpire's hand.

Umpires will also be clamping down on holding the ball decisions, the time allowed for kick ins (reduced to 5-6 seconds) and blocking in marking contests.

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