The following are the Laws of AFL as applied for all competition level grades.

While these rules here are provided as a guide and are consistent with AFL provided data, you should always refer back to the ACT Australian Football Junior League Inc By-laws for local rules and laws. There you will get direction on items such as Registration, Clearances, Over age players and even Payment of Players. There is also a comprehensive list of other laws regarding Officials, Grades, Competitions and things like Forfeits. Generally each year the League issues minor local law changes the following represent what we have available:

• Over Age Adjustment
• Even-Up Rule Adjustment
  
• Football sizes:
  • Under 9 & 10's SIZE 2,
  • Under 11 & 12's SIZE 3,
  • Under 13 & 14's SIZE 4,
  • Under 15's & 16's FULL SIZE (size5)
• Junior level tackling interpretation in 2004. This from the Junior League to umpires about tackling for the Under 12 to Under 14 grades:
  "a player (from the Under 12 up to Under 14 grade games) cannot lift an opponent off the ground in a tackle, i.e. they cannot take the tackled player's feet off the ground in a tackle and they definitely cannot throw the tackled player to the ground, after lifting them up. We have had a few instances of this sort of tackling this season, in the U14's and we need to very careful to penalise it severely right from the start off a game. You can use a free kick, and/or a 50 metre penalty and/or a send-off and/or a report if you see this type of lifting and spear or throw tackle. Try the free kick/50 metre penalty first, with a stern warning and then use the send-off/report for repeat offences, as you see fit"
  

Also, please ensure you consider the amendments when referring to AFL laws.

*** NOTE: As of Nov 2005 a new AFL update on the Laws has been introduced:

AFL LAWS 2006

The following represent some history of changes:

APPLICATION
These Laws apply to bodies affiliated to the AFL and to bodies affiliated to AFL Affiliates.

NATURE AND OBJECTS OF AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL
Australian Football is a game played between two Teams competing in accordance with these Laws. The objective of each Team playing Australian Football is to win by scoring more points than the opposing Team. The winner of a Match of Australian Football is the Team which has scored, in accordance with these Laws, the greater number of points at the conclusion of the Match. A Match is drawn when each Team has the same number of points at the conclusion of the Match.

PURPOSE OF LAWS
These Laws explain how a Match of Australian Football is played and seek to attain the following objectives:-
(a) to ensure that the game of Australian Football is played in a fair manner and a spirit of true sportsmanship; and
(b) to prevent injuries to Players participating in a Match so far as this objective can be reasonably achieved in circumstances where Australian Football is a body contact sport.

Laws of the Game 2003 Amendments

Law 11.3.5
Amend 11.3.5(a) to read "11.3.5(a) Contesting the Centre Bounce. The centre bounce or throw up shall be contested by one nominated player from each team. Such player shall be nominated to the field umpire prior to the bounce or throw of the football. The player contesting the centre bounce shall be positioned in his or her team's defensive half of the playing surface and may only enter the team's attacking half after the football touches the ground, in the act of bouncing or leaves the field Umpires hand, in the act of being thrown up. The player shall not be permitted to block an opponents approach to the contest."

Law 15.9
Free Kicks General Add new clause (e) "(e) a player has contravened the provisions of Law 11.3.5(a)".

Rationale To prevent a player stepping across his opposition ruckman's line of approach to the ball.

Law 4.1
Amend 4.1 to read "4.1 Unless otherwise determined by the AFL a football shall be of a symmetrical oval shape and conform to the standard size of 720- 730mm circumference and 545-555mm transverse circumference and be inflated to a pressure between 62 and 76 kpa".

Rationale In order to remove an anomaly in the laws, which had occurred at the time they were re-drafted in 2000. Amendment would re-instate the original wording which had been provided by an independent technical research laboratory.

Law 11.3.4
Amend 11.3.4(c) to read "11.3.4(c) Where a Player or Team Official contravenes Law 11.3.4(b), the field Umpire shall signal time on and award a free kick to the Player of the opposing team who is nearest the Centre Circle. The free kick to be taken in the centre of the playing surface behind the line through the centre circle. The advantage law shall not apply."

Rationale To clearly provide that a player cannot play on when awarded a free kick where there has been an infringement in respect to the number of players in the centre square.

Law 13.2
Amend 13.2 to read "13.2 Direction by umpire and football bought into play incorrectly i) after giving a player a reasonable opportunity, the field umpire shall direct a player to kick the football back into play. If a player fails to kick the football back into play after being instructed to do so by a field umpire, the field umpire shall call "play on". The player shall be required to dispose of the ball in accordance with Laws 13.1(b) and (d). Opposing players however may enter the goal square and tackle the player with the ball once "play on" is called. ii) if the field umpire is of the opinion that a player has not kicked the football back into play in accordance with Law 13.1 the field umpire shall bounce the football on the centre of the kick off line to recommence play."

Rationale To bring the kick in into context with general play where it is proposed the umpire will call play on if the player with the ball is taking an undue period to bring it into play.

Law 15.2.3
Add new clause 15.2.3(c) "15.2.3 (c) A player who takes possession of the football at a bounce or throw by a field umpire or at a boundary throw in, shall be regarded as having had a prior opportunity."

Rationale To define that a player catching the ball in a ruck contest shall be regarded as having prior opportunity if tackled by an opposition player.

Law 15.3.2
Amend 15.3.2 to read "15.3.2 When the football is in play, a Free Kick shall be awarded against a player who hands the football to another player or who throws the football."

Rationale To clearly stipulate that a player may not throw the ball to any other player or himself as was alleged to have happened in one particular incident during season 2002.

Law 15.6.1
Add new clause 15.6.1(f) (15.6.1 Free Kicks Relating To Out Of Bounds) " 15.6.1(f) Hits the football out of bounds on the full from a boundary throw or a field bounce"

Rationale To stipulate a definite instance where the umpire is to pay a free kick against a player putting the ball out of bounds, rather than having to determine intent.

Law 16.5.1
Amend 16.5.1 to read "16.5.1 When Permitted A player who is awarded a Free Kick or a Mark may bring the football into play from beyond the Boundary Line provided that the Player moves in one direction whilst in the act of Kicking, Handballing or moving to cross the Boundary Line. If the Player changes direction whilst he or she is still beyond the Boundary Line, the field Umpire shall call Play On, the boundary Umpire shall signal Out of Bounds and throw the Ball back into play from the spot where the Mark or Free Kick was awarded."

Rationale To clarify where the ball is to be deemed out of bounds if the player contravenes.

Law 17.2
Add new clause 17.2 (f) (17.2 Circumstances Play On) "Where a player, awarded a mark or free kick, fails to dispose of the football when directed to do so by the field umpire".

Rationale To provide that the field umpire will call play on if the player takes an undue period to dispose of the ball after a mark or free kick - expect when kicking for goal. This follows a successful trial in the 2002 pre-season competition.

Law 19.2.2
Add new clause (f) "(f) use of an obscene gesture" Consequential renumbering of existing (f)

Rationale To add the use of an obscene gesture to the list of reportable offences.

Law 19.4.4
Amend 19.4.4(a) to read "19.4.4(a) Unless Laws 19.4.4(d) or 19.4.4(e) apply, a Player or Official suspended by a Controlling Body is, for the period of suspension or while the suspension remains unserved, prohibited from playing or participating in a Match conducted by the Controlling Body imposing the suspension and a Match conducted by any other Controlling Body".

Rationale Drafted by the AFL's legal advisers Browne & Co to cover an anomaly in the current law, which in rare circumstances would allow a player to circumvent the intent of the law.

Law 22
Replace the current Law with the following:

Law 22 Infectious Diseases

22.1 The Meaning of Active Bleeding In this Law 22, the term "Active Bleeding" means the existence of an injury or wound, which continues to bleed. Active Bleeding does not include minor bleeding from a graze or scratch, which has abated and can be readily removed from a Player or any part of his uniform.

22.2 Participation in Matches When Actively Bleeding (a) Unless Law 22.7 applies: (i) a Player must not remain on the Playing Surface for so long as he or she is Actively Bleeding; (ii) a Club or Team must not allow any of its Players to remain on the Playing Surface for so long as the Player is Actively Bleeding; (b) Unless immediate treatment needs to be given having due regard to a Player's health and safety, a Club or Team must not allow any Player who is Actively Bleeding to be treated on the Playing Surface.

22.3 Active Bleeding - Role Of Umpire
22.3.1 Role of Umpire Where a field umpire is of the opinion that a player is actively bleeding, the field umpire must: stop play at the first available opportunity; (a) direct the Player concerned to immediately leave the Playing Surface; (b) subject to Law 22.3.3, wait a reasonable period to allow the replacement Player to take up position before re- commencing play; and re-commence play.
22.3.2 Player to Follow Directions of Field Umpire Where a Player is directed by a field Umpire to leave the Playing Surface because he or she is Actively Bleeding, the Player must leave the Playing Surface immediately through the Interchange Area. The Player must not re-enter the Playing Surface or take any further part in any match until and unless: the cause of such bleeding has been abated; (a) the injury is securely bound to ensure that all blood is contained; (b) any blood stained article of uniform has been removed and replaced; and (c) any blood on any part of the Player's body has been thoroughly cleansed and removed.
22.3.3 Replacement Player A Player directed to leave the Playing Surface may be replaced by another Player listed on the Team Sheet. A replacement Player may enter the Playing Surface while the Player that he or she is replacing is leaving the Playing Surface. If a replacement Player has not entered the Playing Surface by the time the directed Player has left the Playing Surface, the field Umpire must re-commence play immediately.
22.3.4 Refusal to Leave Playing Surface Where a Player refuses to or does not immediately leave the Playing Surface when directed to do so by a field Umpire, the following will apply: (a) the field Umpire must warn the Player that a Free Kick will be awarded and that the Player may be reported if he or she does not leave the Playing Surface; (b) if the Player still refuses to leave the Playing Surface, the field Umpire must award a Free Kick to the Player of the opposing Team who is nearest to where the warning was given or where play was stopped, whichever is the greatest penalty; (c) if the Player refuses to leave the Playing Surface: the field Umpire shall report the Player for misconduct in failing to follow a direction of an Umpire; the match will immediately end and be forfeited by the reported Player's Team; and Law 10.7 will apply to any match, which is forfeited.

22.4 Procedure When Player Not Actively Bleeding Where a field Umpire is of the opinion that a Player is not Actively Bleeding, but the Player has blood on any part of his body or uniform, the following will apply: at the first available opportunity, the field Umpire must signal and direct the Player to obtain treatment. After the signal is given, play will continue; the Player may remain on the Playing Surface after the signal is given by the field Umpire, but must at the earliest opportunity: (i) in the case of blood being on any part of his uniform, have the piece of uniform removed and replaced; and/or (ii) in the case of blood being on any part of his body, have the blood removed and the cause of any bleeding (if any), treated and covered so that all blood is contained; if after receiving treatment, the field Umpire is of the opinion that blood is still appearing on any part of the Player's body or uniform, the Player is deemed to be Actively Bleeding and Law 22.3 will apply.

22.5 Variation by Controlling Body A Controlling Body may adopt its own rules to specify that Law 22.3 applies to all bleeding.

22.6 Failure to Obey Direction A Player's refusal to promptly obey a direction of a field Umpire given under Law 22.3 or 22.4 is a Reportable Offence; Any fine, period of suspension or other sanction determined by a Tribunal or other body hearing the Reportable Offence shall be in addition to any sanction which may be imposed by a Controlling Body under Law 22.14.

22.7 Special Circumstances at the End of a Quarter A Player awarded a Mark or Free Kick may Kick the football after the field Umpire has signaled that play has come to an end, even though he is at that time Actively Bleeding. However, this Law is subject to Law 16.6.

22.8 Deliberate Smearing of Blood Regardless of any other provision in these Laws, if a Player intentionally smears or otherwise causes blood to be placed on another Player's body or uniform, the Field Umpire must immediately stop play and allow that Player such time as is necessary to have the blood removed or item of uniform removed and replaced.

22.9 Protective Gloves Each club or Team must ensure that any doctor, trainer and any other person treating Players of a Team wears protective gloves as may be approved from time to time by the relevant Controlling Body.

22.10 Disposal of Bloodied Clothing and Other Material Each club or Team must ensure that: any bloodied item of uniform or clothing of a Player is placed as soon as possible in a hygienic sealed container and laundered to ensure the removal of all blood; and all towels, wipes, bandages, dressings and other materials used in the treatment of bleeding Players must be placed in a hygienic sealed container and discarded or destroyed in a hygienic manner.

22.11 Dressing Rooms Each club or Team must ensure that all dressing rooms and other areas occupied by the Team prior to, during or immediately following the completion of any Match are kept clean and that no blood remains on any surface, equipment, hand basin, toilet, shower, bath or other area. All such surfaces, equipment and areas must be cleansed and disinfected immediately after contact with blood.

22.12 Hygiene Each club or Team must ensure that: Players do not urinate (other than in a toilet) in or about any dressing rooms or on the Playing Surface prior to, during or immediately following the completion of any Match; and each of its Players observe a high standards of personal hygiene.

22.13 Trainers Unless Law 22.4 applies, a Trainer or other personnel responsible for the treatment of Players shall not provide treatment to a Player on the Playing Surface for any cut, abrasion or other injury involving the discharge of blood.

22.14 Sanction - Controlling Body A Controlling Body may impose a sanction upon a Player, club or Team for a breach of any obligation imposed under this Law 22. Rationale Relaxation of "blood rule" in accordance with AFL Medical Officers advice. New Law drafted by Browne & Co.

Laws of the Game 2002 Amendments

A summary of the amendments to what the Laws now reads is as follows:

Law 7.2
Where a player does not enter the playing surface as specified under Law 7.2(d), the interchange steward and/or a field umpire shall report the circumstances to the controlling body, including the scores at the time. The controlling body may determine the matter by way of, fine, reversal of match result or other sanction as it deems appropriate.

Summary:

The change allows any question of penalty to be considered by the ruling body for the match, and all the circumstances involved. Previously, the Laws did not provide for a player entering the surface of the ground illegally.

Law 11.2.2(c)
Where the field umpire awards a Free Kick to a player before bouncing the football, he/she shall signal time on, blow his/her whistle" and give the ball to the player". The timekeepers shall acknowledge commencement of play.

Summary:

The change stipulates a clear procedure for time keepers to start the clock at a specified moment.

Law 11.3.4 (d)
Where players or officials from opposing teams simultaneously encroach, the umpire shall blow his/her whistle and direct the offending personnel to exit the centre square.

Summary:

The change now covers the situation where a dual infringement occurs, allowing for play to be re-started with a new bounce.

Law 11.3.5
The centre bounce or throw up shall be contested by one nominated player from each team. Such player shall be nominated to the field Umpire prior to the bounce or throw of the football. The player contesting the centre bounce shall be positioned in his or her team's defensive half of the playing surface and may only enter the team's attacking half after the football touches the ground, in the act of bouncing or leaves the field Umpires hand, in the act of being thrown up.

Summary:

The change now covers the situation where two ruckmen from one club may choose to enter the centre square for a centre bounce. The controlling umpire must be told which player will contest the bounce.

Law 13.1(d)
The player kicking the football into play may, provided he has kicked the football clear from his hands, regain possession and play on from within the goal square.

Summary:

The change allows a player to play on within the goal square.

Law 14.1(b)
(A mark shall be paid) after it has been kicked by another player a distance of at least 15 metres.

Summary:

The change regulates for the new minimum distance of 15 metres for a mark.

Law 15.4.5(f)
(A free kick shall be paid against any player who) pushes, bumps or blocks an opposition player who is contesting a bounce or throw by a field umpire or boundary throw in.

Summary:

The change clarifies the Laws to expand the definition of infringements that constitute a free kick for shepherding in a ruck contest.

Law 19.2.2 (f) (viii)
(A player can be reported for) Engaging in a melee, except where a player's sole intention is to remove a team member from the incident.

Summary:

The change dictates that a player may no longer be reported if he is only acting to remove a team mate from the melee situation.

1. Definition & Interpretation

1.1 DEFINITIONS
Unless the context requires otherwise, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
AFL: the Australian Football League. AFL Anti-Doping Code: the code adopted by the AFL, (and any variation), which regulates the use and administration of drugs by Players competing in the competitions conducted by the AFL.
AFL Rules: the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the AFL, the AFL Player Rules, the AFL Regulations and any resolution or determination passed from time to time by the AFL Commission. All Clear or Touched All Clear: the verbal and visual instruction given by a field Umpire for the goal Umpire to signal and record a Goal or a Behind, as the case may be.
Arena: means the Playing Surface and all of the area between the Playing Surface and the perimeter fence, including any break in the perimeter fence.
Australian Football: the contest played between two Teams competing in accordance with these Laws.
Behind: the recording of 1 point, when any of the circumstances described in Law 12.1.2 occur.
Behind Line: the white lines marked on the Playing Surface between the goal posts and the behind posts.
Boundary Line: the white line drawn on the ground to identify the Playing Surface, as described in Law 3.2.
Centre Circle: the area on the Playing Surface described in Law 3.3.
Centre Square: the area on the Playing Surface described in Law 3.3.
Charge or Charging: the conduct described in Law 15.4.4.
Controlling Body: the league, association or other body described in Law 2.1.
Correct Disposal or Correctly Dispose: disposing of the football in a manner permitted under Rule 15.3.1.
Correct Tackle or Correctly Tackled: the conduct permitted under 15.4.1.
Fifty Metre Penalty: the act of advancing by 50 metres towards the centre of the Goal Line, the position on the Playing Surface where a Player has been awarded a Free Kick or a Mark.
Fifty Metre Arc: the line drawn in the shape of an arc at each end of the Playing Surface to show that the distance to the centre of the Goal Line is fifty metres.
Free Kick: giving possession of the football to a Player on the occasions described in Law 15.
Goal: the recording of 6 points, when any of the circumstances described in 12.1.1 occur.
Goal Line: the white line marked on the Playing Surface between each goal post.
Goal Square: the areas on the Playing Surface described in Law 3.6.
Handball: the act of holding the football in one hand and disposing of the football by hitting it with the clenched fist of the other hand.
Home and Away Matches: the Matches played between Teams to determine the premier Team or those Teams who will compete in a finals series to determine the premier Team.
Interchange Area: the area marked on the Boundary Line through which Players may enter and leave the Playing Surface.
Interchange Player(s): the Player(s) of a Team who are not on the Playing Surface but who are listed on the Team Sheet and available to replace a Player on the Playing Surface.
Interchange Steward: the person(s) appointed by the relevant Controlling Body to monitor and approve the interchange of Players during a Match.
Kick or Kicking: in relation to disposing of the football, means making contact with the football with any part of the Player's leg below the knee.
Kick Off Line: the straight line drawn on the Playing Surface which runs parallel with the Goal Line, as described in Law 3.6.
Mark: has the meaning described in Law 14.1.
Match: the contest of Australian Football played between two Teams.
Melee: an incident involving three or more Players and/or officials who are grappling or otherwise struggling with one another and which, in the opinion of the field Umpire or any other person authorised by the relevant Controlling Body, is likely to bring the game of Australian Football into disrepute or prejudice the interests or reputation of the relevant Controlling Body or the competition(s) conducted by that Controlling Body.
Official: includes but is not limited to an officer, coach, assistant coach, trainer, runner, employee or any person performing any duties (paid or unpaid) for or on behalf of the club or Team.
Out of Bounds: means the football passes completely over the Boundary Line or touches a behind post but before doing so, touches the ground or is touched by a Player. If any portion of the football is on or above the Boundary Line, the football is not Out of Bounds.
Out of Bounds on the Full: means the football, having been Kicked, passes completely over the Boundary Line without touching the ground within the Playing Surface or being touched by a Player, or the football has touched the behind post or passed over the behind post without touching the ground or being touched by a Player.
Player: a person who plays or is selected to play with a Team or a person who otherwise trains with a Team or who is within the purview of these Laws.
Playing Surface: the field of play inside the Boundary Line, Goal Line and Behind Line, excluding the area between such lines and the perimeter fence.
Play On or Touched Play On: the verbal and visual instruction given by a field Umpire to indicate that:
(a) a Free Kick or Mark will not be awarded and play will continue; or
(b) a Player has attempted to dispose of the football other than in a direct line over the mark and the football is therefore in play.
Prohibited Contact: contact between Players which is prohibited under Law 15.4.5.
Protected Area: the area described in Law 16.1.2. Shepherd: the contact described in Law 15.4.2.
Team: the group of Players competing against another group of Players in a Match of Australian Football.
Team Runner(s): the person(s) appointed to deliver messages to the Players of a Team during a Match.
Team Sheet: the document which must be completed and lodged by each Team under Law 5.3.
Timekeeper(s): the person(s) appointed by a Controlling Body (or Teams) to keep the time of a Match.
Time Wasting: occurs where a field umpire is of the opinion that a Player is unnecessarily causing a delay in play.
The mark: the position on the Playing Surface where an opposition Player may stand after a Player has been awarded a Free Kick or a Mark, as described in Law 16.1.1.
Throw: shall be given its ordinary meaning, but also includes the act of propelling the football with one or both hands in a scooping motion. A Player does not throw the football if the Player hits, punches or taps the football without taking possession of the football.
Umpire: includes all of the field, boundary, goal and emergency Umpires officiating or at a Match.
Under Age Competition: a competition conducted between Teams in which the age of the Players in each Team fall within a specified age category or below an age limit.

1.2 INTERPRETATION
In the interpretation of these Laws, unless the context requires otherwise:-
(a) words importing the singular shall be deemed to include the plural and vice versa;
(b) words importing any gender shall be deemed to include the other gender;
(c) headings are included for convenience only and shall not affect the interpretation of these Laws;
(d) "including" and similar words are not words of limitation;
(e) any words, terms or phases defined in the remainder of these Laws shall have the meaning prescribed within the particular Law; and
(f) words, terms or phrases not otherwise defined in these Laws, shall be given their ordinary meaning.

1.3 AFL RULES PREVAIL
Where any provision in the AFL Rules is inconsistent with any provision contained in these Laws, the provision in the AFL Rules shall prevail to the extent of the inconsistency.

1.4 VARIATION
The AFL may from time to time change these Laws and make further Laws in its absolute discretion.

2. Controlling body

2.1 DEFINITION
A Controlling Body includes:-
(a) the AFL;
(b) any league, association or body responsible for the organisation and conduct of Matches of Australian Football, who has determined to play such Matches in accordance with these Laws;
(c) a league, association or body responsible for the organisation and conduct of Matches of Australian Football and who is affiliated to the AFL ("AFL Affiliates"); and
(d) any league, association or body responsible for the organisation and conduct of Matches of Australian Football who is affiliated to the AFL Affiliates.

2.2 APPLICATION OF THESE LAWS
Unless Law 2.3 applies, these Laws shall apply to all Matches of Australian Football organised and conducted by a Controlling Body.

2.3 VARIATION/EXEMPTION
(a) A Controlling Body may apply to the AFL to vary these Laws as they apply to the competition or competitions conducted by the Controlling Body.
(b) An application to the AFL by a league, association or body affiliated to the AFL Affiliate shall be made through the AFL Affiliate.
(c) Unless specifically allowed under these Laws or a variation is allowed by the AFL under Law 2.3(a), a Controlling Body shall not prescribe any rules or laws in addition to or which conflict with or affect the full operation of these Laws.

3. Playing surface and goal posts

3.1 GENERAL
The dimensions and markings of the Playing Surface and the playing positions for Players are contained in this Law 3 and illustrated in Diagram 1, which appears at the end of Law 3.

3.2 PLAYING SURFACE
(a) The Playing Surface shall be:-
(i) oval in shape;
(ii) between 135 metres and 185 metres in length; and
(iii) between 110 metres and 155 metres in width.
(b) A white line shall be marked on the ground to identify the Playing Surface. This white line shall be drawn in the shape of an arc from the behind post at one end of the Playing Surface to the behind post at the other end of the Playing Surface. The white lines which are drawn are called the Boundary Line.

3.3 IDENTIFYING AREAS ON THE PLAYING SURFACE
The following areas shall be marked on the Playing Surface:-
(a) a square, to be called the Centre Square, which shall:-
(i) be located in the centre of the Playing Surface; and
(ii) be 45 metres long and 45 metres wide;
(b) a Centre Circle, 3 metres in diameter, which shall:-
(i) be located in the middle of the Centre Square; and
(ii) be divided into two semi-circles, by drawing a straight line parallel with each Goal Line, which shall extend a maximum of 2 metres on each side of the Centre Circle;
(c) an Interchange Area, which shall be 15 metres wide;
(d) a Goal Square at each end of the Playing Surface;
(e) the Goal Line and Behind Line; and
(f) a Fifty Metre Arc at each end of the Playing Surface.

3.4 RELOCATION OF CENTRE SQUARE
Where a Controlling Body is satisfied that the area within the Centre Square and Centre Circle will prevent the bouncing of the football or is otherwise in an unsuitable condition, it may direct the relocation of the Centre Square and Centre Circle.

3.5 GOAL POSTS AND BEHIND POSTS
3.5.1 Position
(a) Two posts, to be called goal posts, shall be a minimum height of 6 metres and be placed at each end of the Playing Surface at a distance of 6.4 metres apart.
(b) A further two posts, to be called behind posts, shall be a minimum height of 3 metres and be placed at a distance of 6.4 metres on each side of the goal posts so that a straight line can be drawn on the ground to join each post.

3.5.2 Padding
A Controlling Body must ensure that padding is attached around each goal and behind post as follows:-
(a) a minimum of 35mm thick foam padding, covered in canvas or painted;
(b) a minimum height of 2.5m from the bottom of each goal and behind post;
(c) a suitable width to allow the padding to be fixed around each goal and behind post; and
(d) the padding must be securely attached around each goal and behind post.

3.6 GOAL SQUARE AND KICK OFF LINE
A further area, to be called the goal square, shall be marked by drawing two lines at right angles to the Goal Line for a distance of 9 metres from each goal post and connecting the outer end of each line by a straight line. This line is called the Kick Off Line.

3.7 UNDER AGE COMPETITIONS
A Controlling Body may approve smaller dimensions for the Playing Surface for an Under Age Competition.

4. The football

4.1 DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT
Unless otherwise determined by the AFL, the size of a football shall be between 720-730 millimetres in length and 545-555 millimetres in width and be inflated between 62-76Kpa.

4.2 SUPPLY AND SELECTION OF FOOTBALLS
Unless the Controlling Body decides on an alternative procedure, the following procedure shall apply to the supply and selection of footballs for a Match:-
(a) the home Team shall supply a minimum of two footballs approved by the Controlling Body to the field Umpires before the commencement of the Match;
(b) the field Umpires shall inspect and ensure that the two footballs are suitable to be used during the Match;
(c) the field Umpires shall submit the two footballs to the captain of the away Team, who shall select the football to be used; and
(d) unless the captains of each Team otherwise agree, the football selected by the captain of the away Team shall be the football used for the entire Match.

5. Teams

5.1 NUMBER OF PLAYERS IN TEAM
Unless the number is varied under Law 5.2, a Team must consist of between 14 to 18 Players, who may be on the Playing Surface at any one time, and no more than 4 Interchange Players. The Controlling Body shall determine the actual number of Players which may play for each Team in the competitions conducted by the Controlling Body.

5.2 VARIATION OF NUMBER
Unless otherwise determined by the AFL, a Controlling Body may reduce below 14 or increase above 22 the number of Players (including Interchange Players) who may participate in a Match played in the competition conducted by the Controlling Body.

5.3 TEAM SHEETS
5.3.1 Details
Unless otherwise determined by a Controlling Body, a Team Sheet shall:-
(a) list the names and numbers of the Players in the Team;
(b) identify the Interchange Players;
(c) identify the captain; and
(d) list the name of the coach, Team Runner and any other Official participating in the Match.

5.3.2 Completing and Lodging Team Sheet
Unless otherwise determined by a Controlling Body, an Official of each Team shall complete and lodge with a field Umpire its Team Sheet no later than 30 minutes before the scheduled commencement of a Match.

5.4 CHANGE OF PLAYER GUERNSEY DURING MATCH
5.4.1 Replacement Guernsey
Each Team shall ensure that a replacement guernsey is available for each Player participating in a Match.

5.4.2 Replacement of Guernsey with Same Number
Where it becomes necessary to replace a guernsey worn by a Player during a Match, the Team shall ensure that the replacement guernsey displays the number allocated to the Player before the commencement of the Match.

5.4.3 Second Replacement of Guernsey
If it becomes necessary to replace the guernsey of a Player on a second occasion, a Player may wear a guernsey that displays a different number to that originally worn by the Player. Where the replacement guernsey of a Player does display a different number, the Team Runner shall advise the Interchange Steward and the field Umpire during the next interval or, if the change occurs during the final quarter, at the first available opportunity. Upon being advised, the Interchange Steward or field Umpire, as the case may be, shall make an appropriate amendment to the Team Sheet at the first available opportunity.

5.4.4 Variation by Controlling Body
Where financial or other circumstances of a Team reasonably prevents Law 5.4.2 being followed, the Controlling Body may allow the replacement guernsey worn by a Player to display a different number to that originally worn by the Player. Where the replacement guernsey of a Player does display a different number, the Team Runner shall advise the Interchange Steward and the field Umpire during the next interval or, if the change occurs during the final quarter, at the first available opportunity. Upon being advised, the Interchange Steward or the field Umpire, as the case may be, shall make an appropriate amendment to the Team Sheet at the first available opportunity.

5.5 COUNTING OF PLAYERS
5.5.1 Request by Captain
The captain or acting captain of a Team may at any time during a Match request that the field Umpire count the number of Players of the opposing Team who are on the Playing Surface.

5.5.2 Procedure
(a) Where a request is made under Law 5.5.1, the field Umpire shall:-
(i) stop play at the first available opportunity;
(ii) call into line within the Centre Square the Players of both Teams who are at the time on the Playing Surface and count the number of Players;
(iii) upon completing the count, ensure that each Team has the permitted number of Players on the Playing Surface and then re-commence play at the position on the Playing Surface where the field Umpire stopped play; and
(iv) as soon as practicable after the Match, report to the Controlling Body that a request has been made to count the number of Players in a Team and the number of Players actually counted.
(b) The maximum number of Players permitted on the Playing Surface at the same time is eighteen or, in circumstances where a Player(s) has been ordered from the Playing Surface under Law 20, eighteen less the Player(s) ordered from the Playing Surface.

5.5.3 Players Exceeding Permitted Number
Where a Team has more than the permitted number of Players on the Playing Surface, the following shall apply:
(a) a field umpire shall award a Free Kick to the captain or acting captain of the opposing Team, which shall be taken at the Centre Circle or where play was stopped, whichever is the greater penalty against the offending Team;
(b) a Fifty Metre Penalty shall then be imposed from the position where the Free Kick was awarded; and
(c) the Team shall lose all points which it has scored in the Match up to the time of the count.

5.5.4 Correct Number and Request Without Merit
Where a count reveals that the opposing Team has the permitted number of Players on the Playing Surface, the following shall apply:
(a) a field Umpire shall award a Free Kick to the captain or acting captain of the opposing Team, which shall be taken at the Centre Circle or where play was stopped, whichever is the greater penalty against the offending Team;
(b) a Fifty Metre Penalty shall then be imposed from the position where the Free Kick was awarded; and
(c) if a field Umpire is of the opinion that a request was made under Law 5.5.1 primarily to delay play or such request did not have sufficient merit, the field Umpire shall report the Player who requested the count for Time Wasting under Law 19.2.2.

6. Team officials and team runners

6.1 CONTROLLING BODY TO REGULATE
A Controlling Body shall adopt rules which:-
(a) specify the times and occasions when an Official and Team Runner may enter the Playing Surface; and
(b) identify the tasks or duties which such persons may perform when on the Playing Surface.

6.2 IDENTIFICATION
Each Team Official and Team Runner shall wear a uniform or other form of identification, (such as an armband), as determined by the Controlling Body.

7. Interchange

7.1 INTERCHANGE STEWARD - APPOINTMENT AND DUTIES
A Controlling Body may appoint an Interchange Steward to officiate during a Match. The Interchange Steward shall:-
(a) be positioned throughout the Match at or near the Interchange Area;
(b) monitor and approve the interchange of players made by each Team during a Match; and
(c) report to the Controlling Body any infringement by a Team of this Law 7.

7.2 PROCEDURE FOR INTERCHANGE
The following procedure shall apply to the interchange of Players during a Match:
(a) the captain of a Team, Team Runner or Official shall advise the Interchange Steward of the Team's intention to replace a Player who is currently on the Playing Surface for another Player listed on its Team Sheet;
(b) upon being satisfied that the replacement is permitted, the Interchange Steward shall approve the replacement;
(c) a Team may interchange the Players concerned within a period of 3 minutes from the time approval is given by the Interchange Steward, after which the approval shall lapse;
(d) unless Law 7.3 applies, the Players concerned shall leave and enter the Playing Surface through the Interchange Area;
(e) a Player who does not leave the Playing Surface as specified under Law 7.2(d) is unable to re-enter the Playing Surface for the remainder of the Match.
(f) where a player does not enter the playing surface as specified under Law 7.2(d), the interchange steward and/or a field umpire shall report the circumstances to the controlling body, including the scores at the time. The controlling body may determine the matter by way of, fine, reversal of match result or other sanction as it deems appropriate.

7.3 USE OF STRETCHER
7.3.1 Health and Safety of Player
Any Player who is injured during a Match and who, in the opinion of a doctor, trainer or Official, requires the assistance of a stretcher, shall be attended by the Team's training staff and a stretcher as soon as possible so as to ensure the health and safety of the Player.

7.3.2 Procedure
Where a stretcher is required, the following procedure shall apply:-
(a) upon being advised or noticing that a Player requires a stretcher, the field Umpire shall stop play at the earliest opportunity and unless a doctor considers or it is apparent that it is unsafe to do so, the Player must be removed from the Arena on the stretcher or otherwise leave the Arena as soon as possible and by the shortest and most direct route;
(b) a Team may replace the injured Player with a Player listed on its Team Sheet, who must enter the Playing Surface via the Interchange Area;
(c) the Interchange Steward may allow the Player who is replacing the injured Player to enter the Playing Surface before the injured Player is removed from the Arena;
(d) once the injured Player has been removed from the Arena , the field Umpire shall recommence play by either bouncing the football or allowing a Player who had been awarded a Free Kick or a Mark at the time play was stopped, to dispose of the football; and
(e) a Player for whom a stretcher was called shall not resume playing for a period of 20 minutes (excluding intervals between quarters) from the time when the Player left the Arena. After the 20 minute period has expired, the Player may be interchanged in accordance with the procedure set out under Rule 7.2 provided the Player is able, having due regard to his or her health and safety, to resume playing in the Match.

7.4 INTERCHANGE STEWARD NOT AT MATCH
Where an Interchange Steward is not in attendance at a Match, the field Umpires or emergency Umpire(s) shall perform the duties that the Interchange Steward would have otherwise performed. A Team shall only advise the field Umpire or emergency Umpire of its intention to make an interchange during a period when time is being added on to the playing time in accordance with Law 10.

7.5 BREACH OF LAW 7
The Interchange Steward or field Umpire, as the case may be, shall advise the Controlling Body of any breach of this Law 7.

8. Umpires: duties and instructions

8.1 APPOINTMENT AND DUTIES OF UMPIRES
8.1.1 Appointment
Unless Law 8.1.2 applies, a Controlling Body shall appoint for each Match:-
(a) a field Umpire or Umpires;
(b) two or more boundary Umpires; and
(c) two goal Umpires.

8.1.2 No Appointment of Boundary/Goal Umpires
(a) Where it is impractical to appoint or the Controlling Body has not appointed a boundary or goal Umpire to officiate at a Match, the field Umpire(s) may, in consultation with each Team, appoint persons before the commencement of the Match to officiate in those roles.
(b) Unless otherwise determined by a Controlling Body, a field Umpire may overrule the decision of a boundary or goal Umpire who was appointed under Law 8.1.2(a).
(c) When no boundary or goal Umpire has been appointed under Laws 8.1.1 or 8.1.2(a), the duties normally undertaken by a boundary and goal Umpire shall be undertaken by the field Umpire.

8.1.3 Replacement of Field Umpire
A Controlling Body shall adopt rules which prescribe the replacement of an Umpire who, by reason of injury or otherwise, becomes incapable of officiating either before or during a Match.

8.1.4 Non Attendance of Field Umpire
Where a Controlling Body has not appointed a field Umpire or for any reason a field Umpire is unavailable or does not attend to officiate at a Match, the competing Teams may elect to play the Match and upon doing so, may appoint an Umpire(s), (inclusive of field, boundary and goal Umpires), to officiate at the Match. The relevant Controlling Body may determine in its absolute discretion whether to recognise the result of such Match.

8.2 DUTIES OF UMPIRES
8.2.1 Field Umpires
The field Umpires shall officiate and have full control of a Match.

8.2.2 Boundary Umpires
(a) Duties Unless determined otherwise by the relevant Controlling Body, the duties of a boundary Umpire include without limitation:-
(i) judging whether a football is Out of Bounds or Out of Bounds on the Full and signalling to the field Umpire when that has occurred;
(ii) throwing the football back into play if it has gone Out of Bounds, when directed to do so by a field Umpire;
(iii) determining whether a Player has incorrectly entered the Centre Square in contravention of Law 11.3.4;
(iv) bringing the football back to the Centre Square after a Goal has been scored; and
(v) reporting a Player or Official who commits a Reportable Offence.
(b) Bringing Football into Play When the boundary Umpire signals that the football is Out of Bounds, the field Umpire shall immediately sound a whistle to indicate that the football is out of play. When directed by the field Umpire, the boundary Umpire shall bring the football into play by throwing the football over his or her head towards the centre of the Playing Surface.

8.2.3 Goal Umpire
(a) Duties Unless otherwise determined by the relevant Controlling Body, the duties of a goal Umpire include:-
(i) judging whether a Goal or Behind has been scored;
(ii) signalling that a Goal or Behind has been scored upon being given the All Clear or Touched All Clear by a field Umpire ;
(iii) recording the Goals and Behinds scored by each Team during a Match; and
(iv) reporting a Player or Official who commits a Reportable Offence.
(b) Behind or Out of Bounds Where a goal Umpire considers that a Behind has been scored and a boundary Umpire considers the football has gone Out of Bounds or Out of Bounds on the Full, the decision of the goal Umpire shall prevail
(c) Comparing Score At the end of each quarter and at the end of a Match, the goal Umpires shall compare the score which they have recorded. If the scores are different and cannot be agreed upon or corrected by the goal Umpires, the scores shall be compared to the score recorded by the Timekeeper(s) or person(s) appointed by the Controlling Body under Law 12.7 (if any). If the matter still remains unresolved or the Timekeeper has not recorded the scores, the matter shall be referred to the relevant Controlling Body for determination.

8.2.4 Out of Bounds
Where the field Umpire has failed to notice a boundary Umpire's signal that the football has gone Out of Bounds or Out of Bounds on the Full, the following shall apply:
(a) the boundary Umpire shall continue signalling until he or she is noticed by the field Umpire;
(b) upon noticing the boundary Umpire's signal, the field Umpire shall stop play and direct that the football be taken to where it crossed the Boundary Line, at which point the football shall be thrown in by the boundary Umpire or Kicked back into play, as the case may be. This provision does not apply if a Free Kick or Fifty Metre Penalty is awarded before the field Umpire notices the boundary Umpire's signal;
(c) this Law applies even if a Goal or Behind is scored before the field Umpire notices the boundary Umpire's signal. In such instances, the field Umpire shall direct the goal Umpire to annul the score.

9. Player's boots, jewellery and protective equipment

9.1 INTERPRETATION
For the purposes of this Law 9, Protective Equipment includes but is not limited to:-
(a) hard-shell helmets;
(b) knee braces;
(c) shoulder pads;
(d) back supports;
(e) arm guards; and
(f) any other item designated as such by the relevant Controlling Body.

9.2 PROHIBITION OF ITEMS
A Player shall not wear during a Match:-
(a) any form of jewellery;
(b) bootstuds, plates/cletes or any Protective Equipment (other than Protective Equipment approved by the Controlling Body unless the field Umpire is satisfied that the item does not constitute a danger or increase the risk of injury to other Players competing in the Match; or
(c) Protective Equipment which has been approved by the relevant Controlling Body, if the field Umpire is satisfied that such equipment has, during the Match, become dangerous or increased the risk of injury to other Players.

9.3 INSPECTION
At any time before or during a Match, a field Umpire may inspect a Player's boots or hands or any Protective Equipment that a Player intends to wear or use during the Match.

9.4 POWER TO ORDER OFF
9.4.1 Order by Umpire and Replacement Player
A field Umpire may order from the Playing Surface a Player who is wearing or using an item prohibited under Law 9.2. Where a Player is ordered from the Playing Surface under this Law:
(a) an Interchange Player may replace the Player ordered from the Playing Surface; and
(b) the Player ordered from the Playing Surface may only re-enter the Playing Surface once the Player has removed the prohibited item.

9.4.2 Refusal to Leave Surface
Where a Player refuses to or does not immediately leave the Playing Surface when ordered to do so by a field Umpire, the following shall apply:-
(a) the field Umpire shall warn the Player that a Free Kick will be awarded and that the Player may be reported if he or she does not leave the Playing Surface;
(b) if the Player still refuses to leave the Playing Surface, the field Umpire shall award a Free Kick to the Player of the opposing Team who is nearest to where the warning was given or where play was stopped, whichever is the greater penalty;
(c) if the Player still refuses to leave the Playing Surface:
(i) the field Umpire shall report the Player for misconduct in failing to follow a direction of an Umpire;
(ii) the Match shall immediately end and the reported Player's Team shall forfeit the Match; and
(iii) Law 10.7 shall apply to any Match which is forfeited.

10. Timekeepers, duration of matches, quarters and intervals

10.1 DURATION OF MATCH AND INTERVALS
10.1.1 Duration
Subject to Law 10.1.3, a Match shall be played for a period of 80 minutes, divided into 4 quarters, each of 20 minutes duration. The 20 minute duration for each quarter shall be actual playing time and shall not include stoppages in play.

10.1.2 Intervals Between Quarters
Subject to Law 10.1.3, an interval shall be taken between each quarter as follows:-
(a) a maximum period of 6 minutes between the end of the first quarter and the beginning of the second quarter;
(b) a maximum period of 20 minutes between the end of the second quarter and the beginning of the third quarter; and
(c) a maximum period of 6 minutes between the end of the third quarter and the beginning of the fourth quarter.

10.1.3 Variation
A Controlling Body may vary the duration of a Match and the duration of the interval between quarters.

10.2 TIMEKEEPERS
10.2.1 Appointment
(a) A Controlling Body shall appoint two (2) or more persons to act as the Timekeepers for a Match.
(b) Where the Controlling Body does not appoint a Timekeeper, each Team shall appoint a person to act as a Timekeeper for the Match in which the Teams participate.

10.2.2 Duties
Each Timekeeper appointed for a Match shall:
(a) keep time for each quarter of a Match;
(b) record on time cards the time taken to play each quarter and lodge the completed cards with the relevant Controlling Body;
(c) sound the siren in accordance with the procedures contained in these Laws;
(d) stop the clock which is used for the timing of each quarter as required under Rule 10.5 for a stoppage in play; and
(e) perform any other function as may be directed by the relevant Controlling Body.

10.3 PROCEDURE FOR SOUNDING SIREN - START OF MATCH AND QUARTERS
The Timekeepers shall sound the siren at the times and on the number of occasions as set out in the following table:

10.4 BRINGING PLAY TO AN END
10.4.1 End of Quarter
The Timekeepers shall sound the siren to signal the end of a quarter until a field Umpire acknowledges that the siren has been heard and brings play to an end.

10.4.2 Siren Heard by Field Umpire
Play in each quarter shall come to an end when any one of the field Umpires hears the siren.

10.4.3 Signal
A field Umpire shall signal that he or she has heard the siren by blowing a whistle and holding both arms above his or her head. If immediately before hearing the siren, a field Umpire is of the opinion that a Player should be awarded a Free Kick or a Mark, the field Umpire shall signal that play has come to an end and then award the Free Kick or Mark to the Player.

10.5 STOPPING AND RECOMMENCING TIME
10.5.1 Stopping Time
The Timekeepers shall stop the clock which is used for the timing of a Match when:-
(a) directed to do so by a field Umpire in accordance with Law 10.5.3;
(b) the goal Umpire signals that a Goal has been scored;
(c) the goal Umpire signals that a Behind has been scored; or
(d) the boundary Umpire signals that the football is Out of Bounds or Out of Bounds on the Full.

10.5.2 Re-Commencing Time
The Timekeepers shall recommence the clock used for the timing of a Match when:-
(a) directed to do so by the field Umpire in accordance with Law 10.5.3; (b) the football is bounced (or thrown up) in the Centre Square after a Goal has been scored;
(c) the football is brought back into play after a Behind has been scored;
(d) the football is thrown back into play by the boundary Umpire or brought back into play by a Player, (as the case may be), after it had gone Out of Bounds or Out of Bounds on the Full; or
(e) the football is obviously in play.

10.5.3 Signalling
A field Umpire shall signal to the Timekeeper to stop the clock or re-start the clock used for the timing of the Match by blowing a whistle and raising one arm above his or her head.

10.5.4 Domestic Provisions
A Controlling Body may prescribe that Law 10.5.1(d) does not apply for Matches organised and conducted by the Controlling Body.

10.6 UNAUTHORISED ENTRY ON PLAYING SURFACE AND TERMINATION OF A MATCH
10.6.1 Entry on Playing Surface
Where a person(s) enters the Playing Surface when he or she is not permitted to do so, the field Umpire shall:-
(a) stop play at the first available opportunity; and
(b) seek the assistance of person(s) authorised by the relevant Controlling Body to remove the unauthorised person(s) from the Playing Surface.

10.6.2 Incomplete Match
(a) If a Match is unable to commence or continue within the time scheduled for the Match for reasons beyond the control of either Team (including circumstances where it is unsafe for the Match to proceed) the following shall apply:
(i) Match Not Commenced The result of a Match which is unable to commence for reasons beyond the control of the Team shall be determined by the Controlling Body.
(ii) Prior to Half Time
If a Match has commenced but is not able to proceed at any time within the time scheduled for the Match, the Teams shall depart from the Arena for a period of 30 minutes.
If the Match is unable to recommence within that 30 minute period and the elapsed playing time of the Match was less than the half time period, the Match shall be deemed to be drawn and the scores of the Teams at the time the Match was interrupted shall be used in calculating the percentage of each Team.
(iii) Beyond Half Time
If a Match has progressed beyond the half time interval and is unable to proceed at any time within the time scheduled for the Match, the Teams shall depart from the Arena for a period of 30 minutes.
If the Match is unable to recommence within that 30 minute period, the scores of the Teams at the time the Match was interrupted shall be deemed to be the final scores of the Match. The Team with the highest score shall be deemed the winner of the Match and the scores shall be used in calculating the percentage of each Team.
(iv) Match Not Able to Proceed
Unless otherwise determined by a Controlling Body, a field Umpire shall, having regard to the health and safety of the Players and any other relevant circumstances, determine whether a Match is unable to commence or proceed. A field Umpire must determine that a Match is unable to commence or proceed for such time as lightning is present at or within the immediate proximity of the venue where the Match is being conducted.
(v) Recommencing of Play
Where a Team is directed to recommence play by a field Umpire and the Team fails, refuses or neglects to recommence play, the Team shall be deemed to have forfeited the Match, in which case Law 10.7 shall apply.

10.7 FORFEITURE OF MATCH
10.7.1 Forfeiture
For the purposes of this Law, a Team forfeits a Match if:
(a) it is unable or it fails, refuses or neglects to commence or recommence play:
(i) at the scheduled starting time; or
(ii) within such other time period determined or specified by the Controlling Body, a field Umpire or these Laws, or
(b) the field Umpire determines, in accordance with these Laws, that a Team has forfeited the Match; or
(c) an event occurs under the Laws which results in a Team forfeiting the Match.

10.7.2 Consequence of Forfeiture
Where a Team forfeits a Match, the following shall apply:-
(a) the points for the Match shall be awarded to the Team who did not forfeit the Match; and
(b) at the conclusion of the Home and Away Matches:-
(i) the percentage of the Team who did not forfeit the Match shall be adjusted by crediting and debiting that Team with the average number of points for the Home and Away Matches that were scored for and against the Team who did forfeit the Match; and
(ii) the percentage of the Team who did forfeit the Match shall be adjusted by crediting and debiting that Team with the average number of points for the Home and Away Matches that were scored for and against the Team who did not forfeit the Match.

10.7.3 Variation by Controlling Body
If the relevant Controlling Body is of the opinion that a Team will be disadvantaged by the calculation of percentage under Law 10.7.2, the Controlling Body may, upon application by the Team, vary the points debited or credited to the Team or the method of calculating the Team's percentage.

11. Commencing play and choice of goal

11.1 CHOICE OF GOAL
The end of the Playing Surface to which a Team shall play shall be decided by the toss of a coin as follows:
(a) the field Umpire (or such other person approved by the Controlling body) shall toss the coin;
(b) before the coin is tossed, the captain of the "away" Team shall call "the fall of the coin;
(c) the captain of the Team who wins the toss of the coin shall choose the end to which his or her Team shall play in the first quarter; and
(d) at the conclusion of each quarter, the Teams shall change ends.

11.2 COMMENCEMENT OF PLAY
11.2.1 Readiness to Commence Play
(a) All interchange Players must leave the Playing Surface two minutes prior to the scheduled starting time of a Match, being the time when the Timekeepers sound the siren 3 times.
(b) Before commencing play in each quarter, the field Umpire shall:
(i) ensure that the Timekeepers are ready to commence timing the Match; and
(ii) confirm with each captain that each Team is ready to commence play.

11.2.2 Commencing Play
(a) The field Umpire shall take up a position on the white line either side of the Centre Circle prior to bouncing the football.
(b) Unless Law 11.2.2(c) applies, the field Umpire shall commence play in each quarter by holding the football above his or her head, blowing a whistle and bouncing the football in the Centre Circle.
(c) Where the field umpire awards a Free Kick to a player before bouncing the football, he/she shall signal time on, blow his/her whistle "and give the ball to the player". The timekeepers shall acknowledge commencement of play.
(d) The Timekeeper shall commence the clock used for timing the Match when the field Umpire blows the whistle or when a Player, who has been awarded a Free Kick, brings the football into play.

11.2.3 Report to Controlling Body
The field Umpire shall advise the Controlling Body of any occasion when a Team is not ready to commence play at the scheduled starting time. The Controlling Body may impose a sanction as determined in the absolute discretion of the Controlling Body.

11.3 BOUNCING THE FOOTBALL
11.3.1 Centre Square and Bouncing the Ball
The field Umpire shall bounce the football on the occasions and at the position on the Playing Surface as set out in the table below:-

11.3.2 Free-Kick Awarded
If the field Umpire awards a Free Kick to a Player during the period between when a Goal is scored and the football is bounced, play shall recommence when the Player brings the football into play.

11.3.3 Throwing up Football
The field Umpire may throw the football in the air:
(a) where he or she is of the opinion that the conditions are unsuitable for bouncing but before doing so, shall advise the Players accordingly; or
(b) if directed to do so by the Controlling Body.

11.3.4 Permitted Numbers at the Centre Bounce
When the football is bounced to start a quarter or recommence play after a Goal has been scored, the following shall apply:-
(a) a maximum of 4 Players from each Team are permitted in the Centre Square;
(b) no Player (other than the 4 initial Players) or Team Official shall enter the Centre Square from the time the field Umpire commences his or her approach to the Centre Circle to bounce the football until the football touches the ground, in the act of bouncing, or leaves the field Umpires hand, in the act of being thrown up;
(c) where a Player or Team Official contravenes Law 11.3.4(b), the field Umpire shall award a Free Kick to the Player of the opposing Team who is nearest to the Centre Circle;
(d) where players or officials from opposing teams simultaneously encroach, the umpire shall blow his/her whistle and direct the offending personnel to exit the centre square.
(e) if an injured Player is receiving treatment (but does not require a stretcher) in the Centre Square at the time of a centre bounce, the field Umpire shall:-
(i) instruct the Player to immediately leave the Centre Square; and
(ii) not recommence play until the Player has left the Centre Square;
(f) if an injured Player does not leave the Centre Square upon being instructed to do so, the field Umpire shall award a Free Kick to the Player of the opposing Team who is nearest to the Centre Circle;
(g) where an injured Player requires a stretcher at the time of a centre bounce, Law 7.3 shall apply.

11.3.5 Contesting the Centre Bounce
(a) The centre bounce or throw up shall be contested by one nominated player from each team. Such player shall be nominated to the field Umpire prior to the bounce or throw of the football. The player contesting the centre bounce shall be positioned in his or her team's defensive half of the playing surface and may only enter the team's attacking half after the football touches the ground, in the act of bouncing or leaves the field Umpires hand, in the act of being thrown up.
(b) Where a Player contravenes Law 11.3.5(a), the field Umpire shall award a Free Kick to the Player on the opposing Team who is nearest to the Centre Circle.
(c) Unless otherwise determined by the Controlling Body, where the field Umpire bounces the football off line, the field Umpire shall immediately call "Play On" and the football may be contested by any Player.

12. Scoring: goals and behinds

12.1 GOALS AND BEHINDS
12.1.1 Scoring a Goal
Subject to Law 12.2, a Goal is scored when the football is Kicked completely over the Goal Line by a Player of the attacking Team without being touched by any other Player, even if the football first touches the ground.

12.1.2 Scoring a Behind
Subject to Law 12.2, a Behind is scored when any of the following occurs:-
(a) the football touches or passes over the goal post; or
(b) the football passes completely over the Behind Line; or
(c) a Player of the attacking Team Kicks the football over the Goal Line but before passing over the Goal Line, the football is touched by another Player; or
(d) if a Player from the defending Team Kicks, Handballs, knocks or otherwise takes the football over the Goal Line or Behind Line; or
(e) if a defending Player Plays On from behind the Goal Line or Behind Line, and in doing so, moves off the direct line between himself and the Player standing the mark.

12.1.3 Clarification and Examples
For the avoidance of doubt:-
(a) if the football touches an Umpire or any Official and then passes over the Goal or Behind Line, a Goal or Behind, as the case may be, shall still be recorded;
(b) if the football touches an Umpire or any Official and does not pass over the Goal or Behind Line, the football shall remain in play;
(c) if a football is Kicked by a Player on the attacking Team at the time when another Player is touching the football, the football shall be deemed to have been touched by that Player; and
(d) a football passes over a Goal Line or Behind Line only when the entire football has passed over the Goal Line or Behind Line, as the case may be.

12.1.4 Football Touching the Behind Post
Where a football touches or passes over a behind post, the football shall be Out of Bounds or Out of Bounds on the Full.

12.1.5 Goal Umpire to Judge Goal or Behind
(a) The goal Umpire shall decide whether a Goal or Behind has been scored but may, before deciding, consult with the field or boundary Umpires. The decision of the goal Umpire shall be final. The goal Umpire shall only signal that a Goal or Behind has been scored when the field Umpire signals "All Clear" or "Touched All Clear", as the case may be.
(b) Law 12.1.5(a) does not apply if a Controlling Body prescribes that a field Umpire may overrule the decision of a goal Umpire who has not been appointed by the Controlling Body.

12.2 ALL CLEAR AND TOUCHED ALL CLEAR
12.2.1 Signal by Field Umpire
A Goal or a Behind shall only be signalled by a goal Umpire and recorded as a Goal or Behind when:-
(a) in the case of the football passing over the Goal or Behind Line, or touching or passing over the goal post, the field Umpire signals "All Clear"; and
(b) in the case of the football being touched by another Player and then passing over the Goal Line, or touching or passing over the goal post, the field Umpire signals "Touched All Clear".

12.2.2 Goal Umpire to Notify Field Umpire
(a) Where the goal Umpire is of the opinion that a Goal or Behind has been scored and the field Umpire has allowed play to continue, the goal Umpire shall immediately notify the field Umpire. Upon being notified by the goal Umpire, the field Umpire shall stop play and signal "All Clear" or "Touched All Clear", as the case may be, and the Goal or Behind shall be signalled by the goal Umpire and recorded as a score. Play shall then re-commence in accordance with these Laws.
(b) Unless Law 12.4.1 applies, any Free Kick awarded to a Player before the field Umpire signals All Clear or Touched All Clear under Law 12.2.2(a) shall be cancelled.

12.3 SIGNALLING A GOAL OR BEHIND
12.3.1 Goal
The goal Umpire shall signal that a Goal has been scored by raising both index fingers and then waving two flags.

12.3.2 Behind
The goal Umpire shall signal that a Behind has been scored by raising one index finger and then waving one flag.

12.3.3 Changing a Decision
(a) The goal Umpire may change his or her decision about the scoring of a Goal or a Behind if and only if the goal Umpire notifies the field Umpire before the football is brought back into play.
(b) A goal Umpire shall signal that the scoring of a Goal or Behind has been changed by:-
(i) immediately standing on the centre of the Goal Line and holding both flags above his or her head in a crossed position; and
(ii) then signalling the new score or advising the boundary Umpire to signal Out of Bounds or Out of Bounds on the Full, as the case may be.

12.4 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FREE KICKS AND ALL CLEAR
12.4.1 Free Kick Awarded Before All Clear
Where a Free Kick is awarded to a Player immediately after the football passes the Goal or Behind Line but before the field Umpire signals "All Clear" or "Touched All Clear", the following shall apply:-
(a) the field Umpire shall signal "All Clear" or "Touched All Clear", after which the goal Umpire shall signal and record the score; and
(b) the Free Kick shall then be taken where the infringement occurred, or the position at which the football is brought back into play, whichever is the greater penalty against the offending Team.

12.4.2 All Clear Given but Play has not Recommenced
(a) Where a Free Kick is awarded to a Player during the period when the field Umpire has signalled "All Clear" for a Goal to be recorded and the football is bounced in the Centre Circle, the Free Kick shall be taken where the infringement occurred, or at the Centre Circle, whichever is the greater penalty against the offending Team.
(b) Where a Free Kick is awarded to a Player during the period when the field Umpire has signalled "All Clear" or "Touched All Clear" for a Behind to be recorded and the football being brought back into play, the Free Kick shall be taken from the following positions:
(i) in the case of a Free Kick being awarded to the defending Team, where the infringement occurred, or at the back line of the Centre Square, whichever is the greater penalty against the attacking Team; or
(ii) in the case of a Free Kick being awarded to the attacking Team, the centre of the kick off line.

12.5 SCORING GOAL OR BEHIND AFTER PLAY HAS ENDED
12.5.1 Goal or Behind Recorded in Certain Circumstances
Even though play has come to an end, a Goal or Behind shall be recorded for a Team if:-
(a) the Goal or Behind is scored by a Player from a Free Kick or Mark which was awarded to the Player before play came to an end; or
(b) the Goal or Behind was scored by a Player who disposed of the football before play came to an end; or
(c) the Goal or Behind is scored by a Player who was awarded a Free Kick under Law 12.6.

12.5.2 Football touched in Transit
A Behind shall still be recorded under Law 12.5.1 if the football is touched in transit by another Player, provided the field Umpire is satisfied that the scoring of the Behind was not assisted by a Player from the same Team.

12.5.3 Field Umpire Sole Judge
A field Umpire shall be the sole judge in deciding whether a Free Kick or Mark should be awarded or whether the football was disposed of by a Player before play came to an end.

12.6 FREE KICK AFTER PLAY HAS ENDED
12.6.1 Before Kick or in the act of Kicking
After a field Umpire has signalled that play has come to an end, any field Umpire may award a Free Kick to any Player when a Player is preparing to Kick or in the act of Kicking for Goal. In such a case, the following shall apply:
(a) if the Player awarded the Free Kick is playing for the attacking Team, the Free Kick shall be awarded to the Player where the infringement occurred or, the Player in the attacking Team who is preparing to Kick or in the act of Kicking for Goal shall be awarded a Fifty Metre Penalty, whichever is the greater penalty against the defending Team; or
(b) if the Player awarded the Free Kick is playing for the defending Team, the Player shall be awarded the Free Kick where the infringement occurred or where the football is at the time of the infringement, whichever is the greater penalty against the attacking Team.

12.6.2 After the Kick
After a field Umpire has signalled that play has come to an end, any field Umpire may award a Free Kick to any Player during the period when a Player has Kicked for Goal and the football is in transit or during the period when a Player has Kicked a Goal or Behind but before the field Umpire has signalled "All Clear" or "Touched all Clear". In such cases, the following shall apply:
(a) if the Player awarded the Free Kick is playing for the attacking Team and a Goal is Kicked, the field Umpire shall signal "All Clear" and a Goal shall be recorded; or
(b) if the Player awarded the Free Kick is playing for the attacking Team and a Goal is not scored, then that Player may take the Free Kick where it was awarded (or where the football is at the time the Free Kick was awarded , whichever is the greater penalty) or, where a Behind is scored, elect to have the Behind recorded; or
(c) if the Player awarded the Free Kick is playing for the defending Team, the Player shall be awarded the Free Kick where the infringement occurred. For the avoidance of doubt, any Goal or Behind which would have been recorded in favour of the attacking Team but for the awarding of the Free Kick to a Player on the defending Team, shall not be recorded.

12.7 RECORDING SCORES
A Controlling Body may appoint a person or persons to record the scores of a Match independently from the goal Umpires. Where the goal Umpires cannot agree on the final score of a Match, the Controlling Body may take into account the scores recorded by the person(s) so appointed to determine the result of a Match.

13. Kicking the ball back into play after a behind has been scored

13.1 FOOTBALL MUST BE KICKED
Unless Law 12.4 applies, when a Behind has been recorded, the following shall apply:-
(a) the football must be Kicked back into play by any Player of the defending Team within a reasonable time;
(b) the football must be Kicked from within the Goal Square. For the avoidance of doubt, one foot of the Player must be behind any of the lines which define the Goal Square at the time when the Player Kicks the football;
(c) no Player is permitted within 5 metres of the Goal Square at the time when the football is being Kicked back into play; and (d) The player kicking the football into play may, provided he has kicked the football clear from his hands, regain possession and play on from within the goal square.

13.2 DIRECTION BY UMPIRE AND FOOTBALL BROUGHT INTO PLAY INCORRECTLY
After giving a Player a reasonable opportunity, the field Umpire shall direct a Player to Kick the football back into play. If a Player fails to Kick the football back into play after being instructed to do so by a field Umpire or the field Umpire is of the opinion that a Player has not Kicked the football back into play in accordance with Law 13.1, the field Umpire shall bounce the football on the centre of the Kick Off Line to recommence play.

13.3 GOAL UMPIRE MUST FINISH WAVING FLAGS
A Player from the defending Team may only Kick the football into play when the goal Umpire has completed waving the flag to signal that a Behind has been scored. If a defending Player Kicks the football before this time, the field Umpire shall direct the Player to Kick the football again.

13.4 ATTACKING TEAM DELAYING RE-COMMENCEMENT OF PLAY
(a) Where the field Umpire is of the opinion that a Player from the attacking Team:
(i) is within 5 metres of the Goal Square at the time when a Player from the defending Team is Kicking the football back into play;
(ii) has prevented the Player from the defending Team from Kicking the football back into play; or
(iii) has otherwise delayed play, the field Umpire shall bring the mark forward from the Goal Square to the back line of the Centre Square, at which location the football shall be Kicked back into play by the Player of the defending Team who is closest to that location.
(b) Where the field Umpire is of the opinion that a Player of the attacking Team has again contravened Law 13.4(a), the mark shall be brought forward from the back line of the Centre Square to the forward line of the Centre Square, at which location the football shall be Kicked back into play by the Player of the defending Team who is closest to that location.

13.5 OFFICIAL WITHIN FIFTY METRE ARC
Unless attending to an injured Player, no Official is permitted within the Fifty Metre Arc during the time when a defensive Player is preparing to Kick or in the act of Kicking the football back into play after a Behind has been scored. Where an Official contravenes this Law, the opposing Team shall be awarded a Free Kick at the back line of the Centre Square, to be taken by the Player from the opposing Team who is closest to that location.

14. Marking the football

14.1 DEFINITION
A Mark is taken if, in the opinion of the field Umpire, a Player catches or takes control of the football:-
(a) within the Playing Surface; and
(b) after it has been Kicked by another Player a distance of at least 15 metres; and
(c) which has not touched the ground or been touched by another Player during the period when the football was Kicked until it was caught or controlled by the Player.

14.2 PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES
(a) For the avoidance of doubt, a Mark shall be awarded if:-
(i) a Player catches or takes control of the football before it has passed completely over the Boundary Line, Goal Line or Behind Line; or
(ii) before the football was caught or controlled by the Player, it was touched by an Umpire or any other Official.
(b) The field Umpire may consult with the boundary or goal Umpire before deciding whether a Mark has been taken before the football passed completely over the Boundary Line, Goal Line or Behind Line.

14.3 PLAYER TO BE AWARDED THE MARK
(a) Where a field Umpire is of the opinion that a Player has taken a Mark, he or she shall award the Mark to the Player at the location on the Playing Surface where the Mark was taken.
(b) Law 16 shall apply when a Player has been awarded a Mark.

14.4 FIELD UMPIRE TO SIGNAL "TOUCHED, PLAY ON"
Where a football is touched by another Player during the period when the football was Kicked until it is caught or controlled by a Player, the field Umpire shall immediately call and signal "Touched, Play On" in order to indicate to the Players that a Mark will not be awarded.

14.5 WHEN A MARK IS NOT AWARDED
Where a Player claims to have taken a Mark which is not awarded by the field Umpire, the following shall apply:-
(a) if the Player does not retain possession of the football, play shall continue; or
(b) if the Player retains possession of the football and the Player is Correctly Tackled by an opponent, the field Umpire shall bounce the football in accordance with Law 11.3.1, provided he or she is satisfied that the Player did not hear or see the signal of "Touched, Play On" or "Play On". If the field Umpire considers that the Player did hear or see the signal of Touched, Play On" or "Play On", Law 15.2.3 shall apply.

15. Free kicks

15.1 INTERPRETATION
15.1.1 Spirit and Intention of Awarding Free Kicks
It is the spirit and intention of these Laws that a Free Kick shall be awarded to:-
(a) ensure that a Match is played in a fair manner;
(b) provide to a Player, who makes obtaining possession of the football his or her sole objective, every opportunity to obtain possession;
(c) protect Players from sustaining injury; and
(d) a Player who executes a Correct Tackle which results in an opponent failing to dispose of the football in accordance with these Laws.

15.1.2 Awarding Free Kicks
In addition to any other circumstances described elsewhere in these Laws, a Free Kick shall be awarded to or against a Player, as the case may be, when a field Umpire considers that any of the circumstances set out in this Law 15 occur, irrespective of whether the football is in play. Unless otherwise stated in these Laws, a Free Kick shall be taken where it is awarded or where the football is at the time, whichever is the greater penalty against the offending Team.

15.1.3 When a Free Kick May be Awarded
A Free Kick may be awarded when the football is or is not in play. For the avoidance of doubt, a Free Kick may be awarded:
(a) if an infringement occurs on the Playing Surface before the commencement of a quarter, in which case the Free Kick shall be taken at the Centre Circle or where the infringement occurred, whichever is the greater penalty against the offending Team; and
(b) after a score has been recorded or play has come to an end, in the circumstances described in Laws 12.4, 12.5 and 12.6.

15.1.4 Effect of Free Kick
A Free Kick means that possession of the football is given to a Player of the Team who is awarded the Free Kick, after which play shall continue in accordance with Law 16.

15.2 FREE KICKS RELATING TO POSSESSION OF THE FOOTBALL
15.2.1 In Possession of the Football
A Player is in possession of the football if, in the opinion of the field Umpire:-
(a) the Player is holding or otherwise has control of the football;
(b) the Player is in the act of bouncing the football; or
(c) the Player dives or lies on top of or drags the football underneath his or her body.

15.2.2 Remaining in Possession and Bouncing the Football
(a) A Player may remain in possession of the football for any length of time:
(i) unless the Player is Correctly Tackled by an opponent; or
(ii) unless directed to dispose of the football by a field Umpire; or
(iii) provided the Player complies with Law 15.2.2(b).
(b) Where a Player is moving whilst in possession of the football, he or she must bounce or touch the football on the ground at least once every 15 metres, irrespective of whether such Player is running in a straight line or otherwise. For the purposes of this Law, a Player shall be deemed to be in possession of the football during the period when the Player handballs the football to himself or herself and regains possession without the football touching the ground.
(c) A field Umpire shall award a Free Kick against a Player if he or she is of the opinion that a Player has contravened Law 15.2.2(b).

15.2.3 Holding the Football - Prior Opportunity/No Prior Opportunity
Where the field Umpire is satisfied that a Player in possession of the football:
(a