Proposed Rule Change For 2023 WAFL Season

The centre bounce could be abolished in what would be a ground-breaking move for the WAFL.

The decision will be finalised following a trial during pre-season matches which begin next month.

The proposal, which was put forward by the WAFL Competition Committee and endorsed by WAFL CEO’s, also has the support of WAFL and WAFLW Umpiring Operations Manager Dean Margetts.

“The umpiring department welcomes the trial.

We believe it’ll reduce the number of injuries for umpires, reduce the stress and anxiety for many officials who struggle to execute the skill, and we know decision making worsens immediately following an unsuccessful bounce,” Margetts said.

The 377-game former AFL umpire also pointed out the benefits of scrapping the bounce.

“Umpires can now focus on match management at training and the change will create more inclusivity for females or those from non- traditional football backgrounds.

The removal of the bounce means ruckmen can expect a fair contest and teams can practice match simulation at training with coaches throwing the ball up, removing the need to have umpires on site to bounce the ball,” Margetts said.

In addition, time isn’t lost due to a poor bounce, therefore the integrity of matches isn’t affected.

“I watch many of our umpires spend hours a week practising a skill, and some umpires will only bounce a ball some 3-4 times in a game.

I would much prefer umpires and coaches develop better relationships at training, because we want umpires to be better decision makers and match managers.

The reality is we used to bounce the ball around the ground some 10 years ago and nobody ever discusses it now.

Football has a wonderful way of adapting to change and moving on very quickly”, he said.

The WAFL will also trial the last-disposal rule during Pre- Season matches.

Under the rule, which has operated in the SANFL since 2016, a free kick will be given if a kick or handball crosses the boundary line without being touched by another player.

Scott Baker, Executive Manager – Football Operations at the West Australian Football Commission, wants the competition rules to remain progressive.

“Looking at removing the bounce takes away an important barrier for quality umpires, particularly really good decision makers and match managers, to be fast tracked through the talent pathway,” Baker said.

Baker declared the last-disposal rule will be carefully assessed.

“The rule in the SANFL has shown to increase scoring as well as open the game up with a lower number of stoppages around the ground.

The pre-season is a perfect opportunity to run the trial,” he said.