Letter to Umpires and Aspiring Umpires

Hello Fellow Umpires and welcome to a new football year.
 
I know that some of you are already up and away, so well done and I look forward to hearing from you and to helping you monitor your progress as we develop our umpiring ranks.
 
As usual we are always looking for more umpires in all the three umpiring fields to participate in our great game.  If you know of prospective players who are going to take the climb into umpiring, please let me know so I can contact them and help them on their way.  The same applies for any newbies who may like to take up our game.  Between us, in this huge country, we can offer as much support as we can.
 
The AFL in Australia has assisted in the development of the following link which is entitled, 'PLAY BY THE RULES".  Can I suggest that all umpires, players and officials read and search through this website as it is extremely valuable for all people involved in football in the USA.  Umpires, please bring this website to the notice of your local teams, and Coaches, please inform all of your players.
 
http://www.playbytherules.net.au/pbtrhomepage.jsp?xcid=282
 
The LAWS OF FOOTBALL have also been updated so could you please make sure that you peruse this link as well.
 
By now you know that the Nationals are to be held in Las Vegas this year.  This is an exciting move by the USAFL Board and we look forward to umpiring in the land of the lost dollar.
 
Below you will find the 2006 rule changes and also the decisions that have remained status quo by the USAFL Board for the 2006-7 season.  Obviously there is much to talk about and I welcome your comments, questions and as usual, interpretations. 

AFL laws of the game- 2006 ADAPTATIONS
The AFL Commission has approved a number of changes to the Laws of the Game for the 2006 AFL Premiership Season.
The changes are as follows:
1 - Removing the requirement for defensive players to wait until the flags have been waved after a point has been scored, before bringing the ball back into play;
THE USAFL BOARD HAS DECIDED NOT TO USE THIS RULE IN THE USAFL.

2 - Allowance of a shot for goal to be taken from directly in front of the goal for any mark taken, or free kick awarded, within the goal square;
THIS RULE HAS BEEN ADOPTED BY THE USAFL.
3 - Automatic re-start of time-on from the time the umpire crosses arms to when the ball is bounced.
Not an issue for our league with no time on.

Further, the AFL Umpires will also be instructed on a number of interpretation changes to be introduced for the start of the 2006 season, as follows:

1 - Limit the time for players to line up for set shots to 30 seconds;
Applied, as implied.  Umpires will be made aware of this and call infringements as they arise.

2 - Reduced tolerance of holding players up after a mark or free kick;
Again, an education issue.  Players not involved in a marking contest have no right to hold a player after a mark.  Players not involved in contact during a free kick, have no right in holding a player after a free kick has been awarded.  Umpires will be instructed for the same.

3 - Quicker boundary throw-ins;
We wish, just get it in as quick as we can any way at all!

4 - Less time taken to award a 50m penalty;
Umpires will be instructed to award the 50m penalty more quickly and sprint to the penalty area, without discussion.

5 - Stricter interpretation of the deliberate out of bounds law;
An education issue determined by the question, “What was the player’s intention?”

6 - Stricter policing of holding and blocking in marking contests;
Education of umpires regarding the spirit of the law which states that all players should have the opportunity to contest the football.

7- Greater focus on detecting infringements by tagging players.
Hasn’t been an issue for our league, but certainly the second umpire can be instructed to watch for such infringements.

Have a great year, and I will be in touch....also watch the USAFL Website for updates as they become available.

Cheers,
Brian Green
USAFL Umpire Coach

- Brian Green
(651)