AFL

New NAB Cup Rules

Monday 8th February 2010

Author: LMSC

Photographer:

The AFL is again set to medal with the laws of the game in the upcoming NAB pre-season tournament.

On Monday the league announced it will again use the night premiership series as a testing ground for several new potential rules each designed to make the game faster and fairer.

In an effort to clean up the unsightly tactics of tagers in and around stoppages, boundary umpires will be given the power to award free kicks for holding and high contact at ball ups, throw ins and stoppages.

Players who attempt to drag the ball under their opponent in a effort to gain a free kick will be penalised with holding the ball.

The "no-go zone" behind an umpire (where he backs away after ball ups) will apply at ball ups around the ground.

The player, not umpire, will be able to adjudge if there is an advantage and can chose to take the free kick or play on.

The NAB pre-season tournament kicks off this Friday night at Subaico oval with the West Coast Eagles hosting Essendon.