2024 AFL/USAFL RULE CHANGES AND INTERPRETATIONS – SUMMARY CHART

The latest USAFL Rule Changes and Interpretations can be found below and at:

2024 AFL-USAFL Rules and Interpretations Summary Chart MAY 24 Update

 

AFL/USAFL RULE CHANGES AND INTERPRETATIONS – SUMMARY CHART

 

Year AFL Rule/Interpretation USAFL Explanation and Rationale
2024 Smothering Yes Where a player elects to leave the ground in an attempt to smother the ball, any reasonably foreseeable high contact with an opponent that is at least Low Impact will be deemed to be Careless at a minimum, unless the player has taken all reasonable steps to avoid that high contact and/or minimize its (e.g., by adopting a body position that minimizes the force of the high contact).
2024 Run Down Tackles Yes This interpretation reflects concern about run-down tackles where the tackling player significantly contributed to the force with which the tackled player is driven to ground. The AFL has amended the Guidelines to state that there may be types of run-down tackles that are dangerous and which constitute a Reportable Offence (i.e. run down tackles where the tackled player is driven into

the ground with excessive force).
2024 Striking Yes The AFL seeks to increase the onus on players to not commit a strike even when seeking to fend and push their opponent. Where a player intends to forcefully push or fend an opposition player off the ball (including to gain separation for

the purpose of contesting the ball) and the effect is that the player “strikes” their opponent, the strike will usually be graded as Intentional rather than Careless.
2024 Ruck Contests Yes The AFL has changed the interpretation of Law 18.4 to permit straight arm blocks in a ruck contest, provided the player still contests the ball.
2023 Set Shot for Goal Yes Umpires will alert players at the 15-second mark of a set shot. Players are allowed 30 seconds to start their set shot approach. There is no reason for the USAFL not to adopt this interpretation.
2023 Entering Protected Area Yes The AFL requires that a player losing a marking contest or giving away a free kick must stand the mark or immediately leave the protected area. This interpretation should also be adopted.
2023 Move to Handball Yes The AFL interprets the Standing the Mark rule (see below) so that a 50m penalty will not be paid where a player fakes a handball to make the player on the mark move before play on is called. As the USAFL is adopting the Standing the Mark

rule, this interpretation should also be adopted.
2022 Player “Dissent” No The AFL has, as a point of emphasis used a 50m penalty for demonstrative player dissent, including pointing towards scoreboard replays. Umpires in the USAFL can use existing rules and interpretations to penalize player behavior that is abusive, delays the game, or otherwise contravenes existing rules.
2021 Limit of 75 Total Player Interchanges per Match No This rule does not apply to USAFL games where interchanges are not limited.

 

2021 Mark set at 15m from center of the top of the goal square at

Kick-Ins

 Yes The USAFL adopted the previous rule change moving the Mark to 10m from the center of the top of the goal square and there is no reason not to adopt this

change.
2021 Three Players to be Stationed Inside 50 Meters at Each Stoppage No This rule addresses specific AFL considerations and is currently experimental. As such, there is no reason for the USAFL to adopt it.
 

 

2021

  

 

Standing the Mark

  

 

 

No

 The AFL is interpreting this rule to require the opponent on the mark to remain stationary until the umpire calls “play on.” This interpretation addresses a specific AFL concern with the pace of the game, scoring, and defensive tactics and has been viewed as difficult to administer in the USAFL where players and umpires are often inexperienced.

*Revised to “No” May 2024, as per USAFL direction*
 

 

2020

  

 

Team Officials and Team Runners

  

 

No

 This rule specifies when team officials may enter the playing surface. USAFL games are played in summer and at the community level, so Water Runners are allowed on the field provided they do not interfere with the game or carry messages. Team Runners may enter at any time to deliver a message and return to the boundary, provided they do not interfere with the game. They may not be

in the 50m arc at a Kick-In.
 

2020

  

Starting Positions

  

No

 This rule implements a “traditional” set up at center bounces requiring each team to have six players inside the 50m arcs, including one in the goal square. This

rule is viewed as impractical to implement in the USAFL where games are often played with fewer than 18 players on each team and/or with one field umpire.
2020 Kicking for Goal Post-Siren No This interpretation allowed a player awarded a Mark or Free Kick before the siren to use a Snap or Check-side kick for goal. This interpretation is viewed as to difficult to administer in the USAFL.
 

2020

  

Procedure After a Behind Has Been Scored

  

Yes

 The Mark at a Kick-In is set 10m from the center of the top of the goal square, though for USAFL metro games, the distance may still be set at 5m. A player need not kick to himself to play on out of the goal square. A player who plays on from the goal square and kicks out of bounds without the ball being touched is

not penalized for “out on the full” but may be penalized for “deliberate out of bounds” if appropriate.
2020 50m Penalty No This interpretation allows the player with the ball to play on during the advancement of the mark. This interpretation is viewed as impractical to implement in the USAFL.

 

2019 Marks/Free Kicks Yes For all Defenders who take a Mark or are awarded a Free Kick within 9m of the goal line or reasonably close to the behind post, the Mark is set in line with the

top of the goal square. There is no reason for the USAFL not to adopt this rule.
2019 Umpire Contact Yes Players are prohibited from setting up behind the Umpire at each Center Bounce. This rule is desirable in the interests of umpire safety.
2019 Marking Contest Yes The “hands in the back” interpretation is repealed, allowing a Player to place his hands on an opponent’s back to protect his position in a Marking contest, but not to push the opponent in the back. There is no reason for the USAFL not to adopt this interpretation.
 

 

2019

  

 

Ruck Contests/Prior Opportunity

  

 

Yes

 A Ruck Player who takes possession of the ball while contesting a bounce, throw up, or boundary throw in will not be regarded as having had Prior Opportunity. Where there is uncertainty as to who is the designated Ruck, the Ruck for each team will continue to nominate to the field umpire. There is no

reason for the USAFL not to adopt this interpretation.
2018 Kick-In After Goal Umpire Signal No This rule permits an immediate Kick-In after the Goal Umpire signals a behind (one raised index finger). This rule is viewed as impractical in the USAFL where games are often played with non-accredited Goal Umpires. Players must wait for the flags to be waved.
2018 Advantage Rule No The AFL allows a Player’s choice to be considered in applying the rule. This is viewed as difficult to administer in the USAFL where players and umpires are often inexperienced. The field umpire will continue to have sole discretion to

award advantage.
2018 Deliberate Rushed Behind No The AFL interpretation allows a Free Kick to be awarded when a Player, not under pressure or close to goal deliberately knock or take the ball over the goal line. This is viewed as difficult to administer in the USAFL where players and umpires are often inexperienced.

 

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