1. The rules HAVE changed because the SANFL is dictated to by the AFL...
Umpires are more often than not out of position because they are INSTRUCTED (by the AFL) to 'run up & down the middle of the ground' & as a result often miss 'the first free kick'
The 'holding the ball rule' is ridiculous (again as dictated to by the AFL) it rewards the bloke 2nd to the contest (made by a bloke in K. Bartlett who never got a hard ball get in his ENTIRE career)
The game IS becoming 'softer' (wait for it ... due to the AFL dictation) by removing the shirt front even in some cases a fair bump... because 'little johnnie's mother' might insist that he play soccer because it's 'non-contact'... Even modified rules games for kids (that we played, where a player could recieve 2 bumps, then 'holding the ball'... doesn't exist now)
This results in a number of issues for supporters & more importantly players...
1. Accept that our game has changed (getting closer to 'glorified basketball' or 'Gaelic Football' very year) & 'soft' reports are a fact of life - what can you do anyway?
2. Modify your approach to the contest if you are a player or a coach instructing your players
3. UNDERSTAND that although we may not agree with what has happend to the game, ACCEPT IT & GET OVER IT

Our game is STILL the best spectator sport in the world, it's just not what we all grew up with & reports for incidents that we think are 'soft' are going to continue.
P.S.
