Hopefully everyone likes this decision . . . ! ? . ?

[rogernumber10]

There will be no changes to the Laws of the Game in 2008. Key parts of the rulings below, to fire up everyone's views.

The AFL Commission has approved a recommendation from the Laws of the Game Committee that the 2008 season will be a year of consolidation for the game's Laws, with no major changes to be implemented.

It is the AFL's view that 2007 was a great year for football, in terms of the way the game was played by teams, and this year saw the number of contested marks increase for the first time in more than a decade, and the most contested possessions in recent years.

The detailed discussion at this year's meeting was around the numbers of Interchange, Deliberate Rushed Behinds and Backward Kicking, but it was decided against change in any of these specific areas, and each will continue to be monitored.

The strict hands in the back interpretation was designed to enhance the quality of marking contests and the view is that this interpretation has resulted in a significant improvement to marking contests.

This strict interpretation will remain in 2008.

[JK]

Probably a few years too late, but better late than never!!

The rushed behinds is one that should never change IMHO.

[rogernumber10]

Well, if one person is happy, that's a start.

[Mr66]

The shock is too much!
Glad I'm sitting down.
...but watch the AFL clowns change 421 rules next year...

[Dogwatcher]

That marking one could've been reviewed......

But I like it!

[smac]

'bout time I reckon!

Would have been a quick presentation to deliver, Rog.

[rogernumber10]

Actually no. 15 pages of explanation of why nothing changed.

The NAB Cup next year will still be looked at very closely, to see how the backwards rule in that comp keeps working, albeit that the overwhelming view is that the game is sorting itself out after a couple of years of flooding madness.

In terms of interchange, there is a view too that you can't actually change players on and off much more than happens now, but the key learning is that any club that suffers an early-game injury and can't rotate as much as the opposition is severely disadvantaged.

As for rushed behinds, nobody wants to change the scoring system we've had for more than a century.

If anybody actually wants the 15 page research powerpoint the Commission reviewed to look at themselves, just ask for it.

[Dogwatcher]

Power to the people Rog!

And I don't mean thaaatttt Power either.

[redandblack]

Good to hear.

I know it's only for the pre-season comp, but the rule to play on if the ball hits the post and comes back into play is comfortably the most illogical rule ever brought in. Fair enough if it's just for novelty value, but a rule should have a logical purpose and this one hasn't been thought through.

You can't compare it with other games (eg - soccer) due to our game having a dual scoring system.

The obvious illogical example is that a score (one point) is registered for a poor kick that scrapes in for a point, but no score is registered for a much better kick that hits the goalpost. Having to kick a point after the siren at the end of a game to win the match becomes an exercise in luck as well as skill, for no apparent reason.

[rogernumber10]

It is purely novelty, same as the nine point goal. I agree entirely the scoring system is so fundamental for regular season, you just can't change it. Full stop.

[redandblack]

No problem, then.

[am Bays]

As an umpire I'm happy to hear that, at least we wont have the first two games of stuffing up due to still being in the habit of last years interpretations.

The new hands in teh back interpretation was a good one.

If only we can now get teh AFl umpires department to go back to the traditional white uniforms and the rest of the leagues follow I would be one very happy umpire - I much prefer white maggot to tangerine turds....

[Psyber]

As an umpire I'm happy to hear that, at least we wont have the first two games of stuffing up due to still being in the habit of last years interpretations.

The new hands in teh back interpretation was a good one.

If only we can now get teh AFl umpires department to go back to the traditional white uniforms and the rest of the leagues follow I would be one very happy umpire - I much prefer white maggot to tangerine turds....

I'll support you on that Tassie.