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What’s a reportable offence?

A player can be reported when he:

  • unduly interferes with, assaults, or uses threatening or insulting (including obscene or abusive) language to an umpire; or behaves in a threatening manner to an umpire;

  • assaults (strikes) another player, usually in the face, head or throat (and it is not trivial). It does not include pushing, pulling or grabbing. Intention is important in any charge. If a player raises his forearm it is a striking offence;

  • intentionally kicks a player;

  • wilfully wastes time, although this will usually attract a 50 metre penalty;

  • unduly interferes with a player who is kicking for goal;

  • charges a player not within five metres of the ball or otherwise not involved in an immediate contest for the ball, where the contact could be reasonably expected. Obviously you can't charge a player after he's marked, has disposed of the ball, or is shepherding a teammate; and

  • intentionally trips or attempts to trip an opponent by using the foot or leg.

The cybergame : Essendon v Carlton 23/7/00

Enough talk, let's get on with the game. It’s 2000, we’re at the MCG, and 80,000 tense fans have gathered to see the game that might determine the top three spots on the ladder.

Cybergame (part 1)

Using video

Technology has intruded into the game as it has in all walks of life, and as we all know, on the footy field there is now nowhere to run, nowhere to hide. Umpires may miss an incident on the field, but they get another bite at the cherry by checking the video of the game.

When in doubt…

If the umpire isn’t sure, usually the benefit of the doubt should be given to:

This is like the "burden of proof" in a court.

Cybergame (part 2)

AFL investigations

The AFL General Manager Football Operations can investigate any incident that is alleged to have taken place on the field. He can do it on the basis of:

  • video evidence;

  • after receiving a Notice for Investigation lodged by the umpires;

  • following a complaint by a Club; or

  • simply because he thinks it's warranted.

Cybergame (part 3)

If an investigation is ordered, an investigations officer will usually interview the players involved in the incident.The Rules make it clear that anyone officially connected with footy must co-operate with the investigation.

Following the investigation, if the General Manager Football Operations believes the player has committed a reportable offence, he can fill out a Notice of Report and send the case to the Tribunal for determination.

Cybergame (part 4)

 

Do you want to read about going to the Tribunal?