The AFL has asked all 18 clubs toย "take a leadership role in setting the right example" as it cracks down on "umpire respect".
In a memo sent to clubs on Tuesday, AFL Executive General Manager Andrew Dillon, thanked clubs for "enormous sacrifices" made throughout the COVID-19 pandemic but "identified a number of instances where the AFL community fell short" when it came to respecting the game's officials.
"We recognise the past two years have been challenging for so many in the community and those within the football industry have not been immune to those challenges. The willingness of everyone in football to play their part is to be commended," Dillon said.
"While the AFL appreciates the enormous sacrifices Clubs have made and continue to make over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, the league reminds everyone within the game that they have a responsibility to demonstrate respect and sportsmanship towards each other at all times.
"As part of the review of the 2021 season, we identified a number of instances where the AFL community fell short of those standards when it came to demonstrating respect towards umpires.
"The AFL and its Clubs have a unique leadership role in the community, and with that role comes responsibility. Disrespect towards umpires is an issue at all levels of football and has no place."
Dillon stated that the game was "6,000 umpires short at the community football level" and it was imperative the "right example" was set at the top.
"We are 6,000 umpires short at the community football level and it is incumbent on us to set the right example at the elite level so we can encourage and retain umpires across the country to best support the rapidly growing player participation base," said Dillon.
As part of the memo, the AFL reinforced its rules regarding free kicks for umpire abuse, public comments on umpiring and officials making approaches towards an umpire ๐
18.8.2 Free Kicks โ Umpires
A field Umpire shall award a Free Kick against a Player or Official who:
(a) uses abusive, insulting, threatening or obscene language towards an Umpire;
(b) behaves in an abusive, insulting, threatening or obscene manner towards an Umpire;
(c) intentionally, unreasonably or carelessly makes contact with an Umpire;
(d) disputes a decision of an Umpire;
(e) fails to follow the instruction of an Umpire; or
(f) intentionally or carelessly engages in conduct which affects, interferes with or prevents an Umpire from performing their duties.
For reference, please also find below the Regulations as they relate to Public Comments on Umpiring and Approaches to Umpires:
15.1 Public Comments on Umpires
Any person subject to these Regulations or AFL Rules, shall not make any public comment about an Umpire or a decision made by an Umpire. Where a person contravenes this Regulation, the personโs Club shall be liable to a sanction:
Sanction:
Up to 20 units for first offence
Up to 100 units for a second or subsequent offence
15.2 Approaches to Umpires
(a) No person subject to these Regulations shall approach, talk to or intimidate an Umpire at any time prior to, during or after a Match including during the quarter time, half time or three quarter time interval or when the Umpires are entering or leaving the Arena.
(b) Any team address shall be given outside the centre square.
Where a person contravenes this Regulation, the personโs Club shall be liable to a sanction:
Sanction:
Up to 20 Units for first offence
Up to 50 Units for second and subsequent offence
