The AFL has sent a memo to clubs confirming that the AFL Review Centre (ARC) will be utilised for key boundary line decisions in the 2025 Finals Series, per 9 News' Tom Morris.
The announcement highlights the latest evolution in use of video technology in the AFL, as the ARC had only been used for goal and behind decisions this season.
The memo expressed that while boundary umpires have a near-perfect strike rate of correct decision-making, the ARC can further aid them by overturning incorrect decisions within a strict time limit.
"In 2025 boundary umpires have made over 7500 decisions, of which 48 decisions have been reviewed as errors. In the 2025 AFL season, the AFL has been discussing ways in which the AFL Review Centre (ARC) can aid in achieving the correct outcome for the game, to lower the total number of boundary umpire errors," the memo reads.
"In the Finals Series, the ARC will have the ability to correct boundary umpire errors. This will occur when the boundary umpire calls the ball Out of Bounds or Out on the Full and the boundary umpire has commenced a consultation with the field umpire, or made a clear decision-making error.
"The ARC will only correct a boundary umpire decision before the ball re-enters play. The ARC will communicate directly to the field umpires, who will then advise the players on the correct outcome and implement the restart of play. Importantly, the ARC will not delay the restart of play for boundary umpire reviews. Reviews will occur in real-time.
"On average, boundary umpires throw the ball in within 15 seconds. In-season testing has shown that the ARC is able to identify the correct outcome in a prompt and timely manner, enabling the game to restart more quickly and with the correct outcome."
The memo listed the protocols required for the ARC to intervene in a boundary umpire's decision:
- "ARC assistance will only occur when the boundary umpire has signalled Out of Bounds or Out on the Full.
- "ARC assistance will not occur when the boundary umpire has incorrectly deemed the ball to still be in play.
- "The moment the play restarts is the point of no return.
- "Decisions will only be overturned within that strict time limit to avoid any further time delays to the game.
- "ARC assistance to boundary umpires will save time.
- "Insufficient intent decisions will not be reviewable."
The ARC's score review system will remain unchanged for the 2025 AFL Finals Series and will continue as it has throughout the season, with all scoring decisions subject to review.
