Reports emerged on Monday that the AFL is set to wind back the umpire dissent rule after controversy and confusion have surrounded the interpretation of the rule since its introduction.
The AFL could be looking to change the way the rule is interpreted for umpires to tolerate a level of player's emotions as long as there is an attempt by the player to show restraint in reaction to an umpire's decision.
Two AFL stars have stated that they are unaware of any official word from the AFL on the reported rule change.
See Also: AFL reportedly set to wind back dissent rule
Both Brisbane's Lachie Neale and Richmond's Jack Riewoldt have made comments on a lack of clarification from the league on whether there has been relaxation on the dissent rule or not.
Neale, when asked on AFL 360 about receiving any word from the AFL on the rule change, said: "Nup, I haven't heard that at all. I saw something in the media about half an hour before I came on, so that was the first I saw of it".
With a lack of clarity on the situation for players, Riewoldt stated that he had only received some clarification on the rule itself from umpires a few weeks ago based on his own follow-up that he did himself.
Riewoldt then also went on to say on AFL 360 that "I assume if it is being passed on – and I think there‘s been commentary around this trying to be slid under the rug a little bit – now that it’s in the public forum wouldn’t be surprised if we did get an edict from the AFL to say: ‘Hey, we’re going to relax it a little bit.’ If not, we’re going to go in pretty blindfolded".
The Tigers veteran has voiced concerns of confusion for both players and fans if there is no official word from the league on whether there is a rule change or not.
“I chatted to the umpires prior to the Sydney game about it and the commentary back from them – and this was just passing them in the warm-up – was if it‘s demonstrative then they’re going to pay it, but if it’s not demonstrative and it’s just a flippant fling of the arms … they’re reading the game well. They‘re just handcuffed a little bit with how the rule is being told to be penalised" Riewoldt went on to say.
The AFL has not communicated a change regarding the interpretation of the dissent rule to clubs, players, or fans, leaving a situation where players could be going into the next round in the dark to the situation.
It seems AFL coaches have also been left out of the loop, with GWS interim coach Mark McVeigh revealing on Wednesday that the league are yet to notify the club of any changes to the dissent ruling.
"They haven't contacted me directly," McVeigh said.
"This is one that you always respect. The AFL will advise us in the right manner and we respect the umpires and the decisions the AFL will make around this.
"We've going to continue to make sure that they're respected and our footy club will adjust accordingly.
"There's some frustrations out there, but in the end they're not going to decide whether we win or lose on the weekend.
"They've always been open and honest with us. So once that comes in, we'll make sure that that's fed through to the players."
