We're not 'chuckers' unlike other clubs (Herald-Sun)

[one-eyed]

Umps' boss cracks down on chucking blight

    Mark Stevens
    From: Herald Sun
    July 22, 2011

AFL umpires' boss Jeff Gieschen has promised a harsh wake-up call to players who throw the ball.

Gieschen has identified detecting throws as a major challenge facing umpires and it has become a significant focus.

"Players who continue to take us on in that area are going to come unstuck at a time where it's really going to hurt them," Gieschen said.

"Some players are taking it to the nth degree, being prepared to give it a little toss or a little flick out.

"They might give a little shimmy of the hands and indicate it's a handball.

"Well, we're watching them closely.

"Our umpires need to be really observant."

Throwing is on the rise this season, particularly in heavy traffic at stoppages.

Umpires can be blindsided or caught out by the speed of players' hands, which is tuned at training.

Respected commentator Gerard Healy has been on a crusade on the throwing issue this season, frustrated that rules surrounding incorrect disposal appear to have been relaxed.

Geelong has been caught most times for throwing the ball this season with 14. Taylor Hunt and Paul Chapman have each been penalised three times.

Other frequent throwers are Hawthorn (13), Essendon (11) and Sydney (11).

Gold Coast and Richmond have infringed the least - three times each.

AFL umpires have paid more free kicks for throws this year than at the same stage last season, but the speed of players' hands makes it hard to pick up all incorrect disposals.

"The players are trying harder to get it in and out of their hands quicker - and they are training that way," Gieschen said.

He admitted umpires did not have a perfect record in the area and could do better.

"We acknowledge we've missed some pretty obvious throws this year," he said.

"The Simon Black one in Brisbane is a pretty obvious call. There was a Scott Pendlebury one the other week. We're just missing ones from time to time."

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/umps-boss-cracks-down-on-chucking-blight/story-e6frf9jf-1226099396123

[Penelope]

what an ahhse clown Gieschen is. over the last two years the ball movement out of packs has often resembled a rugby maul.

better late than never i suppose 

[Dice]

Expect Richmond to be singled out this week for several ' throws '   

[The Big Richo]

Just another example of umpiring being unable to keep up with the speed of the game.

Only answer is to do away with the handball rule and allow the ball to be thrown which will provide an even playing field.

Handballing is bloody stupid anyway when you think about it.

[Dubstep Dookie]

Agreed the afl need to look at getting rid of the handball. Looks stupid and unnessesarily complicates the game.

Put aside what youve been conditioned to watch and think about it. 

Also, they should look at undertaking a trial to allow players to throw the ball through the goals from set shots. I don't know about everyone else, but there's nothing more majestic watching the boundary umpires launch the ball over their head, innocently spinning towards it's fate. Im salivating at the prospect of big Gus doing the same thing.

[TigerLand]

One of the problems in our game, we have a media happy leader of the umpires association.

Eff off Gieshen, shut up and do your job.

[Lozza]

Expect Richmond to be singled out this week for several ' throws '   

If Tuck plays then definately, he has a slinging style handball that looks like he throws it but he doesnt.

[Owl]

LOL took em long enough ..

[TigerTimeII]

lol we dont get the ball enough thats why