Rules changes made to protect players
25 November 2006
Herald-Sun
Daryl Timms
NEW rules will be introduced next season to protect footballers from head-high tackles.
Players who forcefully tackle or bump an opponent head-on while he is crouched over the ball will have an automatic free kick awarded against them and also face suspension.
The AFL Commission approved the new rule at a meeting earlier week and also announced yesterday:
THERE will also be stricter interpretations to dangerous tackles where a player unnecessarily and dangerously drives an opponent into the ground when their arms are pinned.
THERE will also be stricter policing of players who place their hands in the backs of opponents in marking contests.
THE charging rule is also being reviewed.
Players will be suspended if the tribunal finds they have forcefully made intentional, reckless or negligent front-on contact to an opponent whose head is over the ball.
AFL football operations manager Adrian Anderson said that under the ruling a player can bump an opponent's body from side-on but any contact forward of side-on will be deemed to be front-on.
Anderson, said the change would provide greater protection for players and also minimise serious injuries.
"We are committed to protecting the head, neck and spine of players," Anderson said. "The rationale for the change is that a player with his head down over the ball is in a vulnerable position and needs to be protected."
Anderson said the league's tribunal table of offences -- demerit points -- would specifically include the head-on tackle or bump with a high weighting.
Coaches were briefed on the changes and interpretations at their annual conference on the eve of today's national draft.
The head-high bump was one of the AFL's most contentious issues during the season with fears that players could be left paralysed unless rules were changed.
The spotlight was on head-high tackles after Collingwood's Blake Caracella fractured his neck when Brisbane's Tim Notting slid into him in Round 10.
Caracella retired after being told he could be crippled if he continued to play.
http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,20817189%255E20322,00.html
