3 new rules for 2013:
1) From next season umpires will only bounce the ball to start quarters and after goals.
"Throwing the ball up around the ground will enable the ball to be cleared quicker from congestion and will also make it easier for umpires to detect infringements," Anderson said.
2) When it comes to the new ruck rules, which were trialled in this year's pre-season competition, no contact will be permitted until the ball has left the umpire's hand.
"With this rule change we want to encourage rucks to play the ball and not the man as well as facilitate cleaner hit-outs to advantage and to assist clearance rates," Anderson added.
3) The AFL has also tightened the "forceful contact below the knees" rule.
A free kick will now be paid against any player "who makes forceful contact below the knees of an opponent".
"Clubs and players have adapted well to the free kick for sliding knee- or feet-first this season and we have extended this to protect players from any forceful contact below the knees," Anderson explained.
"In addition to the injury-prevention benefit, this change is also designed to encourage players to keep their feet and to assist in reducing congestion."
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/149772/default.aspx
