NATIONAL RULES OF MASTERS AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL

 For National Carnival Participation

NATIONAL RULES OF MASTERS AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL

Match Rules & Umpiring Instructions

All matches shall be conducted under AFL rules found in the National Australian Football Council Handbook in conjunction with the rule modifications detailed below:

1.    SCORING

       To be on the following basis:

1.1       Behind - kicked by any type of kick is1 point

            * Player must wait until the flags are waved before kicking the ball back into play.

1.2       Goal - kicked by punt kick is 6 points

1.3       Supergoal line – the designated 20 metre line shall be marked out by a 20 metre line radius from the centre point between the two goal posts.

1.4       Supergoal – kicked by drop-kick outside the designated 20 metre line will be awarded 2 goals and will be allocated 12 points on the score.

*       Team or player may gain possession of the ball inside the super goal line before executing the drop-kick outside the super goal line for a successful super goal.

*       A Supergoal can only be scored from outside the 20m arc in a play on situation or if the mark or free kick is awarded outside the 20 metre arc.

*       Should the set kick mark ( i.e. a free or mark ) be set inside the 20 m arc, then irrespective of where the kick is taken ( inside or out of the arc ) a Supergoal cannot be scored.

*       If a free kick or mark is awarded outside the 20 metre and then a 50 metre penalty is awarded and a player kicks a drop kick a Super Goal is awarded even if the set mark is now inside the 20 metre line. Penalty paid can not disadvantage the side receiving the penalty.  

(Penalty may put the player in the goal square.)

1.5       Supergoal signal shall be signalled by a goal umpire waving 1 white flag and 1 coloured flag.

1.6       Should a doubt arise about the validity of a super goal, the field umpire shall adjudicate. Should both field and goal umpires be unsighted then a six (6) point goal shall be awarded.

2.    RUCKING

2.1       At all times the ball shall be thrown up and not bounced

2.2       Only one player from each team to contest all ruck knocks. 

2.3       Involvement in contest of a third or subsequent player shall result in a free kick against third or subsequent player.

2.4       A free kick shall be awarded against any ruckman who raises his knee or leg against his opponent when contesting any ruck knock.

2.5       At boundary throw-ins only one player from each team to contest the ruck.  However if throw-in is poor or misdirected the umpire is to immediately call play on and not recall the throw-in.  If throw-in is satisfactory any third or subsequent player involvement in the rucking contest will result in a free kick against such player.

3.    MARKING

       The player in front of a pack competing for a mark is to be given every protection and opportunity   to take the mark.  Any unnecessary or deliberate interference by opponent player/s in attempting to mark or prevent the player in front of the pack from taking the mark shall result in a free kick being awarded to the player in front of the pack.  The interference could take the form of a knee or boot being put into a player’s body.

4.      HOLDING THE BALL / PRIOR OPPORTUNITY RULE

These rules replace the previous barging rules.

4.1              A player in possession of the ball who has had reasonable time (prior opportunity) to dispose of the ball MUST when legally held by an opponent firmly enough to retard his progress, dispose of the ball by a kick or handball with in a reasonable time of being held, otherwise a free kick shall be awarded against the player for failing to dispose of the ball in a legal manner.

4.2              The field umpire shall throw the ball up when the player with the ball has the ball held to his body by an opponent, unless the player has had a reasonable time (prior opportunity) to dispose of the ball prior to being tackled, in which case a free kick shall be awarded for holding the ball.

4.3               Holding The Ball In:           A player who elects to dive on the ball and or drag the ball under him when he on the ground will be penalised for holding the ball if he does not immediately hit the ball clear when held legally.

4.4              When a player is fairly bumped in the side and the ball falls from his hands - the call is play on. Like wise when a player is either knocked on the arms causing him to drop the ball – the call is play on.

5.    PLAYER PROTECTION

5.1       All players making the ball their objective are to be given the utmost protection by the umpire. Any contact other than a legal side bump or legal tackle (between knee and shoulder) shall be deemed unduly rough play and a free kick awarded.

5.2       Charges (shirt front) are banned irrespective of ball proximity. A charge means an act of colliding with an opposition player where the amount of physical force used is unreasonable or unnecessary in the circumstances, irrespective (of whether the player is or is not in possession of the football or whether the player is within 5 metres of the football) of ball proximity.  A free kick shall be paid against a player engaging in rough conduct against an opponent which in the circumstances is unreasonable.

5.3       Slinging players to the ground, whether the player is in possession of the ball or not is illegal and shall result in a free kick being awarded or if it happens after the ball has been disposed of, a free kick shall be awarded down the field where the ball lands.

5.4       Late contact, in any form, when the ball has been disposed of, will result in a relayed free kick being paid down the field.

5.5       Chopping with a clenched fist will result in a free kick being awarded.

5.6       A free kick shall be granted against a player who deliberately kicks at the ball whilst an opposing player (s) has his hand on or near the ball or is on the ground in the immediate vicinity of the ball.

6.    PENALTIES

6.1       50 metre penalty - A 50 metre penalty only shall be applied in all instances.

6.2       AFL Advantage Rule – To be paid at all times:  

Advantage Rule

6.2.1          The ball shall be kept in motion. The field umpire shall call “Play On” even though a free kick should have been awarded, but by doing so would penalise the team offended against.

6.2.2          If the field umpire has sounded his whistle for a free kick, he may cancel such a free kick by calling “Play On” or “Advantage” if the side offended against will be penalised by enforcing the free kick. Should the field umpire cancel a free kick, he may reverse the decision if it is obvious that it is not to the advantage of the team concerned.

7.        ORDER OFF RULE

Field umpires shall carry red, yellow and green cards for all matches. Players shown a yellow or green card can be replaced for the set duration of the penalty period relating to the card colour no replacement for a red card.

7.1              Players can be ordered off for the following indiscretions:-

GREEN CARD.

Any player who commits the following offences:

-        using audible abusive, insulting, obscene or threatening language to another person which may be an opposition player, team mate or spectator.

-        wasting time

-        shaking goal posts either before, during or after a kick for goal.

Green Card Penalty shall be automatic send-off for remainder of current quarter plus one additional quarter. Player may be replaced

YELLOW CARD

Any player who commits any of the following offences:

-               throwing a player to the ground after the ball is out of play

-               attempting to strike another player

-               charging another player

-               engaging in a melee

-               engages in rough play – including shoulder charges to the back of an opposing player, charges on shepherding players or unnecessary vicious pushes and shepherds

Yellow Card Penalty shall be automatic send-off for duration of current match and the remainder of the current game day. Player may be replaced

RED CARD

Any player who commits the following offences:

-               Unduly interferes with or assaults or uses threatening language to an umpire or behaves in a threatening manner towards an umpire.

-               assaults another player or official

-               kicks or attempts to kick another player or official

-               intentionally or attempts to trip by foot or leg

-               front on shoulder charging (shirt front)

Red Card Penalty shall be automatic send off for remainder of game and the remainder of the current game day with player to face tribunal. If player is found guilty of offence player’s team will incur mandatory two (2) point loss and tribunal will decide if further penalty is required for offending player. Player can not be replaced

A second offence of a Green or Yellow Card will automatically attract a Red Card.

7.2             When an emergency umpire is in attendance, he/she shall have the power to issue cards for any indiscretions.

8.         RACIAL ABUSE      

8.1       No player, spectator or official shall act towards or speak to any other person in a manner, or engage in any other conduct which threatens, disparages, vilifies or insults another person on the basis of that person’s race, religion, colour, descent or national or ethnic background.

8.2       In the event that a person has contravened Rule 8.1 an umpire, club or player may lodge a complaint in writing within 24 hours to the General Manager, who shall call a tribunal meeting.

9.   BEST AND FAIREST AWARDS

Any player receiving a Red or Yellow Card or two Green Cards during the Carnival is not eligible for a fairest and best award.

10.  JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS

Should any umpire submit a written report following the red carding of a player, the National Board or its appointed Tribunal shall meet to adjudicate on the case as per Rule 7.1.

11.  BLOOD BIN

11.1     No person – i.e.: players, umpires, trainers, runners, etc. shall participate in a game if he is bleeding or has blood on his uniform or person.  A bleeding person will leave the field when directed by the field umpire and may be replaced.

11.2          The bleeding person cannot return to the field, until the cause of the bleeding has stopped, the injury is securely covered and blood has been cleaned from the uniform and body to the satisfaction of the field umpire.

11.3   PROCEDURE:

          Only the field umpire in charge of play has the responsibility to send bleeding person from the ground. On noticing the blood or having the matter brought to his attention the field umpire shall stop play at the next available break in play (score, out of bounds, throw up) and then direct the person from the field. Person leaving the ground must do so from the nearest point with field umpire acknowledging entry of replacement player, if the bleeding person is a player. Such replacement player may enter the field of play and take up his position before the bleeding player has left the field of play.

12     AUDIBLE BAG LANUGAGE

         Due to the age of our participants the National Board of Masters Australian Football encourages the involvement of families. To that end any player who engages in the use of bad language that the umpire deems could be heard beyond the boundaries of the playing field shall pay a free kick against the offending player and advise continuance of such behaviour could incur a more sever penalty i.e.  SEND OFF GREEN CARD.  

UMPIRING INSTRUCTIONS

1.            Player in possession of the ball, to be given PRIOR OPPORTUNITY to dispose of the ball.

2.            Charges (shirt front) are banned irrespective of ball proximity

3.            Player making the ball his object, to be given the utmost protection by the umpire.

4.            Advantage rule applies.

5.            50 metre penalties apply.

6.            Marking - player in front of pack to be given every protection and opportunity to be paid the mark.  No raising legs when attempting to mark or spoil from behind shall be allowed.

7.    RUCKING

7.l     At all times the ball shall be thrown up and not bounced.

7.2    Only one player from each team to contest all ruck knocks. 

7.3    Involvement in contest of a third or subsequent player shall result in a free kick against third or subsequent player.

7.3        A free kick shall be awarded against any ruckman who raises his knee or leg against his opponent when contesting any ruck knock.

7.4        At boundary throw ins only one player from each team to contest the ruck.  However if throw-in is poor or misdirected the umpire is to immediately call play on and not recall the throw-in.  If throw-in is satisfactory any third or subsequent player involvement in the rucking contest will   result in a free kick against such player.

8.            Centre square is operative at throw-ups.  Boundary umpires will control this.

a.             Obviously this rule shall only apply when boundary umpires are available.

9.            Umpires to advise both verbally and by sign what penalty kick is given for.

10.        Umpires to strictly enforce against verbal abuse with a green card

11.        Umpires and teams to assemble in the centre of oval prior to the Surat of each game.

12.        When boundary umpires are available - throw-in is in force - when not available the

a.             Following procedure is to operate: field umpires to bring ball in 10 metres and throw up.

13.  NEGATIVE TACTICS

13.1          No player is to impede the path, touch or harass an opposition player when the ball is outside 5 metres.

13.1.1                When any such act of harassment occurs one of the field umpires must immediately give a free kick.

13.1.2                This free kick is to be given, even if it is by the second umpire who is not in control.

13.1.3                The free kick shall not disadvantage the team offended against.

13.2          If the player repeats the act of harassment, that player is to be carded according to the severity of the incident.

13.2.1                The report shall be for misconduct in that the player committed a breach of the laws against an opponent in a deliberate and/ or violent manner.

13.3          Goal/Boundary umpires are instructed that they are to inform field umpires at the next appropriate break in play (after a score, ¼, ½, ¾ time), when these tactics are noticed by them.

14.    BEHIND THE PLAY INCIDENTS

Many times things happen on a football field that neither the umpires or officials have witnessed, although it is obvious that something untoward has occurred, with a player who has been hit and is in distress.

Previously, this act could not be reported by the umpire because it had not been witnessed. Umpires having observed that such an incident has occurred are now required to list players in the vicinity and call for names of any witnesses. Names of players remonstrating after the act are also to be included.

Umpires are requested to recommend if they feel any action should be taken, but the Board reserves the right to call a hearing if they feel this course of action is necessary.

15      INSURANCE

Umpires are covered by the National MAF Insurance Scheme, and the National Executive Director can supply relevant information.

16      PAPER WORK

16.1        Team Sheets:

Officiating umpires must receive from each team a yellow copy of the team sheet which details a complete list of participating players signed by the respective team managers prior to commencement of play. The yellow team sheets are to be handed to the National Umpires Co-ordinator at the completion of the game.

16.2        Correct Match Scores:

At the completion of the game field umpires must ensure the correct match score is agreed upon by goal umpires and that this is recorded on the goal scoring cards and handed to the National Umpires Co-ordinator after the game along with the yellow team sheets.

16.3        Best and Fairest Votes:

At the completion of the game field umpires are asked to consult each other before awarding votes on         a 5,4,3,2,1 basis to the players who they believe deserve votes. 5 votes shall be for the best player and so on down the scale. Votes are to be recorded on the vote cards provided and handed in to the            National Umpires Co-ordinator ASAP after the game.

16.4        Penalty Cards and Reports:

Officiating umpires must record the numbers of any players shown the green, yellow or red cards during the game. The names of players / officials refer to point 9 shown cards must be circled on the yellow sheet with card colour noted along side their names. If a player is shown a red card a separate written report is to be completed in readiness for a tribunal hearing. The yellow sheets along with any red card reports are to be handed to the National Umpires Co-ordinator.

16.5        Communication:

Any concerns or issues relating to the carnival officiating are to be directed to National Umpires Co-ordinator

17.    Audible Language - see section 12. AUDIBLE BAG LANUGAGE

CODE OF CONDUCT

MISSION STATEMENT

“Masters Australian Football will provide the opportunity for members and supporters to enjoy the game of Australian Rules Football in a safe, supportive and fun environment.”

Member Associations shall be responsible for the actions and behaviour of their officials, players, supporters and administrators before, after & during all games, AND at all official M.A.F. functions, Tribunal hearings or Meetings.

Contact on official matters with MAF Board members and officials by registered players or supporters should at be in the first instance be via their state associations President or Delegate to the National Committee or to the carnival office on match days  via the MAF General Manager. Contact at official functions when MAF Board members have official duties to perform should be with discretion and respect at all times

ALL PLAYERS, SUPPORTERS AND SPECTATORS SHOULD REALIZE THEIR OBLIGATION TO KNOW THE CARNIVAL RULES INCLUDING THE COMSUNPTION ALCOHOL ON OR SURROUNDING PLAYING OVALS. 

ALL PARTISIPANTS ARE REQUESTED TO BE AWARE THE CARNIVAL RULES OF  MAF BAN’S THE TAKING ONTO OR CONSUMPTION OF ALCHOL ON ANY PLAYING ARENA AT ANY TIME DURING A CARNIVAL , ANY BRACHES WILL INCUR PENITLY S FOR THE STATE THAT THE OFFENDER REPRSENTS   

CONCEPT OF MASTERS AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL

Masters Australian Football (MAF) is designed to allow mature aged Australian Rules Footballers the opportunity to participate safely in the great game of Australian Rules Football and to compete with their aged peers.

The opportunity to participate, to compete and to be physically active is the main motivation of the competitors, winning is not important and the game should be played in the spirit of “Football for Fun”. Social interaction is also a very important feature of MAF for all participants.

PLAYERS

Play by the rules at all times.

Never argue with an official; if you disagree, discuss the matter with your coach after the game.

Control your temper; verbal abuse or racial or religious vilification of other players, or provoking an opponent is not acceptable.

Be a team player; work equally hard for yourself and your team. Your team's performance will benefit and so will you.

Be a good sport; applaud all good plays by your team, opponent or the other team.

Treat all players fairly; treat all players as you would like to be treated. Do no interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage of another player.

Co-operate willingly with your coach, team mates and opponents.

Play for the “fun of it” and not just to please coaches.

COACHES

Be reasonable in your demands; consider players’ time, energy and enthusiasm levels.

Avoid over playing the talented players; the just ‘average players’ need and deserve equal time.

Keep winning in perspective; maximise players’ participation for fun and enjoyment.

Stress safety always; ensure that equipment and facilities are safe.

Consider maturity levels; match up practice schedules, practice activities and degree of competition with maturity levels.

Develop team respect; for the ability of opponents as well as for the judgment of officials and opposing coaches.

Recognise the importance of injury; seek and follow the physician’s advise concerning the return of injured players to training.

Keep informed with sound principles of coaching and skill development.

Teach fair play, help players understand the responsibilities and implications of freedom to choose between fair and unfair play.

ADMINISTRATORS/ OFFICIALS

Ensure equal participation for all; provide equal opportunities for all regardless of ability, size, shape, age, disability or ethnic origin.

Ensure that the rules, equipment, length of games and training schedules take into consideration age, ability and maturity level of the participants.

Stress enjoyment; remember that players participate for enjoyment and play down the importance of rewards.

Promote fair play; ensure that coaches, officials, sponsors, physicians and participants understand their responsibilities regarding fair play.

Where appropriate modify rules and regulations to match the skill level of participants and their needs.

Promote respect for opponents and condemn unsporting behaviour.

SPECTATORS

Applaud good performance and efforts from each team.

Congratulate all participants upon their performance regardless of the game’s outcome.

Respect officials’ decisions at all times. Remember all officials are there for the fun of the game and are volunteers; as such all should be treated with respect

Condemn the use of violence in any form, be it by spectators, coaches, officials or players.

Show respect for your team’s opponents.  Without them there would be no game.

Encourage players to follow the rules and the officials’ decisions.

Do not use foul language or harass players, coaches or officials.

Each club, state or territory is responsible for the behaviour of their spectators and officials during and at the conclusion of their games.

NATIONAL RULES OF MASTERS AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL

For National Carnival Participation

Conduct

Member Associations shall be responsible for the actions and behaviour of their officials, players, supporters and administrators before, after & during all games, and at all official M.A.F. functions, Tribunal hearings or Meetings.

All Players, officials and supporter are requested to honour the true spirit of MAF and to participate within the rules and guidelines of MAF. Additionally all are asked to become familiar with the CODE OF CONDUCT in the front of the Carnival Book.

Alcohol is not permitted on any playing field or official assembly area (i.e. for march past or similar event) at any time on carnival game days.  It is the State association’s responsibility to ensure their people are aware of this rule. Pentiles will apply to anyone who offends.   Please note the forgoing is the MAF rule only, this may vary depending on the ruling of the carnival facilities controlling body or state licensing agreement at individual carnivals.  MAF will not have control over such rulings.

Guidelines for Competing in National Carnivals

1.    AGE, QUALIFICATION AND REGISTRATION

1.1     All players nominated for National Carnival matches must play three (3) matches in the regular fixtures of the domestic competition to qualify for National Championship fixtures, and any player that competes with more than one affiliated body must compete with the affiliated body for whom he has played most games during the season.

1.2     All players to be 35 years or over within the Calendar year for Superules matches.

1.3     All players to be 40 years or over within the Calendar year for Masterules matches.

1.4         All players to be 45 years or over within the Calendar year for Seniorules matches.

1.5         All players to be 50 years or over within the Calendar year for Super Seniors matches.

1.6         All players to be 55 years or over within the Calendar year for Veterans matches.

1.7         The National Board retains the right to make its own decisions re player eligibility for the overall betterment and success of the carnival.

1.8         All competing players are to complete a player registration form and pay a registration fee set by Masters Australian Football Inc.  Team and player registration forms and fees must be submitted to the General Manager prior to the commencement of the first game. (note registration is to be done directly on line by each state association)

1.9         If any competing player is found to be competing without the Boards approval and is under age the State he is representing shall be fined up to $500 and the offending player may be suspended from further participation during that carnival.  The offending State may lose any points gained whilst playing under aged players.

1.10     Where there is an alleged breach of any Carnival Rules or act of misconduct or indiscretion of a player (s) including officials (see point 9) /team against other player (s) / team a written report must be submitted to the General Manager within 24 hours of the incident for consideration by the Board or its’ appointed Tribunal. 

2.    MAKE UP OF DIVISIONAL FORMAT

2.1     It is a requirement of each participating State to attempt to field a team at the National Carnival in the following order.   

          1.  Superules

          2.  Masterules

3.      Seniorules

4.      Super Seniors

5.      Veterans

2.2     The winning team in Division 2 of all competitions will be considered for promotion to Division 1, with the bottom side in Division 1 being considered for relegation to Division 2 for the next carnival.

2.3     When the numbers of competing States in each of the categories is an odd number, the host state will be given the option of nominating a second team to balance the numbers.

2.4     The Board retains the right to make its own decision about the carnival make up of participating teams for the betterment and overall success of the carnival.

3.    SQUAD SIZES

3.1     All squads for National Carnivals are to be limited to 30 players.  Any player not nominated in the team of up to 22 ( or more as directed by the MAF board ) for a specific fixture may play for the President’s XVIII or any other composite team formed to assist the carnival fixture scheme.

3.2     Players aged 40 and over may be nominated in more than one squad.

4.    TEAM SIZE & PARTICIPATION

4.1     The team for each official fixture to consist of 18 players with a maximum of 4 interchange players or more as directed by the MAF board..

4.2     No team can play a match with less than 15 players.

4.3         It is recommended to coaches and team managers that for their safety and overall enjoyment players are requested to play not more than six quarters but are also given the opportunity to participate in at least two quarters on any one match day.

4.4         Team coaches must ensure that competing teams have an equal number of participating players on the field at all times except in the case of send-offs. If one team has 17 players, the opposing team must either take one player off or provide the opposing team with one of their spare players before play commences.

5.    DURATION OF MATCHES

5.1       All qualifying matches to be played over four quarters of 15 minutes each with no time on.

5.2.1        Any matches deemed to be a grand final, both participating teams will be notified prior to the game commencing.

5.2.2        If at the conclusion of normal time the scores in the grand final are level the teams are to play two extra halves of three minutes each. Teams to have a three minute break before the commencement of extra time, but no break at the end of the first extra three minute period when teams change ends.

5.2.3        If at the end of extra time the scores are still level the teams do not change ends, the game is restarted immediately in the normal fashion and the first team to score will be declared the winner. No team coaches or officials are to enter the playing field at the end of extra time if the scores are level.

5.3     Umpires and teams to assemble in centre of oval prior to start of each game for tossing of coin.

6.0         SELECTION OF ALL AUSTRALIAN SIDE

Awards Criteria

            All divisional competitions will be subject to the same criteria

1        A age group must have a minium of 4 teams to receive the divisional winners trophy 

2        All divisions to receive Best and Fairest all to receive AA selection.

3        If 3 teams or less AA selection to be preoperational, the MAF board will decide the number of AA to be selected.

6.1     Selection of players for All Australian Sides, to be based on the following: -

6.1.1        Umpires best and fairest votes to be completed at the conclusion of each game. Team Managers are welcome to provide to umpires for information purposes, copies of their five best ranked players immediately after the game.  Umpires to award votes for best players - 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 in order of preference on official form which is to be signed by both officiating umpires.

6.1.2        Based on the total number of umpire’s votes accumulated over the three games, players who have received at 8 or more votes will automatically be Selected for All Australian

6.1.3        At the conclusion of their last match, each team manager is to nominate their five (5) best players in order of preference from first best to fifth best on the match report and submit this to the General Manager for consideration for All Australian selection.

6.1.4        The break-up of State representation for all Australian teams shall be a minimum of two (2) players from each participating team for Superules, Masterules, Seniorules,  Superseniors and Veterans(22 players or more if required).

6.1.5        Coach of the All Australian sides is to be the coach from the successful team winning Division 1 Championship for Superules, Masterules, Seniorules,  Superseniors and Veterans

        6.2       Players who receive the following penalties will be ineligible for All Australian selection:

                 -  One Red card

                 -  One Yellow card

                 -  Two Green cards in two matches.

7.      UMPIRING

7.1         Umpires Co-ordinator shall be appointed by the Board for each National Carnival.  Such appointed Co-ordinator shall be empowered to select umpires and be responsible for match day officiating during the Carnival. There shall be no “Umpire of the Carnival Award” however Carnival service by umpires at five or more Carnivals will be acknowledged with the presentation of Five Year Certificates during the Carnival.

7.2    Each State must provide one endorsed/sanctioned field umpire for each participating team at the carnival. Failure to do so will result in up to a $500 fine being imposed by the Board.

7.3        All nominated umpires must attend the Umpire’s meeting prior to the commencement of the Carnival. Failure to attend this meeting without good reason will incur up to a $100 fine for their State.

8.    MATCH REPORTS

Match reports are to be completed in triplicate.

i)        Top sheet WHITE - carnival office copy

          White copy to be completed by the team manager at the conclusion of the match and handed to the General Manager.  The report is to be fully completed and includes the following information.

          *      List of players

          *      Final score

          *      Match remarks

          *      All Australian selection nominees ( in order of preference after last game only)

ii)       Second sheet BLUE - Team Manager’s copy

          Blue copy to be retained Team Manager for his records.

iii)      Third sheet YELLOW - Umpire’s copy

          Yellow copy, which must list the full names of all competing players is to be handed to officiating umpires prior to the commencement of the match. This sheet must be signed off in the allocated space by the Manager of each team.

9.  TRIBUNAL PROCEDURES

Where there is any alleged breach of carnival rules or act of misconduct or indiscretion of a player (s) / team against other player (s) /, Team Officials, IE, Coaches, Team Managers, Runners, Trainers, Water Carriers, including registered players not playing in the said game Etc, can also be reported for breach of carnival rules. This can apply to during or after the game has been completed or at any Subsequent social function etc. team a written report must be submitted to the Executive Director immediately after the game has been completed but no later then 24 hours of the incident for consideration by National Board or its, appointed tribunal. The Tribunal shall consist of at least three members including the Chairperson. State Delegates, who are not directly or indirectly involved in the consequences of tribunal decisions may be chosen to sit on this appointed Tribunal.

For the convenience of all parties concerned, if the report involves an umpires report from an on field incident, every effort will be made to convene the tribunal on the day of the reported incident. Delegates must notify reported players they are to remain at the Carnival location until an appointed tribunal time is agreed upon.

The following procedures will generally be adopted by the tribunal when dealing with a charge or charges against a player for a breach of the laws of Australian Football or Masters Australian Football “Code of Conduct”

(I)        Upon assembly and after the Tribunal has selected a Chairman, the Umpire, the reported person or persons and their advocates (if any) shall be summoned before the Tribunal.

(II)                The Tribunal Chairman will ask the charged player if he was number of the Football, in the case of official the chairman will ask their name and nominated state the day stated and also ask the same question of any other player or players also mentioned in the Umpires Report if those players are in attendance. All except the Umpire, charged players and all advocates shall retire until recalled.

(III)      The Umpires brief written report is read by the chairman, who shall be in possession of team sheets and any other relevant correspondence.

(IV)      The charges player/ person is then asked to plead “guilty” or “not guilty”. A player/ person may also plead “guilty under provocation” if he desires.

(V)       After the player/ person pleads, any available video material may be displayed.

(VI)      The Umpire is then asked to amplify his report and may be questioned by the player /person and the player’s advocate. The Chairman and members of the Tribunal may also ask questions as they desire. The umpire may then call any witnesses.

(VII)    The other player/person mentioned in the report who must attend the hearing, is then asked to give his version and may be questioned by the Tribunal and the charged player(s) advocate.

(VII)         The charged player / person is then asked to give his version any may be questioned by the Tribunal.

(VIII)   The player /person (s) may then call witnesses. The charged player / person or his advocate calls his first. Once a witness is called to give evidence, he must remain in the room until the case is finished. Each witness is asked to give his version of the incident and may be questioned by the advocate, and the Tribunal as desired.

(IX)      After all evidence is given the advocate is given the opportunity of summing up his case and when the Tribunal is satisfied that it has all the evidence it needs to enable it to come to a decision, the Tribunal will privately consider the case and make a finding based on what it believes to be the facts. The Reported Person and his Advocate are then brought back into the room and informed of the verdict. At that time the Tribunal shall hear any further submission from the Advocate in relation to penalty. The Tribunal will then privately consider any penalty and take into account the players past playing record. After reaching a decision on the penalty to be imposed, if any, the reported person and his Advocate are bought back into the room and informed of the decision.