The AFL has today written to all 22 Clubs in the VFL Competition to advise of an adjustment to the re-set rule in the VFL for the upcoming 2021 season.
After continued analysis of more than 20 VFL practice matches held over recent weeks, the AFL has assessed the impact of the changes – as a whole – and has taken on board the feedback from key stakeholders, including players and umpires participating in the games.
To ensure ease of implementation and support the flow of the game, the following adjustment will be introduced ahead of this weekend’s practice matches and will be in place for the 2021 VFL Competition, commencing Friday April 16.
It has been determined the re-set rule in the 2021 VFL Competition will no longer require:
- Reset at Kick Ins
- Have a player stationed in the Goal Square at Kick Ins or Boundary Throw Ins
- Have three players Inside 50 at Kick Ins or Boundary Throw Ins
However, the following will be required:
Two players to be stationed inside 50 metres at each Boundary Throw In stoppage
A minimum of two Players from each team to be stationed Inside 50 metres at all Boundary Throw Ins. The officiating Umpire will not recommence play until all players are in position. Where a team fails to comply at a Boundary Throw In within 12 seconds, a Free Kick shall be awarded to the Player of the opposing Team at the point of the stoppage.
Please find below the three rule adjustments which will apply to the 2021 VFL Premiership Season.
1 / Player Standing The Mark
The defending Player will not be permitted to move off The Mark in any direction prior to “Play On” being called. If the defending Player moves off The Mark in any direction prior to “Play On” being called, a 50 metre Penalty will apply. The defensive team is unable to substitute the Player on The Mark.
2 / Location of The Mark at Kick Ins
The Mark shall be set at 15 metres from the centre of the Kick-Off Line towards the centre of the ground at Kick Ins. This was previously set at 10 metres.
3 / Two players to be stationed inside 50 metres at each boundary throw in stoppage
A minimum of two Players from each team to be stationed inside 50 metres at all Boundary Throw Ins. The officiating Umpire will not recommence play until all players are in position. Where a team fails to comply at a Boundary Throw In within 12 seconds, a Free Kick shall be awarded to the Player of the opposing Team at the point of the stoppage.
Please note: There is no cap on total player interchanges in the VFL.
The AFL remains committed to continued analysis of the game to ensure Australian Football is the best it can be for everyone involved in the game.
