In 2021, all teams (HFL and SANFL) are using the last touch rule.
The interpretation of the rule is as follows:
- A free kick shall be awarded against a player who kicks or handballs the football and it goes over the boundary line without the football being touched by another player.
The rule is being introduced for the following reasons:
- It provides clear and concise interpretations without the grey areas of “What is deliberate?”
- It allows us to allocate 3 boundary umpires on large grounds as it requires less throwing in.
- It aligns us with SFL, GSFL, RML, SANFL and most South Australian country leagues which makes events like Association and Country Carnivals more consistent in interpretation.
- It allows for more flow in the game and less throw ins hence quicker more attractive football.
- It helps us with recruiting new boundary umpires.