The AFL is initiating a crack down on head high contact in 2022 after recommendations in the off-season.
In 2021 and previous seasons, the punishment for a player making head high contact with an opponent was weighted toward if they caused any injury during the incident.
Two head high contact incidents that were exactly the same could have different punishments if the injury severity suffered by each opponent was different.
But in 2022, the AFL has moved to ensure that the potential injury caused by the head high contact will be factored in to any punishment.
"Previously under the AFL & AFLW Regulations, “strong consideration” was required to be given to the potential to cause injury in certain circumstances. Regulations have therefore been amended as follows," an AFL statement said.
- The potential to cause injury must be factored into the determination of Impact; and
- Notwithstanding any other provision of the AFL / AFLW Regulations, any Careless or Intentional Forceful Front-On Conduct or Rough Conduct (High Bumps) where High Contact has been made and that has the potential to cause injury will usually be classified as either Medium, High or Severe Impact (i.e. not Low Impact) even though the extent of the actual physical impact may be low (e.g. the victim player has suffered no apparent injury). This reflects the approach that currently applies to the Impact determination for strikes.
"The result of this change will be that, where there is Careless Conduct that is High Contact and has the potential to cause injury, a Medium Impact classification will usually apply, and a one match suspension will be the minimum sanction applied."
Following Toby Greene's contact with an umpire controversy at the back end of the last season, the AFL have also slightly amended the rules surrounding that type of incident.
With the elements of an umpire contact offence including whether the player is aggressive, forceful. demonstrative and/or disrespectful, the more of these elements present in the incident will mean a harsher penalty for the offender.
Players can now also be charged for pushing an opponent into an umpire or the direct path of the official, with a financial sanction to be given for a first offence.
