PLAYERS leading with the head to draw a free kick for high contact will risk not only having their head cleaned up, but also being penalised for holding the ball.
Increasingly concerned with the number of players trying to win a free for ducking or leading with their head into a tackling situation the AFL has adopted a 'stricter' interpretation of the high contact rule as of this weekend.
AFL umpires coach Hayden Kennedy told afl.com.au the rule is a minor adjustment to the interpretation of 'prior opportunity' relating to head drives.
Now, any player who drives or leads with their head into a "stationary or near stationary tackler" will need to immediately dispose of the ball by hand or foot, else be penalised for holding the ball.
"The main alteration is the timing of the particular rule," Kennedy said.
"This was introduced two years ago - this particular rule - because we were concerned about injury at that particular stage.
"What's happened now is that we're shortened the time for that, so basically a player who picks the ball up and drives, whether its an immediate drive [or not], that will come under this particular rule.
"The main reason for the rule is to prevent injury."
There is no change to the interpretation when the ball-player shrugs his shoulder or drops to his knees in a tackle and causes high contact to occur.
In those cases, a free for a high tackle will still be paid.
