RUNNERS will no longer be permitted within 25 metres of stoppages following a new directive from the AFL's general manager football operations.

Mark Evans wrote to each of the 18 AFL clubs today to clarify new guidelines relating to runners on the field.

They are no longer permitted on the field when the football is bounced to commence a quarter or recommence play following a goal.

They are now banned from being inside the 50-metre arc for stoppages in that part of the ground, and cannot be closer than 25 metres to the stoppage when one occurs elsewhere on the field.

The type of message a runner can deliver to players has also been clarified.

Runners will be allowed to deliver messages from the coach, but are not permitted to instruct or direct players on "in-play" situations.

Umpires still have the power to direct runners from the field.

Typically when a runner interference infringement occurs, a free kick is paid either where the ball is or where the incident occurred, whichever is the greater penalty against the offending team.