The AFL has today announced four changes to umpiring processes and laws interpretations for the 2026 NAB AFLW Season, following approval from the AFL Commission.
These changes come into effect following extensive industry consultation involving all 18 clubs, umpires, players, and the AFLPA, and align with several changes introduced for the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season:
- At all centre ball-ups, a competing ruck cannot cross the centre circle line and engage with the opposition ruck, prior to contesting the football
- The interpretation of 'reasonable time' for a kick-in (from a behind) and the time allowed for a set kick around the ground will be aligned. Currently, reasonable time for a kick-in is 12 seconds, whereas a set kick around the ground is eight seconds. Players will now be allowed eight seconds in both instances
- A shrug (in a tackle) will be deemed prior opportunity (i.e., as an attempt to evade or fend an opponent)
- A player must stand if they are within the protected area (i.e., within five metres) when a mark or free kick occurs
AFL Executive General Manager of Football Operations Laura Kane said:
"We have consulted with a wide range of industry stakeholders on these changes, which will continue to have a positive impact on the game.
"Following on from changes last year that saw significant improvements, these adjustments will improve the flow of play while maintaining the tough and contested nature of the game, alongside a continued focus on player health and safety.
"Finding opportunities to further align the rules between the AFL and AFLW competitions, where appropriate, will build on the on-field improvements we saw last season. We’re excited to see this consistency across both of our elite competitions as the AFLW competition continues to advance."
Clubs will be taken through the changes in more detail during AFLW pre-season, which begins the week of May 11.
