AFL UMPIRES are being taught the finer points of the centre bounce by former field umpire Scott McLaren in an effort to reduce recalled bounces, which have gone up this season.
McLaren has been taking aside certain umpires at training and providing tips on how to bounce to improve their ability to perform the skill during games.
The tips provided by McLaren, who umpired 365 AFL games, include umpires creating a pre-bounce routine or measuring their 'run-up' before bouncing.
During round five, 14 bounces were recalled (a season-high for one round), but the number recalled in round six dropped to seven.
Despite an increase in the total number of recalled bounces from 60 in the first six rounds (54 games) compared to 43 for the corresponding period in 2013, the number remains within the AFL’s acceptable range.
Even allowing for fewer goals being kicked at the start of this season, the ball is bounced about 25 times per game on average.
According to statistics gathered by the AFL umpiring department, 80 per cent of bounces are straight and 93 per cent are contestable by both ruckmen.
AFL football operations manager Mark Evans told AFL.com.au about one recalled bounce per game was acceptable.
"You tend to notice if there are a couple [of recalled bounces] in a row," Evans said. "I don't think it is a major issue for the sport."
Umpires have been empowered to recall an errant bounce and throw the ball up since 2009.
Evans said it remained his view that the bounce was a good way to start each quarter and resume play after each goal was scored.
"The bounce is a unique part of our game, and if you have ever tried it yourself then you'll know how difficult it is to ball it up straight, given the shape of the ball," Evans said.
That unique part of the game received an endorsement from new AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan at his first media conference on Wednesday after being appointed.
"I'm not making guarantees about anything, but I like the centre bounce," McLachlan said.
