Adelaide Footy League introduces last possession out of bounds rule across all divisions for season 2023

A new out of bounds rule has been introduced across all divisions and grades of the Adelaide Footy League as clubs prepare for season 2023.

The Adelaide Footy League will implement the last possession out of bounds rule across all divisions this season for the first time in its history, becoming the final local footy competition to adopt the change in SA.

After implementing the rule in junior competition, the league introduced the rule for Reserves, C Grade and women’s competitions last season and saw it become a major success.

The rule, which means a free kick would be paid against a team who kicks (and the ball bounces before the boundary line) or handballs the ball deliberately or in-deliberately out of bounds, without another player touching it.

If the ball is touched, it will be thrown in by the boundary umpire or there will be a ball-up near the boundary line.

Action from last season’s division one grand final between Port District and Prince Alfred Old Collegians. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

“The traditionalist may raise their eyebrows but whether they agree with this position or not, the Adelaide Footy League was the last to retain the boundary throw in as the only way to return the ball to play,” league chief John Kernahan said.

“Reserve, C and D grades in concert with our women’s competitions have all used the last possession rule in 2022 so to introduce A grade men should simply remove the inconsistencies internally, not to mention for players who transition from our juniors or from SANFL senior competitions.”

The rule was originally introduced to the SANFL in 2016 to combat any ‘deliberate out of bounds’ confusion and was swiftly introduced to local leagues across the state.

Adelaide Footy League chief John Kernahan said the competition’s clubs voted in favour of the rule across the board. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

The Adelaide Footy League was originally slower to adjust, but decided to use the rule in senior competition last season due to a lack of volunteers at clubs to boundary umpire after the Covid period.

“We share a significant concern that we have a high degree of volunteer fatigue and we need to be aware of placing further strain on those who are already involved,” Kernahan said at the time.

The rule was voted in for this season and beyond by the competition’s clubs after its successful implementation in 2022.

“There will still be boundary throw ins, but its certainly one rule we can implement without too much disruption and has been made easier to introduce given our clubs voted to introduce it across the board,” Kernahan said.