Last possession out of bounds rule introduced in Adelaide Footy League’s Reserves, C Grade and women’s competitions

A new out of bounds rule will be used by the Adelaide Footy League barring any push back by clubs, says chief John Kernahan.

The ‘last possession’ out of bounds rule used by the SANFL will be implemented by the Adelaide Footy League this season.

The league’s Reserves, C Grade and women’s competitions will all play with the rule – which was originally introduced to the SANFL in 2016 to combat any ‘deliberate out of bounds’ confusion.

The last possession rule 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 umpire or there will be a ball-up near the boundary line.

Adelaide Footy League chief John Kernahan said multiple clubs had been surveyed about a possible introduction of the rule for 2022.

Adelaide Football League chief John Kernahan said an implementation of the ‘last possession’ out of bounds rule looked likely for the 2022 Reserves, C Grade and women’s seasons. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

“We have forwarded the consideration to a number of clubs to garner their opinion and it would seem, albeit from a small survey window, to have legs,” Kernahan said.

The league’s decision to bring the rule into play this season is a result of clubs lacking volunteers to boundary umpire to make deliberate out of bounds decisions or throw the ball in.

“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.

“So, if we don’t get any push back from clubs, this rule will definitely be brought in.”

Pembroke Old Scholars senior coach Mark Evans, who recently signed with the Kings after a career with Norwood and Sturt in the SANFL, had high praise for the last possession rule.

Port District’s Luke McInerney tackles Brighton’s Nigel Osborn during division one play last season. Kernahan said the last possession rule may continue to higher grades in 2023 if popular. Picture: Brenton Edwards

“I found the rule really good in the SANFL, and it was clearly really helpful for umpires, players and supporters – mainly as it removes any subjectivity around the umpire’s decision,” Evans said.

“It also speeds up the game as there are less stoppages, resulting in more free-flowing footy, and it’s also good from a skills perspective as it puts greater emphasis on handballs or kicks hitting targets.”

While the last possession rule has been a popular and well-run rule throughout recent SANFL seasons, and seems to be a welcomed change to Adelaide Footy League Reserves, C Grade and women’s competitions, Kernahan could not promise a continuation in 2023 through all grades.

“If clubs like it anything could happen but we’re committed to returning to traditional in 2023,” he said.

“The proof will be in the pudding if there’s a shift in moods towards it, but it needs to be clear we’re not doing this because we specifically like last possession, we’re doing it to relieve pressure on volunteers.”