Southern footy league has introduced last disposal to its under-19 competition

A lack of boundary umpires has contributed to a local footy league introducing the last disposal rule for some of its competitions.

Southern Football Netball League CEO Lee Hartman has revealed a lack of boundary umpires in lower level football was one reason the competition has introduced the last disposal rule to under-19 football in 2023.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the league announced Division 3 reserves, Division 4 reserves, women’s, under-19’s and thirds matches will all use the last disposal rule over the conventional throw in.

The rule has been used in place in the aforementioned open-age tiers but will be presented into the under-19s divisions this season.

“We have been using last disposal for a number of years now in the lower grades, women’s, thirds and the reserves of Division 3 and 4, we have just added under-19s to that,” Hartman said.

“We have tried to appoint boundary umpires to 19s but there was a lack of numbers, it has helped us on the number front with boundary umpires.

“It is something we have found, one, it keeps the game going, two, it saves the community clubs a cost of paying and three, the number of umpires.

“Field umpires and goal umpires, through and after the pandemic, have been fine – it’s just more boundary which is traditionally your younger kids.

“The clubs are well aware of it and we have been using it in other grades anyway.

“We will definitely have boundaries (umpires) in ones football.”

While the rule won’t be introduced into the top-level, Hartman hasn’t taken it off the table as the competition will roll with the punches.

“It’s probably something that will evolve over time, I know other leagues already use it in senior football in South Australia, ect,” he said.

“I know the AFL have been looking at it, so we will probably just move with the times.

“At the moment we have landed where we have landed and will monitor it down the track.”

Last disposal is now being implemented in under-19 football. (AAP Image/Rob Prezioso)

In conjunction with the last disposal rule, the SFNL has made other slight modifications:

“Teams are no longer required to nominate a competing ruckman from either side during a ball up; however, should a third player contest the ruck a free kick will be awarded against that team,” the statement read.

“If a player is issued a combined total of three yellow or red order off cards in a season, they will automatically receive a one match suspension, this will be on top of any tribunal sanction.

“Half-time breaks for the reserves, women’s, under-19’s and thirds have been reduced from 15 minutes to 12 minutes. Quarter breaks will remain at 5 minutes.

“The application of time on has been updated to ensure it is clear for timekeepers and that scheduled matches flow throughout the day.

“The grading policy has been updated to ensure the most competitive teams are placed in the highest grade.

“A maximum of 24 players are permitted to play in the Thirds competition.

“Thirds finals qualifications will be treated independently from any other Grade to protect the integrity of this competition and will no longer apply to open selection for seniors and reserves.

“Women’s footballers can now wear coloured “home” shorts for away matches providing the whole team is in the same uniform.”

The Southern season will begin on Good Friday between Division 1 grand finalists Cranbourne and Cheltenham, before the remainder of the competition begins the following Saturday on April 15.