AFL defends current umpire system, score review team

The AFL is pleased with the ‘terrific development’ of the four-umpire system as the league faces fierce criticism about dropping standards of officiating.

The AFL has emphatically backed its umpires and the decision to change to a four-person system in the face of fierce criticism about dropping standards.

A non-50m penalty call and a missed touched Collingwood’s Jack Crisp goal which cost North Melbourne on Sunday has prompted claims the game’s umpiring is in “disarray”.

But football boss Laura Kane defended the whistleblowers and the score review system as well as the introduction of a fourth umpire.

“It has been a really important development for us with four umpires because we have an extra set of eyes on the field,” Kane said.

Laura Kane says the four-umpire system has been a success so far. Picture: Getty Images

“We have an extra umpire that previously sat on the bench through that whole game to get experience, to get a game, to get an understanding of what it is like to be in the thick of it.

“It helps us diversify the umpiring pool but most importantly it helps us make better decisions because we have more people watching the game in real time who have incredible experience.

“We have ex umpires in our leadership team from a football perspective.

“It is something that we will continue to work on, coach and develop and make sure our umpires are in the right spot.

“But it has been a terrific development for us.”

The AFL has clarified the umpire was too late paying a mark in the Scott incident, which led to confusion from the Collingwood players who rushed at the Kangaroo in the final minute of the Pies’ win.

But Kane said there had not been any anguish about it from any clubs over the past two days.

“Clubs have a process where they can send in queries they have around umpiring decisions or rules, that is a really stock standard process that happens every week,” she said.

AFL umpiring has been a hot topic lately. Picture: Michael Klein

“We haven’t had any queries about it from clubs and we will respond to them if we do.”

The AFL also came under fire from St Kilda coach Ross Lyon about its endeavours to clarify and explain contentious decisions.

But Kane said the league would continue to be open about key decisions to help inform the public and the clubs.

“The really important part is to start with being transparent,” Kane said.

“That is the default setting for our football department. We want to make sure people understand what goes on behind the scenes.

“We want to make sure the fans understand what goes into decisions.”