AFL quietly winds back controversial umpire dissent rule

It was the rule change that left players and fans miffed. Sam Landsberger exclusively reveals how the AFL has walked back its contentious dissent rule.

The AFL has softened its contentious umpire dissent rule, allowing players to once again express some emotion in the heat of battle.

There was widespread outrage when Collingwood superstar Jordan De Goey gave away a 50m penalty for a moment of anger that morphed into controlled restraint in round 9 this season.

But sources have told the Herald Sun that umpires are now being coached to tolerate that level of emotion, so long as players are able to show restraint.

That instruction came last week and it is understood the De Goey example was highlighted at league headquarters, where it was determined that such a response should not incur a 50m penalty for umpire dissent going forward.

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The AFL has been pleased with the dissent rule appearing to strike the right balance in recent weeks and declared it was already proving a winner at junior level.

“The players have continued to adapt, and are adapting well, as are the umpires,” an AFL spokesperson said.

“It is having the desired effect on reducing umpire dissent on field and having a positive impact at the junior level we wanted.

“Everyone is playing their part as the season progresses.”

The AFL has walked back its controversial dissent rule.

De Goey tackled Western Bulldog Josh Dunkley, but was penalised for falling into the midfielder’s back.

De Goey threw his hands out in frustration when the whistle went against him – but then quickly drew them back, conscious of the controversial rule.

But the unforgiving umpire paid a 50m penalty, allowing Dunkley to slot an easy goal in the Dogs’ 48-point victory.

However if De Goey repeated that action on Queen’s Birthday against Melbourne the umpires would be instructed not to pay a 50m penalty.

It’s understood officials were told last week that the dissent threshold had reverted back to where it stood at the start of the season.

Umpires were red-hot on paying 50m penalties in pre-season matches but that eased in the early home-and-away rounds.

Round 12 delivered a quiet weekend, days after umpires were told to give players more leeway.

Western Bulldog Adam Treloar coughed up a free kick – but not a 50m penalty – for outstretching his arms in response to his tackle on Brandon Parfitt going unrewarded.

The polite midfielder was the only player to be pinged for umpire dissent in six matches at the weekend.

Sydney’s Chad Warner dissent infringement against Carlton last month was similar to De Goey’s at Collingwood.

The Swans appeared bemused when he turned to the umpire who signalled he had been penalised for running too far.

While Warner was able to very quickly control his emotion and digest the decision, a 50m penalty was paid to the Blues simply because of that reflex response.

AFL general manager of football Brad Scott was unapologetic when six 50m penalties were paid for umpire dissent in round 5, adding that a further six were also missed that weekend.

“There‘s no acceptable level of dissent towards umpires,” Scott said.

“If players show demonstrable dissent, then they‘re risking a free kick or 50m penalty.”

Debate has raged over the dissent rule.

Collingwood coach Craig McRae said recently he did not want the premiership decided on umpire dissent while former North Melbourne champion David King has repeatedly hit out at the rule.

“The umpire fluctuations on the dissent interpretation is so frustrating for all AFL fans. The AFL have created more grey area,” King said.