AFL warns coaches not to criticise umpires during post-match press conferences

AFL coaches have been warned not to publicly question umpires in a crackdown prompted by a recent increase in critical commentary. HAVE YOUR SAY.

Ray Chamberlain.

The AFL has warned coaches to cut out any umpire criticism from their press conferences after some stinging comments last round.

The league this week told clubs it had noticed an increase in critical commentary regarding umpiring in media conferences as well as exchanges with emergency umpires and league officials in the interchange area.

In particular, Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley made clear his disappointment in some umpiring decisions in the win over St Kilda last Friday night, while Collingwood was dudded in its thrilling win over Adelaide on Sunday.

St Kilda coach Ross Lyon was another who queried a play-on call involving defender Josh Battle which led to a Power goal at Marvel Stadium.

But the league has moved quickly to remind coaches of their leadership role in the game and the need to show umpires respect as part of a league-wide email this week.

Umpire Ray Chamberlain issues an instruction to Caleb Daniel.

Clubs face a fine of up to $20,000 for criticising umpires but the league was confident the reminder would serve its purpose ahead of round 8.

The league is also determined to stop coaches from engaging with league officials and umpires on the boundary line to ensure there were no heated exchanges between them.

Clubs are welcome to discuss issues with umpires boss Dan Richardson throughout the week but have been urged to stay away from league officials and umpires in-game.

Hinkley, who coached from the boundary line against the Saints, said he was not an “umpire bagger or whinger” but queried why his team was being penalised more than others.

The count was 28-14 in the Saints’ favour last weekend.

Hinkley said on Friday the Power had got an answer from the AFL.

“I have to be careful, we did get a memo this week saying we are not allowed to make any comment publicly around umpiring which we will certainly adhere to,” Hinkley said.

“ ... We’ve learnt that we have plenty to work on, we knew that going in but as we always do with the umpiring department and Chris (Davies) we will keep the communication going.

“It as much as anything for us it is pre-clearance rather than post clearance.”

“It is around the stoppages in the game so we need to be aware of what we are doing that is not right.”

Following Port win against the Saints last week, Hinkley said “it would be nice to get some clarity from the umpires”.

“I think it would be nice to feel why we’ve given away 20-plus more free kicks for holding the man in this competition six rounds in - that’s a big number. A big, big number,” he said post-game.

“That gives up 300-400 metres in a game of football. We’re aware of it, we work at it, but we seem to keep on doing it so we must have something wrong with the umpiring of the game.”