‘AFL Implements Tougher Measures on Player Interactions with Umpires’

The AFL has revealed a stricter approach regarding player interactions with umpires as the second half of the season approaches, introducing the possibility of suspensions for those who repeatedly offend.

Although intentional contact with umpires is infrequent, careless encounters have been increasing in number over recent years.

Statistics released by the league indicate that there have been 63 charges for umpire contact in 2025 alone—an increase from the 56 recorded throughout last season.

AFL CEO Andrew Dillon has noted that communication efforts with clubs have failed to effectively reduce these incidents and that players who repeatedly make errors will now be penalised.

“There have been too many instances of avoidable contact with umpires, and despite our correspondence with clubs in February and April, behaviour has not improved and we continue to witness an increase in such incidents,” Dillon stated in a league announcement.

Under the new regulations, players receiving a fourth or subsequent charge of careless contact with an umpire may be referred directly to the tribunal. These charges will be recorded against players for a period of two years.

The tribunal will then have the discretion to decide whether a player should face suspension for the incident.

In addition, clubs will face a $5000 fine for each instance if a player incurs multiple sanctions for contact with umpires.

“We have a responsibility to ensure a safe working environment for all individuals involved, including umpires, and the frequency of avoidable umpire contact has become unacceptable,” Dillon added.

During round 16, three players received fines for careless contact with umpires, including North Melbourne’s Luke Davies-Uniacke, who was charged for the second time this year.

In round 15, six players were fined, among them Gold Coast’s Matt Rowell and St Kilda’s Jack Macrae, both of whom have faced charges four times this season.

The last player to be suspended for intentional contact with an umpire was GWS captain Toby Greene, receiving a five-match ban in 2021.