The AFLUA & AFL have been discussing and debating player contact with umpires over the last 2 seasons. We have expressed our view that the current MRO guidelines are deficient because they provide no ability to suspend a player unless contact with the umpire is intentional. The increases of umpire contact over recent years has proven that fines are not an effective deterrent. Where contact with an umpire is forceful or avoidable there needs to be an ability to suspend players. This is important not only to protect AFL Umpires but also to make it clear at community level that contact with an umpire is not acceptable.
