AFL set to change interpretation of controversial 'studs up' marking rule
After being subjected to relentless criticism over the weekend, the AFL has admitted that its controversial 'studs up' marking rule needs changing.
The outrage over the new rule, which was brought in this season, reached fever-pitch on the weekend after Richmond star Jack Riewoldt was penalised twice as a result of the rule.
In a statement released on Monday evening, the AFL's General Manager of Football Operations Steve Hocking admitted that umpires will adjust their interpretation.
"The studs up rule was brought in to ensure players did not employ their studs in marking contests in a manner likely to cause injury," the statement read.
"Although the two incidents from the Richmond v West Coast Eagles match were adjudicated according to the current interpretation, the AFL acknowledges there is a need to adjust the interpretation of rough conduct free kicks relating to the use of studs in marking contests and will make this change effective immediately."
Riewoldt fell victim to the controversial decision twice in the Tigers' win over the West Coast Eagles AAP
Hocking's statement came after AFL greats Jimmy Bartel and Matthew Richardson slammed the rule after players were left fuming at the rule over the weekend.
Speaking on Macquarie Sports Radio, Bartel slammed the AFL for overreacting to GWS Giants star Toby Greene kicking out at opponents to protect himself in marking contests.
"I always hate when you make rules for the exception," Bartel said.
"The exception was Toby Greene has the studs up, where he fended off but that was from a handball and also the odd one coming in from a mark.
"Deal with the (incident) in isolation, going to back when Toby Greene did it, if you just dealt with it and didn't like the look you can just fine him.
The controversial rule was brought in after Giants star Toby Greene repeatedly kicked out at opponents in marking contests AAP
"This is the biggest problem, don't bring in rules for the exception.
"What if Jack Riewoldt flew for a mark in the goal square late in a grand final and you paid a free kick against him for studs up. Oh my god, would you be happy with that."
Bartel's comments came after Richardson also slammed the umpires for their adjudication of the rule.
"For people saying these studs up decisions in marking contests like (Riewoldt's) ones today are correct ... you have absolutely no understanding of our game," he tweeted.
"Ridiculous interpretation. Ruining the game."
Riewoldt's coach Damien Hardwick was also unimpressed with the rule following the Tigers' six-point win over the Eagles, saying the rule lacked common sense.
Richmond coach Damien Hardwick called for common sense regarding the studs up rule AAP
"I don't think that's why the rule was brought in for," he said in his post-match press conference.
"At the end of the day, the rule was brought in for the guy that kicks the guy in the head.
"The last time I looked, that player's head wasn't on his hamstring. Have some common sense.
"I didn't know why we needed the rule in the first place to be honest, we seem to have a very reactive nature at stages.
"The game of AFL is so tough on these blokes. Don't give them so many rules."
