'Too many instances': AFL announces crackdown on player contact with umpires
The AFL has announced it will be cracking down on player contact with umpires in the back half of the season, with suspensions now possible for repeat offenders.
While we rarely see instances of players making deliberate contact with umpires, careless contact has been on the rise in recent years.
Data released by the league shows there have been 63 charges for umpire contact issued so far in 2025, up from 56 across all of last year.
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Umpire Curtis DeBoy and the Bulldogs' Rhylee West make contact. AFL Photos via Getty Images
AFL chief Andrew Dillon said communication between the league and clubs had been ineffective at reducing these incidents, so now the league will begin punishing players who consistently mess up.
"We are seeing far too many instances of avoidable umpire contact, and since writing to clubs on this issue in February and again in April we have not seen a change in behaviour, and in fact seen an increase in umpire contact," Dillon said in a league statement.
The new rules state that if a player is sanctioned for a fourth or subsequent charge of careless contact with an umpire, they can be referred directly to the tribunal. These charges will stick with players for two years.
At the tribunal's discretion, it can then decide if it wishes to suspend the player for the incident.
Bailey Smith of the Cats helps umpire Jacob Mollison after a collision. AFL Photos via Getty Images
Clubs will also be fined $5000 per offence if a player receives multiple sanctions for umpire contact.
"We have an obligation to provide the best working environment for everyone, including the umpires, and there have been too many instances of avoidable umpire contact," Dillon continued.
In round 16 alone, three players were fined for careless contact with an umpire. North Melbourne's Luke Davies-Uniacke was charged for the second time this season.
Six players were fined in round 15, including Gold Coast's Matt Rowell and St Kilda's Jack Macrae, both of whom have been charged four times this year.
GWS captain Toby Greene was the last player suspended for making intentional contact with an umpire, copping a five-game ban in 2021.
