The AFL has made a tweak to the controversial 50-metre protected area rule.
Umpires will no longer pay a 50-metre penalty against players who infringe the protected area of a mark or free kick if they have “split” from their opponent.
The AFL notified clubs on Tuesday that the rule change will be applied from Round 16 onwards.
The contentious protected area 50m penalty rule has come in for heavy criticism, particularly from Port Adelaide champion and SEN host Kane Cornes, who started a petition to force the AFL to scrap or adjust the interpretation.
AFL Head of Umpiring Dan Richardson says the tweak has been made due to the “unintended exploitation” of the rule.
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“The protected area rule is designed for the kicker to have options to move the ball,” Richardson told AFL.com.au.
“It is having the desired effect, however, there have been more and more instances of players deliberately running their opponent into the zone with the intention of getting split and/or drawing a 50m penalty.
“If this split of players happens, providing the defender moves to vacate the area, the umpires have been instructed to no longer apply a 50m penalty.
“Feedback is important, and we continually listen to a whole range of stakeholders, and this clarification will provide opportunity for the rule to be applied as intended.”