2011 NAB Cup trial rules and explanations:
1. A player awarded a 50m penalty which takes them inside the 50m area can elect either to kick from outside 50 for nine points, or kick from inside 50 for six points.
It was felt that a player awarded a 50-metre penalty which would advance him inside 50, should be given the opportunity to decide whether he kicks from outside 50m for nine points, or take the full 50m penalty to kick from inside 50 for six points.
2. Official scorer can assist with scoring decisions by reference to technology.
If a video replay is immediately available, the goal umpire can consult with the official scorer to determine the correct decision. There is no avenue for players to refer decisions.
3. Boundary umpires pay free kicks for holding and high contact at stoppages.
As an extension to the 2010 NAB Cup trial, boundary umpires may pay free kicks for obvious holding or high contact infringements. They will not pay any other form of free kick.
4. Free kick against player who drags or holds ball under opponent.
As an extension of the rule trialled in the 2010 NAB Cup, the umpire may pay a free kick against a player who drags the ball under his opponent, and may also pay a free kick against a player who holds a ball under his opponent, when he is trying to knock it out.
5. Last touch out of bounds.
To be trialled in the first round of matches only, a free kick will be paid against the last player to touch the ball before it went out of bounds. A free won’t be paid if the umpire is unable to determine who touched the ball last, if the ball goes out of bounds from a spoil after a marking contest or if the ball goes out of bounds as a result of a defensive smother to a kick or a handball.
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