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While the local football scene will not change to a four-field umpire system, there are some developments on-field that players and spectators should keep in mind.<\/p>\n
Chaston, who will begin his 34th season as a Geelong umpire, said there will be “tweaks” and more leniency enforced to the “stand” rule, but not much else.<\/p>\n
He also pointed out player safety would continue to be at the forefront of every game, especially on the ground at loose ball contests and in close quarters.<\/p>\n
“We’ll continue to be strict on all dangerous tackle, whether that be the sling tackle or anything above the neck, that will be a key focus to keep the game enjoyable and safe.<\/p>\n “There won’t be too much of a change at the local level here when it comes to the new AFL interpretation of the ‘deliberate out of bounds’ rule – it’s local footy, we don’t want to complicate it too much.”<\/p>\n Geelong Umpires has also inked a new three-year-deal with major sponsor Metricon, taking the partnership between the organisations to 20 years.<\/p>\n The deal will facilitate Metricon branding on all on-field uniforms.<\/p>\n “We always talk about the players, but rarely speak about the umpires and the challenges they face,” Metricon regional west manager Simon Taylor said.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2023\/03\/IMG_7057_44486.jpg\")
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