1. Naming Rights

All publicity pertaining to this match is to be referred to as an Australian Amateur Football Championships Match between the two states.

2. Match Management of the Challenge

Will be under the control of the home state and played under the Laws of Australian Football and other rules approved of by the Organising Committee.

3. Competing Teams (and Match Date, Time and Venue)

To be arranged to the mutual satisfaction of the two participating states.

4. Officials

Officials responsible for the finalisation of arrangements for the conduct of the Championship Matches are as follows:

Organising Committee
Mark Shadiac (Administration Officer)
work (08) 8267 1044
fax (08) 8267 5729
mobile 0418 849 865
email - mark@saafl.asn.au

Michael Sholly
work (03) 9531 8333
fax (03) 9531 6601
mobile 0407 813 780
email - michael@vafa.com.au

Individual State Co-coordinators other than CEO:
WAAFL - Peter Grosser
work (08) 9364 2444
fax (08) 9364 6777
mobile 0412 916 900
email - peterg@pinplan.com.au

SAAFL - Brian Lees
phone/fax (08) 8264 9135
mobile 0412 712 870

VAFA - Brett Connell
work 9531 8333
fax: 9531 6601
0407 542 140
email - brett@vafa.asn.au

5. Match Program

To be co-ordinated by the home state (WAAFL). Competing Leagues/Associations are to provide the following information prior to midday Monday before the Championship Match - coach, Guernsey color, players' names and numbers, captain and vice-captain.

6. Match Conditions

6.1 Length of Quarters 20 minutes plus time on 6.2 Intervals ¼ time 5 minutes ½ time 15 minutes ¾ time 5 minutes 6.3 Commencement time The commencement time for the senior match will be 11.10am. Warm up 15 minutes prior to start. 6.4 Time-Keepers One time-keeper is to be appointed by each competing team and included in the official party. Stopping time - when: - Goal Umpire signals that a goal has been scored. - Goal umpire signals that a behind has been scored. - When one of the Field Umpires blows his whistle and raises one arm above his head when a ball goes Out of Bounds, either On the Full or trickles over the line. Recommencing time - when - The football is thrown up in the Centre Square after a goal has been scored. - The football is brought back into play after a behind has been scored. - The football is thrown back into play by the boundary umpire or brought back into play by a player (as the case may be) after the football had gone Out of Bounds on the Full or Out of Bounds. 6.5 Drawn Match In view of this 1st game being a curtin raiser to an AFL fixture in the event of scores being tied at completion of time no extra time will played and the game drawn. 6.6 Twenty five metre penalty. 6.6.1 When to be imposed. Where a field umpire has awarded a free kick or a mark to a player, the field umpire shall also award a twenty five metre penalty in favour of that player if he or she is of the opinion that any player or official from the opposing side:- (a) has overstepped the mark; or (b) engages in time wasting; or (c) uses abusive, insulting, threatening or obscene manner towards an umpire or disputes the decision of an umpire; or (d) behaves in an abusive, insulting, threatening or obscene manner towards an umpire or disputes the decision of an umpire; or (e)enters the protected area, except when the player is accompanying or following within 5 metres of his or her opponent; or (f)has not returned the football directly and on the full to the player awarded the free kick or mark; or engages in any other conduct for which a free kick would ordinarily be awarded, unless such conduct occurred 25 metres or more in front of the position on the playing surface where the initial free kick or mark was awarded, in which case a free kick shall be awarded to the player against whom the conduct was directed or who is nearest to (g) where the conduct occurred. 6.6.2 Imposing a twenty five metre penalty. When the field umpire imposes a 25 metre penalty, the following procedure shall apply:- (a) the field umpire shall signal to the timekeeper to stop the clock used for the timing of the match for such time as it takes to impose the 25 metre penalty; (b) the field umpire shall advance the mark by twenty five metres in a direct line with the centre of the goal line; and (c) if the player who is obtaining the benefit of the twenty five metre penalty is less than fifty metres from the goal line, the mark shall become the centre of the goal line.

7. Laws of the Game

Unless otherwise stipulated by the Organising Committee, the match will be played in accordance with the Australian Football League Laws of Australian Football. 7.1 Interchange Players Each state in this a match has agreed to play no more than 4 interchange players. Players must interchange through the designated interchange area. The home state will be responsible for appointment of an Interchange Steward. 7.2 Order- Off Rule A player/official who is reported by an umpire/member of the umpire's board for a breach of the laws of the game, shall be dealt with under two (2) categories: Category 1 Red Card Any person reported under law 19 &20 shall be ordered off the ground and directed and leave the ground through the interchange area. HE SHALL TAKE NO FURTHER PART IN THE GAME. The player may be replaced after a period of 15 minutes playing time. Category 2 Yellow Card Any person reported for any other incident, other than the above, shall be ordered off the ground for a period of fifteen minutes playing time, which shall be adjudicated by the timekeepers. THE PLAYER MAY BE REPLACED IMMEDIATELY. The player shall leave the playing arena through the interchange area. The field umpire will show a yellow card and take players details. In the event of a player/official refusing to leave the field when ordered off, he shall be reported for misconduct and his team shall forfeit the match. A player/official may be sent from the ground by the field umpire, (without being reported) for misbehaviour and audible obscenities for a period of fifteen minutes playing time, which shall be adjudicated by the timekeepers of both clubs. THE PLAYER MAY BE REPLACED IMMEDIATELY. The player shall leave the ground through the interchange area. The field umpire will show a yellow card and take the players details. 7.3 Blood Rule, Seriously Injured Players and Normal Interchanges Any player ordered from the field for the Blood Rule must leave the oval at the nearest point. Play shall not commence until replacement player takes up the playing position of the player ordered from the field. Replacement player can enter field of play as the injured player comes off but must enter via the interchange area. The Runner must communicate player on/off to interchange steward. The blood rule signal to be given by the field umpire to be "crossed arms above the head". All other interchanges made must be made through the marked interchange area. A seriously injured player can be taken from the field at the nearest point with the approval of one of the field umpires. This permission can only be obtained by the Runner running to one of the umpires to gain this permission. 7.4 Other Rules 1. A trend has developed in close games for the team leading to use the clock up as a tactic to win the game. This tactic is not consistent with the "spirit of the game" which is to keep the ball in motion. Therefore the following interpretation has been amended. A free kick for players knocking the ball out of bounds deliberately from a boundary throw-in (presumably ruckmen). There is a current rule (15.6 c) which covers this - "a free kick shall be awarded against the player who - intentionally kicks, handballs or forces the football over the boundary line without the football being touched by another player". This rule will be reinforced to the umpires by each controlling body. Rather than "ping" player immediately, an umpire may give the player the benefit of the doubt the first time. It needs to be pointed out that if the ball is pushed out of bounds towards the goals and at an angle this act not to be deemed deliberate. 2. Likewise ruckmen who take the ball out of the air at a bounce or throw in who are correctly tackled resulting in subsequent field bounces are restricting the flow of the game (15.2.3). The following interpretation has been amended. That when a ruckman takes possession of the ball in the air with both hands, so as to have control of the ball, and he does not immediately dispose of it before being tackled, he shall be free kicked. The player has had the prior opportunity to dispose of the ball when he took the ball whilst in the air. Therefore if he is tackled on landing he is to be free kicked. 3. On field officials (runners/trainers) continue to be a hindrance spending excessive time on the ground. This activity is often difficult to police, due to the umpire's concentration being directed toward players and the game. The following change will allow both umpires to observe the activity of officials at breaks and in particular after a behind has been scored. Umpires will pay a free kick against a club if its runner or any other on field official is positioned within the 45 metre area when a fullback is kicking in after a behind has been scored. This will be a disincentive to clubs to "add to the numbers" when the ball is being brought back into play. In this event the free kick to be taken by the player of the opposition team from CHB/CHF in that half of the ground. This decision leads to the requirement for all grounds to be used to have 45 meter arcs displayed. If the team receiving the free is not quick to nominate the spot on the arc where the kick is to is to be taken and the "kicker" the umpire will do so. 4. Goal and Boundary Umpires have no power to order players from the field. If they make a report, the correct procedure is to immediately notify the field umpire at the next appropriate break in play (but to be as soon as possible), who will then confirm the report with the player and order him from the field for the appropriate time.

8. Eligibility

8.1 Registered Players Only players who are registered and have been given a permit to play with the Leagues/Associations competing in the Championship Match are eligible to play. U/23 conditions - players must have been under 23 as at the 1-1-05. As such a player can turn 23 during the season in which the State game is to be played and still be eligible for selection. 8.2 Suspended Players Where a player is under suspension (or has had his permit withdrawn) for a misdemeanour under the AFL Laws of the Game or any local rules, he shall be ineligible for selection in the Championship Match.

9. Official Runner

Each team may appoint (2) runners who shall be attired in accordance with their respective state's requirements, but not to clash with either participating team's playing uniform.

10. Team Managers

Each team is to appoint a Team Manager, and whose name should be advised as per Match Program.

11. Team Sheets

A completed team sheet is to be handed to the Field Umpires and the opposing Team Manager no later than (15) minutes prior to the commencement of the match.

12. Players' Uniforms

Teams will wear registered League uniforms with Guernsey's numbered between one and forty (1-40).

13. Umpires

The (2) umpire system will be used and the ball will be thrown up AT ALL TIMES
Each competing League will provide (1) field umpire with the Host State providing the two boundary and goal umpires for this Championship Match. If a State wishes to bring a development boundary & goal umpire when they travel it is at that State's expense and they must notify the Host State a month in advance of their intention to do so.

14. Interchange Steward

The home state will be responsible for appointment of the Interchange Steward.

15. Insurance

15.1 Players and Officials Responsibility of competing Leagues. 15.2 Umpires Responsibility of competing League and / or Umpire Association employing umpires.

16. Footballs

Two to be supplied by each participating state. One new ball to be used each quarter with the home state's brand of ball used in Q1 and Q3 and the visitor's brand of ball in Q2 and Q4.

17. Doctor

The Host State to ensure that a Doctor is available at the grounds to assist either team on the day. Each competing team to ensure they have at least two other accredited medical / training staff available at the ground.

18. Trainers

Each competing team to have at least (2) accredited trainers on matchday. Water carriers from each not to exceed (4). The Host State to supply water carriers (2) and extra trainers for the visiting state (if required).

19. Video of Match

The video of the game is to be organised by the Host State with two complimentary copies of the match provided to the visiting State and one copy to the State not involved in that particular Championship Match. For games at Subiaco Oval prior to an AFL game videoing is subject to AFL Media approval and as such may not be possible.

20. Player/Official Tickets

The home state to provide tickets for all players and officials attending the game, numbering at least 40.

21. Awards

Each competing team to choose the best player from the opposition's team and their own team (total of four best players per team) with each player being presented with a suitably engraved trophy. All trophies for individual games will be organised by the Host State at the Host State's cost.

The two field umpires to vote on a 3, 2, 1 basis, at the conclusion of the match to select a Best on Ground player who will be presented with a medallion to be named after a person chosen by the home state. The Host State will arrange and pay for the respective medallions that are presented after each match.

The shield competed for by each of the two states for the Championship Match will be presented by a person nominated by the home state.

All awards and presentations to be completed in the aftermatch function and will follow the following procedure.

Host state Organising Committeeman to MC the function which is to proceed as follows:

(a) The MC is WAAFL's nominated representative.
(b) Organising Committee Admin Officer Mark Shadiac will then talk on the Triennial Championships concept.
(c) The MC firstly calls on the WAAFL's nominated Match Committee member to present the WAAFL best player chosen by WAAFL selectors and the best opposing team player as chosen by the WAAFL selectors.
(d) MC calls on the opposing teams nominated Match Committee member to present the opposing team best player as chosen by opposing team selectors and the opposing team best player as chosen by the WAAFL selectors.
(e) MC then calls on the losing state's President to say a few words and present the Shield to the President of the winning state.
(f) The winning state's President says a few words.

22. Official Functions

22.1 After match refreshments Light food & refreshments will be provided for all players, officials & invited guests at the conclusion of the match This function at the Host State's cost and entry is by invitation or pass. 22.2 Official Dinner (night before) The WAAFL will arrange for a dinner to be held the evening before the match at a venue chosen by the host state to include no more than a combined total of 20 key officials. The food and drinks to be paid for by the Host Sate.

23. Publicity

Responsibility of each competing team.

24. Tribunal

24.1 The home state shall appoint a tribunal Chairman to deal with players, representatives and officials reported by officiating umpires under the AFL Laws of the Game. The "non-competing" league's representative to be the other person to sit, if required, on this two person panel. 24.2 Powers The tribunal shall be empowered to deal as it may think fit with players, representatives and officials of competing teams reported by officiating umpires for offences against the Laws of Australian Football. 24.3 Attendance and Findings Players, representatives or officials involved in any report shall appear before the tribunal to be convened as soon as practicable immediately following the game. Competing Leagues are to be responsible to appoint an official to receive reports from the field umpires at the conclusion of the match and liaise with the Match Manager regarding the conduct of the tribunal. 24.4 Procedure and Penalty Any player, representative or official of participating teams who has been reported and found guilty of breaches of the Laws shall have the tribunal findings referred to the player's, representative's or official's League domestic competition tribunal for determination of a penalty.

25. Investigation Committee

The two competing bodies shall, if required, appoint an Investigation Committee (as per the Tribunal) to be empowered to investigate any matters referred to it by each competing League, and to deal as it may think fit with any player, representative or official of competing teams guilty of a contravention of the Match Arrangements and Rules of the Championship Match. The Investigating Committee is to be chaired by the Tribunal Chairman.

Players, representatives or officials involved in any matter referred to the Investigation Committee by either of the two competing bodies shall appear before the Investigation Committee at a hearing to be convened as soon as practicable immediately following the game. The Investigation Committee's decisions shall be referred to the competing League's management for determination of a penalty.

26. Match Costs

Costs to competing Leagues/Associations associated with participating in each Championship. Costs not specified in these Match Conditions are to be borne by the competing Leagues.

The Host State will bear the costs of functions, ground hire, staff and the official program.

27. Selection of and announcement of All Australian U/23 Team.

It was agreed that the Organising Executive Committee (Shadiac and Sholly) be the panel to select the All-Australian Amateur Team at the completion of all games in each year. A player rating system is being determined so a to weight a players rating that has participated in two (2) games in any one year with a view to initially selecting a squad of 11 players from each game played in that year.

To assist the selection process the two participating states would add to the panel a representative from the state's selection panel. After each Championship match a squad of at least 11 players will be selected with the final All Australian U/23 Amateur Team selected and after the completion of the second game in the year.

The non-participating state's Chief Executive would be the fifth person on this panel.

This team is to be announced at the end of each year at an appropriate time.

The panel as such would be required to be in attendance at each match conducted as part of these Championships. For example, Michael Sholly would have to be present at each WAAFL v SAAFL match. Travel and accommodation to be at that official's state's expense.

The Host State will be responsible for organising and supplying a set of All Australian Jumpers and a framed All Australian U/23 Team Certificate with head & shoulder photos of all selected Players in position in the All Australian Jumper. Each selected player and the All Australian Coach to be presented with his jumper and certificate at an appropriate time & function to be held by the State from which the player/coach comes from.

28. Travel Equalisation Fund

It has been acknowledged by all competing States that WA is at a distinct disadvantage over the 3 years of the carnival with respect to travel expenses. In an effort to partially reduce the imbalance of these costs it is agreed that in any year that WA travels the host State will reimburse WA an amount of $4,000.00.

29. Championship Table to be maintained over the three years

SAAFL
VAFA
WAAFL

AAFC ORGANISING COMMITTEE
31st March, 2005