The AFL release statement addressing the holding the ball rule confusion

The AFL has released a statement clarifying the holding the ball rule, amid confusion from players and coaches on how the rule is being officiated.

Tom Elliott read out a part of the statement, and was one of the many fans at Marvel Stadium on Saturday afternoon for the Carlton vs Gold Coast match which saw only four holding the ball free kicks from 131 tackles.

“I just don’t see why we’ve overcomplicated football so much,” he said.

Press PLAY to hear the AFL’s statement + Tom Elliott’s thoughts

The AFL wrote to Clubs yesterday following feedback over a few weeks regarding the interpretation of holding the ball and how it is being officiated.

Examples were provided to Clubs clarifying one aspect of holding the ball – reasonable time.

Read more: https://t.co/epmfDVPXcN pic.twitter.com/smM0UCm10F

— AFL (@AFL) May 28, 2024