OFFICIAL RULES
BALI MASTERS 9's

The rules of the Bali 9’s are essentially that of the AFL, except for certain modifications as listed below.

1. PLAYING GROUND

100m x 50m with a goal scoring zone 35m from goals.

2. GOAL SCORING ZONE

A line marked as an arc 35 metres from goals defines the goal scoring zone. Only kicks that originate from inside this zone and go through the goals will be registered as goals. If a goal is scored from a kick originating from outside the goal scoring zone, whether it be deemed on purpose or accidental, no score will be registered and a kick out from fullback will take place. If a kick originating from outside the goal scoring zone is touched in the goal scoring zone prior to it crossing the score line, normal AFL rules will apply.

3. THE TEAM

(a) The Team will consist of a total squad of 18 players. Changes to this squad of 18 are not allowed for the duration of the tournament.
(b) If the entered team begins with less than 18 players, they may add players during the duration of the tournament.
(c) If a player is confirmed as injured by an International SOS medic and cannot take any more part in games, a substitute may take his place in the squad.
(d) Coaches must seek permission from Tournament Event Director (TED if they wish to make any of the allowed changes to their squad. TED has the right to refuse this change.
(e) The Team shall consist of 9 players on the field.
(f) Interchange of players may take place at any time.
(g) The Team shall consist of three forwards, three centreline players and three backline players.
(h) Players may be replaced due to injury at any time.
(i) Team sheets are to be handed to TED no later than 15 minutes prior to the start of their first match. The team sheets to be used are those provided by TED.
(j) Teams may not have more than 2 players deemed as professional by TED in their squad of 18.
(k) All players to be aged 35 years or over on 31st December of the current year. No evidence of age shall be required other than in the event that a complaint is received, the player concerned, must be prepared to provide proof of age to TED.

4. START OF PLAY

(a) The game shall be started by a ball-up between two players in the centre of the ground.
(b) Only centre line players are allowed to be within the marked area for the ball up after goal or at the start of halves.
(c) After a goal, the ball is taken to the centre and restarted as in (a).

5. RUCKING

(a) Only one player from each team to contest all ruck knocks, involvement in contest by a third player shall result in a free kick against third or subsequent player. At all times the ball shall be thrown up and not bounced.
(b) At boundary throw ins only one player from each team is to contest the ruck, however:-
- if boundary throw in is poor or misdirected the umpire will immediately call play on
- if throw in is satisfactory, any third or subsequent player involvement in the rucking contest will result in a free kick against the third or subsequent player.
- All players are expected to indicate the ball out of bounce by raising their hands.
(c) Centre throw ups centre line not applicable, ruckman can approach from any direction
(d) No raised knees at any ruck contest.

6. MARKING

The player in front of the pack competing for a mark is to be given every protection and opportunity to take the mark. Any unnecessary or deliberate interference by an opponent player/s in attempting to mark or prevent the player in front of the pack from taking the mark shall result in a free kick being awarded to the player in front of the pack. The interference could take the form of a knee or boot being put into a player's body.

7. PLAYER PROTECTION

(a) All players making the ball the objective are to be given the utmost protection by the umpire. Any contact other than a legal side bump or legal tackle (between knee and shoulder) to be deemed unduly rough play and a free kick awarded.
(b) Slinging players to the ground whether the player is in possession of the ball or not is illegal and shall result in a free kick being awarded or if it happens after the ball has been disposed of a free kick shall be awarded down the field where the ball lands.
(c) Late contact, in any form, when the ball has been disposed of, will result in a relayed free kick being paid down the field.

8. PENALTIES

15 metre penalties shall be awarded against the offending player for acts of crude play, arguing with umpire decisions etcetera.

9. ORDER OFF RULE

To be applied. The period of penalty will be 10 minutes.

10. BLOOD RULE

The blood rule will be applied as per AFL rules.

11. FORMAT OF COMPETITION

The competition will consist of two or three rounds, depending upon number of entered teams, then finals.
Points will be awarded as follows:
Four points for a win
Two points for a draw
In the event of teams being on equal points following the three rounds, percentage will determine standing for the finals.

12. PLAYING TIME

All Matches: 12 minute halves with no time on (except injury time).
Unless otherwise advised, the duration of intervals from the siren to conclude one half, to the siren notifying the commencement of the next, shall be 6 minutes.

TED has the power, where he considers necessary, to alter the timing of the quarters.

13. FORFEITURE

A team will forfeit its game if its players are not in a ready position to commence playing when the siren is blown.

14. POSTPONEMENTS

If for any unforeseen circumstances competition games are cancelled, games will be re-scheduled in consultation with team managers/coaches and TED.

15. FINALS

Should the scores be level at the final siren, teams will remain on the field while Goal Umpires confirm scores. Two 5 minute periods (plus time on) will then be played. Teams will change ends directly for each of these periods. Should the scores again be level at the end of these periods, after confirmation by Goal Umpires, Captains will toss a coin for the choice of goals and the next team to score a goal will win the match (golden goal).