by Alana Klein

For a few straight weeks, I have found issues with penalties during the games. That is not to say that I have an issue with the referees. I think they do an excellent job overall. Do I agree with every call? No. But a lot of subjectivity comes into play. There’s holding on EVERY play. There’s defensive holding or pass interference on EVERY (passing) play. A lot of it is judging whether one player gains an advantage over an opposing player via tugging the jersey or grabbing a receiver to the point that they can’t make a play on the ball. So, I get that. And I can live with that — as long as the game is called evenly.

My issue stems from the fact that the rule book isn’t publicly accessible — as far as I can tell. And it’s not because I question the refs. I’m sure they know the rules backwards and forwards. I just want to know how the penalties differ in definition (e.g. kick catch interference — the so-called “halo”) to enforcement (e.g. our defensive pass interference is 10 yards, as opposed to 15) to the rules that make the game unique (e.g. jack/mac linebackers, the designated tight end, illegal defense, etc.).

I was also under the impression that a penalty for illegal defense resulted in an AUTOMATIC first down. However, I noticed it being called a “repeat the down” penalty at least twice this weekend. Was this an error or do certain infractions result in automatic first downs while others do not (similar to running into the kicker vs. roughing the kicker or the old 5 vs. 15 facemask rule)?

The “Rules” page on the AF1 site lists a number of variables that make the game unique when compared to the 100-yard game, such as rebound nets, the “high motion” receiver, and the scoring system. But I’m talking about an actual rule book. The closest thing I could find was this, which appears to be a guide to generally, if not universally-accepted rules on an AFL archival site — but still nothing about penalties.

After the first weekend, there was a live video chat during which (I believe) the Head of Officiating took the time to explain the application of some of the rules and penalties that came out during the first week. I know there were at least 2 in the Minnesota-Albany game.

Even if they can’t do that every week, there are things that could help, such as putting a brief explanation of the rule on the jumbotron and TV screen or having the announcers explain the rule. Also, the announcers could be better informed of the rules. I heard the expression “2-point rouge” be used more times than I can count and one announcer seemed to marvel at the idea of a drop-kick extra point.

There was also one game earlier this year that the announcer (who’s been around the game for a minute … and I don’t mean a literal “minute” … It’s an expression the kids use about 6, 7 times a day.) said that in all his years around the game that he’s never heard of or seen fan interference.

I just want to see the rule book because I’m interested in knowing the game inside & out. I don’t think it’s an unreasonable request, but apparently, I’m just screaming into the void.