Effective from 28th March 2026:

1. Changes to the Dissent Rule (players)

Previously, when a player showed dissent (argued or complained) about a referee’s decision, the referee could move the ball 13 metres closer to the opposing goal.

Now:

- The referee can move the ball 30 metres forward instead of 13 metres.

- This can only be done once for the same incident.

-  If the dissent continues, either:

- by the same player, or

- by another player on the same team,

- then the referee should give a yellow card to the offending player under Rule 6.1.

2. Extra sanctions for Under-18 and younger grades

At Under-18 level and all younger age grades, if a player is guilty of dissent:

- The player must leave the field for 10 minutes (a “sin bin”).

- The referee gives the player a black card.

- The player’s team may bring on a temporary substitute during those 10 minutes.

3. New sanctions for Team Management (sideline)

- Team management (e.g. manager, selectors, coaches, backroom staff) can now be penalised under the Dissent Rule for the following:

=> Challenging the authority of the referee or any match official.

=> Threatening, or using abusive or provocative language towards an opposing player or team official.

=> Using abusive language towards the referee or any match official.

=> Disruptive conduct (for example, behaviour that delays or interferes with the game).

=> Minor physical interference with a referee or match official or threatening/abusive behaviour or threatening language towards them.

=> Any type of assault on a referee or match official.

=> Penalties for Team Management offences

If a member of team management commits any of the above offences:

During play

=>A free puck is awarded to the opposing team on the offending team’s 20-metre line, in front of the scoring space.

=>Before the game starts, at half-time, or before extra time

=>Play will start or restart with a free puck to the opposing team from the offending team’s 20-metre line, in front of the scoring space.