Ulverstone vs. Latrobe Match Protest
The North West Football League (NWFL) has concluded its investigation into the protest by the Ulverstone Football Club under section 5.5.5 of the AFL Laws of the Game and clause 70 of the NWFL by-laws. The investigation included interviews with officiating umpires and a review of game footage.
Investigation:
1. The siren sounded while a Latrobe player prepared for a free kick after being awarded a
push in the back, as per section 10.5(a) of the AFL Laws of the Game.
2. Three players and officials from the Ulverstone bench entered the field as the siren went on the opposite side of the field.
3. Despite the early entry, Latrobe did not request a head count until after the game ended.
4. The Latrobe player missed the goal, and the umpire signaled the end of the game.
5. A head count requested by Latrobe after the game had 21 players on the ground for Ulverstone.
Key Findings:
• Per section 10.5(a) and 10.5(b) of the AFL Laws of the Game, the game ends when the umpire hears the siren.
• Section 5.5.1 allows a head count during a match, but the match had already concluded per section 10.5(b).
As per section 5.5.5(c) of the AFL Laws of the Game, the NWFL has determined that the match result should be reversed in favour of the Ulverstone Football Club, reflecting the final score when the ball was declared dead. The head count request from the authorised Latrobe person was made after the game was called, and the entry of players and officials onto the field had no bearing on the game's outcome or any advantage gained. Therefore, the final score stands as 11.10.76 to 10.7.67 in Ulverstone’s favour.
Latrobe has until 5 pm tomorrow (Wednesday, 17th of July, 2024) to appeal this decision as per NWFL Rule & Regulations 71.
-END-