The AFL Football Department has communicated to clubs the introduction of a fourth umpire to be implemented for the 2023 Toyota AFL Premiership Season.

AFL Head of Umpiring, Dan Richardson said that the introduction of a fourth umpire will progress the game for both the officials and players.

“The fourth umpire will optimise decision making, allowing umpires to be in better positions to adjudicate a contest – whether they are stoppages through the midfield or marking contests at either end of the ground," Richardson said.

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“Having two umpires at stoppages also acts as a strong deterrent to off-the-ball players from engaging in undisciplined play. Umpires will also be able to manage off ball situations more effectively.

"We have conducted more than 600 club visits over the pre-season seeking significant feedback from club coaching staff and players around the positioning of the four umpires and their movement patterns.

"We thank the clubs for their input and feel we are well prepared as we head into the 2023 season,” said Richardson.

AFL General Manager of Umpiring Lisa Lawry said that the introduction of the fourth umpire has the dual benefit of accelerating the development of the next generation of umpires as well as extending the careers of experienced umpires with the reduction of physical demands.

“With the reduction in physical demands and adding more positions to our umpiring team this will strengthen our work in performance, growth, and development of umpiring pathways – ensuring a strong, diverse and appealing pathway from community through to the elite level,” Lawry said.