Rule 6: Sanctions and Actions
Rule 6 lays the groundwork for the infringements covered in later rules by setting out the processes for all sanctions and actions.
Overview
The table below summarises the different types of sanctions and actions:
| Type | Awarded For | Position Awarded | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanction | Free pass | Minor infringements | Where the infringement occurred |
| Penalty pass | Major infringements | Where the infringer was standing (unless this places the non-infringing team at a disadvantage, in which case the penalty will be taken where the infringed player was standing) | |
| Action | Throw-in | Out of court | Where the ball went out of court |
| Possession | Simultaneous and mutual infringements (Rule 20), or: • Incorrect team numbers (Rule 3.2) • Late players (Rule 3.8) • Umpire interferes with play (Rule 4.10) • Two opposing players gaining possession of the ball in quick succession (Rule 6.17) |
Where the ball was when play stopped |
Sanctions and actions are awarded to a team and may be taken by any player permitted in the area—except for Rule 6.17 (quick succession possession), which must be taken by the specific player.
Setting the Sanction or Action
The player must take the sanction or action from the correct position indicated by the umpire. If not, and no attempt is made to set at the correct position or this happens repeatedly, the umpire may penalise for "Not Set," awarding a throw-in (if the action was a throw-in) or a free pass (otherwise) to the opposing team.
Violations should be penalised using the correct terminology and result in a free pass or throw-in to the opposing team, depending on whether the original sanction or action was on-court. The foot placed at the indicated spot should be treated as a one-foot landing. Watch for footwork, particularly at penalties or throw-ins where a player may step forward off the landing foot.
Conditions for a Free Pass
A player taking a free pass is not permitted to shoot for goal. If, in the umpire's judgement, the player attempts a shot, no goal is awarded, and a free pass is given to the opposition from the point where the shot was taken. This infringement is referred to as "shooting from a free pass."
Conditions for a Penalty Pass
The Infringing Player Must
- Move quickly to the indicated position
- Stand beside the player taking the penalty—directly in line (not ahead or behind) and at a short distance—close enough but without impeding the player's movement or play
- Remain still and silent until the ball is released
If the infringing player participates before the ball is released, a second penalty pass is awarded. Use the term "participating." If repeated or intentional (e.g. deliberately blocking a player taking a penalty quickly), the player can be penalised for repeated or intentional infringement and the penalty advanced.
Quick Penalty Pass
If the player taking the penalty pass chooses to play the ball immediately:
- They may do so before the infringer is set
- The umpire may call "taken" (sparingly) to clarify that the player has chosen to proceed
In determining whether to do this (rather than resetting the penalty), consider:
- Was the player standing in the correct position to take the penalty? (If not, the penalty must be reset.)
- Did the player have time to react and process the whistle?
- Would resetting disadvantage the non-infringing team?
Additional Penalty Pass Conditions
Substitutions & Changes
- If the infringer is substituted or changes position before the penalty is taken, their replacement stands out of play
- If suspended or ordered off, no one stands out
Multiple Infringements
If the player taking the penalty pass is contacted or obstructed, a further penalty pass is awarded from where the second infringer was standing, and all infringers involved must stand out of play.
This differs from a separate infringement—such as contact on another teammate away from the ball. In such cases, the original penalty is replaced with a new penalty, and only the new infringer is required to stand out of play. The original infringer may then resume participation.
Penalty Pass in Goal Circle
In the goal circle, GA or GS may pass or shoot. If time expires before the penalty is taken, the umpire should:
- Blow the whistle to end the period
- Announce time is extended to take the penalty
- Penalise any further infringements by the defending team on the player taking the penalty (contact or obstruction) or interference with shot
Conditions for a Throw-In
A player can commit an "incorrect throw-in" in several ways, all of which result in the opposing team being awarded the throw-in.
| Infringement | Where Throw-In Awarded |
|---|---|
| Entering the court (lines included) before releasing the ball (this should be penalised immediately – no need to wait for the player to release the ball) | Same spot as original throw-in |
| Throwing the ball so it does not enter the court | |
| Failing to have one foot within 15cm of the line at the indicated point | In line with where the player stood incorrectly |
| Stepping behind an offside area while holding the ball | Where the player stepped behind the offside area |
Over a Third Rule
The "over a third" rule still applies and should be penalised in the usual way—with a free pass awarded from the point where the ball incorrectly entered the third. Remember, throw-ins from the goal line must be received within the adjacent goal third. It's important to clearly identify whether a throw-in is from the sideline or goal line, especially in your co-umpire's half, so they're aware and able to penalise any over-a-third infringements accordingly.
If a player retrieving a ball or taking a throw-in is prevented from re-entering where they left the court, award a penalty pass for "preventing re-entry" near that point. This does not apply to players moving off court to reposition themselves.
Possession
Most possession cases are covered in Rule 20.
Rule 6.17: Quick Succession Possession
Rule 6.17 covers a special case: two players gain possession in quick succession—not simultaneously. The umpire should:
- Call "possession [team/player]" (e.g., "possession red GD")
- Ensure the second player releases the ball quickly or penalise them for contact
Infringements During a Break in Play
If an infringement occurs while waiting for a sanction/action to be taken, penalise immediately (unless advantage applies).
Retrieving the Ball
A player may go offside to retrieve the ball but:
- Must take the sanction/action themselves
- Must be moving with clear intent to retrieve the ball, not reposition themselves on court
Otherwise, they should be penalised for offside.
If an infringement occurs after a goal is scored but before the centre pass is taken, or during a stoppage, the umpire should first blow the whistle to restart play, then penalise the infringement.
Key Takeaways
Free Pass
Minor infringements - no shooting allowed
Penalty Pass
Major infringements - infringer stands out of play
Throw-In
Out of court - from where ball went out
Possession
Simultaneous infringements - where ball was when play stopped