Congratulations!

The AFLUA would like to extend its congratulations to Shaun and Stacey Ryan on the arrival of their baby girl, Rosie Lu.

Rosie was born on 16 February 2012 at 11:33pm.

Weighing 8 pound, 5oz

LOOKING FORWARD TO THE NAB CUP...

AFL (Melbourne Based) Umpires have returned to their training venue at Visy Park following a successful seminar in Creswick two weeks ago, where they are undertaking their final preparation prior to the start of the NAB Cup on February 17th.

AFL Training Services Manager James McEniry and his staff of fitness coaches have delivered a comprehensive pre-season program that all field, boundary and goal umpires have had to commit too.  The program, this year has not only included the obvious running component but has identified the need to improve the core strength of all umpires.  New Strength and Conditioning Coordinator, Mathew Pell, has tested every listed AFL umpire and based on his findings of their strengths and weaknesses will this week roll out a program of core strength exercises that umpires will have to complete each training session.

Boundary umpire Rob Haala, is currently recovering from a hip operation and has a rehabilitation program to complete under the guidance of Andrew Redman the umpire's new Rehabilitation Coordinator. Although Rob is not yet back running with the group he says his fitness levels are good.  He is hopeful of a return to matches early in season 2012.

All umpires have access to the gym equipment that they share with ARU club the Melbourne Rebels.  Many of the umpires like field umpire, Jason  Armstrong, complete a weights session either before or after the running  component of the night.  Jason, is looking to continue the good run of form he  had during season 2011 where he finished in the top 16 on the list. Jason  dislocated his knee cap during a fitness session last September that has set his  Pre-season work back slightly.

Grand final goal umpire, David Dixon, is leaving nothing to chance in his tilt at another Grand Final in 2012. David, who is one of the fittest goal umpires on the list, is regularly seen completing additional fitness or strengthening work  each training night.

Grand Field umpire, Chris Donlon, compliments his running with time off his  feet, cross training.  Chris, who is one of the fittest umpires on the track is  trying to balance his work load early in 2012 as he prepares to go "back to  back."

2012 Laws of Australian football

The Laws of Australian Football are the rules by which an Australian football match is run and administered on and off the field. They explain how the game is played and ensure that the game runs smoothly in a fair, safe and sportsmanlike manner.

The AFL has released the 2012 Laws of Australian Football with only one rule amendment from 2011

That  amended law 7.3.2, which relates to the procedure of using a stretcher during a game.

Download the 2012 laws here