A touch in AFL, specifically referred to as a legal touch, is defined as legitimate contact made by an opposition player on an opponent who is in possession of the football, specifically targeting the area between their shoulders and knees. This type of contact is crucial in contested play and can be a precursor to a "holding the ball" free kick.
Understanding the Legal Touch
In Australian Rules Football, effective defending often involves contesting possession. A legal touch allows players to challenge an opponent who has the ball, aiming to encourage them to dispose of it or to create a scenario where a free kick for "holding the ball" might be awarded.
Key Elements of a Legal Touch
For a touch to be considered legal within the rules, several conditions must be met:
- Player in Possession: The player being touched must be in clear possession of the football at the moment of contact. This is a fundamental requirement, as the rules are designed to penalize players for not properly disposing of the ball when challenged, not for being touched without possession.
- Permitted Contact Zone: The contact must be made on the opponent's body within a specific zone – between their shoulders and knees. Contact outside this area, such as high contact to the head or neck, or contact below the knees, is generally considered illegal and will result in a free kick against the player making the touch.
- Outcome if Not in Possession: If a player is not in possession of the ball when a touch occurs, no free kick for 'prior opportunity' or 'holding the ball' will be awarded against them. This emphasizes that the rule applies specifically to players actively holding or controlling the ball.
The "Holding the Ball" Rule Connection
A legal touch is often a critical component in the adjudication of the "holding the ball" rule. When a player who has had a "prior opportunity" to dispose of the ball is legally touched or tackled by an opponent and fails to legally dispose of the ball (e.g., by kicking or handballing it), a free kick for "holding the ball" is typically awarded against them. The legal touch signifies the challenging player's legitimate attempt to gain possession or force a disposal.
Distinguishing a Legal Touch from Other Contact
It's important to differentiate a legal touch from other forms of contact:
- Illegal Tackle: Contact that is high (above the shoulders), low (below the knees), in the back, or dangerous in nature (e.g., slinging, driving into the ground) is considered an illegal tackle and results in a free kick to the touched player.
- Fair Bump: A legitimate bump is shoulder-to-shoulder contact made to dislodge the ball or spoil an opponent's play, typically when both players are contesting the ball. While also contact, it serves a different purpose than a "touch" aimed at prompting disposal or a "holding the ball" free kick.
Understanding the parameters of a legal touch is essential for players, coaches, and spectators to appreciate the nuances of AFL rules regarding possession and contested play.
