A tackle is executed correctly if:
the Player is held:
- in possession of the football; and
- (either by the body or playing uniform) below the shoulders and above and including the knees.
A tackle may be executed correctly by holding a Player from the front, side or behind, provided that a Player held from behind is not pushed in the back.
If a tackle is executed correctly and the player in possession of the football has had “prior opportunity” to dispose of the football (i.e. had a chance to dispose of the football) then the tackling player shall receive a free kick where the tackle was made.
If the player in possession of the football has not had had “prior opportunity” (i.e. did not have a chance to dispose of the football) then a ball up shall be played where the tackle was made.
When attempting a tackle a free kick shall be against the tackler if:
makes contact
- above the shoulders (including the top of the shoulders or bump to the head); or
- below the knees.
Or
- pushes an opposition Player in the back, unless such contact is incidental to a Marking contest and the Player is legitimately Marking or attempting to Mark the football;
Rough Tackles
http://www.afl.com.au/video/2016-03-17/2017-laws-of-the-game-rough-conduct-dangerous-tackles
High Tackles
http://www.afl.com.au/video/2016-03-17/2017-laws-of-the-game-high-tackles
Shepherding
A Shepherd is using the body or arm to push, bump or block:
(a) a Player who does not have possession of the football and who is no further than 5 metres away from the football at the time when the push, bump or block
occurs; and
A player may also make contact with an opposition player by using their hip, shoulder, chest, arms or open hands, provided that the football is no more than 5 metres away from the Player;
NOTE:
– a Player can bump an opponent’s body from side-on but any contact forward of side-on will be deemed to be front-on;
– a Player with their head down in anticipation of winning possession of the football or after contesting the football will be deemed to have their head down over the football.
Illegal Contact
A free kick will be awarded against a player if they:
- hold an opposition Player who is not in possession of the football or after the opposition player has disposed of the football
- unduly pushes, bumps, blocks, holds an opposition Player or deliberately interferes with the arms of an opposition Player, who is in the act of Marking or attempting to Mark the football
- pushes, bumps, holds or blocks an opposition Player when the football is further than 5 metres away from the opposition Player or is out of play
- Trips or attempts to trip a Player, whether by the use of hand, arm, foot or leg
- Strikes or attempts to strike an opposition Player, whether by hand, fist, arm, knee or head
- Engaging in rough conduct against an opponent which in the circumstances is unreasonable
