We had some great feedback that the last email on Protocols was helpful, so here are some more!

One of the most asked about stoppages – Injury Time and Tactical Changes – are they the same thing?  How are they different?

Answer to the 1st question – These are NOT the same thing.  You do NOT need to wait for a goal to be scored for injury time.

INJURY TIME

There are a couple of key differences to how this is handled between Saturdays and Prem/Prem Reserve – 1 the time clock does not stop on Saturdays, and 2, there is still paperwork to complete for Prem and Prem Reserve

Injury time can be called by anyone (any on court player, PCP, Umpire etc)

One thing to note – Umpires may also call Injury Time without a player requesting if they see a need

• The umpires must hold time:
  • For injury/illness following a request from an on-court player, primary care person or an independent concussion observer
  • When they notice active bleeding, an open wound or blood-stained clothing
• Both teams have the right to make substitutions and/or team changes when play is stopped for injury/illness of a player or blood
• All players not affected or being substituted remain on the court. Both umpires remain on their respective side lines
• Any player with blood must leave the court within 30 seconds for treatment.  Once treatment is completed, they may retake the court through a tactical change or an interval
• If an injury is able to be treated within 30 seconds, the player may remain on the court

NOTE 1: The 30 seconds is if it is safe to move the injured player.  Player changes (subs) MUST be completed in this time.

NOTE 2: Throughout this process, all members on the bench not directly involved must stay on the bench and not enter the court

TACTICAL CHANGES (this used to be called “Rolling Subs”)  THIS IS NOT INJURY TIME

The big thing to note for tactical changes – ONLY AN ON COURT PLAYER CAN REQUEST.  And an umpire can say no.

Both teams may make tactical changes immediately after a goal has been scored following a request from an on-court player to hold time for this purpose, ensuring that:

1. The umpire is clear the request is for a tactical change and not for injury/illness of a player or blood
2. Any on-court players leave the court or change playing positions without delay
3. Any substitutes take up their position on court without delay
4. All team officials including primary care persons remain at the team bench

5. The umpire is able to restart play quickly so the momentum of the match is not affected

• Premier and Premier Reserve (for bringing on a player from the bench):

• • Ensure the paperwork is in order and submitted to the bench officials
  • Ensure the player change is made in the app
  • Ensure the player is wearing a bib and ready to take the court – they must be standing in the allocated space beside the bench officials
• Saturdays – A and B Grade only
  • Your process is the same as above, just without the paper forms being given to the bench.  It is also not required to make the player change in the app, unless your team would like to
  • The other key difference – while the umpires hold time, the clock does not stop as all Saturday games are on a central clock
  • Ensure the player is wearing a bib and ready to take the court – they must be standing in the allocated space beside the scorers

Article added: Sunday 14 June 2026