Kangaroos veteran Glenn Archer has added his voice to the growing discontent among AFL clubs about umpiring, but directed his criticism at the rules committee.

The league has decided to send Western Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade a "please explain" note and could fine him $5,000 for his comments about the umpiring in Sunday's win over Richmond.

Archer was careful to avoid direct criticism of the umpires, saying the blame perhaps lay higher in the league's hierarchy.

"Unfortunately, they're the ones who cop it out on the ground," the in-form 'Roo said of the umpires.

"Maybe we should wheel out Kevin Bartlett and a few of the people on the rules committee and give them a spray."

Bartlett, an official legend of the game, and current Collingwood captain Nathan Buckley are on the rules committee, along with other notable AFL names such as former St Kilda coach Stan Alves and league operations manager Adrian Anderson.

Archer has become particularly frustrated with the umpires' interpretation of the holding the ball rule, a constant source of controversy this season.

"If we're going to go down that path where two blokes are going for the ball, one wins it and the other one gets the free kick, then you're going to get more remonstrations from players," Archer said.

According to Eade, the umpires had "absolutely crucified" his full-back Brian Harris.

The day before, Kangaroos coach Dean Laidley was clearly frustrated with the umpiring in the narrow loss to St Kilda, but chose his words carefully.

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