A free kick will be awarded against the last player to touch the ball before it goes out of bounds in the opening round of the 2011 AFL pre-season NAB Cup.

The trial rule has been introduced to provide a point of difference when the six groups of three teams play shortened matches against each other.

But if the umpires are unable to determine who touched the ball last, or if it is spoiled or smothered over the line, the boundary umpire will throw the ball back into play.

Other trial rules for the NAB Cup are:

- A player who is awarded a 50m penalty which takes them inside the 50m area either kick from outside the arc for a nine-point goal or kick from inside 50 for six points.

- The official scorer can assist goal umpires with scoring decisions if a video replay is immediately available.

- Boundary umpires can pay free kicks for holding and high contact at stoppages.

- A free kick will be paid against a player who drags or holds the ball under an opponent who is trying to knock it out.

The opening round begins on February 11.

The six group winners and the two other sides with the best records will advance to the knockout quarter-finals when the pre-season competition reverts to full four-quarter games.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP