28 February 2024
Holding the ball – Incorrect disposal
A player who has not had prior opportunity must make a genuine attempt to kick or handpass the ball in a reasonable time when they are legally tackled.
A free kick will be paid against a player who has not had prior opportunity for “holding the ball – incorrect disposal” if the player elects to incorrectly dispose of the football.
A player who elects to incorrectly dispose will either throw the ball, pass it to an opponent (not handpass), or simply drop/release the ball without trying to handpass or kick.
It is important to note that a player has not elected to incorrectly dispose if the ball is knocked out by the tackle, or they try to correctly dispose but fail (such as the ball missing the boot while kicking). In these cases, when the player has not had prior opportunity play on must be called.