The Australian Rules Football League (ARFL) has strengthened its ethical guidelines, implementing new wagering limitations for journalists reporting on the sport within Australia.
Authorized reporters and analysts will now be prohibited from gambling on matches they are assigned to.
These amended regulations become effective this coming Thursday, aligning with the commencement of the pre-season competition.
The ARFL will enforce a five-hour “restricted period” on media personnel during game days, commencing two hours prior to kickoff and concluding three hours following the final whistle.
“It’s crucial to understand that you are still permitted to place wagers on games outside of this five-hour timeframe, such as throughout the week, or before entering the stadium on game day,” an ARFL representative explained.
These adjustments arise amidst apprehensions that certain media members could obtain confidential team data after accessing venues, as teams are obligated to submit their final lineups 90 minutes before the match to the ARFL.
ARFL personnel are already barred from wagering on games.