It’d definitely be a grey area subject to interpretation, but basically, it’d be similar to having the ball stripped or knocked out by the tackling player.
If the tackler doesn’t go near the actual ball then it should be deemed a throw, especially if it “miraculously” ends up in a teammates hands.
The other issue is that technically there might be up to 40 things you could call a free kick per quarter, but only 40-50 free kicks per game are actually awarded.
Of course people are going to see the ones that aren’t paid to their team.
That the problem i see with the no prior/knocked loose rule. Players like nicnat drop the ball on first contact and never a free for it. No obligation on the players to dispose correctly
I don’t know which is which, as I just haven’t looked at them again, because it will make no difference to the outcome, and just upset, … so I can;t say for sure.
But provided the ball/s spilt out, or was dropped towards the boot for a truly attempted kick, or an ACTUAL handpass was attempted, … then I’m going to say yes, … but if it was a clear throw, or throw/hit type handpass then, as per ever, . no.
Back in my day the call for those situations was, … “Play on, … He Tried!”
I’m not sure they ever use that expression anymore, I certainly haven’t heard it, … but they should.
Stephenson had no prior and made an attempt, but because he was off his feet with an arm pinned, he literally threw the ball towards his foot. If it hit his foot, no issue with a play on call, but it didn’t and therefore it absolutely must be a free against for incorrect disposal.
One of the issues is that the umpires seem to take on some role of directing the game rather than policing it.
There’s too much communication from them telling the players what to do or warning them of doing something with a free or 50 paid for not complying. They’re trying to influence player behavior and the product.
I feel that this creeps into their decision making on holding the ball decisions. They seem to be happy to let the play go on when the game is flowing which pollutes their thinking and distracts from them simply applying the rules consistently.
Need to be policemen only and not part traffic controllers.