How does a score review work, step by step?

The AFL's score review process chart sets out these steps:

1. The controlling field umpire gathers evidence from the on-field officials and establishes a provisional call.
2. The field umpire signals for a score review (a signal toward the bench), confirming the provisional call. The clock is stopped.
3. The broadcaster provides footage, and the Score Review Official assesses the immediately available vision.
4. If the vision is conclusive, the Score Review Official determines the correct score. If it is inconclusive, the call of the on-field officials stands.
5. The field umpire tells the goal umpire. A goal or point is confirmed or annulled, and the game restarts with a centre bounce after a goal or a kick-in after a behind.

The same steps apply whether the review is called right after the scoring shot, after a goal signal or after a behind signal. The chart says a review may be started by a field umpire or the Score Review Official before play recommences. Since April 2026 the ARC steps in beyond its routine goal check only when the goal umpire asks (see "When does the AFL Review Centre step in on a score in 2026?").

Source: AFL "Score Review Process" chart (s.afl.com.au), an undated document.