What does the timekeeper or independent scorer do?

Each home team must supply a Timekeeper for every match. The same person can also act as the Independent Scorer.

Timekeeper:

• keep time for each quarter: 4 x 15 minutes in Years 3-6, with breaks of up to 3, 8 and 3 minutes
• signal the start and end of each quarter to the Field Umpire by siren or bell
• start the clock when the ball leaves the umpire's hands in the ball-up (the umpire raises the ball overhead to show they are ready)
• do not stop or pause the clock during a quarter. In a timing dispute the Field Umpire's decision is final
• no time-on is added in Years 3-6

Scoring: the goal umpires and the Independent Scorer compare score cards at each quarter break and tell the Field Umpire of any discrepancy straight away. Under the Mercy Rule, when the margin reaches 60 points the scoreboard stops at the end of that quarter, but goal umpires and independent scorers keep scoring as usual.

Years 3-6 results are not published in media and there are no ladders or finals.