INTERNATIONAL Rules offenders would serve stiff suspensions in their domestic league, under proposals designed to revive the concept.

The AFL and Ireland’s Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) met recently in Dubai, and proposed several changes to the cross-code series, including the introduction of a video match referee from an independent country.

But in perhaps the most significant change, Australian players reported in International Rules would miss matches in the AFL home-and-away season. International Rules tests would also be given extra weight, in keeping with the AFL grand final, meaning that offenders would receive tougher penalties than usual.

Other proposed changes aim to reinvigorate the game itself. To encourage more kicking, teams with the ball would not be allowed to make more than four consecutive hand passes before the ball is played away by foot.

Full-bodied tackles appear set to stay, but the proposal provides a finer definition of a tackle, which “may not be executed with one hand”. A player who “slings, slams or drives an opponent into the ground” would be deemed guilty of gross misconduct and shown a red card.

Interchanges will be limited to 10 per quarter, six fewer than the current NAB Cup trial limit, but the number of players on each bench will be raised from seven to nine.

The video match referee would be able to report players, and also advise officials during a game, in order for yellow and red cards to be given during the next stoppage.