AFL General Manager Football Operations Mark Evans today said he had written to all clubs with updated guidelines for club runners when on-field.

Mr Evans said the AFL had sought feedback from all clubs over the last fortnight and its key areas of concern were ensuring that club runners did not intefere with players or umpires at any time when working around congested areas of the play.

The key changes to be implemented were as follows:

Centre Bounces

When the football is bounced to start a quarter or recommence play after a goal, runners must either be off the playing arena, or in the process of exiting the playing arena

Positioning at Stoppages

If a runner is on-field when a stoppage occurs, they must not position themselves within 25m of the stoppage

Positioning at Inside 50m Stoppages

Runners must not position themselves inside the 50m arc for any inside 50m stoppage (runners must vacate the 50m arc, or clearly be in the process of vacating the area, prior to the ball up or boundary throw in)

Delivering a Message

A runner is permitted to deliver messages from the coach, but is not permitted to instruct, direct or coach players on "in-play" situations

Umpire Directions

A runner must leave the ground immediately when directed to do so by an umpire