McLachlan apologises for AFL umpire abuse

AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan has apologised for the rise of on-field umpire abuse and he's determined to stamp it out.

The league has told clubs that umpires will crack down on abuse from players this season with free kicks and 50m penalties.

There were several notable incidents during last week's practice games and McLachlan has no doubt there will be more in the early rounds.

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But he's pointed to a significant shortage of umpires at community level as a key reason for cracking down on abuse from players in AFL matches.

"Frankly, I take responsibility for the fact it's got away from us," he said.

"The rules are clear. We are not going to tolerate the abuse of umpires. It's clear to our players, our clubs.

"I'm apologetic it's got to this point. We've got a dearth of umpires (at lower levels), we're 6000 umpires short nationally.

"It's credit to the growth of the game, but it's also the fact the supply of numbers hasn't kept up."

McLachlan said players can talk to umpires, but the abuse of umpires by players and coaches on or off the field has to stop.

"Everyone understands what's right or wrong," he said.

"The first couple of weeks, we might have a bit of a lumpy start, but it will find its rhythm.

"But people yelling at umpires from 20m away, that's over.

"And the team will pay a price and players will adjust quickly because that's what they do ... everyone will find that line."

He added the shortage of umpires at community level is one of the most significant issues facing the game.

"There's a whole series of programs to develop the supply, but we need to have an environment that people will feel comfortable to step into," he said.

Hawthorn captain Ben McEvoy