In the sport of Australian rules football, the 50-metre penalty is applied by umpires to a number of different infractions when a free kick or mark has already been paid. The laws of the game also allow leagues to use a 25-metre penalty in place of a 50-metre penalty. Examples of leagues which do this include the South Australian National Football League (SANFL), Victorian Amateur Football Association (VAFA), Australian Football International Cup and the Australian Amateur Football Council. Rules When the umpire pays a 50-metre penalty, he calls time-off, measures out approximately fifty metres from the spot of the mark by running in a straight line towards the goals, and setting the new mark; if the player is already within 50 metres of goal, the mark becomes the exact centre of the goal line. Players are given a short period of time to follow the play down the field before the clock is restarted. The player can play on at any time while the umpire is measuring out the 50-metre penalty. 50-metre penalties are primarily used to deal with time wasting or unsportsmanlike conduct after a mark or free kick is awarded. Specific infractions which can result in a 50-metre penalty include: Arguing with, disputing the decision of, or using abusive language towards an umpire. Scragging the player who has taken a mark; that is, to tackle the player or impede him from taking the kick as quickly as he would like. Failing to return the ball quickly and on the full to a player who has been awarded a free kick. Wasting time, deliberately or inadvertently, by kicking the ball forward after one's team has conceded a free kick. Using unnecessary roughness against a player who has already taken a mark. Running over the mark; the man standing on the mark cannot move forward, and must respond if called to recede by the umpire. Running through the mark; other defensive players who are not standing on the mark may not run across the imaginary line between the man standing the mark and the man taking the kick, unless following his direct opponent. Entering the protected zone; defensive players may not impede an opponent by entering or remaining within the corridor of space extending ten metres either side of the imaginary line between the man standing the mark and the man taking the kick, and extending backwards, unless following his