A TECHNOLOGY gap means some venues will not provide the new 30-second shot clock introduced by the AFL to help umpires monitor dawdling goal kickers.

A 15-second countdown clock was trialled at Etihad Stadium during last year’s pre-season, but it will be used on a permanent basis in 2016 at most of the major venues.

Foxsports.com.au understands the shot clock will be used at Etihad Stadium, MCG, Subiaco and Adelaide Oval in season 2016. But at this stage the Gabba and SCG are still working towards implementing the technology.

The league hopes all venues fixtured to host home and away games will house the clock in the future.

Round 18

“The AFL is currently working with its stadiums partners on implementing a scoreboard shot clock which will countdown as players kick for goal from a set shot,” an AFL spokesman said.

“A trial of this initiative during the 2015 NAB Challenge received positive feedback from both fans and AFL field umpires.

“At this stage the majority of venues have indicated they are keen to use this innovation in the 2016 Toyota Premiership Season.

“The AFL is currently working through technical difficulties with a small number of venues to make this possible across all AFL matches.”

IN AN EXPRESS PREVIEW OF THE 2016 AFL SEASON, ADAM BALDWIN, RILEY BEVERIDGE AND BEN WATERWORTH DISCUSS THE MAJOR PRE-SEASON TALKING POINTS AND HOW THEY WILL SHAPE THE HOME AND AWAY SEASON

The initiative has been introduced to help umpires better manage the 30-second allowance for players to begin their approach towards goals.

The clock will start counting down when a mark is taken within goal range and if the kicker has not taken his first step towards goals the controlling umpire will wave play on.

The league confirmed on Tuesday that it has increased the 5m protective zone around the mark to 10m in 2016 to encourage more free flowing ball movement.

This rule adjustment is set to give players more time when executing snap shots at goal.

“It is the general view that the ability of teams to move the ball has improved with the larger protected area,” football operations manager Mark Evans said.

“The focus of the umpiring department will continue to be to ensure it is adjudicated consistently.”