The AFL Commission has decided to retain the bounce despite umpire calls for it to be scrapped.
They approved a recommendation from the AFL's football operations department on Tuesday to retain the unique feature of the game that was first introduced in 1887.
Umpires have argued since the start of the season that the bounce should be removed and many AFL coaches and players were in favour of the bounce's removal; however, the AFL said umpires who want to umpire at the elite level need to be able to bounce.
AFL football operations boss Steve Hocking said the AFL wanted to create a spectacular game and retaining the bounce would play a part in achieving that objective.
He said concerned umpires should be confident they will receive the backing they need to perform well in games while still being required to bounce the ball.
"We are going to do a lot more work with umpires in supporting them," Hocking said.
He said the AFL would work on developing the umpires' skills and their mental approach to the game so they are supported in executing the skill.
"The [umpiring] department is the 19th team in the competition and they need further support and care," Hocking said.
The AFL Commission discussed the prospect of umpires who are most proficient in bouncing the ball taking the majority of bounces however umpires will retain the right to recall errant bounces, with research showing just three percent of bounces were recalled in 2017.
The bounce is here to stay. Good call @AFL it's what makes the elite level unique ??????????? Nic Naitanui (@RealNaitanui) November 21, 2017
AFL Commission chairman Richard Goyder said he was rapt to accept the football operations department recommendation to retain the bounce and the decision was a long-term one.
"I think most football fans want [the bounce] retained. It is unique," Goyder said.
"The bounce is here to stay."
The AFL Umpires Association were keen to gather information about the decision and discuss the issue with their members before making comment.
