Max Gawn wins the centre bounce tap over Ivan Maric. Picture: Michael Klein

The umpiring games-record holder believes the level of umpiring could potentially improve if good umpires weren’t held back because they can’t bounce the ball.

After a rule change in 2013, umpires only bounce the ball in the centre square and throw it up around the ground.

Instead, Kennedy wants to see the ball thrown up at all times to ensure an even contest.

“(For) the game, in my opinion anyway, there’s really no benefit,” Kennedy told 3AW radio.

Tom Hickey and Shane Mumford contest a centre bounce. Picture: Colleen PetchSource:News Corp Australia

“I think by throwing it up and creating an even contest on all occasions is probably the best way for us to go.

“We don’t want to stop good umpires coming through because they can’t bounce or they don’t bounce currently at the community level.

“If (umpires) can’t bounce well – male or female – we don’t want to exclude them if they’re really good umpires and really good decision-makers.”

Kennedy umpired a record 495 VFL/AFL games during his career but revealed hamstring issues forced him into retirement.

After a spate of injuries suffered by umpires late last season, the centre bounce is seen as a major contributor due to the amount of practice needed to master the bounce.

Jason Holmes jumps over Max Gawn at a centre bounce. Picture: Michael KleinSource:News Corp Australia

“To get that skill right, it’s a really demanding and dynamic movement,” he said.

“We have got an older list, so to do it for 15 or 20 years, and at the community level beforehand, it takes a fair toll on the body.”

Kennedy said the AFL Umpires Association was looking to put forward a recommendation to the Laws of the Game Committee at their next meeting early in the premiership season.

Originally published as ‘No benefit’ to centre bounces