The Ballarat Football Netball League will implement the controversial 'man on the mark' rule this season following conversations with clubs and umpires.

It brings the league in line with the Central Highlands football league and other competitions in country Victoria.

"It's the right way to go about it as it flows down from the premier competition, that being the AFL," BFNL operations manager Shane Anwyl said.

"We've spoken with the Ballarat Football Umpires Association about the rule coming in and about implementing it in practice matches so everyone's familiar with it and understands before we get to round one.

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The new rule will see umpires tell defenders manning the mark to "stand", after which they aren't allowed to move from their position.

"The early feedback from the practice matches has been mostly positive, surprisingly," Anwyl said.

"Most people understand it. They know what the rule is.

"The only concerns are the ones that everyone has about being able to hear the umpire say stand. But that's just a teething issue.

"It's been by-and-large supported, and I think everyone can understand that it will improve the quality (of football).

"Like any new rule that comes in, everyone needs to be on the same page, and it might take a couple of rounds to do that.

"But I think it will find its natural position."

The rule was credited with creating a high-octane start to the AFL.

In the opening round, 42 per cent of scores came from the back half, up on the five-year average of 36 per cent, and there was an average of 49 stoppages per game, down from the five-year average of 63.

Anwyl hoped the benefits flowed into the BFNL season.

"The proof will be in the pudding in the opening rounds," he said.

"It's had its detractors, but it's doing its job in the AFL by opening things up, which is always good to see.

"If we can apply that at the community level as well, it's only going to be good for the game."

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