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.