Football operations boss Simon Lethlean says near-constant critique of AFL umpiring this season has been "a little bit hysterical".
The new interpretation of the deliberate out-of-bounds rule has proven unpopular with many players, coaches, pundits and fans.
Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge and Richmond counterpart Damien Hardwick both spoke frankly about the issue following a contentious call in Saturday night's thriller at Etihad Stadium.
The league has since admitted the decision to penalise Richmond's Jayden Short in that match was harsh, prompting more outrage and headlines.
Lethlean, who replaced Mark Evans as the AFL's second-in-command earlier this year, believes the issue has been overblown.
"The focus on umpiring has been a little bit hysterical compared to how good the football is," Lethlean told radio station SEN.
"I'm strong in the belief that the changes we made this year are actually affecting a pretty good style of football.
"We all have to be grown up enough to know that there are going to be two or three mistakes a week."
Hardwick noted on the weekend he felt "really sorry for the umpires" given how often rules are tweaked or added, while Beveridge's take was more light hearted.
"I don't know how it went tonight. There were definitely ones that weren't paid that were paid last week, so the insufficient intent, is it clearer or less clear? I don't know," Beveridge said.
"I feel like, is this Morecambe and Wise or Fawlty Towers? I'm not sure."
Lethlean on Monday spoke with Beveridge about the wisecrack.
"I had that conversation very casually with Luke and I think he agreed he was being a bit irreverent," Lethlean said.
"We would prefer they (coaches) wouldn't comment about umpiring in particular but I understand they get asked a question so they have to make some sort of comment.
"They need to be making comment .. I'm hoping the world doesn't get too serious so we can have a laugh every now and then.
"To be fair to Damien, he was probably defending the umpires and pointing the finger more at me."
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