Thomas received a total of 13 weeks' suspension playing for NTFA club Evandale last season and was suspended for three weeks earlier this State League season playing for the Storm.

Under the AFL's national policy, any player who accumulates 16 weeks will be deregistered.

TSL general manager Shaun Young said yesterday that AFL Tasmania was aware of Thomas's situation and had spoken to the player and the club.

``His suspension in State League this year made him reach the 16-week limit but what was determined by AFL Tasmania was not to deregister him at this point of time,'' Young said.

``Part of the reason for not deregistering Darren is that there is a process to be undertaken in the deregistration policy that was not complied with.

``Once a player reaches 10 weeks accumulated suspension he and his club should have received formal correspondence to say that he has reached that mark and if he reaches 16 weeks he then places himself in a position of deregulation.

``We have articulated that to the club and the player and if Darren is reported and receives suspension from here on in then that will be a different discussion.''

Young said Thomas was continuing to play in the TSL on the understanding he cannot afford to reoffend.

``It doesn't mean if he is reported he is automatically out - he has to be reported and found guilty,'' Young  said.

If a player is deregistered he is not allowed to play in any form of football ever again.

The player can appeal but there would have to be significant grounds. 

Western Storm ruckman Cody Thorp has also reached the 10-week suspension warning mark and Young said notification had been sent to him and the club.