..THE RULES OF AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL……………………..
What
is Australian Rules Football? Australian
Rules football, or 'footy' as it is colloquially known, is a physical contact
sport unlike any sport played in America, but which combines the best
elements of Ice Hockey, basketball and football to make for a fast paced,
exciting and highly skilled game. The Field
Aussie
Rules is generally played on an oval field between 135 and 185 meters in
length and 110 and 155 meters in width, although the sizes of grounds do
vary. The MCG is considered to be the perfect ground. The boundary is marked
with a white line drawn a few meters from the fence and the roaring crowd. At
each end of the ground there are four posts consisting of two shorter outer
posts and two taller inner posts. The inner posts are called the goal posts,
the outer posts are the behind posts. The Ball
The
ball is an oval bladder covered with smooth leather, tanned for day use or
colored visible yellow for night. It is slightly larger and rounder than the
American or Canadian ball, as it was not designed to be thrown. The T.W.
Sherrin Company, of Collingwood manufactured the famous Sherrin
football until the past few years. A
team consists of 18 players with four interchange players (substitutes)
allowed on the bench. Free substitutions are allowed at any time during the
match, through a "gate" in front of either bench. Players are
deployed in five lines of three across the oval, with the remaining three
players assigned to follow the ball as it moves around the ground. Each
player lines up on his opposite (for example, Fullback on Full forward). The
players in each line are usually designated as being in either the left,
center or right position in each line, relative to the direction of attack. The
three players assigned to follow the ball as it moves around the ground are
known as "followers" Their positions are referred to as: Ruckman: The Ruckman contests the
'ball-up' (Usually very tall and athletic). Ruck-Rover: The Ruck-rover attempts to
receive the ball from the Ruckman and deliver the ball into attack (A good
combination of speed and height). Rover: One of the hardest working players on the ground,
the rover traditionally scouts the packs and sets up play by clearing the
ball into attack. (Usually small, very fast and never tires) Although
the players have designated positions, they are free to move anywhere on the
ground, (no offside rule) when play is in progress. There is no
"goalie" in Aussie Rules. Click here to
view the player positions & field dimensions. SCORING A
ball kicked between the two larger goal posts without being touched is a goal
and scores 6 points. The ball is then returned to the center circle for a
"ball-up." If
the ball passes between the goal posts by any other means or through the
behind posts then it is a behind, and it scores 1 point. If the ball hits the
goal post, a behind is scored. If the ball is forced, or carried, but not
kicked over the scoring line anywhere between the goal posts, a behind is
scored. Following a behind, the ball is kicked back into play from within the
goal-square. The opposing fullback usually delivers the kick. The
score is given in three numbers. For example: 8.9 (57). The first number is
the number of goals scored, worth 6 points each. The next number is the
number of behinds at 1 point each and the final is the sum or the total
score. The
game commences with each player standing in their designated position. The
main umpire (referee) bounces the ball in the center of the ground. This can
be compared to a tip-off in basketball, and the opposing ruck men leap to
gain possession of the ball. The game then progresses in a wild free-for-all
until a goal is scored and the ball returns to the center for another bounce.
POSSESSION AND DISPOSAL OF THE BALL Kicking The Common Drop Punt
Kicking
can pass the ball quickly and effectively. This is different from American
Football in that a kicking tee is never used and a kick is often taken while
the player is running at or near full speed. Handball
The
ball may not be thrown, but is passed by holding it stationary in one hand,
while punching it with the free hand. Tackling
Aussie
Rules is a physical game, and players can be either 'bumped," from the
ball using the hip and shoulder (left) or tackled by grabbing any where above
the knee or below the neck (right). Marking
A
"mark" is another name for a catch, and can be taken over the head or
against the chest. The ball cannot touch the ground, and must travel at least
ten meters in the air. A mark entitles a player to an uncontested disposal of
the ball. Marks are one of the spectacular elements of the game, as players'
leap up on opponents backs to take 'screamers'. Yes, there are some rules too! Some of the main rules are:
This
has been a brief description of the game. As with all sports, the best way to
understand it is to either watch it, or even better by, getting involved! Footy on TV Football
coverage in the United States changes from year to year. In the past few years,
Fox Sports has provided highlights shows, the Match of the Week, and live
coverage of the Grand Final, on their Fox Sports World channel on digital
cable or satellite. Australian Football
Association of North America (see below) does a great job
organizing the coverage each year. You can check out at their web site for up
to date information. Footy on the Internet Australian Football League: The official
site of the 'Headquarters' of footy, the Australian Football League. It is a
great site with plenty of pictures and news about the game, scores, the clubs
and a video section with highlights of every game from every week! United States Australian Football League:
The home of the United States Australian Football League or USAFL. Formed in
1996, this organization has brought together and manages the ever-increasing
North American Aussie Rules competition. These guys have a great vision for
the game in the US and are worth checking out as they maintain a list of (and
links to) all the teams in the USA and Canada. Australian Football Association of North America:
The home of the Australian Football Association of North America and closely
affiliated to the USAFL. The keepers of the Footy FAQ (frequently asked
questions) as well as up to date information on TV broadcasting of footy
coverage are located here. AFANA has recently started marketing footies,
clothing, (including jumpers) books and videos of Australian Rules Football
to members and non-members alike. If you become a member however, you can get
discounts on the offered merchandise, and support the efforts of AFANA. These
guys are largely responsible for there being any TV coverage at all in
the US, so give them a visit. Check Fox Sports World for program availability
listings in your area! The Age: The Age is one of the daily
Newspapers in Melbourne (Australia) and a fantastic site with current news,
great photos and a section just for the promotion of overseas football clubs....
Worth a look if you want to see just how far and wide Aussie Rules is being
played. Click on the "Footy" banner. This
is just a few of links to get you started; you will find many more in the
"Links"
section of this web site. |
