Tucson Javelinas
a down under invasion!
Aussie Rules Football
So, you'd like to know a little more about
aussie rules football? Great!
One thing we have to get of the way first however. No, it is not like rugby!
That's the question everyone asks so we'll put an end to that right now. Ok,
onto the game...
The field and players:
Usually, Australian Rules Football (Footy) is played on an oval cricket
ground, however in the AZAFL we play on soccer fields. The professionals
play with 18 players per side but we play with 8 or 9 players per side due
to the much smaller playing field.
Scoring:
The object of the game to outscore your opponent by kicking more goals
and/or "behinds". A goal is scored by kicking the football between the
middle two posts that are located at each end of the field (see pic below).
This is worth 6 points. If you kick the football between the outer two posts
it is called a behind and is worth 1 point. If the ball comes off any body
part other than the foot and goes between any of the posts, or if a kick
actually hits the middle posts, it is also a behind. Therefore, in a
Footy
game you will see the score in the format of 9 / 6 / 60 (goals / behinds /
total) which means Tucson wins! WOO HOO!
Passing, Kicking & Tackling:
To get the ball to the goals at the end of the field a player can kick or
handball it. Handballing consists of holding the ball in one hand and
punching it with a closed fist to another player. Players cannot throw,
scoop or handball with an open hand. Also the player can not run longer than
10 yards, they must kick or handball at that time or, if they are not
tackled, can bounce the ball or touch it to the ground. They can then run
another 10 yards. Tackling must be below the shoulders and above the knees.
No pushing or tackling from the back either. Generally, an infraction of any
of these rules gives a free kick to the opposing team.
Marking: If a player kicks the ball longer than 10 yards and another player
catches it, it is called a mark. The player can choose to play on as normal
or may stop and take his time to kick the ball. If the player chooses to
stop and kick he cannot be touched; it is a free kick.
More:
This is a very brief overview of the rules. If you would like more
information on the game you can check out the official AFL's rules at
http://afl.com.au/default.asp?pg=aboutthegame.