Comparison of Gaelic football and Australian rules football
Table of comparison

Comparison of Gaelic football and Australian rules football

Section Title: Table of comparison
Table Section Text: None

Rule or Term	Australian Football	Gaelic football

Length of Game	4 quarters (4 x 20 minutes + time on) (total approx 120 minutes)	2 halves (2 x 35 minutes + extra time) (total 70–80 minutes)

Start of Game	Bounce and ruck contest (one player from each side only)	Ball up and contest (between four midfielders)

Equipment

Ball shape	oval (prolate spheroid)	spherical

Ball size	720-735mm circumference, 545-555mm from end to end	686mm-737mm in circumference

Ball weight	400–450 grams	370–425 grams

Uniform (jumper)	no or long sleeves	short or long sleeve

Field

Shape	oval	rectangle

Length	135–185m	130–145m

Width	110–155m	80–90m

Goal width	6.4 m	6.5 m

Goal height	Unlimited	2.5 m

Point target	two 6.4 m wide zones of unlimited height either side of the goal	any height above the goal

Advancing the ball

Methods of disposal	kick, handball (fist)	kick, handpass (open hand tap or fist)

Maximum running distance allowed	Must bounce ball every 15 metres	Must bounce or solo (kick to self) every 4 steps (can't bounce twice consecutively)

Ball goes out of bounds	throw-in; if out on full or ruled deliberate, free kick to opposite team	free kick to opposite team

Contesting Possession

Tackling	full body tackling allowed above knees, below shoulders. free kick to tackler if player in possession does not dispose if ruled to have had prior opportunity.	wrestling or slapping the ball from the player in possession only

Bumping (hip or shoulder charging)	any player within 5 metres of player in possession	player in possession only

Catching the ball	free kick (mark) is paid if ball travels 15 metres or more if off a kick, play on if off a handpass or ball is touched by hand from a kick irrespective of distance	free kick (mark) is paid if ball caught from a kick-out on or past the 45m line. Otherwise play on.

Picking up ball	no restrictions	foot only (no restrictions in women's game)

Scoring

Goal	6 points	3 points

Point	1 point (behind)	1 point

Score goals by	foot or shin only	foot or shin if ball is being carried, any part if ball is loose or from a pass

Score points by	any part of body (rushed)	any part of body (usually foot)

Goalkeeper	No	Yes

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