Each end has uprights, as well, like football. The ball is similar to a football and a team has 15 players, with eight forwards and seven backs. The game begins with a kickoff. The player who catches the ball can either run, drop-kick or pass to a teammate. Once the ball carrier is in motion, the ball cannot be passed forward, only laterally or backwards.
Players line up diagonally across the field.
When the player wants to pass the ball, a teammate runs behind, ready to move up beside her to catch the ball. The idea is to pass laterally so no yards are lost. Only the person with the ball can be tackled, so teammates can't offer protection by blocking or tackling opponents. When the club started, more than 50 women joined, explained Loveland, who is club president. There are now about 30 to 40 members.