Australian Rules Football Frequently Asked Questions 1/4 Introduction to Australian Rules Football 0.1 What is Australian Rules Football ? Australian Rules Football (also "Aussie Rules" or "footy") is a physical contact sport. It is a form of football with roots traceable from early forms of Rugby and Gaelic football, but it is uniquely Australian. Its rules were codified in 1858, and probably predate all other modern forms of football, such as American, Canadian, Rugby Union and League, Association (Soccer) and Gaelic football. Today it is a multi-million dollar business, with a National Competition and numerous smaller leagues. Interest in the game is generally at an all time high within Australia, yet despite this, some parts of Australia are still lukewarm in support of their team in the AFL, and the game has yet to take a firm hold overseas. 0.2 Where is Aussie Rules played ? Australia is divided into 6 states and 2 territories. Aussie Rules is the main code of football in Victoria, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, the Northern Territory and has a strong following in the Australian Capital Territory.

Although played in the States of Queensland and New South Wales, it runs second string to Rubgy League in terms of popularity in those states. The AFL provides financial or practical assistance to leagues in Britain, Canada, Denmark, Japan and New Zealand. 0.3 Are there any net sites for Aussie Rules Football material ? The ftp site at the CSIRO has closed as Geoff Lamb (site maintainer) has taken a new position elsewhere. There are several WWW Page's for Australian Rules Football resources. A link to most sites canbe found below; 0.4 History of the FAQ The first creation of the FAQ for r.s.f.a was mooted in October 1994. The work to write the FAQ was done by Adam East, a student at the University of Western Australia. Versions 0.1, 0.2 and 0.5 were posted to r.s.f.a over the next 2 months, and modifications were made according to feedback received. The FAQ was put onto the FTP site in November 1994. The first official version (v1.0) of the FAQ was finalised on 16 December 1994. V1.1 - 2 Feb 95.

V1.2 - 22 Mar 95. V1.3 - 7 Apr 95. Further revisions will be made periodically as major events happen. This version (1.5) was updated and converted to HTML by Darryl Harvey and is current at the end of the 1997 season and is maintained at the WWW site of Comments are welcome, as are suggestions for corrections or additions. Section 1.0 The Rules of Australian Football 1.0 What are the rules of the game ? 1.1 The Game 1.1.1 Length of game is 4 quarters of 20 minutes playing time. When play is unduly delayed, such as the ball going out of the playing area, time is added on to the playing time of the quarter. This is referred to as 'time on'. (Game length used to be 4 quarters of 25 minutes, but was changed in 1994 to 20 minutes, with the allowance for additional time-on when the ball is out-of-bounds : see 1.6.6) 1.1.2 A maximum interval of 3 minutes is allowed between the first and second quarters for the teams to change ends.

1.1.3 The half-time interval is a maximum of 20 minutes with players being allowed to leave the ground for not more than 15 minutes. 1.1.4 A maximum interval of 5 minutes is allowed between the third and fourth quarters. 1.1.5 Teams change ends at the end of each quarter. 1.1.6 The team scoring the most point wins the game. The match is drawn if points are equal. 1.2 Playing Field and Equipment 1.2.1 Playing area of oval shape. Between 135 and 185 metres in length and 110 and 155 metres in width. (NFC suggests ideal dimensions are 165m length by 135m width.) 1.2.2 Boundary is marked with a white line. 1.2.3 Goal square (actually a rectangle) extending 9 metres in length from the goal posts, 6.4 metres in width. 1.2.4 Centre square at midway part of oval, 45 metres each side.

1.2.5 Centre circle at centre of oval, 3 metres in diameter, bisected by lateral line extending 2 metres either side of the diameter. 1.2.6 Goal and Behind posts. Cofiguration of 4 posts at the two opposing ends of the ground. Consisting of 2 goal posts, set 6.4 metres apart on the boundary line. Two behind posts each set 6.4 metres either side of the goal posts on the boundary line. Goal posts minimum height of 6 metres.Behind posts minimum height of 3 metres. All posts padded to a height of 2 metres. 1.2.7 The Ball. Made from leather, tan (day use) or yellow (night use) in colour. Length 270 - 280 mm. Diameter 167 - 173 mm. Circumference between 720 - 735 mm by 545 - 555 mm. Approximate weight: 450 - 500 grams (Dryweight inflated ball.) 1.3 1.3.1 A team consists of 18 players with three interchange players.

1.3.2 Players may be interchanged at any time during the match. 1.3.3 Although players have designated positions, they are free to move anywhere on the ground when play is in progress. 1.3.4 Player positions. There are 5 general areas of play, referred to as a 'line'. Three players form each line and are usually designated as being in either the left, centre or right position in each line. Full Forward: L.Fwd.Pocket Full-Forward R.Fwd.Pocket Half Forward: L.Half.Fwd C.Half.Fwd R.Half.Fwd Centre Line : Left-Wing Centre Right-Wing Half Back : L.Half.Back C.Half.Back R.Half.Back Full Back : L.BackPocket Full-Back R.Back.Pocket 1.3.5 Purposes of player positions. All players should contest the ball when its within their vicinity (unless playing to alternative coaching instructions).

Other general purposes of player positions according to line are: Full Forward: Attack the goal Trap the ball in the area Half Forward: Attack the goal Set up scoring shots Full back: Hold the ball in the area Attack - clear ball forwards 1.3.6 Player Uniforms: Team to wear guernseys of identical club colours and design. Exception, long sleeved versions of normal guernseys are permitted. Each guernsey bears a different number, allocated to a player for the season, or possibly career (numbers have no relationship to position or function.) Teams wear white coloured shorts when playing away from their home ground for easier identification. Full length socks in team colours. Standard design boot. No padding is worn. Mouthgards, protective head-gear (soft) and shin guards are allowable. Other protection requires prior approval. Jewellery is not permitted to be worn. 1.4 The Umpires 1.4.1 There are three central or field umpires, who have full control of the game. Major responsibilities of the field umpires are to start play, award marks and free kicks, and generally enforce the rules of the game. In carrying out their responsibilities, the field umpires each control roughly one third of the ground.

The umpire in the third where the ball is currently being disputed is the umpire in charge at any one time, however either of the other field umpires may bring attention to infringements of the rules that occur 'behind the play'. 1.4.2 The two boundary umpires judge when the ball is out of the playing area, and also return the ball to the center of the ground after a goal has been scored. The boundary umpires patrol one side of the ground each. They take positions at diagonally opposite corners of the centre square when the ball is bounced in the centre square at the start of each quarter or after a goal is scored. at the centre bounces, the boundary umpires are responsible for detecting players who enter the centre square illegally. 1.4.3 The two goal umpires judge, signal, and record all scores in a match. Two flags are waved to indicate a goal, and one flag is used to indicate a behind. The flags are waved to indicate to the other goal umpire the score. The goal umpire also indicates to the field umpire what the score is by indicating with one finger for a behind and two fingers (one out-stretched on each hand) for a goal.

Before the goal umpire can indicate the score, the field umpire signals to him that no infingemants have occurred so that a score may be added. This is why the goal umpire looks around sometimes before signalling a score. 1.4.4 Changing of Decisions: Field umpires cannot alter a decision once it has been made, except by a further breach of the rules by a player or team official. Goal umpires can correct mistakes prior to restart of play. Goal umpires take precedence over boundary umpires in vicinity of the goal area.The goal umpire indicates this to the boundary umpire by tapping his chest with his hand. 1.5 Scoring 1.5.1 A ball kicked between the two larger goal posts without being touched is a goal and score six points. Goal post -- | | -- Goal post | | | | | | | | Behind post -- | | | | -- Behind post 1.5.2 If the ball passes between a goal post and a behind post then it is a behind, and it scores 1 point. 1.5.3 If the ball hits the goal post, a behind is scored.

This is regardless of where the ball goes after hitting the goal post e.g back into the field of play, through the goals or whatever. Play stops as soon as the ball hits the goal post, and is restarted by a kick-in. See 1.6.5a. 1.5.4 If the ball is forced, or carried, but not kicked over the scoring line by the attacking team, anywhere between the goal posts, a behind is scored. 1.5.5 If the ball hits a behind post without bouncing it is deemed 'out on the full' and the opposing team takes a free kick from next to the behind post.If the ball bounces and hits the behind post then the ball is thrown into play again by the boundary umpire from next to the behind post. In both cases no points are scored. 1.5.6 If the ball is kicked or forced over the scoring line between the goal post and the behind post by any player, then a behind is scored. 1.6 Starting and Restarting Play 1.6.1 Teams determine the choice of goal by tossing a coin.

1.6.2 The field umpire starts play by blowing his whistle and bouncing the ball in the center circle so that it rebounds vertically to be contested by the players in the center square. 1.6.3 At the start of play, no player may enter the center circle, and only four players from each team are permitted in the center square until after the ball has been bounced. 1.6.4 After a goal is scored, play is restarted in the center of the ground in the manner described above. 1.6.5 The other common situations when play is restarted are: (a) After a behind has scored. Any player of the defending team kicks the ball from within the kick-off 'square' in front of goal, but only after the goal umpire has finished waving his flags. The player must *kick* the ball out to restart play.

Goal post -- | | -- Goal post | | | | | | | | Behind post -- | | | | -- Behind post / --------------- \ / | | \ |___| - Goal 'square' (b) After the ball has gone out of bounds (outside the boundary line).If the ball bounced, then the boundary umpire throws the ball into play by throwing it over his head towards the center of the ground.If the ball did not bounce and went over the boundary line as a result of a kick that was not touched, the opposing team receives a free-kick from the spot from where the ball went out. The closest player from the opposing team takes the free kick. (c) When a pack of players prevents either team gaining clear possession.The umpire bounces the ball where play came to a halt. 1.6.6 Each quarter runs for 20 minutes of playing time when the ball is in play.The ball is deemed to be out of play in the following situations: (a) A goal is scored. Time is stopped from when the goal umpire finishes waving his flags to when the ball is bounced. (b) A behind is scored.

Time is stopped from when the goal umpire finishes waving his flag to when the ball is kicked in. (c) The ball goes out of bounds. Time is stopped from when the ball goes over the boundary line until the boundary umpire throws the ball back into play. (d) Whenever the field umpire signals to the time-keeper that time is to be stopped by raising his arm and blowing his whistle. 1.6.7 Out of Bounds: A ball that has gone completely over the boundary line is considered out of bounds. If any portion of the ball is on or over the boundary line, the ball is still in play. A player can be over the boundary line and in possession of the ball without the ball being considered 'out of bounds' given part of the ball is still in play. 1.7 Possession and Disposal of the Ball 1.7.1 A player may hold the ball for unlimited time when he is not being held by an opponent. 1.7.2 A player lying on or over the ball is considered to be in possession. 1.7.3 A player running with the ball must bounce the ball or touch it on the ground once every 15 metres.

1.7.4 A player in possession of the ball and held by an opponent must dispose of the ball immediately by kicking or handballing the ball. 1.7.5 To handball correctly, a player must hold the ball in one hand and hit it with the clenched fist of the other hand. The hand holding must not move relative to the players body. 1.7.6 A mark is allowed when the ball is caught from a kick which has travelled a minimum distance of 10 meters, and the ball has travelled in the air without being touched by another player. The player taking the mark may play on immediately, or go back and kick over the position where he took the mark. 1.7.7 Shepherding. A player may retard the movement of an opposition player towards that of the ball, however it may only be done within 5 metres of the ball. Shepherding allows the opposition player to be pushed in the chest or side, or for the player to place his body between the opposition and the ball (when the player himself is not in posession of the ball.) cf. screens in basketball or blocking in American Football.

1.8 Free Kicks 1.8.1 Free kicks may be given against players either with or without the ball.A free kick is taken at the spot where the infringement occurred.(Exceptions see 1.8.6, 1.8.7) 1.8.2 A free kick is given against the player in possession of the of the ball for the following infringements of the rules: (a) Not disposing of the ball within a reasonable time when held by an opponent. (b) Not disposing of the ball correctly by using a handball or a kick. (c) Kicking the ball over the boundary line without it bouncing first or being touched by another player. (d) Deliberately forcing or taking the ball over the boundary line. (e) Running more than 15 meters without bouncing the ball or touching the ball on the ground. 1.8.3 A free kick is given against any player who: (a) Grabs the opponent with the ball above the shoulder or below the knees. (b) Pushes an opponent in the back. (c) Trips or attempts to trip an opponent. (d) Charges an opponent. (e) Interferes with an opponent attempting to mark in the air by punching or bumping.

(f) Shepherds an opponent when the ball is more than 5 meters away. (g) Enters the center square before the ball is bounced at the restart of play. 1.8.4 Following a free kick or mark, a 50 meter penalty is given against a player standing on the mark who: (a) Refuses to stand on the mark at the point indicated by the umpire. (b) Deliberately wastes time in returning the ball to the player who is to take the kick. (c) Holds the player who is to take the kick thereby preventing play continuing. (d) Runs over the mark before or as the ball is kicked. (Any player in the opposing team can give this penalty) 1.8.5 Kick-in after behind: If a ball is kicked back into play from the goalsquare, following the scoring of a behind, and subsequently goes 'out of bounds' without being touched by a player of either team despite bouncing, it is treated as if having gone out of bounds on the full. The attacking team is awarded a free kick. 1.8.6 Play On: An umpire need not hold up play by awarding a free kick to a player who has been infringed.

Where the player or a team-mate has possession and is in an advantageous position, the umpire calls 'play-on' and allows play to continue. This is referred to as 'paying the advantage'. 1.8.7 Relayed Free Kicks: A player who is infringed upon, immediately following the disposal of the ball, may have a fellow team-mate take the free kick from the spot where the ball landed after being disposed of. This is at the umpires adjudication. 1.9 Why are umpires 'booed' off the ground ? In a large proportion of matches, whenever the umpires leave the field at half-time or the end of the match, the majority of the crowd will 'boo' them as they leave. Although more prevalent at games where the home team is losing (lost) and received controversial umpiring decisions against them, that doesn't explain this common action. Some propose that it comes from Australian's anti-authoritarian feelings as an ex-convict settlement that leads supporters to generally dislike umpires, but now, it comes as almost a tradition that the umpires are hated. 1.10 What is the crowd yelling ?

In a case where there are a large number of supporters for a team, they will try and influence the umpires decision by subtly bringing to attention any infringments of the rules. "MAN" - or 'holding the man' not in possession of the ball (1.8.3f) "HIGH" - when one of your players receives a high tackle (1.8.3a) "BACK" - when one of your players is pushed in the back (1.8.3b) "BALL" - when one of the oppositon players is caught in possession of the ball (1.8.2a) "BULLSH.."- when the umpire misinterprets one of the above. "WEED" - Where ever a large proportion of Adelaide Crows supporters are at a match, they shout "Weed" whenever the Adelaide player Wayne Weideman has posession of the ball. This is a habit peculiar to this player and supporter. "WOOF" - Used by Carlton fans when Ang Christou gets a kick. (also WHOOMP , anybody know what they're actually saying?) "ROO's" - Used by fans when Paul Roos (Sydney Swans) gains possession of the ball.

1.11 Serious infringements of the rules. 1.11.1 Reports. There is no send-off rule at AFL level. Players can be 'reported' by umpires for serious breaches of the rules. The umpire is required to inform the player immediately of such a report. After the game, a report form is detailed by the umpire. 1.11.2 The Tribunal. A reported player, the umpire and the player who was infringed are usually required to appear before the League Tribunal to give evidence about the breach of rules. The Tribunal determines the innocence or guilt of the player based upon the evidence supplied, and any penalty for a player found guilty. This is usually suspension for eligibility to play for a number of games. 1.11.3 Trial-by-video. Reviews of video-tapes of games played that week are also conducted to note any reportable incidents missed by the field umpires. Players can be cited to appear before the Tribunal from these video reviews, as if reported. 1.11.4 Reportable incidents.

Players can be reported for: a) wilfully wasting time b) unduly interfering with a player while he is kicking for goal c) disputing the decision of an umpire d) unduly interfering with, or assaulting, or using abusive threatening or insulting language or behaviour towards an umpire during the progress of a match or within or without the oval on the day of the match. e) assaulting another player f) using abusive, threatening, or insulting language, or otherwise misconducts himself (recent reports of misconduct include biting, eye-gouging and spitting on an opponent). g) shaking a goalpost when a player is preparing to kick for goal or when ball is in transit. h) throwing an opponent after he has taken a mark or ball is out of play. i) violently pushing an opponent after that player has disposed of the ball. j) intentionally triping or kicking (or attempts to) an opponent. 1995 rule change is for tripping by hand to still be an infringement of the rules allowing a free kick or 50 metre penalty, but to not be a reportable offence. Tripping with the leg is still a reportable offence. k) striking (or attempting to) a player with the hand or arm.

l) charging an opponent. m) engaging in unduly rough play n) remaining on the playing area not wearing proper uniform after being warned by the umpire. o) wearing unacceptable equipment - boot studs, rings, jewellery, surgical appliances or guards. 1.12 Criticism of Umpires. Players and team officials are not allowed to make public comments about the umpiring standards or decisions. If they do so, they risk a fine from the League. 1.13 The Blood Rule. A player who is bleeding or who has blood on himself or his uniform is required to leave the ground, at the request of the umpire and have the problem seen to. The player will not be allowed to return until the bleeding has ceased and any blood has been completely removed. This player can be interchanged off the ground, or the umpire can call a halt to play while the player is seen to. The first option is that most commonly used. 1.14 Team Lists. 1.14.1 How many players can a team choose its weekly 21 from? Most teams have 42 players contracted to them from which they can choose their weekly team. They are not allowed to select players not in this 42.

The Sydney Swans have a list of 50 to choose from as a supplement to not being in a Footballer producing state. The Fremantle Dockers as a new expansion team will have a list of 50 to choose from also. 1.14.2 What happens to the players contracted to a team, but that aren't playing that week ? These players go back to play in minor leagues. The 11 Victorian teams and the Sydney Swans have a 'Reserves' team in the VSFL. Players from West Coast, Adelaide, Brisbane and Fremantle, go back to play with their local clubs in their respective State competitions. 1.15 Role of the Coach and the Runner The role of the coach in Aussie Rules is different compared to other sports in that the coach is only able to address his players before the game, and then during the quarter-time, half-time and three-quarter-time intervals. There are no time-outs in Australian Rules. The coach usually sits overlooking the ground, noticing tactical maneuvers and imbalances in the game. When a change in tactics or of players is desired during the actual game, the coach sends his orders to the club's Runner.

The Runner is allowed on the ground during play to communicate to players and relay the coaches instructions. The Runner is often on the ground for large amounts of time such that some Runners are also Assistant Coaches, helping with team decision making. When on the ground during play, the Runner must attempt to remain away from the area of where the ball is being contested. 1.16 Other Team Officials on the Ground During a Game. A team can nominate 5 trainers that are allowed on to the playing field to assist with injured players, or provide help (e.g fluids) to players. Except in the case of an injury, the trainers are only allowed on the ground when there is a pause in the play (e.g. between a goal being scored and the restart of play.) ** 1.17 Team Selection Process Clubs are required to name a list of 21 players with 2 emergencies by 5 PM on Thursday nights. Teams playing on Sundays (or later) are allowed to name an additional 4 players, from which their final 21 must be finalised on Saturdays. The team that represents the club at game time must then consist of these players.

Clubs that play players that weren't listed on the Thursday night risk fines except in exceptional circumstances. This process is so that the media can be informed of the players for that week, as well as for subsidiary markets such as betting, etc. Football in Australia | australia.gov.au Football in Australia Tennis – 'the golden age' of the 1960s–70s and beyond Football in Australia Andrew Johns holding the Trans Tasman Trophy at Aussie Stadium, Sydney, on July 24 2003. Image courtesy of NSWRL. Australians love their 'footy'. Each weekend during the colder months, thousands of Australians descend on football stadiums around the country to support their teams. A serious ritual, this process involves proudly wearing team colours, barracking for favourite players, and engaging in enthusiastic cheering at every opportunity. The country has four major football codes, each represented by a professional league at an elite level: Australian Football League (AFL) National Rugby League (NRL) Football Federation Australia (FFA) Football codes in Australia have traditionally been male sports, but starting in the late twentieth century women began playing from a grassroots level to the highest levels of the game.

In each Australian state and territory the word 'football' has a different meaning. For those living in the Northern Territory, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia, football usually refers to Australian Rules Football. In the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, and Queensland, it could mean rugby league or rugby union. The word 'soccer' equates to the game played by the Football Federation Australia for all of Australia. The football code an Australian plays or follows is often dictated by where they live, their cultural heritage, or by the code they were taught at school. But for the players and supporters of all the football codes across Australia, the end of summer is welcomed since it signals the start of the 'footy' season. The season usually stretches from March to September, when fans crowd stadiums in their team colours to cheer and soak up the atmosphere of the game. Australian Football League When it comes to professional football codes some of the most loyal and dedicated fans are those devoted to AFL. Often referred to as 'Aussie Rules', the game originated in Melbourne, devised as a way of keeping cricketers fit in their off season. AFL is now taught in schools and clubs across the country and the code is a significant national sport.

The first Australian Rules competition was in 1866. The Victorian Football League (VFL) was established in 1896 and by 1925 there were 12 clubs involved. The line-up remained unchanged until 1987 when Brisbane and West Coast joined what had by then become known as the AFL. By 1997 the competition comprised 16 teams with two each from South Australian and Western Australia, and one each from New South Wales and Queensland. The remaining teams were from Melbourne in Victoria. The AFL is Australia's premier spectator sport attracting millions of people each year. In 2012 over 6.7 million people attended AFL games compared to over 3.6 million for NRL and 1.8 for FFA. Some of the great AFL players have been Ron Barassi, Roy Cazaly, Alex Jesaulenko, and Tony Lockett. Australian Rugby Union The Australian Rugby Football Team of 1907 (The Wallabies). Image courtesy of the National Library of Australia. According to legend, rugby began in 1823 during a game of football at Rugby School, England.

William Webb Ellis, having caught the ball, ran with it rather than kicking it as he was required to do. (An ancient game called harpastum, similar to rugby, was introduced to Britain by the Romans in around 400 AD.) From 1840 to 1860 many varieties of football were played, in some cases mixing soccer and rugby. Australia's first rugby club, the Sydney University Football Club, was founded in 1863, and the Southern Rugby Football Union (later called the Australian Rugby Football Union) was founded in 1875. Today's schools remain a major breeding ground for young rugby players, with many moving on to club rugby and some graduating to professional levels. Australian state rugby union teams participate in an annual provincial competition between teams drawn from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, known as Super Rugby. Internationally Australia's rugby union team is known as The Wallabies. Since the late 1990s, The Wallabies have won two World Cup titles (1991 and 1999) and five consecutive Bledisloe Cup titles (1998 to 2002).

In October 2003 Australia hosted the Rugby World Cup. This was the first time a host nation defended the World Cup on their home turf, and the first time a Rugby World Cup final was played in Australia. The 2003 Rugby World Cup was the fourth largest sporting event in the world behind the Olympics, Soccer World Cup and the World Athletics Championships. A traditional rugby team has 15 players. In a modernised version of the game – Rugby 7s' – teams field seven players. It is contested at the Commonwealth Games and internationally at the World Sevens Tournament. Australia's international rugby success is notable considering there were only 37,000 senior male players in Australia at the time of the 2003 World Cup, compared to England's 174,000, South Africa's 120,000, and Japan's 100,000. Despite its professional status, the majority of Australia's rugby playing fraternity are amateur players who continue to support and grow the game. At the end of the 2001 season, there were 130,000 registered players in Australia of which only 120 were professional.

Australia has a women's club rugby competition and a national women's rugby team, the Wallaroos. The Wallaroos competed in their first Women's World Cup in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, in 1998, where Australia claimed victory in the Plate Final. Some of the great Australian rugby players have been David Campese, John Eales and Nick Farr-Jones. National Rugby League Rugby League originated in England in the 1890s. Disputes in the early days of the Rugby Football Union over professional and amateur status led to a split and the creation of Rugby League in 1895. A similar separation occurred in Australia in 1907. The rules of Rugby League are different to Rugby Union, the most obvious being 13 players per side rather than 15. Rugby League was first played in Australia in 1907, and has grown to be one of Australia's most popular sports. It is taught in schools and played at club and professional levels. The Australian national competition, known as the National Rugby League, includes 15 teams representing the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria in Australia, and Auckland in New Zealand.

The NRL has a strong team membership and support base. Rugby League is also contested internationally. Australia's team is called the Kangaroos. The first Kangaroo Tour, in 1908, was to Britain. The 2013 Rugby League World Cup held in Britain was won by Australia after defeating New Zealand in front of the largest rugby league international attendance in history. Some of the great players in rugby league have been Clive Churchill, Bob Fulton, Wally Lewis, and Mal Meninga. Football Federation Australia (formerly Soccer Australia) The results of a worldwide survey, conducted by the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and published in the spring of 2001, determined that more than 240 million people worldwide regularly play football (soccer). Soccer is now formally known as 'football' in Australia, in line with international usage. Football, men's quarter final, Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, 23 September 2000. Image courtesy of the National Library of Australia. Football (soccer) is taught in schools across Australia, and has an active club and national league.

Football (soccer) is recognised by many to be the first sport in Australia to establish a truly national competition. The national A-League showcases the best of Australia's talent in the sport, while many of the country's top football (soccer) stars play in the international leagues such as the English Premier League. Australia's national football (soccer) team, the Socceroos, is becoming better known on the international scene, contesting World Cup qualifying and other international matches. The Australian women's football (soccer) team is called the Matildas. The Matildas compete at the FIFA Women's World Cup and at Olympic Games level. They finished seventh at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games and are considered by the international football (soccer) community to be one of the most improved teams in the sport. Useful links Australian Rules Football Information | GLoBALL PROGRAM Help Australian Rules Football Information To help you enjoy and understand the game of Australian Rules football here is some basic information, but if you do have any questions please do not hesitate to ask one of our friendly GLoBALL ambassadors at the game! Australian Rules football… Australian Rules football is a home-grown Australian game that is affectionately known as Aussie Rules or Footy.

It originated in Australia and is a unique Australian sporting experience as it is not played professionally in any other country! Different countries are however gaining interest in the sport and teams can be found in East Timor, The United States of America, Japan and New Zealand. The game… Essentially, it’s about two opposing teams attempting to kick goals and finish the match with the biggest points tally. A goal is scored when the football is kicked through the taller posts (the goalposts) and is worth 6 points. If the football goes between either of the shorter outside posts (the behind posts), a behind is scored and 1 point is added to that team’s tally. The action continues through four quarters and for close to two hours. Enjoy the spectacle! Understanding the action… TEAMS: Games involve two teams of 22 players with 18 from each team on the field at any one time with an additional 4 players that it can rotate on and off during the game. There is no limit on how many changes teams can make. DURATION: Games are divided into 4 quarters of 20 minutes. Extra time is added for stops in play so most quarters run for about 30 minutes. Teams swap ends after each quarter.

Total game time is about 2 hours. STARTING THE GAME: The game starts when a siren sounds. An umpire then bounces the ball high into the air inthe centre of the ground. One player from each team- ‘ruck men’ then tries to tap the ball to their team mates. The ball is also bounced in the centre to start each quarter and after a goal has been scored. MOVING THE FOOTBALL: Teams try to get the football and then run, kick and handball it towards their goals. If a player marks the ball (catches it), they are entitled to a set kick and the opposition is not allowed to touch him until he plays on. Players can also run with the ball. TACKLING: A player can win the ball by tackling an opponent. A legal tackle is performed by grabbing an opponent with the ball, below the shoulders and above the knees. Players are not allowed to push an opponent in the back while making a tackle and tackled players must correctly dispose of (pass) the ball within a reasonable time (1 to 2 seconds). A free kick is awarded against a player caught in possession of the ball with a legal (good) tackle.

If the tackle is illegal (inappropriate) a free kick will be awarded to the player with the ball. SCORING: The aim of the game is to kick goals. Kicking the ball through the taller middle posts (the goalposts) = 6 points. If the ball goes between a goalpost and the smaller outside posts (the behind posts), a behind (1 point) is scored. The score is written with the goals first, the behinds second, and the total points last. 14 Goals – 9 Behinds – 93 points in total The team that finishes with the highest total of goals and behinds is the winner. POSITIONS: Teams line – up in ‘lines’ of 3 players across the ground. They are: Backline There are also 3 other players who rove around the ground. UMPIRES: There are 3 field umpires who control the game. There are also umpires in each goal and boundary umpires who decide when the ball has gone out and then throw it back in. Extra information… BOUNCING - A player running with the ball must bounce or touch the ball on the ground every 15m.

HANDBALL - A handball involves holding the football in one hand and hitting it with the clenched fist of the other hand. MARK- Awarded when a player catches a kick that has travelled at least 15m on the full and has not been touched by any player. As for a free kick the player may go back and dispose of the ball unimpeded by the opposition. HOLDING THE BALL - Players cannot throw the ball or drop the ball. Players must pass the ball by foot or hand or they can be penalised for ‘holding the ball’. The umpire will definitely award this penalty if a player has opportunity to pass the ball. The shout of ‘BALL!!” is perhaps the most common cry from football crowds. It generally means the player has been tackled before he released the ball and had opportunity to do so. Or that he dropped the ball. HOLDING THE MAN - A free kick is awarded to a player that has been tackled whilst not in possession of the ball. SHEPPARDING - An opposition player may be shepparded (blocked) from a contest provided he is within 5m of the contest. This is done by standing between the opposition player and your teammate with the ball.

50m PENALTY - Awarded by the umpire when a player disputes umpires decision, abuses an umpire or does not return the ball to the opposition correctly after a penalty awarded (i.e. must give the ball back on the full –not place on the ground or throw away). THE LEAGUE - The Australian football League (AFL) has 18 teams. Teams come from across Australia and include: Adelaide Crows Australian rules football | sport | Britannica.com Australian rules football Alternative Titles: Australian football, Melbourne rules football, Victorian rules football Related Topics football () Australian rules football, a football sport distinctive to Australia that predates other modern football games as the first to create an official code of play. Invented in Melbourne , capital of the state of Victoria, in the late 1850s, the game was initially known as Melbourne, or Victorian, rules football and was an amalgam of various football rules that were in use at English public (independent) schools. Although Australian rules football is one of several football sports played today in Australia, the national professional Australian Football League (formerly known as the Victorian Football League) is the country’s most popular sports competition in terms of attendance and television viewing.

Hamish Blair/Getty Images History of the game Origins Melbourne was a burgeoning city built on the riches of the 1850s gold rush by the time Australian football first appeared in 1858. As with other areas of British settlement during the 19th century, cricket emerged as the primary summer sport. Concerned about off-season fitness, cricketer Thomas Wentworth Wills (1835–80), who was born in Australia but educated at Rugby School in England—where he captained the cricket team and excelled in football—believed that a football club should be formed to keep his teammates fit during winter. The Melbourne Cricket Club agreed with Wills’s suggestion and, as there were no standardized football codes at that time, appointed a committee to devise a set of rules. The Melbourne and Geelong football clubs were established in 1858 and 1859, respectively, and are two of the oldest football clubs in the world. The rules agreed to by the committee on May 17, 1859, were a compromise between those of several English public schools, notably Winchester, Harrow, and Rugby.

Players were allowed to handle the ball but not to run farther than necessary to kick it. In 1866 H.C.A. Harrison (1836–1929), a cousin of Wills, rewrote the rules. These rules imposed no limit on the number of players, though in the 1880s, 20 men per team became standard. Similar Topics ice hockey Concerned about the possibility of injury on the hard Australian grounds, players were reluctant to commit to the tackling and hacking (kicking or tripping an opponent) rules of the Rugby School game, and hacking was banned. Distinctive aspects of Australian football rapidly appeared. At the outset, a provision was made that players who caught, or “marked,” a ball cleanly in the air were allowed a free kick. Players could also retain possession of the ball while running, but after some dispute it was agreed in 1865 that the player with the ball had to bounce it off the turf at least every 10 metres (33 feet). Most crucial, and in contrast to other football sports, there was no offside rule, which meant that players from each team were located behind and in front of the ball during play.

By 1874 players no longer scored by carrying the ball between goal posts but scored by kicking the ball through them. Australian rules football also developed a unique set of goalposts, comprising two large goalposts flanked by two shorter “behind” posts. The centre bounce used by umpires to start games and to restart play after a goal was instituted in 1891 and also remains unique to Australian football. Goal umpires were first mentioned in 1874 in accounts of the game. The practice of the goal umpire’s waving a flag to signal a goal began in Tasmania in 1884 and was adopted in Victoria in 1886. The game expanded rapidly during the 1870s and ’80s. In the’70s, matches between the Melbourne and Carlton football clubs attracted as many as 10,000 spectators, who at that time watched for free. Spectators often encroached on the playing surface, and this led to the enclosure of grounds for ease of play. The first facility built specifically for Australian football use appeared in 1876 on land leased by Carlton from Melbourne University.

The first Carlton-Melbourne game at the ground attracted 5,000 spectators. By the mid-’80s crowds approaching 34,000 were attending matches between leading clubs. Britannica Stories Methane Surge Worries Scientists On May 7, 1877, representatives of the Albert Park, Carlton, East Melbourne, Essendon, Geelong, Hotham, Melbourne, and St Kilda football clubs met to form the Victorian Football Association (VFA) for the “promotion and extension of football throughout the colony” and the organization of intercolonial matches. During the 1870s over 125 clubs appeared in Melbourne, and another 60 senior clubs were established elsewhere in Victoria. A regular schedule of matches was developed; additional grounds were enclosed; and VFA clubs were able to charge admission. Sports: Fact or Fiction? The game continued to spread throughout the colonies. In 1877 the South Australian Football Association was formed. Tasmania accepted VFA rules in 1882, and in 1885 the Western Australian Football Association was established. Despite these successes, the game struggled to gain a foothold in the northeastern parts of Australia.

The first game in Sydney took place in 1877, but rugby union , with its imperial connections, was favoured by the 1890s. A similar process occurred in Queensland and New Zealand . The great distances that separated colonies and the capital cities meant that regular competition between clubs from different areas was not possible, and indeed the first participation of an interstate team in the main Victorian competition did not occur until 1982. However, because road games between Victorian teams were often only a tram ride away, many fans could go to all of their team’s games in any given season at little expense. Rise of the Victorian Football League The depression of 1893–95 caused attendance at games to decline, and the VFA proposed a revenue-sharing scheme to assist struggling clubs. Leading clubs, which wanted more control over the game, opposed the scheme. In 1896 those eight leading clubs—Melbourne, Essendon, Geelong, Collingwood, South Melbourne, Fitzroy, Carlton, and St Kilda—came together to form the Victorian Football League (VFL).

The VFL allowed open payment of players and reduced the number of competitors on the field from 20 per side to 18. With economic improvement, VFL clubs were able to pay most players by 1899. A national body, the Australasian Football Council, was formed in 1906 to regulate interstate player movement and develop contests on the national level, though it remained under the auspices of the VFL. As the council’s name suggests, efforts to keep the game alive in New Zealand were part of its mission. Connect with Britannica Facebook Twitter YouTube Instagram Pinterest While the VFL moved into the 20th century as the leading competition, the VFA remained nearly as strong into the 1920s. In 1925 the VFL added VFA clubs Footscray, Hawthorn, and North Melbourne, giving the league 12 teams. After the South Melbourne club relocated to Sydney (in New South Wales) in 1982, the VFL sought further national expansion, founding teams in Queensland, Western Australia , and South Australia from the mid-1980s to the late 1990s.

In 1990 the VFL changed its name to the Australian Football League (AFL) to reflect its new national focus. In 2005 the AFL comprised 16 teams: the Adelaide (South Australia) Crows, Brisbane (Queensland) Lions, Carlton Blues, Collingwood Magpies, Essendon Bombers, Fremantle (Western Australia) Dockers, Geelong Cats, Hawthorn Hawks, (North Melbourne) Kangaroos, Melbourne Demons, Port Adelaide (South Australia) Power, Richmond Tigers, St Kilda Saints, Sydney Swans, West Coast (Perth, Western Australia) Eagles, and Western (Footscray) Bulldogs. National expansion has not been easy, with large interstate clubs seen by Melbournians as a threat to their clubs and supporters of interstate teams arguing that the league is still too focused on Melbourne. Despite these problems, Australian rules football is the most popular spectator sport in Australia, and, with championships having been won by West Coast, Adelaide, and Brisbane by 2001, the AFL began the millennium its strongest ever.

Australian rules football is also being played in leagues as far afield as Denmark, England, the Netherlands, and the United States , and AFL preseason matches have been played in Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa . Football and its fans Australian rules football is woven deeply into the fabric of Australian society, particularly outside the rugby zones in New South Wales and Queensland. Until 1983 competitions remained state-based, with clubs largely forming in suburban areas that matched parliamentary electorates. Unlike American professional sports franchises, AFL teams are (and always have been) membership-based clubs rather than private franchises, which means that members control their club. When clubs have been threatened with mergers, as Footscray and Hawthorn were in 1989 and 1995, respectively, members were able to save their clubs from amalgamation. A brief flirtation with private ownership in the 1980s failed. In 1995, in order to prevent hostile takeovers, which had occurred in rugby league that year, the AFL amended its constitution to ban any one interest from controlling more than 5 percent of a club. Britannica Lists & Quizzes What Are The Rules?

� The 17 Laws of Soccer Explained - Syosset Soccer Club What Are The Rules? � The 17 Laws of Soccer Explained Soccer’s rules and regulations are maintained and updated annually by the International Football Association Board (IFAB). The board consists of eight members, four of which come from FIFA, and the other four coming from England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales – all countries that contributed to the development of the sport. FIFA’s most recently published rule book is 140 pages long, which is a bit ambitious for the casual player who is just becoming familiarized with the game. For this reason, we have prepared a simplified version below that should allow you to learn the basic rules of soccer. It is also important to note that although FIFA publishes an established set of rules, they are often modified by national and regional leagues and organizations. With that, you should ensure that you inquire with your coach, fellow players or league manager regarding any rules that deviate from the norm.• Laws of the Game IFAB currently acknowledges 17 laws of soccer that are the standard for any professional or international match played.

They are as follows: Law 1: The Field of Play Soccer can be played on either grass or artificial turf, but the surface must be green in color. The field must be rectangular in shape, and distinctly marked by two short goal lines and two long-touch lines. The field is divided into halves, separated by the halfway line, which runs from the midpoints of each touchline. At the midpoint of the halfway line is a marked center point surrounded by a lined center circle with a radius of 10 yards. Opposing players are not allowed to enter this circle during the possessing team’s kick-off. The length of the touch line must be greater than the length of the goal line. Regulation lengths are: Touch line: Minimum 90 meters (100 yards), maximum 120 meters (130 yards) Width (goal line): Minimum 45 m (50 yds), maximum 90 m (100 yds). At each end of the field is an eight-yard-wide goal centered along the goal line. Six yards from each goal post along the goal line and six yards out into the field (perpendicular to the goal line) is the goal box.

Extending 18 yards from each goal post along the goal line and 18 yards out into the field (perpendicular to the goal line) is the penalty box. In each of the four corners of the field is a five-foot-high corner flag. Law 2: The Ball A soccer ball must be spherical in shape and made of leather or another comparable medium. Its circumference must be in the range of 27 to 28 inches. This rule is only applicable for official sanctioned matches, as youth leagues often employ the use of a smaller ball that is better suited to children. Law 3: The Number of Players Matches are generally played by two teams of 11 to a side. The goalkeeper is included in the 11-player total. If a team cannot field at least seven players at match time, the game is a forfeit. Teams of fewer than 11 a side can often be seen in youth leagues where smaller teams are used as a developmental tool. FIFA-sanctioned matches are generally limited to three substitutions per match, with the exception of friendly matches.

Most youth leagues allow an unlimited number of substitutions, which must also be listed on the game card prior to the beginning of the match, otherwise those players are ineligible. Substitutions may only enter at the halfway line, upon the referee’s approval, and after the player being subbed out has left the pitch. The goalkeeper may be substituted with anyone on the pitch or any eligible substitute on the bench during a game stoppage. Law 4: The Players’ Equipment All players are required to wear a jersey, shorts, shin guards, socks and cleats. The socks must cover the shin guards entirely. If the referee deems a player’s equipment unsatisfactory, the player can be sent off until the issue is remedied. Law 5: The Referee The referee is the authority on the field, and his word is law. If you question a referee’s decision, you can be disciplined further simply for dissent. Law 6: The Assistant Referees The assistant referees are primarily responsible for assisting the referee in performing his duties – this includes signaling with a flag when a ball goes of play, when a player is fouled, or when a player is in an offside position.

Law 7: The Duration of the Match A soccer match is comprised of two 45-minute halves, with extra time added for each at the referee’s discretion. The halves are separated by a half-time period not to exceed 15 minutes. The extra time generally corresponds with the referee’s determination of how much time was taken up due to substitutions and injuries. The amount of extra time is announced and displayed at the half line at the end of each 45-minute period. Although soccer does have an allotted time limit, it is ultimately up to the referee’s as to when to end a match. Law 8: The Start and Restart of Play Kick-off is generally determined by a coin toss, whereby the winning team can either choose to start with the ball or choose which goal they would like to attack. The losing team is then afforded whatever choice the winner does not elect to take. Kick-off occurs at the start of each half, and after each goal scored, and is taken at the center of the halfway line. If a team scores a goal, the opposing team is given the kick-off to restart the match.

Law 9: The Ball In and Out of Play The ball is out of play when it fully crosses either the goal line or the touch line. It is also out of play if the referee stops play for any reason. If, for any reason, the ball strikes the frame of the goal or the referee and remains within the goal and touch lines, it is still in play. Law 10: The Method of Scoring A goal is scored when the entire ball has crossed the goal line within the frame of the goal. At the end of the match, the team with the most goals is the winner, barring the circumstantial necessity for extra time. Law 11: Offside When an attacking player receives the ball while on his opponents half, he must be level or behind the second to last defender (the last typically being the goalkeeper). However, this rule only applies if he is involved with the play. To get a better understanding of the offside rule, please see the guide section for a more detailed explanation.

Law 12: Fouls and Misconduct A direct free kick is awarded when a player: Kicks or attempts to kick an opponent Trips or attempts to trip an opponent Jumps at an opponent Strikes or attempts to strike an opponent Pushes an opponent Spits at an opponent Handles the ball deliberately If any of these are fouls are committed by a player in their team’s penalty area, the opposing team is awarded a penalty kick.

Indirect free kicks are awarded if a player: Plays in a dangerous manner Impedes the progress of an opponent Prevents the goalkeeper from releasing the ball from his/her hands Commits any other unmentioned offense Yellow cards are awarded as a caution or warning to a player and can be issued for the following offenses: Unsporting behavior Dissent by word or action Persistent infringement of the Laws of the Game Delaying the restart of play Failure to respect the required distance when play is restarted with a corner kick,free kick, or throw-in Entering or re-entering the field of play without the referee’s permission deliberately leaving the field of play without the referee’s permission Red cards are used to send a player off the field, and can be issued for the following offenses: Serious foul play AFL Positions | AFL Rules AFL Positions AFL Positions AAMI Stadium, West Lakes, Adelaide, South Australia Each AFL team starts a match with 18 players on the oval, and four interchange players on the bench, who can be changed as many times as desired. While all players are able to be on any part of the pitch at any point in a game, they are normally assigned to a certain area, due to their personal attributes to the overall team.

Generally, there is the forward line, back line and the midfield. Players normally form six at the back, in two lines of three, with the same format in the front, and then the other players form the midfield. While not specifically defined, there are various positions on the field of play: Full Back Is typically a taller player due to it being a defensive position. The main aim of the full back is to stop the full-forward from marking the ball and scoring. They are also the instigator into attacking movements from the back up the pitch, getting the ball away as quickly as possible. The fullbacks usually kick the ball back into play after a point has been scored. Back Pocket The back pocket is an area on the field deep in the defence, and the players based here are recognised by their hardness, and need to have good spoiling skills. Back pockets normally play on the forward pockets. Centre Half-Back Is usually tall, fast and strong, and is key to a strong defence. Centre half-backs come one-on-one against the centre half forwards and often try to keep them out of the game. Half-Back Flank Similar position to the back pocket, although is traditionally a slightly more attacking player, who rebounds the ball out.

Midfield In the midfield there is the centre and two wingmen. The centre normally attains the ball, links the defence and attack and can normally handle the ball well with both sides of the body. The two wingmen, who are on the left and right side have the same type of ability as the centre, but need to have more stamina, running up and down the flanks. Centre Half-Forward The most demanding position on the oval, the centre half-forward needs to have good marking skills, strength, stamina and be of a tall build. Half-Forward Flank Standing just wide of the centre half-forward, the half-forward flank normally advance the ball along the flanks, and is not regarded as a particularly specialist position. Full Forward The main target for the ball in the forward line when attacking, and must be strong at one-on-one contests. While they do not run as much as their midfielders, full forwards need to be strong in wrestling off opponents. Forward Pocket The forward pocket is often thought of as a second full forward, or is a player who is fast and agile and can kick well while running. Forward pockets are often relatively short. Followers There are three different followers roles; the ruck, rover and the ruck-rover.

They are called followers because they follow the ball around the ground rather than staying in a certain area on the field. The ruck contests with the opposing ruck at centre-bounces at the start of every quarter and after each goal and are therefore quite tall. The ruck-rover remains below the flight of the ball when the ruck flicks the ball down, and are therefore slightly shorter. The rover receives the ball from the ruck or the ruck-rover, completing the clearance, and is normally the shortest player on the field. Taggers Not highly skilled or in a set position, taggers follow, run with, and mark their selected opponent. They are often used to pin down the opposition’s most threatening player. * Terms and conditions apply - bonus bet offers unavailable for NSW, VIC, WA and SA.

Question: How many players are there in an Australian Rules football team (on the field at the same time)?
Answer: Eighteen