Section
0.0
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 http://www.footy.com.au/dags/FAQ1v1-5.html
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
The Players and Positions
- 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:
- 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.
-
- To Part
2 of the FAQ
To Part 3 of the FAQ
To Part 4 of the FAQ
- Curator: Darryl
Harvey email: {darryl@nospam.harvey.net.au}
Last Updated: 12 January 1998
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