What is Aussie Rules Football?

Australian rules football also know as ‘footy’ or ‘aussie rules’ is a sport played between two teams of 22 players (18 on the field, and four interchanges).

The objective of the game is to score points by kicking the ball through the opponent’s goal. The main way to score points is by kicking the ball between the two major goal posts (6 points). The team with the higher total score at the end of the match wins unless a draw is declared.

During most play, players may position themselves anywhere on the field but tend to use zones similar to basketball and can use kicks or handballs (a bit like a volleyball serve) to move the ball. There are rules on how the ball can be handled: for example, players running with the ball must bounce or touch it on the ground every 15 meters (approx 16 yards). Throwing the ball is not allowed and players must not get caught holding the ball. Possession of the ball is in dispute at all times except when a free kick is paid. A distinctive feature of the game is the mark, where players anywhere on the field who catch a ball from a kick, are awarded a free kick.

Australian rules is a contact sport, in which players can tackle using their hands or use their whole body to obstruct opponents. Dangerous physical contact (such as pushing an opponent in the back), interference when marking and deliberately slowing the play are discouraged with free kicks, distance penalties or suspension, depending on the seriousness of the infringement. Frequent physical contests, spectacular marking, fast movement of both players and the ball and high scoring are the game’s main attributes.

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