The Game

 

The game’s uniqueness is seen in many ways. It is played between 2 teams of 22 players each, 18 of whom can be on the field at once. Players are freely interchangeable at any time. Unlike most other field games, there is no offside rule. Except after a minor score (which is unique in itself, rewarding a near miss) and when the ball is kicked out of the field of play on the full, possession of the ball is continually contested.

The field itself is atypical in shape and size, being determined by the amount of space available. Its large size is one of the reasons the game is not played internationally, where few playing grounds can accommodate it.

The primary objective of the game is to score more points than the opponent. Points are scored by moving the ball over lines between four upright posts, each 6.4 metres apart, at either end of the field. If the attacking team kicks the ball between the middle two posts (goal) without touching any other player or the posts, a “goal” (6 points) is awarded. A single point is scored for a “behind”, when the ball passes between the outer posts on either side of the goal or when the ball has been touched by another player prior to passing through the goal. The rewarding of players for a near miss on goal is a feature unique to Aussie Rules. This rule was developed to prevent the attacking side from gaining too great an advantage when the ball was being thrown in after going out of bounds. Hence, 1 point was awarded to the scoring team and, possession given to the defending team.

Other features with scoring that are peculiar with Aussie Rules, is that there is no maximum height of the goal and the defender cannot score an own goal, like seen in Soccer. In senior games, it not unusual for teams to score multiple goals and scores in excess of 100 points.

The ball is moved around the ground quickly through kicking, handballing (throwing the ball is not permitted) and running (with it’s own style of bouncing during which the ball must be bounced. Kicks are often long, covering 50 or 60 metres, with pinpoint accuracy. Catching a kicked ball allows the player to take a free kick if he chooses without the risk of being tackled. This aspect of the game adds much appeal as players jump often in groups, trying to catch the ball on the full, not uncommonly using other players as step ladders to get higher into the air.

Each game consists of 4 quarters, the length of which is determined by the governing body, typically depending on the age and level of players. At senior levels, the quarters are 20 minutes’ playing time with time added on whenever there is a stop in play. There are no time outs during the quarter, but coaches communicate with players and make substitutions at any time by using a runner to convey messages.