AFL MEDIA
Wednesay 10 May 2012
THE AFL 9s is the AFL's official alternative version of the game. It has been developed so everyone can have a go at playing Australian footy.
AFL 9s is easier to play, less physically demanding and offers a game where participation, enjoyment and safety are a priority.
It's the perfect game for community competitions, schools and overseas tournaments with people of all ages and ability levels to participate in male, female or mixed teams as determined by the individual competition.
AFL 9s can be played in community competitions, schools and overseas with people of all ages and ability levels to participate in male, female or mixed teams as determined by the individual competition.
- The game is played between two teams of nine (9) with interchange players.
- The field has a maximum length of 100 metres (which can be modified depending on the age and ability level of participants) and is divided into three zones, a mid zone and two scoring zones.
- Teams score by kicking the football into their attacking scoring zone to designated forwards who are the only players permitted to score. A mark is awarded irrespective of the distance the ball has travelled and if the ball hits the ground it is an automatic turnover (selected competitions only).
- A tackling option is available in competitive competitions while in social formats, either a two-handed touch is applied or by the removal of a tag that each player wears.
Three versions of AFL 9s are available:
Tag
A non-contact version which requires players to wear a velcro belt with two tags attached to it. Removal of one or both flags by an opposition player is performed in place of a tackle/touch.
Touch
A semi-contact version which requires players to implement a touch in place of a tackle. In this form of the game, either a one handed or two-handed touch can be applied as determined by the individual competition rules.
Tackle
A contact version as per the laws of Australian football and age appropriate as per the AFL Junior Match Policy.
Disposal of the Ball
The ball must be disposed of by a handball or kick (as per the Laws of Australian Football). Players are not permitted to throw or hand the ball to another player or a free kick will be awarded to the opposing player.
Scoring
Two options exist:
- Any player regardless of position can score
- Only forward players can shoot for goal within his/her scoring zone. This can be during general play by receiving a kick or handball; or upon marking the ball and taking a set shot for goal. The player standing the mark must be inside the scoring zone. The field umpire will be the sole judge of whether the kick for goal was successful.
Penalty in the scoring zone – A penalty is awarded when the umpire believes a forward would have taken a mark inside his/her scoring zone however was illegally infringed in the marking contest. The player may take a set shot for goal.
Ball Transition
Two options exist:
- The ball can move freely from one end of the ground to the other regardless of whether it has been possessed in each zone
- When the ball is in transition from the back zone to the team’s scoring zone, it must be possessed by a player in the mid zone. Failure for this to occur will see a free kick awarded to the opposition team at the point in which the ball entered the scoring zone.
Out of Bounds
- When the ball goes out of bounds (ball completely over the line) by hand or foot, the nearest opponent shall kick the ball back into play.
- If there is any doubt as to which team last touched the ball before it went out of bounds, the umpire shall call a ball-up five metres in from the boundary line.
Restart of Play
- After a goal, play is restarted in the centre of the field via a ball up.
- If a behind (1 point) is scored the ball is required to be kicked back into play from between the goals by a defender.
Gaining Possession of the Ball
A player may stay in possession of the ball for a maximum distance involving one bounce unless the player is tackled an adjudged holding the ball (tackle)
Dispossessing the Player in Possession
- As per the laws of Australian Football and the AFL Junior Match Policy, a player can be dispossessed of the ball through the act of tackling in the case that prior opportunity is evident and the attacking player is adjudged ‘holding the ball’ by the umpire.
Tackling
A Player executes a tackle correctly if:
- The player being held is in possession of the football; and (ii) that Player is held (either by the body or playing uniform) below the shoulders and above the knees.
- For the avoidance of doubt, a tackle may be executed correctly by holding a Player from the front, side or behind, provided that a Player held from behind is not pushed in the back.
Shepherd
A Shepherd is using the body or arm to push, bump or block:
- A Player who does not have possession of the football and who is no further than 5 metres away from the football at the time when the push, bump or block occurs
Bumping/Pushing
Player may make contact with another Player:
- by using their hip, shoulder, chest, arms or open hands provided that the football is no more than 5 metres away from the Player;
- by pushing the other Player with an open hand in the chest or side of the body provided that the football is no more than 5 metres away from the Player;
Bouncing the Ball
Where a player is moving whilst in possession of the ball he/she must bounce the ball or touch it on the ground after fifteen metres, irrespective of whether such a player is running in a straight line or otherwise. A player in possession may bounce the ball only once. He/she must dispose of it by hand or foot and may not touch it again until it has been touch by another player.
Mark
A Mark is taken if, in the opinion of the field Umpire, a Player catches or takes control of the football:
- within the Playing Surface; and
- after it has been Kicked by another Player a distance of at least 15 metres
- which has not touched the ground or been touched by another Player during the period when the football was Kicked until it was caught or controlled by the Player.
Playing On
The umpire shall call “Play On” in the following:
- When a player after taking a mark runs around or over the spot “the mark” where he/she caught the ball.
- When a player after a turnover has occurred runs around or over the spot “the mark “where the ball made contact with the ground due to the turn over.
- The ball after being kicked has been touched in transit.
Playing the Advantage
- The field umpire instead of awarding a free kick may allow play to continue by calling “Advantage Play On” in the case that the individual player in possession of the ball initiates the advantage.
Kicking off the Ground
Two options available:
- A player is permitted to deliberately kick the ball off the ground.
- A player is not permitted to deliberately kick the ball off the ground.
Field Bounces/Ball Ups
- The ball is thrown up when the umpire adjudicates that play has come to a stop as a result of a successful tackle being applied
The ball shall be thrown up when the umpire is unsure which team touched the ball before it went out of bounds.
Find a club for you via the game's Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/AFL9s
Last Modified on 10/05/2012 16:03