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Australian Rules Football (also known as footy) is a field sport that combines the skills of soccer, rugby, hockey, and basketball. It is a fast-paced and exciting game that requires physical fitness and determination.
Scoring
- Kick the ball through the middle posts to score 6 points (also known as a goal)
- Kick the ball through the outside posts to score 1 point (also known as a behind)
- If the ball is touched by the opposing team, only 1 point is counted
Playing Surface
- A 150-metre long and 130-metre wide oval, which equals 2.5 football fields
- 18 players per side
- Goal posts at each end
Positions
- Soccer style positions - two forward lines, a centre line, and two back lines
- Three additional players are designated to chase the ball around the field
What do you do when you get the ball?
1) Run
- You are allowed to run 10m with the ball
- If you wish to run further, you must bounce or touch the ball to the ground
2) Hand Pass
- Hand pass by hitting the ball out of your hand with a closed fist
- You may hand pass in any direction
3) Kick
- If you kick the ball at least 10m and another player catches it, they "mark" the ball and receive a free kick
- At any point you can hand pass the ball or move off the "mark" and the play becomes live
What can you do if you don't have the ball?
1) Shepherd
- If you're within 5m of the ball, you can shepherd (block) another player with your shoulder or back to impede an opponent
- A block can protect your teammates from a tackle or give them extra time to move the ball down the field
2) Tackle
- You may tackle an opponent only if they have the ball in their possession
- All tackles must be between the knee and shoulder
- You may not push or hit someone from behind
Free Kicks
Beyond improper tackles, free kicks are also awarded for:
- Improper disposal: if a tackle causes the player to drop the ball without properly hand passing or kicking the ball.
- Running too far: if a player carries the ball for more than 10m
- Holding the ball: if a player fails to quickly get rid of the ball and is tackled
Click here for a more detailed description of the rules.
Click here for a more detailed description of positions on the field.