What Is Australian Rules Football? A Comprehensive Guide for Americans

Navigating the world of football can be confusing, especially when different countries have their own unique versions. Are you curious about Australian Rules Football (AFL), also known as “Aussie Rules” or “footy”? This comprehensive guide from CAUHOI2025.UK.COM will break down everything you need to know, from the basic rules and field layout to player positions and scoring, all while optimizing your understanding with relevant keywords for easy searching. Discover the excitement of this fast-paced, high-scoring sport.

What is Australian Rules Football?
Where in the World is Aussie Rules Played?
When is the Australian Football League (AFL) Season?
Rules Overview
The Field
The Ball
Players and Positions
Scoring
Starting and Restarting Play
Out of Bounds
Possession and Disposal of the Ball
Shepherding
Free Kicks
Kick-in After Behind
Play On
Relayed Free Kicks
**FAQ’s

1. What is Australian Rules Football?

Australian Rules Football, often called “Aussie Rules” or “footy,” is a dynamic and physically demanding contact sport with uniquely Australian origins. While it shares some roots with early forms of Rugby and Gaelic football, it evolved independently. The rules were formalized in 1858, predating other modern football codes like American, Canadian, Rugby Union and League, Association (Soccer), and Gaelic football. Today, the AFL is a multi-million dollar industry with a national competition and numerous smaller leagues. While the game’s popularity is growing both in Australia and internationally, support varies within Australia, and it’s still working to gain a strong foothold overseas.

2. Where in the World is Aussie Rules Played?

Aussie Rules is primarily played in Australia, particularly in the southern and western states. It is the main football code in Victoria, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory, with a solid following in the Australian Capital Territory. While it’s played in Queensland and New South Wales, it ranks second to Rugby League in popularity there.

The Australian Football League (AFL) actively supports the growth of the sport globally, providing financial and practical assistance to leagues in various countries. These include Great Britain (http://www.aflgreatbritain.com/), Canada (http://www.aflcanada.com), Denmark (http://www.dafl.dk), Japan (http://www.jafl.org), New Zealand (http://www.nzafl.co.nz), and even here in the USA. This support helps develop local talent and increase the sport’s visibility worldwide.

3. When is the Australian Football League (AFL) Season?

The AFL Premiership season typically begins in the last weekend of March and runs through the end of August. The Finals series follows, culminating in the Grand Final on the last Saturday (Friday for those in the U.S.) of September. A pre-season tournament, known as the NAB Cup, takes place from late February until the week before the regular season, with most games played at night. Exhibition matches are occasionally held overseas during the off-season to promote the sport.

AFL games are traditionally played on Saturday afternoons, but matches are also scheduled on Friday nights, Saturday evenings, and Sunday afternoons and evenings. Occasionally, games may be scheduled on Monday nights and public holidays to maximize viewership.

To watch AFL live from within the U.S., check out www.espn3.com.

4. Rules Overview

The core objective is simple: the team that scores the most points wins the game. If the scores are equal at the end of regulation time, the match is declared a draw. A game is divided into four quarters, each lasting 20 minutes of playing time. Umpires keep track of the time on the field. When play is significantly delayed, such as when the ball goes out of bounds, time is added to the quarter’s playing time, similar to soccer. This added time is referred to as ‘time on’. Teams switch ends after each quarter.

A short break of a few minutes is allowed between the first and second quarters and between the third and fourth quarters for teams to change ends. Half-time lasts a maximum of 20 minutes, with players allowed to leave the field for no more than 15 minutes.

5. The Field

Aussie Rules is played on cricket ovals, resulting in variable field dimensions. A typical field, often called a “ground” or “paddock,” is oval-shaped and measures between 135 and 185 meters in length and 110 and 155 meters in width. The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is considered an ideal surface, with dimensions of 165m in length and 135m in width.

The boundary of the field is marked by a white line a few meters away from the stands. At each end of the oval are two sets of posts. The inner set, known as the goal posts, are 6.4 meters (approximately 7 yards) apart on the boundary line and must be at least 6 meters tall. Two behind posts are positioned 6.4 meters on either side of the goal posts on the boundary line and must be at least 3 meters tall. All posts must be padded to a height of 2 meters for player safety.

A goal square, rectangular in shape, extends 9 meters into the field from the goal posts and is 6.4 meters wide. A radius line is drawn 50 meters from each goal, serving as a range finder for potential goal kicks. The center circle, 3 meters in diameter, is located at the exact center of the oval and is bisected by a lateral line extending 2 meters on either side. A center square, measuring 45 meters on each side, is centered on the circle. These markings are crucial for controlling the center bounce, which starts play.

6. The Ball

The ball used in Aussie Rules is an oval-shaped leather bladder, tanned for visibility during the day or colored yellow for night games. It is inflated to a pressure of 69 kPa (10 lbs). Slightly larger and rounder than an American or Canadian football, the Aussie Rules ball is designed primarily for kicking rather than throwing.

Length: 270 – 280 mm
Diameter: 167 – 173 mm
Circumference: 720 – 735 mm by 545 – 555 mm
Approximate weight: 450 – 500 grams (Dry weight inflated ball.)

7. Players and Positions

Each team consists of 18 players on the field at any given time, with three interchange players (substitutes) allowed on the bench. Substitutions are unlimited and can be made at any point during the match through a designated “gate” in front of each team’s bench. Players are typically positioned in five lines of three across the oval, with the remaining three players assigned as “followers” around the ball.

Players in each line are generally designated as being in the left, center, or right position relative to the direction of attack:

Full Forwards: Left Forward Pocket, Full Forward, Right Forward Pocket
Half Forwards: Left Half Forward, Center Half Forward, Right Half Forward
Center Line: Left Wing, Center, Right Wing
Half Backs: Left Half Back, Center Half Back, Right Half Back
Full Backs: Left Back Pocket, Full Back, Right Back Pocket

The three “followers” are known as the Ruckman, Rover, and Ruck-Rover. While players have designated positions, they are free to move anywhere on the field during play. There is no designated “goalie” in Aussie Rules.

Purposes of Player Positions

All players are expected to contest the ball within their vicinity, unless directed otherwise by coaching instructions. General responsibilities for each line include:

Full Forward: Attack the goal, trap the ball in the forward area.
Half Forward: Attack the goal, set up scoring opportunities, trap the ball further forward.
Center Line: Attack the goal, set up scoring shots, recover the ball from the backline, trap the ball further forward.
Half Back: Hold the ball in the defensive area, clear the ball forward, recover ball from the backline.
Full back: Hold the ball in the defensive area, clear the ball forward.

Players are not required to wear padding, though mouthguards, soft protective headgear, and shin guards are permitted. Other protective or medical devices require prior approval. Players are generally prohibited from playing with casts or heavy knee braces, unlike in the NFL. Jewelry is also prohibited due to safety concerns.

8. Scoring

A goal, worth six points, is scored when the ball is kicked between the two larger goal posts without being touched by another player. After a goal is scored, the ball is returned to the center circle for a “ball-up.”

A behind, worth one point, is scored if the ball passes between the behind posts by any other means or if the ball hits the goal post. If the ball is forced or carried but not kicked over the scoring line between the goal posts, a behind is also awarded. The ball is then kicked back into play from within the goal square, typically by the opposing fullback.

If the ball hits a behind post without bouncing, it is considered “out on the full,” and the opposing team is awarded a free kick from next to the behind post. If the ball bounces and then hits the behind post, the boundary umpire throws the ball back into play from next to the behind post. In either case, no points are scored.

The score is often displayed as follows:


North Melbourne	13.15.93
St. Kilda	9.12.66

The first number (A) represents the number of goals scored. The second number (B) is the number of behinds scored. The third number (C) is the calculated score, determined by the formula: A x 6 (goal points) + B = C.

9. Starting and Restarting Play

Teams determine the initial choice of goal by a coin toss. The field umpire starts the game by blowing the whistle and bouncing the ball in the center circle, allowing it to rebound vertically for players in the center square to contest. If the ground conditions prevent a clean bounce, the umpire tosses the ball into the air as a “jump ball.” At a center bounce, players cannot enter the center circle or cross the center line into the opponent’s half until the ball has been bounced. Only four players from each team are allowed in the center square during the bounce.

After a goal is scored, play restarts in the center of the ground as described above. Other common situations for restarting play include:

After a behind has been scored: A player from the defending team kicks the ball from within the kick-off ‘square’ in front of the goal after the goal umpire waves the flags. The player must kick the ball to restart play, but there is no rule preventing them from kicking it to themselves.
After the ball has gone out of bounds: If the ball bounced before going out, the boundary umpire throws it back over their head towards the center of the ground. If the ball went out of bounds “on the full” (without bouncing) due to a kick that was not touched, the opposing team receives a free kick from where the ball crossed the boundary line.
When a pack of players prevents clear possession: If neither team can gain clear possession, or if a player is tackled or held and fails to dispose of the ball (“holding the ball”), the umpire bounces the ball at the spot where play stopped.

Each quarter lasts for 20 minutes of playing time, with the clock stopping when the ball is out of play in the following situations:

A goal is scored. Time stops when the goal umpire finishes waving the flags until the ball is bounced.
A behind is scored. Time stops when the goal umpire finishes waving the flag until the ball is kicked in.
The ball goes out of bounds. Time stops when the ball crosses the boundary line until the boundary umpire throws it back into play.
The field umpire signals the time-keeper to stop the clock by raising their arm and blowing the whistle.

10. Out of Bounds

A ball that completely crosses the boundary line is considered out of bounds. If any part of the ball is on or over the boundary line, it remains in play, similar to soccer. A player can be over the boundary line while in possession of the ball without it being out of bounds as long as part of the ball is still in play.

11. Possession and Disposal of the Ball

A player can hold the ball indefinitely if not held by an opponent.
A player lying on or over the ball is considered to be in possession.
A player running with the ball must bounce it or touch it to the ground once every 15 meters. This rule is often loosely enforced, especially if the runner is challenged.
A player in possession of the ball and held by an opponent must immediately dispose of it by kicking or handballing. Tackling is allowed, but only between the shoulders and knees.

To handball correctly, a player must hold the ball in one hand and strike it with the clenched fist of the other hand. The hand holding the ball must remain stationary relative to the player’s body. Overhand passing is not permitted.

A mark is awarded when a player catches a kicked ball that has traveled at least 10 meters in the air without being touched by another player. The player taking the mark can either play on immediately or go back and kick from the spot where the mark was taken.

12. Shepherding

Shepherding involves a player impeding an opponent’s movement toward the ball within 5 meters of the ball. This allows the player to push the opponent in the chest or side or position their body between the opponent and the ball when they are not in possession. It is similar to screening in basketball or blocking in American Football.

13. Free Kicks

Free kicks are awarded against players, whether they have possession of the ball or not, and are generally taken at the location of the infringement. (Exceptions: see “Play On” and “Relayed Free Kicks” below.) A free kick is given against the player in possession for the following:

Failing to dispose of the ball within a reasonable time when held by an opponent.
Improperly disposing of the ball (not using a handball or kick).
Kicking the ball over the boundary line without it bouncing or being touched by another player.
Deliberately forcing or taking the ball over the boundary line.
Running more than 15 meters without bouncing the ball or touching it on the ground.

A free kick is awarded against any player who:

Grabs an opponent with the ball above the shoulder or below the knees.
Pushes an opponent in the back.
Trips or attempts to trip an opponent.
Charges an opponent.
Interferes with an opponent attempting to mark in the air by punching or bumping.
Shepherds an opponent when the ball is more than 5 meters away.
Enters the center square before the ball is bounced at the restart of play.

A 50-meter penalty is given against a player standing on the mark who:

Refuses to stand on the mark at the point indicated by the umpire.
Deliberately wastes time in returning the ball to the player taking the kick.
Holds the player who is to take the kick, preventing play from continuing.
Runs over the mark before or as the ball is kicked. Any player on the opposing team can call this penalty.

14. Kick-in After Behind

If a ball kicked back into play from the goalsquare after a behind goes out of bounds without being touched by a player of either team (despite bouncing), it is treated as having gone out of bounds on the full. The attacking team is awarded a free kick.

15. Play On

An umpire may choose not to stop play by awarding a free kick to a player who has been infringed if that player or a teammate is in an advantageous position. The umpire will call ‘play-on’, allowing play to continue. This is known as ‘paying the advantage’.

16. Relayed Free Kicks

A player who is infringed upon immediately after disposing of the ball may have a teammate take the free kick from where the ball landed. This is at the umpire’s discretion.

17. FAQ’s

What is the main objective of Australian Rules Football?
The main objective is to score more points than the opposing team by kicking the ball through the goal posts.
How many players are on a team in Australian Rules Football?
Each team has 18 players on the field at any given time, with additional interchange players.
What is a “mark” in Aussie Rules?
A “mark” is awarded when a player catches a kicked ball that has traveled at least 15 meters in the air without being touched by another player.
How does scoring work in Australian Rules Football?
A goal (between the two larger posts) is worth 6 points, and a behind (between a large and small post) is worth 1 point.
What is “out of bounds” in Aussie Rules?
The ball is “out of bounds” when it completely crosses the boundary line.
What is the role of the Ruckman?
The Ruckman is responsible for contesting the ball at stoppages, such as ball-ups and throw-ins.
Is tackling allowed in Australian Rules Football?
Yes, tackling is allowed, but only between the shoulders and knees.
What is a handball?
A handball is a way of disposing of the ball by hitting it with a clenched fist.
How long is each quarter in Australian Rules Football?
Each quarter is 20 minutes of playing time, with time added on for stoppages.
Where can I watch Australian Rules Football in the USA?
You can often watch AFL games live on ESPN3.com.

We hope this guide has provided a comprehensive overview of Australian Rules Football. At CAUHOI2025.UK.COM, we strive to provide accurate, reliable, and easy-to-understand information on a wide range of topics. If you have more questions or need further clarification, visit our website or contact us at Equitable Life Building, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10004, USA or call us at +1 (800) 555-0199. Don’t hesitate to explore CauHoi2025.UK.COM for more insights and answers to your burning questions.