Aussie Rules

Australian Rules Football - The 9-a-side game

9-a-side

Australian football is very resource intensive, requiring two teams of 18 players each and a cricket sized oval with goal posts, line markings, six umpires and a number of volunteers.

Much organisation is needed to make around 40 players available for a game. And facilities, particularly the large grounds needed, are very difficult to secure. Indeed, the lack of facilities for players and spectators alike has prevented our great game from reaching its full potential in the UK.

 

 

  9-a-side Aussie Rules   Traditional Australian Rules Football  

 

  2 teams = 18 players 2 teams = 36 players

  1 umpire 6 umpires

  Rugby field Large cricket sized oval

  No marking of field Marking of field required

  Portable behind posts Need 8 large posts

  Often played on a field Huge facilities e.g. Grandstand, heated

  with minimal facilities changing rooms etc.

Summary of 9-a-side Rules

 The field shall be approximately 100m x 70m i.e. a rugby field. Portable behind posts are placed either side of the rugby posts. Playing time is 4 x 20 minute quarters. The field is divided into three zones and there are 3 forwards, 3 centres and 3 backs. Players can go anywhere, but must start within their respective zones at the start of the game and after each goal. Anybody can score, provided they are in their forward scoring zone. When the ball goes out of bounds by either foot or hand, the nearest opponent shall kick the ball in (i.e. no need for boundary umpires). A player may not kick for goal from an out of bounds kick in. Any player catching a ball directly from the kick of another player, providing the ball has travelled at least 10 metres, shall be awarded a mark. Full tackling (above the knees and below the shoulders) applies. A player in possession may bounce the ball only once. Six points will be awarded for a goal and one for a behind.