THE RULES OF AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL(AFL Community, 2015)
A feature of Australian Football is that many rules are open to the umpire's interpretation. This often generates a 'vocal response' from spectators. However, good umpires are recognised by their ability to remain consistent in interpreting and applying the rules.
The penalty for an infringement of the rules is usually a free kick, or sometimes a 50-metre penalty, to the opposition team. The player receiving a free kick gains an advantage by being able to take the kick without interference from an opposition player. The same advantage is gained when a player marks (catches) the ball – directly from a kick – after it has travelled through the air for at least 15 metres without being touched.
SUMMARY OF THE RULES
Team
Twenty-two players per team. Eighteen players on the field plus four extras (reserves) who can be interchanged at any time.
Score
A goal is six points. The ball must be kicked over the line, by a member of the attacking team, between the goal posts untouched by player or a goal post.
A behind is one point, scored when the ball is kicked over the behind line by any player or over the goal line by a defender, or when it is handballed or rushed over the goal line, or when it touches a goal post.
Kick
Ball struck with the leg below the knee.
Mark
Ball caught on the full, directly from a kick and having travelled untouched at least 15 metres. The player can then take a kick or play on.
Handball
Holding the ball in one hand and hitting it with the clenched fist of the other hand.
Out of bounds
The whole ball must be over the boundary line. This results in a throw-in.
Out of bounds on the full
When a ball is kicked out of bounds without bouncing or being touched by a player, it results in a free kick to the nearest opposition player.
Free kicks
A free kick is given for:
Free kick downfield
When a player is tackled after disposing of the ball, a free kick is awarded to a player downfield (closer to goal) where the ball lands.
Fifty-metre penalties
These are given when:
Time
A game is of four 20-minute quarters with time added on ('time on') for time lost while the ball is out of bounds, being returned to the centre after a goal, a field bounce occurs, or for injuries. A quarter is not over until the umpire has heard the siren.
Umpires
The umpires make sure the game is played according to the rules. There are 3 types of umpires.
Bouncing the ball
The Field Umpire will bounce the ball in the middle of the ground at the beginning of each quarter and after a goal has been scored. They will also bounce the ball when the ball has been trapped by players. This will take place where the ball was trapped.
A feature of Australian Football is that many rules are open to the umpire's interpretation. This often generates a 'vocal response' from spectators. However, good umpires are recognised by their ability to remain consistent in interpreting and applying the rules.
The penalty for an infringement of the rules is usually a free kick, or sometimes a 50-metre penalty, to the opposition team. The player receiving a free kick gains an advantage by being able to take the kick without interference from an opposition player. The same advantage is gained when a player marks (catches) the ball – directly from a kick – after it has travelled through the air for at least 15 metres without being touched.
SUMMARY OF THE RULES
Team
Twenty-two players per team. Eighteen players on the field plus four extras (reserves) who can be interchanged at any time.
Score
A goal is six points. The ball must be kicked over the line, by a member of the attacking team, between the goal posts untouched by player or a goal post.
A behind is one point, scored when the ball is kicked over the behind line by any player or over the goal line by a defender, or when it is handballed or rushed over the goal line, or when it touches a goal post.
Kick
Ball struck with the leg below the knee.
Mark
Ball caught on the full, directly from a kick and having travelled untouched at least 15 metres. The player can then take a kick or play on.
Handball
Holding the ball in one hand and hitting it with the clenched fist of the other hand.
Out of bounds
The whole ball must be over the boundary line. This results in a throw-in.
Out of bounds on the full
When a ball is kicked out of bounds without bouncing or being touched by a player, it results in a free kick to the nearest opposition player.
Free kicks
A free kick is given for:
- a push in the back
- a trip
- a high tackle
- holding the man not in possession of the ball
- holding the ball (not disposing of it properly when tackled)
- throwing the ball
- running too far with the ball (more than 15 metres without bouncing, touching it to the ground, or correctly disposing of it)
- charging an opponent
- abusing an umpire.
Free kick downfield
When a player is tackled after disposing of the ball, a free kick is awarded to a player downfield (closer to goal) where the ball lands.
Fifty-metre penalties
These are given when:
- the player on the mark steps over the spot where a free kick or mark is to be taken
- the ball is not given straight back or the ball is knocked from the player's hands after a mark or free kick is awarded
- a player delays play by holding onto an opponent after a mark or free kick
- a player abuses an umpire after a mark or a free kick has been awarded.
Time
A game is of four 20-minute quarters with time added on ('time on') for time lost while the ball is out of bounds, being returned to the centre after a goal, a field bounce occurs, or for injuries. A quarter is not over until the umpire has heard the siren.
Umpires
The umpires make sure the game is played according to the rules. There are 3 types of umpires.
- Field Umpires: Three Field Umpires control the game by paying free kicks, marks, fifty metre penalties and instructing the players what to do in most situations.
- Boundary Umpires: There are two Boundary Umpires who decide when the ball is out of bounds or out of bounds on the full. When the ball is out of bounds they throw the ball back into play by throwing it over their head.
- Goal Umpires: There is a Goal Umpire at each end of the ground. They decide if a goal or behind has been scored.
Bouncing the ball
The Field Umpire will bounce the ball in the middle of the ground at the beginning of each quarter and after a goal has been scored. They will also bounce the ball when the ball has been trapped by players. This will take place where the ball was trapped.