She Knows The Rules: She Knows AFL

She Knows AFL
================================================================================
SKTR Admin on 08/09/2009 12:52:00
 
Today, AFL is fast-paced, interactive and, more importantly, easy to learn. And
what makes it the most watched form of football by Australian women? It might
have something to do with the tight shorts and sleeveless vests.
The goal and rules of AFL are surprisingly simple. There are two teams; one
will win by gaining the most points within the allotted time – 80 minutes. 
The game is broken up into four periods of 20 minutes each with intermissions
from six to 20 minutes long.
Put simply:
*There are two teams of 18 players, which occupy opposite ends of the oval
field. 	*The players on each team try to score the most points. 	*That’s
pretty much all there is to it.
The way a game is scored can be a little confusing at first. Basically, players
earn points is by kicking the ball through the opposing teams’ posts. Tthere
are four posts at either end of the field, consisting of two tall posts in the
middle with a short post on either side. A ball through the centre posts earns
six points, while a ball through the posts on either side earns one point.
Watching AFL, you can feel as if there are people running everywhere and you
don't know where to look. Folllowing the ball is a good tip! There are actually
18 players on the field at any given time. There are a further four players that
are held off-field (called 'on the bench'). The benched players can be called on
at any time to replace an active player and this can happen an unlimited number
of times.
Players are split into three groups:
1. Forwards: There are the players who do most of the kicking and, as a result,
get most of
the goals. There are 6 forwards.
2. Midfielders: Midfielders are responsible for getting to the forwards and
they do most of the
running. Midfielders also have to try to stop the ball from getting to their
own
Backs. There are 6 midfielders.
3. Backs: The role of these players is to try and stop the attempted goals.
There are 6 backs.