Australian Rules Football is a form of football where players advance the ball down an oval-shaped field by kicking and/or hand passing to teammates, with the intention of kicking the ball through uprights at either end of the field.

Australian rules football is a game containing elements of rugby and soccer. Played primarily in Australia, the game features players kicking, running or handballling an odd-shaped ball around an oval-shaped field. Goals are worth six points, and are scored by kicking the ball through uprights located on either end of the field. The team with the most points at the end of four quarters of play is the winner.

Outscore the opposing team by kicking the ball between the goal posts.

Two teams of 18 compete on an oval shaped field. Games consist of four quarters, which vary in length from 15 to 25 minutes. Play begins with a center bounce, which is contested by two opposing ruckmen. Players can advance the ball by drop punting, handballing or running. Throwing or tossing the ball is illegal. When running with the ball, it must be bounced or touched to the ground at least once every 15 meters. Players may bump or tackle between the shoulders and knees in order to take possession of the ball. When tackled, players must give up the ball. There is no offside rule, which allows players to move anywhere on the field. If a player takes possession of the ball after it's been kicked more than 15 meters, the ball is claimed as a mark. Goals are scored when the ball is kicked through the goal posts at any height. Each goal is worth six points. The team with the most points at the end of the game is the winner.

The first Australian rules football game was played in Melbourne, in 1858. Governing bodies the South Australian Football Association and the Victorian Football Association, were established in 1877. Knowledge of the game slowly spread, and by the early 20th century the game was being played in all Australian states and territories. By the second half of the 20th century, a national league, the Australian Football League (AFL), had formed. This entity began the first regular interstate competition of clubs.

Football
Goal Posts (4)

Australian rules football is a dangerous sport. Injury is common due to the amount of contact involved.

Australian rules football requires players to be strong, fast and have good endurance. Extensive weight training and aerobic exercise can help provide the necessary results.

Center Bounce - play-starting action, where an umpire bounces the ball on the ground; similar to a jump ball in basketball

Drop Punt - ball is dropped from the hands and kicked so it rotates in a reverse end over end motion

Free Kick - open kick taken after a mark is claimed

Handballing - ball is held stationary with one hand and punched with the other hand, propelling it to another player

Mark - occurs when a player cleanly catches a kicked ball that has traveled more than 15 meters; the player is rewarded with a free kick

Ruckman - tallest player on a team; contests center bounces

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_rules_football