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Explore Aussie Rules
It’s NOT what you think…it’s a sport for EVERYONE!
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This Sport Rules
What is Aussie Rules?
Check out the speed, agility and skill, it’s unlike any other sport.
AUSSIE RULES
Ways To Participate
Aussie Rules Club
The highest level of Aussie Rules competition in the United States, represented by over 50 member clubs.
Aussie Rules Rec
A non-contact version of Aussie Rules. All skill levels are welcome. No experience necessary.
Aussie Rules Next
Encouraging the NEXT Generation to learn the fundamentals of the game in a contact free environment.
AUSSIE RULES
How To Play
18 players per team
A lineup is made up of Forwards, Midfielders and Defenders
pass the ball
Can only kick or handball, throwing the ball is not allowed
Score Goals
Goals are 6 points and must be kicked through the BIG sticks
No Offsides
Run where you want
Game Length
4 Quarters
Helmet or Shoulder Pads?
No pads allowed
ALL Are Welcome
Try the Sport, Make Some New Mates
Aussie Rules is not just a sport; it’s a vibrant community that attracts athletes from all backgrounds. They come initially for the thrill of the game, but it’s the camaraderie that makes them stay. This friendly, inclusive environment creates deep connections, turning competitors into lifelong friends. Don’t just play a sport, join a community!
Join USAFL Today
Join USAFL Today
Aussie Football
Glossary
When a player cleanly catches (is deemed to have controlled the ball for sufficient time) a kicked ball that has travelled more than 15 metres without anyone else touching it or the ball hitting the ground.
Suppressing an opposition disposal by either changing the trajectory of the ball immediately after the disposal or by blocking the disposal altogether.
A blatant, unforced error. This can be conceding a free kick, or kicking or handpassing the ball directly to an opponent or dropping an uncontested mark.
Player judged the best player taking part in any game, similar to MVP. Often referred to as ‘best on’ or BOG.
A free kick awarded to a defensive player who tackles an opponent and prevents him from legally disposing of the football.
A punt kick that rotates the ball around its long axis, which is aligned with the direction the ball is traveling. Regarded as the type of kick with the longest distance, but the lowest chance of being accurate.
Also known as a specky, screamer or hanger. Generally refers to the act of leaping onto another player’s back or shoulders to take a high mark, usually in a contested situation.
Using physical contact to prevent an opponent in possession of the ball from getting an effective disposal.
the act of a field umpire putting the ball back into play, either by throwing it vertically upwards into the air, or by bouncing the ball in such a way that it mimics the throwing action. See bounce-down. A ball-up is required at the start of each quarter, after a goal is scored, or to restart the game from neutral situations in the field of play.
A stiff arm.
A tall player who contests the ball-up or throw-in.
To be hit by the ball in the face or head.
Knocking the ball away from a marking contest preventing an opponent from taking a mark.
Passing The Ball Legally, Via A Handball Or Kick.
A score worth one point, earned by putting the ball between a goal post and a behind post, or by the ball hitting a goal post, or by the ball being touched prior to passing between the goalposts.
A kick that is executed by contacting the ball on its end, so that it rotates around its midpoint end over end. Usually considered the most accurate of kicks, and is by far the most commonly used kicking style in Aussie Rules.
A block placed on an opposing player. This can be to stop them tackling the blocking player’s teammate in possession of the ball, or attempting to gather it; to stop them intercepting a ball heading for goal; or just to stop them possessing the ball themselves.
An imaginary area of the ground that indicates the greatest amount of space occupied by the fewest players.
AUSSIE
TESTIMONIALS
From my experience both Aussies and Americans in the club are really welcoming and they took good care of me. They will definitely look out for you and it’s a good time.
Dan Lehane, New York
Aussie Rules Club
A wide range of ages and fitness levels. It’s really a sport for anybody.
Jess Whisney, Minnesota
Aussie Rules Club
The game doesn’t discriminate against anyone. Anyone can play. The thing Americans will find particularly exciting is it’s so fast paced, the game is continuous. It doesn’t stop.
Nick Riewoldt
AFL future Hall of Fame
I love the nature around the game. When you are done playing you can go chat with players from other teams, but when you are playing no one has a problem with you going hard. Which is an awesome culture in a sport.
Matt Zapel, Seattle
Aussie Rules Club
The USAFL is a family. You can go to Nationals and see people you haven’t seen since last year and you just pick right up, catch up with them.
Cathy Hoha, Minnesota
Aussie Rules Club
What is the USAFL?
The USAFL is the National Governing Body of Aussie Rules in the U.S. The league is focused on the promotion and growth of the sport.
know the rules
Laws of the Game FAQ
There are 18 players per team.
No, pads and helmets are not allowed. Players wear mouthguards.
A game is played in 4 x 20 minute quarters.
Players can score either goals or behinds. At each end of the ground there are 4 posts. The two center posts are goal posts and the two outer posts are behind posts. Goals are scored by kicking the ball through the two goal posts and are worth 6 points. If the ball is kicked between a goal post and a behind post it is 1 point. If the ball hits a goal post, or is touched prior to passing between the goalposts it is also a behind and worth 1 point.
The ball can only be kicked or handballed. Throwing the ball is not allowed and is a turnover.
No, there is not an offsides rule in Aussie Rules.
No, there is not a pass interference in Aussie Rules. Contact between the shoulders and knees is allowed.
AUSSIE Rules
Join Your Local Aussie
Rules Club
Aussie Rules footballers come from all walks of life, in all shapes and sizes. It’s
what makes our sport so unique, and appealing to so many. Even you. Join your
local USAFL Club, and play the only sport where Everyone Rules.
