Rec footy
This article needs additional citations for verification. (December 2021) |
Recreational Football (also known as Rec Footy or Recreational Footy) was a non-contact version of the Australian rules football game first played in 2003 and later sanctioned by the Australian Football League's game development arm, it was inspired heavily by the growing popularity of tag rugby (in Australia known as Oztag). It was a more accessible version of Australian rules football that people could pick up and play. It was a mixed competition, with eight players on each team, accessible to players of both sexes, all shapes and sizes and requires minimal equipment to play.[1] Rec Footy was criticised mainly by Australian rules players for appearing similar to netball and being too restrictive, lacking of ability for skilled footballers to run kick and play naturally whilst also penalising newer unskilled players with frequent turnovers.
The AFL ceased promoting Rec Footy in 2011 officially replacing it with
Comparisons with Australian rules football
Field size, number of players and duration of play
Rec Footy teams were much smaller than Australian Rules Football, with two teams of 8. Unlike Australian Rules Football, unlimited number of interchange players were allowed. The field is also much smaller than an Australian Rules Football oval, consisting of a rectangular surface with a maximum length of 100 metres by 50 metres wide. Games were much shorter and do not consist of quarters, with only two 20 minute halves.[2]
Rule differences to encourage female participation
The game encourages female participation, with a minimum of 3 female players per mixed side. In addition, teams were encouraged to play females in the forward line, with a goal kicked by a female worth 3 more points (9) than a goal kicked by a male player (6). The game is played with a modified Australian rules ball, which is the same size but prevents it from being kicked long distances to suit the reduced ground size and reduce the kicking advantage of males over females.[2]
Rule differences to prevent physical contact
Unlike Australian rules football, there is no contesting for possession with the exception of removing a player's tag, which substitutes for a
Other rule differences
There is no minimum kick distance for a
Position Name | Abbreviation | Number of players | Areas permitted |
---|---|---|---|
Forward | F | 3 (at least one female for mixed) | Attacking goal third and centre third (can only score from within attacking goal third) |
Centre | C | 2 (at least one female for mixed) | Anywhere on ground. Cannot score goal. |
Back | B | 3 (at least one female for mixed) | Defending goal third and centre third. Cannot score goal |
History
The Carter Report titled “Investing in the Future of Australian Football (October 2001)”, identified segment gaps in Aussie Rules and its demographic reach. The research found that unlike codes such as
The game was originally trialled in Western Australia by the WAFL in 2003. [citation needed] By 2004, the game has grown to 592 players (Western Australia: 34 teams & 344 players; Victoria: 16 teams & 248 players).[4]
In 2005, the game grew quickly, especially in Queensland, and included some summer competitions. In 2006 several new teams began. The sport was played in all Australian states, with a heavy involvement at universities. A small number of
The AFL ceased promoting Rec Footy in 2011,
References
- ^ Hoy, Daniel (25 December 2006). "Kickstart Footy". Herald Sun. p. 61.
- ^ a b c d e "Australian Football League Recreational Football Rules Book" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 June 2005.
- ^ "INVESTING IN THE FUTURE OF AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL: Growing Participation and Attracting New Fans to the Game: Summary Presentation". February 2002. Archived from the original on 26 March 2003. Retrieved 1 December 2021.
- ^ "AFL Annual Report 2004" (PDF). pp. 54–55.
- ^ "AFL Annual Report 2007" (PDF). p. 68.
- ^ Northey, Brett. "AFL9s set to launch". World Footy News. Retrieved 1 December 2021.