North Star Blue Ox - What is Footy?

What is Australian Rules Football?

Australian Rules Football — or "footy" — is a fast-paced, full-contact sport played on a large oval field between two teams of 18 players. The goal is to score points by kicking the ball through the opposing team's goalposts. Players can run with the ball, kick it to teammates, or "handball" by punching it with a closed fist — but they must bounce or touch the ball to the ground every 15 metres while running.

What makes footy unique is its combination of athleticism, strategy, and skill, with the game flowing continuously with very few stoppages. Originating in Melbourne, Australia in the 1850s, the sport went professional for women in 2017 — a landmark moment for the game. Here in Minnesota, women's footy was already thriving, and the North Star Blue Ox joined that growing community that same year.

SOME HELPFUL RESOURCES:

Intro to Aussie Rules

Explanation of Positions

Field Graphic with Positions

Basic Rules (Beginner-Friendly)

1. Running with the Ball

You must bounce or touch the ball to the ground every 15 meters (16.4 yards).
There’s no limit to how far you can run as long as you bounce it every 15m.

2. The Mark

A player is awarded a mark if they catch a kicked ball that has traveled at least 15 meters (16.4 yards) without anyone else touching it.
Once marked, the player is protected from being tackled and can take an unimpeded kick.

3. Tackling

You can only tackle between the shoulders and knees.
You can’t push in the back or sling a player dangerously.
Once tackled legally, the player must dispose of the ball immediately by handball or kick.

4. Scoring

Goal (6 points): Ball kicked between the two tall central posts without being touched.
Behind (1 point): Ball passes between a tall post and outer post, or is touched before crossing between tall posts.

📘 Quick Player Tips

Handballing: Punch the ball from one hand with your other fist (don’t throw it).
Kicking: Drop punt is the most common and accurate kick.
Communication: Call “man on!” to warn teammates, or “yours!” to pass responsibility.
Defensive Focus: Keep between your opponent and the goals they’re attacking.
Offensive Focus: Lead into space and call for the ball