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Australian rules football, also known as Aussie rules, is a contact sport played on an oval-shaped field. The field, also known as the ground or paddock, is typically a modified cricket field. As a result, there are no fixed dimensions for the field, and it can vary in shape from long and narrow to almost circular. For senior football, the field is typically between 135 and 185 metres long and 110 and 155 metres wide.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Field shape | Oval |
| Field surface | Grass/Lawn |
| Field dimensions | Length: 135–185 m (148–202 yd); Width: 110–155 m (120–170 yd) |
| Minimum space between boundary line and fence | 5 m (5.5 yd) |
| Goal lines | 2 straight lines, 19.2 m (21 yd) long, with goal posts and behind posts at each end of the field |
| Boundary lines | 2 curved lines connecting the two goal lines |
| Goal squares | 2 squares, 6.4 m x 9 m (7 yd x 10 yd), in front of each goal face |
| Centre circles | 2 concentric circles with diameters of 3 m (3.3 yd) and 10 m (11 yd) |
| Fifty-metre arcs | 2 circular arcs, 50 m (55 yd) from the centre of the goal line, one red-and-white and one blue-and-white |
| Team size | 18 players |
| Ball shape | Oval |
| Ball weight | 450–480 g (16–17 oz) |
| Ball short circumference | 54.5–55.5 cm (21.5–22 in) |
| Ball long circumference | 72–73 cm (28–29 in) |
| Ball pressure | 69 kPa (10.0 psi) |
| Game duration | 4 quarters of 20 minutes each |
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What You'll Learn
Oval shape
Australian rules football is played on an oval-shaped field, which is typically a modified cricket ground. The field is usually referred to as an "oval", and there are no fixed dimensions for the playing area, even at the highest level of the game. The size of the field can vary from long and narrow to almost circular and does not have to be symmetrical.
For senior football, the oval is typically between 135 and 185 metres long (goal-to-goal) and 110 to 155 metres wide (wing-to-wing). There should be at least 5 metres of space between the boundary line and any fence for safety reasons. Smaller fields are used for junior football, although there are no fixed dimensions for these either.
The centre of the oval has two concentric circles, one with a diameter of 3 metres and the other with a diameter of 10 metres. These circles are bisected by a line running wing-to-wing, and dictate where players can stand during a centre bounce. There are also two 50-metre arcs at each end of the field, which dictate the starting positions for forwards and defenders.
The oval shape of the field in Australian rules football is a result of the sport's historical connection with cricket. Cricket grounds were first used for football in 1859, and by the 1870s, football had adapted to an oval-shaped field to fit the cricket grounds.
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No fixed dimensions
Australian rules football, or Aussie Rules, is a physical contact sport with roots traceable to early forms of rugby and Gaelic football. It is played on an oval field, usually a modified cricket ground, and there are no fixed dimensions for the playing field, even at the highest level of the game.
The field is typically a large oval-shaped grass surface, and the grounds can vary from long and narrow to almost circular. For senior football, the playing field is an oval between 135–185 metres long goal-to-goal and 110–155 metres wide wing-to-wing. There should be at least 5 metres (5.5 yd) of space between the boundary line and any fence for safety.
The field has two goal-lines, one at each end, which are straight and 19.2 m (21 yd) long, and contain the goal posts and behind posts. Two boundary lines curve around the edge of the field and connect the two goal-lines. Two goal squares, one at each end of the field, measure 6.4 m × 9 m (7 yd × 10 yd) in front of each goal-face. The centre circles are two concentric circles of 3 m (3.3 yd) and 10 m (11 yd) diameter, with a line bisecting them running wing-to-wing.
The oval shape of the field is a result of the sport's history. Australian rules football gradually adapted to an oval-shaped field, and most grounds in Victoria expanded to accommodate the dual purpose of cricket and football.
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Length and width
The length and width of an Australian rules football field are not fixed, even at the highest level of the game. The playing field is typically an oval-shaped grass surface, usually a modified cricket field, and often referred to as an "oval". The length of the field can vary from 135 to 185 metres (148 to 202 yards), while the width can range from 110 to 155 metres (120 to 170 yards). These dimensions are for senior football, with smaller fields used for junior football.
The lack of standardised field dimensions allows for a variety of field shapes, from long and narrow to almost circular, and they are not necessarily symmetrical. The Western Australian Football Commission recommends that the length of the field should be equivalent to 3.5 times the length of an average kick for the age group playing.
The field is marked with two goal-lines at each end, which are straight and 19.2 metres (21 yards) long, and contain the goal and behind posts. Two curved boundary lines connect the goal-lines, marking out the playing area. The field also features two goal squares, each measuring 6.4 by 9 metres (7 by 10 yards), positioned in front of each goal-face.
The centre of the field is marked with two concentric circles, 3 metres (3.3 yards) and 10 metres (11 yards) in diameter, bisected by a line extending wing-to-wing. Two fifty-metre arcs are drawn at each end of the field, 50 metres (55 yards) from the centre of the goal-line, one red-and-white and the other blue-and-white. These markings dictate the starting positions for players during a centre bounce.
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Markings
The dimensions of an Australian Rules football field are specified, with the playing area consisting of a rectangular shape that measures 135–185 metres in length and 110–155 metres in width. The specific size within these ranges is determined by the available space and the shape of the ground, with most fields tending to be closer to the smaller dimensions.
The centre of the ground is marked with a small circle, from which radial lines extend outwards, dividing the field into quarters. These lines are typically painted in a light colour, usually white, to ensure they are clearly visible. At the midpoint of each radial line and 10 metres from the centre, an arc is drawn, creating a semi-circle. These arcs serve as boundary lines for specific rules and are often referred to as "kick-out" or "centre-square" arcs.
Each end of the ground features a set of goal posts, consisting of two tall, vertical posts that are 6-7 metres high, spaced 6.4 metres apart, with a smaller, horizontal post extending midway between them, forming a 'goose neck' shape. These posts are usually painted in alternating colours, often white and red, to enhance visibility. Additionally, a 'behind' post is placed directly in line with the goal posts, 6 metres behind the goal line, measuring 3 metres high.
The goal square, also known as the "15-metre square," is marked at each end of the ground. This square is positioned directly in front of the goal posts and is created by extending lines from the inside of each goal post, perpendicular to the goal line, for a distance of 15 metres. Within this square, an additional 9-metre line is marked, parallel to the goal line. These markings are vital for defining specific rules and play a significant role in the game's strategy.
Boundary lines are marked along the length and width of the field, indicating the playing area's outer limits. These lines are typically painted in white to ensure visibility, and they define the area within which the ball must stay during play. Additionally, these lines serve as a reference for umpires when making decisions regarding the game's rules.
All markings on the field are subject to strict guidelines to ensure consistency across different venues. The dimensions and measurements mentioned above are standardised, allowing for uniformity in the sport, regardless of the specific size of the playing field within the prescribed ranges.
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Surface
The surface of an Australian rules football field is typically a large oval-shaped grass surface, usually a modified cricket field. The field is often referred to as an "'oval' and is played on an oval-shaped field. The playing surface is the portion of the field inside the goal line and boundary lines.
The grass surface is preferred due to the potential for injuries caused by players moving at high speed during marking, jumping, turning, and being tackled without protective padding. The use of lawn helps to reduce the impact and potential harm caused by these actions.
While there are no fixed dimensions for Australian rules football fields, even at the highest level of the game, they typically fall within a certain range. For senior football, the field is an oval shape, with the length ranging from 135 to 185 metres (148 to 202 yards) from goal-to-goal and a width of 110 to 155 metres (120 to 170 yards) from wing-to-wing.
The grounds can vary significantly in shape, from long and narrow to almost circular, and they are not required to be symmetrical. The Western Australian Football Commission recommends that the length of the field should be equivalent to 3.5 times the length of an average kick of the age group playing.
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Frequently asked questions
Australian rules football fields are oval-shaped and vary in size, with no fixed dimensions. For senior football, the field is typically between 135-185m long and 110-155m wide.
Australian rules football fields are often cricket grounds that are also used during the summer. As a result, there are relatively few fields that were built specifically for Australian rules football.
The field has two goal lines, two boundary lines, two goal squares, and two fifty-metre arcs. The centre of the field also has two concentric circles with a line bisecting them.
The portion of the field inside the goal line and boundary lines is called the playing surface. The combination of the playing surface and the space between the boundary line and any perimeter fence, as well as any gaps in the perimeter fence, is called the arena.
