Rec footy

Recreational Footy redirects here.

Recreational Football is a non-contact game is played between two teams of 8 with an unlimited number of interchange players, on a field with a maximum length of 100 metres by 50 metres wide. It is a more accessible version of Australian rules football that people can pick up and play with some degree of skill and ability and it is directly aligned to the traditional game of Aussie Rules.

The game also encourages female participation, with a minimum of 3 female players per mixed side. In addition, teams are 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).

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 rugby league with the successful touch football (rugby league), Aussie Rules did not have a recreational version of the game to cater for the growing recreational participation market. AFL Recreational Football (Recreational Footy or Rec Footy) was developed by the Australian Football League to provide maximum involvement at all levels with a variation of the game that virtually anyone can play. It is often referred to as Auskick for adults.

The game was originally trialled in Western Australia by the WAFL in 2003. By 2004, the game has grown to 592 players (Western Australia: 34 teams & 344 players; Victoria: 16 teams & 248 players)[1].

In 2005, the game grew quickly, especially in Queensland.

In 2006 several new teams began. The sport is now played in all Australian states, with a heavy involvement at universities. Future representative games are planned.