S4 Aussie Rules UQ [Wed] Rules

TEAM FORMAT

7-a-side

Each team consists of seven (7) players on the field.

Teams must have:

  • A minimum of two (2) male players

  • A minimum of two (2) female players

  • The remaining players may be of any gender, including gender diverse participants.

Teams may play with a minimum of five (5) players for the entire game, provided at least one (1) player is female. Teams meeting this minimum will not be considered a default or forfeit. 

Teams may play with fewer than seven players. Please refer to the Urban Rec Default, Forfeit & Substitute Policy for minimum player requirements.

SUBSTITUES

Substitutes are permitted provided they:

  • Have created an Urban Rec account.

  • Have signed the most up-to-date Urban Rec waiver.

Running substitutions are permitted at any time during play.

GAME SPECIFICS

GAME TIME

  • Matches consist of two (2) 18 to 20-minute halves with a short half-time break.

  • Half lengths may be adjusted due to venue scheduling, weather or daylight.

FIELD

Games are played on a modified AFL field approximately 80m x 40m.

The field is divided into three playing zones:

  • Defence

  • Midfield

  • Forward

Field dimensions may vary depending on the venue.

Positions

Positions are:

  • 2 Forwards 

  • 3 Midfielders

  • 2 Defenders

These positions are designed to create space and structure, but players are not restricted to their starting zone. 

STARTING THE GAME

  • Play begins with a Ball Up in the centre of the midfield.

  • The Ball Up also restarts play after every goal.

  • Only the two nominated centre players may contest the Ball Up.

  • Players contesting the Ball Up may tap or palm the ball but cannot take possession directly from the Ball Up.

  • All other players should begin in their recommended starting positions until the ball has been tapped. 

SCORING

Each team nominates three (3) scoring players:

  • Two (2) Forwards

  • One (1) Midfielder

These players are identified by wearing a coloured sash or bib and are the only players permitted to score.

  • A Goal is worth six (6) points.

  • A Behind is worth one (1) point.

  • Goals and behinds may only be scored from inside the Forward Zone.

  • The team with the highest score at full time wins.

RULE SPECIFICS

MOVING THE BALL

The ball may only be moved by:

  • Kicking.

  • Handballing.

  • Running with the ball.

Players may only bounce the ball once while in possession.

After running approximately 15 metres, the player must bounce the ball before continuing to run.

FLEXIBLE ZONE RESTRICTIONS

The Forward, Midfield and Defence positions provide structure to the game but are not strict player zones.

Players may move between areas of the field during general play without penalty. This flexibility is designed to keep games active, inclusive and fun while still encouraging teams to maintain a balanced shape.

PASSING BETWEEN ZONES

  • The ball must move progressively through the field.

  • A player may not kick or handball the ball directly over two zones.

  • For example, a player cannot kick directly from the Defensive Zone into the Forward Zone.

  • If this occurs, possession is awarded to the opposition on the defensive zone line.

Players themselves may move freely between zones. This rule applies to ball movement, not player movement.

MARKS

A Mark is awarded when:

  • A player cleanly catches a kick.

  • The kick has travelled at least 5 metres.

  • The ball has not touched another player or the ground.

After taking a mark, the player may:

  • Stop and take their kick, or

  • Immediately play on.

An opposition player may stand on the mark, but cannot move forward until play resumes.

TURNOVERS

A turnover occurs when:

  • The ball goes out of bounds.

  • A kick or handball hits the ground before reaching a teammate.

  • A player drops a mark.

  • The opposition gains possession.

The nearest opposition player restarts play from where the turnover occurred.

Balls that travel out of bounds are kicked back into play.

A team cannot score directly from:

  • An out-of-bounds restart.

  • A turnover.

If there is uncertainty over possession, the League Host may restart play with a Ball Up.

HOLDING THE BALL

Urban Rec uses a one-handed touch instead of tackling.

When a player in possession is legally touched: 

If they had prior opportunity to dispose of the ball:

  • They are considered Holding the Ball.

  • A free kick is awarded to the opposition.

If they had no prior opportunity:

  • The League Host will call "Touch!"

  • The player has approximately two (2) seconds to kick or handball the ball.

  • If they fail to dispose of the ball, a free kick is awarded.

PLAY ON

The League Host will call Play On when:

  • A player runs over or around the mark.

  • A player chooses not to stop after taking a mark.

  • A kicked ball is touched before reaching another player.

The League Host may also allow Advantage where stopping play would disadvantage the non-offending team.

SCORING RULES

Only designated scoring players may kick for goal.

Scoring players are identified by coloured bibs or sashes.

Goals may only be scored:

  • Inside the Forward Zone.

  • After receiving possession legally.

  • Following a mark or free kick.

A goal or behind may still be awarded if the ball bounces before crossing the goal line, provided it has not been touched by another player.

If a shot at goal is touched by another player before crossing the goal line:

  • A behind (1 point) will be awarded if the ball still crosses the goal line.

  • Otherwise, normal play continues.

ADDITIONAL URBAN REC RULES

NON-CONTACT PLAY

Urban Rec Aussie Rules is a strictly non-contact sport.

Players must not:

  • Tackle.

  • Push.

  • Hold or grab an opponent.

  • Bump or shoulder an opponent.

  • Shepherd.

  • Spoil by making body contact.

  • Trip or kick another player.

  • Knock or strip the ball from another player's hands.

Possession is won through good positioning and a one-handed touch, not physical contact.

Players should avoid unnecessary collisions and always prioritise safety over winning possession.

DESIGNATED GOAL SCORERS

  • Only designated scoring players may score goals.

  • Scoring players are identified by coloured bibs or sashes before the game begins.

  • This rule encourages teams to move the ball through the field and involve more players in creating scoring opportunities, rather than relying on one dominant player.

QUICK RESTARTS

To keep games flowing:

  • Players should return the ball promptly after goals, behinds and free kicks.

  • Teams should avoid delaying restarts or intentionally slowing the game.

League Hosts may ask teams to restart play immediately if unnecessary delays occur.

DANGEROUS PLAY

Player safety always comes first.

Players must not:

  • Jump into another player during a marking contest.

  • Dive into players on the ground.

  • Charge at another player at speed.

  • Swing arms or elbows while contesting possession.

  • Make reckless attempts to win the ball where unnecessary contact is likely.

League Hosts may award a free kick, issue a warning or ask a player to leave the field if dangerous play continues.

DEFENDER RESPONSIBILITY WHEN THE BALL IS IN THE AIR

  • When the ball is in the air, defenders have an increased responsibility to avoid initiating contact, as they generally have better visibility of both the ball and the players contesting it.

  • Defenders should give attacking players a fair and safe opportunity to receive or contest the ball. Contact caused by a defender moving through, into or across an attacking player may be penalised, even when attempting to play the ball.

  • Where there is doubt, League Hosts are trained to favour the attacking team where the defender has not acted safely, including allowing advantage where appropriate.

HOST DISCRETION

Not every situation can be covered by the rulebook. League Hosts may intervene where an action is technically legal but clearly unsafe, unfair or against the spirit of the game.

FUN FIRST POLICY

All Urban Rec leagues are fun-first, regardless of skill level.

Our League Hosts aim to create a safe, welcoming and enjoyable environment by:

  • Coaching where needed

  • Making calls appropriate to the level of play

  • Encouraging communication and sportsmanship

Urban Rec expects a degree of self-officiation. Respect, good vibes and camaraderie go a long way.

DISCIPLINE

  • League Hosts have final say on all unresolved issues.

  • If a player is acting disrespectfully or outside the spirit of the game, the Host may:

    • Ask the player to sub off and take a break

    • Issue further warnings

    • Ask the player to leave the court if behaviour continues

We’re here for good times, not bad attitudes. Play fair.

INCLUSION

Urban Rec is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for all participants.

  • Gender diverse, transgender and non-binary players are welcome

  • Participants of all sexualities, cultures and backgrounds are supported

Urban Rec has zero tolerance for bullying, discrimination or sexual harassment.

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