Come one, Come all.

Yes it's that time of year again, and can you believe this will be the 6th Annual Thanksgiving Day Scratch Match. As per usual, it's not actually on Thanksgiving Day, but Sunday, November 27, 2005. This year we're holding it at Heritage Park in Irvine. We start playing at 11:00, and the BBQ is BYO... Food, Beer, Drinks, etc.

As always, the Scratch match is an annual social get together where sides are chosen at the ground and we play until the urge to drink beer overcomes our desire to continue playing.

This year there will be one big change. This year's game will be played following the compromise rules version which incorporates aspects of Aussie Rules and Gaelic Football. The Los Angeles Wild Geese of the North American Gaelic Athletic Association will be joining us. For those who don't know this version of the game incorporates soccer style goals and a round ball. Tackling is allowed, shepherding is not. The rules encourage a fast paced game where the ball can't be picked up when you're on the hands and knees rather it has to be knocked on. For more on the rules go here.

It ought to be a great turnout, and plenty of action for all who want to get involved.

International Rules Explained

International Rules is a hybrid version of Australian and Gaelic Football and the rules are continually updated after each series, be it at senior or youth level.

The rules are evolving, but the spirit of cooperation that exists between the Australian Football League and the Gaelic Athletic Association has ensured there are no anomalies.

Even the language of the rules has been altered so that there is clearer identification.

For example, there was some confusion over what the term ‘mark’ meant. In Australian Football, it is the common term applied when catching the ball, but in Gaelic Football it means a place on the field (that is, marking the spot). The rules have been changed so that there is a clear definition and the term has been changed and is now called the ‘spot’, as in the spot on the ground.

The game has features common to both codes – slick movement of the ball by hand and foot, AFL-style marking contests and a play-on brand of game.

There are also similarities in the tactical approach involving the positioning of players and set plays for centre clearances, forward movements and zone defences.

Two major differences are that the international game is played with a round ball – a regulation Gaelic Football – on a rectangular field. Other features of the game are:

Duration
A match lasts 80 minutes, comprising four 20-minute quarters. There are five-minute intervals at the end of the first and third quarters and a 15-minute break at half-time.

Teams
Each team has 15 players on the field. There are six defenders, six forwards, two midfielders and a goalkeeper, plus eight interchange players.

Scoring
At either end of the ground are two point posts and two goal posts with a crossbar and soccer-style net between the goal posts. A player can score a goal, which earns six points, by kicking or knocking (not handpassing) the ball into the net. An over is scored when the ball goes over the crossbar and is worth three points. A behind – when the ball is kicked or directed between the goal and point posts – earns one point. If the ball bounces back into play after hitting any of the four posts or the crossbar, play-on is called. A goalkeeper protects the goal area.

Out of bounds
There are no boundary throw-ins as in Australian Football. When a ball goes out of play, as in soccer and basketball, a free kick is awarded against the team that last touched the ball.
A player from the opposition can either kick or handpass the ball back into play.

The playing field
International Rules is played on a rectangular field measuring about 145 metres by 90 metres.

Centre restrictions
Only two players per team are allowed in the centre area for the start of play.

Ball on ground
A player on the ground or on his knees may not pick up the ball or drag it back under him. If he does, he will have a free kick awarded against him.
When in this position, a player can only knock the ball on. This ensures continuous, fast-moving play.

Solo run
A player must bounce or touch the ball on the ground, AFL-style, every 15 metres and is allowed a maximum of two bounces. However, there is no limit on how many times he can play the ball between hand and foot (solo the ball), in lieu of a bounce.

Tackling
Tackling an opponent above the thighs and below the shoulders is permitted, but grabbing one arm or slinging an opponent to the ground is not allowed.

Bumping
Side (shoulder) bumps are allowed provided neither player is airborne. Shirtfronts and shepherds are not permitted.

Interchange
Players can be interchanged at any time during the match. Players must leave and enter the field through the designated interchange area. An interchange player cannot enter the field of play until the player he is replacing has entered the interchange area.

Team runner
Each team is permitted one official runner to make team changes and deliver the coach’s instructions to players.

Penalty kick
When the defence commits any offence in the small rectangle directly in front of the goal or a personal foul in the larger rectangle in front of the goal, a penalty kick is awarded. The player who has been fouled takes the kick from the penalty spot. He can either place the ball on the ground or kick out of his hands.

Order off rule
A referee orders a player from the field for the remainder of the match (a red card) if he is adjudged guilty of a serious offence. Misdemeanours include striking or insulting a match official, and deliberately kicking, head-butting or gouging an opponent. After an incident in the Second Test in Adelaide in 2001, it is now the law that any interchange player or official who illegally enters the field to interfere with play shall also be dismissed. In addition, a referee issues a yellow card and orders a player off for 15 minutes for a less serious offence, such as wrestling another player or any act of misconduct.