Brendan Chatham Cup
Brendan Chatham (or Beej as he was more affectionately known) was a beloved friend to all of us at the Warriors and Orang Eire and he represented both of our clubs before his unfortunate passing in October 2019. Beej is survived by his wife Niamh who is also a much-loved member of both the Warriors and OE clubs. Beej's positivity and sense of humour were infectious and he was the life of every party. He was an important link between the two clubs and he is a big reason why the Warriors and Orang Eire relationship is so strong today. He loved his footy and he loved to celebrate equally.
Rules of the Game
Duration
A game lasts 60 minutes, comprising four 15-minute quarters. There are five-minute intervals at the end of the first and third quarters and a 10-minute break at half-time.
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Teams
Depending on each teams available players, we aim to have 13 players on the field. There are 4 defenders, 4 forwards, 4 midfielders and a goalkeeper, plus interchange players.
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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.
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A goal (worth six points) is scored when the ball is kicked or knocked (not handpassed) into the net.
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An over (three points) is scored when the ball goes over the crossbar but between the goal posts and is worth three points.
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A behind (one point) is scored when the ball is kicked or directed between the goal and point posts.
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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.
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Out of bounds
There are no boundary throw-ins. When a ball goes out of play, a free kick is awarded (as in soccer and basketball) against the team that last touched the ball. The opposition must kick the ball back into play.
When the ball is out of bounds at the goal end, a goal kick will be awarded if the attacking team last touched the ball. A free-kick from the 45m line is awarded if the defending team was last to touch the ball.
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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.
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Solo run
A player must bounce or touch the ball on the ground, AFL-style, every 10 metres and is allowed a maximum of two bounces. However, there is no limit on how many times he can solo (play the ball between hand and foot).
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Tackling
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Tackling an opponent above the thighs and below the shoulders is permitted.
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Players cannot be 'slung' to the ground after they have disposed of the ball.
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When tackled players must dispose of the ball as quickly as possible using either a legal handpass or kick. If the player drops the ball, fails to correctly dispose of the ball or takes too long in the umpires eyes a free kick will be taken from where the tackle takes place.
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If a player has had a prior opportunity to dispose of the ball before being legally tackled, they will be penalised for failing to kick or handpass, if they didn't have prior opportunity then the umpire will do a 'ball up'
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You cannot push an opposition in the back, you can push them in the side.
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Tripping and ankle tapping is forbidden.
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Fouls/Free Kicks
When a free kick or "Mark" is awarded, the kick will be taken from behind this mark. An opposition player may stand on the 'mark' as an obstacle.
Mark
The game also introduces the concept of the mark, with a free-kick awarded for any ball caught on the full from a kick travelling over 15 metres.
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Bumping
Side (shoulder) bumps are allowed provided neither player is airborne. Shirtfronts and shepherds are not permitted.
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Handpassing
Handpassing (AFL style) is permitted. * Ball must be struck with a fist using an underarm motion.
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Interchange
Players can be interchanged at any time during the game. To avoid confusion, players must interchange at the area where the bench players are located.
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Order-off rule
A referee can send off any player for a period of 10 minutes (yellow card) or for the remainder of the game (red card) depending on the incident and severity of it. Players cannot be replaced and a red card also results in a penalty kick.
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Deciding the series
In the event of a tied series, the winner is decided by calculating the aggregate scores from the two tests. The team with the higher score wins the series. If both teams score an equal amount of aggregate points from the three games, or if the games are tied, the International Rules Series trophy will be retained by the side that won the previous series.
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