The International Rules Series is played on a rectangular field 145m in length and 90m in width. As well as the mid-line, there are markings at 45, 20 and 13m from each goal. A maximum of two players per side are allowed between the 45m lines at centre bounces, and the goalkeeper must kick the ball back into play from within the 13m line following overs, behinds or when the ball goes out of bounds over the goal line.
SCORING
At either end of the ground are two point posts and two goal posts with a crossbar and a 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, in which case the goal umpire raises both index fingers and signals by waving a green flag.
An over (three points) is scored when the ball is kicked or knocked over the crossbar, whereby the goal umpire extends one arm over his head and waves a red flag.
When the ball travels between the goal and point posts, a behind (one point) is registered, with the goal umpire raising one index finger and waving a white flag.
Play-on will be called if the ball bounces back into play after hitting any of the four posts or the crossbar, while no score is registered if a player on the attacking side carries the ball over the goal or behind line.
GENERAL RULES
Red/yellow cards: If an on-field or video referee adjudges a player to have committed a serious offence, he may send the player from the field for the remainder of the match by issuing a red card. Such infractions include insulting a match referee as well as striking, deliberately kicking, dangerous tackling, head-butting or gouging an opponent. Yellow cards can be issued for wrestling, misconduct, fronting up to an opponent or any other form of physical intimidation, as well as being the third man into a melee. A yellow card offence will result in players being sent off for 10 minutes, with no replacement allowed during this time.
20-metre penalties: The AFL's 50-metre penalty is reduced to 20 metres in the International Rules Series.
Legal tackles: A legal tackle constitutes grabbing an opponent in possession of the football between the shoulders and thighs, using both arms. One-armed tackles are not permitted. If the player being tackled does not dispose of the ball correctly, he will be penalised. Opposition players are not allowed to check, challenge or tackle the goalkeeper inside the rectangle area unless he delays the play of the ball. The goalkeeper can be tackled when in possession outside his designated area.
Penalty kicks: If a defender commits an offence in the rectangle directly in front of goal or a personal foul in the larger rectangle in front of goal, a penalty kick is awarded. The player who has been fouled takes the kick from the penalty spot, either placing the ball on the ground or kicking it out of his hands. The goalkeeper must not move forward of his goal line until the ball is kicked, but is allowed to move along the line in anticipation of the kick.
Marking: Although Gaelic football does not recognise marks, as per the rules in Australian football, a mark will be awarded if a player catches the ball after it has been kicked at least 15m by another player.
Out of bounds: When the ball goes out of play, 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.
Running bounces: When running with the ball, players must bounce or touch it on the ground every 10m (or six steps). Players can 'solo' or 'toe tap' the ball between hand and foot instead of bouncing.
Bumping: Shoulder charges or bumps are allowed, provided neither player is airborne and the football is no more than 5m away. However, 'shepherding' or unreasonably charging a player will result in a free kick and/or an order off.
Gathering the ball: A free kick will be awarded against any player on the ground or on his knees who picks up the ball or drags it back into a pack. To promote free-flowing ball movement, the ball can only be knocked on in these situations.
Time-keeping: Matches run for 72 minutes, with four 18-minute quarters, plus additional time added for breaks in play such as the blood rule, stretcher injuries or order-offs.
Interchange players: Each side can use nine interchange players with a maximum of 10 player interchanges per quarter, and unlimited interchanges allowed at quarter breaks.
Kick-outs: The goalkeeper is the only player permitted to take kick-outs from within the 13m rectangle. All other players must remain outside the 20m line until the ball has been kicked into play.
Consecutive handpasses: Teams in possession of the football shall not be allowed to make more than four consecutive handpasses before disposing of the ball by foot.
