Differences between NIFL and AFL

[akrizman]

I'm a longtime fan of AFL, and I'll be catching my first NIFL game next weekend.

What are the significant rule differences between the two leagues that I ought to know before I go?

[Vortex]

Biggest difference is no rebound nets. Players do not play both ways most of the time (unless they play for Lincoln ;) ).
NIFL tends to have more running than AFL or AF2.

[akrizman]

Biggest difference is no rebound nets.

I'd heard that. What happens when a kickoff goes out of the endzone? Do they spot the ball on the 5? Do the fans get to keep the ball? Is the receiving team awarded a rouge?; I'd imagine that if there is no penalty for kicking the ball out of the end zone, there would never be a kick run back.

Players do not play both ways most of the time

It's still 8 on 8 right? The rosters must be big. It surprises me that they don't play ironman since money seems to be an issue in this league; you'd think they'd want to reduce salaries.

I hope this means that I can expect defense to be a significant part of the game. That's one of my peeves about AFL. They think us fans only want to see high scores and passing games. I wish the AFL would untweak the rules to let the defenses play more.

NIFL tends to have more running than AFL or AF2.

I'm looking forward to this too.

Thanks.

[cylon555]

It is still 8 on 8 the ball is placed at the 5 or 10 forget and the players only make $200 a game and $25 more for a win.

[phydeaux72]

It is still 8 on 8 the ball is placed at the 5 or 10 forget and the players only make $200 a game and $25 more for a win.

Correction: If the ball hits or goes over the wall on the kickoff, it's placed on the 25 yard line (mid field). If the ball is downed in the endzone or bounces in the endzone and goes over the wall, it is placed on the 5 yard line.

[akrizman]

Correction: If the ball hits or goes over the wall on the kickoff, it's placed on the 25 yard line (mid field). If the ball is downed in the endzone or bounces in the endzone and goes over the wall, it is placed on the 5 yard line.

Ah! I *knew* there had to be a penalty for kicking the ball out (a harsh one at that) into the stands. Otherwise, nobody would ever return a kick (and they'd lose dozens of balls a game). Thanks Phydeaux.

[Vortex]

Also, in personal foul penalties which do not offset, they don't assess yardage. They have what they call "retaliation." The offending player must stand at midfield while the other player gets a 20 yard head start and a free hit.
(Just kidding, obviously).;)
Have fun. The NIFL games can be a good time.