Home  FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Are there any requirements to play?
Nope! The Florida Redbacks welcome players of any age, gender or nationality to learn the sport and play. One of our goals is to help teach people about our wonderful sport, so everyone is welcome. In previous years the Redbacks fielded a competitive ladies team, currently there are not enough ladies to field a team, but the Redbacks frequently welcome female players who enjoy learning the sport.
Are the players professional or amateur?
The players are all amateur. As such, we organize our trainings and games to try and accommodate for the work schedules that many have. The Florida Redbacks Australian Rules Football Club is currently in the process of registering for not-for-profit charitable organization under Internal Revenue Code 501(c)(3).
What level of football is the USAFL?
The standard within the teams vary, including players who have previously played at a professional or amateur level in Australia, Americans who have played for a number of years in the US, and also both Australians and Americans who are learning the game for the first time.
Where can I learn more about the skills of the game?
Come to training! We are happy to explain the game to anyone interested. During training, we routinely have skills practice to help teach you the skills necessary to play, or enjoy the game. We also have written materials and DVDs available for people to use to learn more about the sport.
Also, one of the best resources is the Auskick website which has great skills and training videos at http://www.aflauskick.com.au/?id=79. The videos cover:
* General Skills – Sidestep, Ruckwork, Picking up the Ball, Palming, Dummy, Bouncing on the Run, Baulking (Blind Turning), Ball Handling
* Marking Skills – Marking, Chest Mark, Hand Mark, Overhead Mark
* Defensive Skills – Smothering
* Handball Skills – Bounce, Rocket
* Kicking Skills – Kicking, Goal Kicking, Torpedo Punt, Drop Punt, Banana Kick
Where can I buy a football in the US?
You can buy footballs in the US from the following locations:
* US Footy Store - Burley (US made) Footballs
* BigGrab Sports, North America’s Official Supplier of AFL Footy Gear - Sherrin Footballs
What fitness level is required?
Australian Football is perfect for people who have previously played an American college sport, such as American football, Rugby, Lacrosse, Soccer, etc. The level of fitness is similar to that of soccer players, but Australian Football also contains tackling. Having said that, training for footy is an excellent way to help with your fitness goals and those who routinely turn up for practice will notice a positive improvement of their fitness level.
What are the "USF Metro Games"?
While the Florida Redbacks are made up of players from Tampa, Sarasota & Ft. Lauderdal, each city has it's own training and practice days. The Tampa club trains on fields at the University of South Florida and appropriately is associated with the USF Aussie Rules Football club (a USF sanctioned club). Each week, the Tampa/USF club has Thursday night training that consists approximately of 1 hour fitness and skills session and 1 hour of an actual game. This game is played with as many players who turn up. We have split players into two teams: Green and Gold and make every effort to keep players on the same team each week. We called these games "USF Metro Games" and they have proven to be very successful at drawing people out and keeping them coming back with the promise of a game each week.
What is the required commitment?
The Redbacks aim to provide an opportunity to learn & play football at both a social and a reasonably serious level. As most players have significant work, school or family commitments, it is rare that players are available for all trips, games, or trainings. The expected commitment is to make training and games when available, bearing in mind individual work and family commitments. Of course, we hope that you can make it to as many trainings and games as you can as larger numbers allow us the opportunity to have better skills training and more competitive games.
How long does the season run?
The US Footy season starts in late March and ends with Nationals in early October. Having said that, thanks to our wonderful Florida weather, we offer the opportunity to train year 'round and will make an attempt to play non-metro games by tempting teams from northern locations the opportunity to leave their cold cities and come play in Florida.
How much does it cost to play for the club?
Currently, while the club is re-organizing, we do not require membership fees. For local non-metro games, we do ask that players pay a fee to help the club cover field and after game social event costs.
What does the club use donations/sponsorships/member funds for?
These funds are used to purchase equipment, e.g. jumpers, balls, water, pay for field permits etc., and provide umpires for games and the general running expenses of the club. The club also undertakes extensive fundraising and sponsorship activities to provide player subsidies and cover a portion of the general expenses of the club.
Do the Redbacks travel to play teams outside of Florida?
Yes, the Redbacks attempt to play a number of away games per year.
How are these trips funded?
Away trips are paid for by the players themselves. The club attempts hosting games and promoting various fundraising events throughout the year - when successful, the club will make every effort to help subsidise a portion of the expenses that player who travel incur.
What if I don’t want to travel, or cannot due to work commitments?
Interested players may attend training on a weekly basis, making it an ideal alternative for those looking for an introduction to a new sport, or for those with full work and family commitments.
Where do the Redbacks train and play?
Currently the USF/Tampa club trains on the Fowler fields on the USF campus in Tampa. The Sarasota club trains at the Lakewood Ranch High School football fields and Ft. Lauderdale trains at Floyd Hull Stadium. Redbacks games have been played previously at the Sarasota Polo Grounds in Sarasota, and will also be played at the USF Fowler fields in Tampa.
Does the team organize social events?
Yes – the Redbacks make every effort to hold several social events through out the year, and plan to stress this aspect even more in 2007. One of the most popular events is a gathering to watch the AFL Grand Finals each October.
Does the team organize employment or visas for Australians?
No. The Redbacks are an amateur club run by volunteers. Australians who have queries regarding employment or visas in the United States should contact either their local Australian Consulate or the Australian Embassy in Washington D.C.
Where can I find out more?
If you have further questions, check out the 'Contact Us' links on the right menu bar.
Looking forward to seeing you out there!
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