Thursday, 19 Sep 2024

Austus – The Fascinating Blend of Aussie Rules and American Football

Austus

Are you familiar with Austus, the unique sport that combines elements of Australian Rules Football and American Football? If not, get ready to dive into the captivating story of this hybrid game that emerged during World War II. Soldiers from the United States stationed in Australia wanted to challenge the Australians in football, which ultimately led to the creation of Austus.

The Origins of Austus

During World War II, American soldiers stationed in Australia yearned for a football game with the locals. This desire sparked the creation of Austus, a name derived from the first four letters of “Australia” (AUST) and the initials of the United States (US). While Austus thrived during the war, fading away once the US soldiers returned home, its legacy lives on.

Austus Match

The Rules of Austus

Ern Cowley, the baseball editor of the Melbourne Sporting Globe, devised a set of rules for Austus by cleverly blending the best aspects of both Australian Rules Football (AFL) and American Football. The game introduced throwing, a skill absent in AFL, along with the incorporation of kicking, which is less prominent in American Football.

The American-designed football, renowned for its throwing capabilities, took center stage in Austus games. While the Americans favored throwing, the Aussies stuck to their roots and showcased their kicking prowess. These matches attracted large crowds who relished the competitive spirit on display.

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Austus primarily resembled Australian football, albeit with a few notable additions from American football. The game allowed players to kick or throw the ball and receive passes from any of their 17 teammates. To score a six-point goal, players needed to kick or throw the ball between the center goalposts, while one point was awarded for successfully passing the ball between smaller uprights on either side.

In the inaugural match between Australian and American teams, the Americans emerged victorious with a score of 69 to 38, leaving a lasting impression on the sport’s history.

FAQs

What are the origins of Austus?

Austus was born during World War II when American soldiers stationed in Australia sought a football game against the locals.

Who invented Austus?

Ern Cowley, the baseball editor of the Melbourne Sporting Globe, devised the rules for Austus by blending elements of Australian Rules Football and American Football.

How is Austus played?

Austus combines kicking and throwing skills. Players can kick or throw the ball and receive passes from any teammate. Scoring occurs by kicking or throwing the ball between the center goalposts for a six-point goal or passing between smaller uprights on either side for one point.

Is Austus still played today?

While Austus is no longer actively played, its history and the impact it made during World War II continue to captivate fans of both Australian Rules Football and American Football.

Conclusion

Austus stands as a testament to the ingenuity of soldiers stationed in Australia during World War II. This captivating fusion of Australian Rules Football and American Football provided an avenue for friendly competition and entertainment during a challenging time. Though Austus may be a sport of the past, its legacy lives on, reminding us of the amazing things that can arise from unexpected collaborations.

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For more fascinating stories and information about unique sports, visit Auralpressure – your source of intriguing sports tales.