by JC Campbell

Created on: March 02, 2009

Australian Rules Football has become an integral part of the culture of Australia and is a way of life for many who enjoy it as one of the most popular sports on the continent. Though Aussie rules may be played in other countries, it is only in Australia that the sport is regarded as traditional and a vital part of the nation's identity. Just as Baseball is to North Americans or Soccer to Europeans, so Australian Rules Football is the antipodean people of this great country.

The presence of Aussie rules is observed in all areas of life within Australia where you will find loyal fans who almost live for their weekly diversion away from the monotony of the daily working routine. Australian men and women have grown up on a steady diet of Aussie rules and this attachment to the game and their favorite team carries over into adulthood, a tradition they in turn pass on to their young ones.

The popularity of Aussie Rules Football is obvious. It is a game of excitement and energy, in stark contrast to the more pedestrian nature of that other great love of Australian sports fanatics, Cricket. Because it is such a high-tempo and vigorous sport, it creates an excitement among the fans that brings them to live games, has them talking about it in the workplace and encourages them to play the game in their local parks.

Generations of enthusiasts have adopted Aussie Rules as their favorite sport and follow the exploits of their teams and star players with a passion. Some devotees of the game identify themselves according to the team they support in much the same way that people might do with their religion. For some fans. Aussie Rules is their life as they loyally follow their team as they travel around the country. Yes for many, Aussie Rules is more than a sport or pastime, it is an obsession.

Rich and poor, old and young, male and female are all fans of the game. When an especially important game comes along, it is common for families, perhaps three generations, to gather around the television set to support their heroes, assuming they cannot attend the game in person. The importance of Australian Rules Football in the country's culture is observed everywhere, in the media, in the workplace, on the street and in the home.

It is difficult to think of a sport anywhere in the world that so clearly identifies with the country of its birth. The unique rules, the shirts worn by the players and the unusual manner of passing the ball immediately separate Aussie Rules from any other sport, even those that may have similar elements. Though a game that may appear strange to outsiders, Aussie Rules is an integral part of life for many sports enthusiasts who have grown up with the traditions connected to the game.

The Australian people may venture into other sports as participants or spectators, sports like Cricket, Soccer, Basketball or Rugby. But there is no doubt that Australian Rules Football is the one sport that identifies the nation more than any other, much in the same way as it is identified by the Kangaroo, the Koala or Ayres Rock. Yes, Aussie Rules Football is a vital and central part of the culture of Australia as a nation and will continue to be so for many generations to come.

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