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6-6-6 Rule AFL: Unpacking Footy’s Most Feared Mystery


What is the 6 6 6 rule in AFL?

The “6-6-6 rule” in the Australian Football League (AFL) is a strategic starting position requirement for teams at the beginning of each quarter and after every goal. This rule mandates that six players from each team must be positioned inside their respective 50-meter arcs, with one of those six players specifically required to be in the goal square. The remaining six players from each team must be positioned in the midfield area, between the two 50-meter arcs.

This rule was introduced to open up the play and create more attacking opportunities from stoppages. By ensuring a spread of players across the field at these key moments, the AFL aimed to reduce congestion around the ball and encourage more free-flowing football. It forces teams to be strategic about their starting setups and prevents them from simply flooding one area of the the ground immediately after a score or at the start of a quarter.

The 6-6-6 rule is strictly enforced by umpires, and penalties are issued for non-compliance. If a team fails to position their players according to the rule, a free kick is awarded to the opposing team from the centre bounce. This emphasizes the importance of adherence to the rule for all teams, as a breach can directly impact possession and field position at crucial times in the game.

What is the 6 6 6 rule?

The “6 6 6 rule” is a common guideline used in various contexts, particularly in the realm of emergency preparedness and survival. It typically refers to a strategy for ensuring an adequate supply of essential resources. The core principle of this rule is to have enough provisions to sustain oneself for a specific duration, often broken down into incremental stages.

The rule generally suggests having:
* 6 days of supplies readily available for immediate use.
* 6 weeks of supplies stored for a medium-term emergency.
* 6 months of supplies as a long-term reserve.

This tiered approach allows individuals or families to scale their preparedness efforts, starting with easily accessible short-term provisions and gradually building up to more substantial, long-term reserves. The “6 6 6 rule” emphasizes a proactive stance towards potential disruptions, ensuring a measured and sustainable approach to resource management. It’s a practical framework designed to provide a sense of security and readiness in unforeseen circumstances.

What is a 666 warning?

A “666 warning” primarily refers to the number 666, which is famously associated with the “Number of the Beast” in the Christian Bible, specifically in the Book of Revelation (Revelation 13:18). Within this religious context, 666 is presented as a symbolic identifier for a powerful, evil entity or system that will emerge at the end of times. Therefore, a “666 warning” generally signifies an alert or a sign that something ominous, evil, or related to this biblical prophecy is either present or impending. It’s a caution rooted in religious interpretations of eschatological events.

While its origins are deeply religious, the concept of a “666 warning” has permeated popular culture, often appearing in horror films, literature, and various forms of media as a symbol of ultimate evil, the Antichrist, or impending doom. When someone refers to a “666 warning” outside of a strictly theological discussion, they are usually alluding to something perceived as inherently malevolent, dangerous, or a harbinger of significant negative events. It serves as a shorthand for an alarming signal, often implying a connection to dark forces or a catastrophic outcome.

What is the Shepard rule in AFL?

The Shepard rule in AFL, also known as the Shepard scale, is a specific methodology used by the AFL Tribunal to determine sanctions for players found guilty of reportable offenses. It provides a structured framework for assessing the severity of an incident and assigning a corresponding penalty, typically in the form of a suspension. This rule aims to bring consistency and predictability to the tribunal’s decision-making process, ensuring similar offenses are treated with comparable levels of punishment.

The core of the Shepard rule involves a points-based system. Each reportable offense is assigned a base number of points, which can then be adjusted upwards or downwards based on various aggravating or mitigating factors. These factors might include:

  • Intent: Was the act deliberate or accidental?
  • Impact: What was the level of injury or potential for injury to the opposing player?
  • Prior Record: Does the player have a history of similar offenses?
  • Remorse: Did the player show genuine remorse for their actions?
  • Early Plea: Did the player accept an early guilty plea?

Once a final points total is calculated, it is converted into a corresponding suspension length, usually measured in games. This standardized approach helps to minimize subjective interpretations and promote a fairer system for all players across the league.

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