Barrier Netting Keeps the Ball in Play

The history of AFL is the development of a sport for the people. Along with football (soccer) and rugby it has its roots in British schoolyard games, however AFL evolved not only for the player but also for the spectator. The modern game is distinguished from other football codes thanks to its pace and energy so prized by spectators, and keeping the game moving has become an administrative priority. To reduce time wastage, barrier netting can be installed to keep the ball in the field of play.

The Spectators’ Sport

According to football historian Geoffrey Blainey, AFL spectators “longed for the spectacular; they wanted to see the long run with the ball, the high mark, the clever dodging and the sudden physical clash. They shunned the slow-moving play and especially the scrummage”. The more dynamic and open play features of the game appealed to the crowds and consequently were codified into the game. High scoring games became achievable in the absence of an off-side rule and by kicking closer to the goals.

Flying Balls

All this kicking and marking and handpassing keeps the ball moving through the air and possibly out of the field. When the ball exits the field of play someone has to retrieve it. This can be a time-consuming nuisance, especially during practice sessions. The simplest solution is the installation of barrier netting to halt the ball.

Time-Saving Solution

Barrier netting is available in many shapes and sizes, both permanent and semi-permanent. A semi-permanent option allows the greatest versatility for the field as it can be quickly and easily removed.

Popular Solution

In the Melbourne metropolitan alone there’s at least one new PILA barrier netting system being installed every month. They are popular with local clubs where the nets are left up throughout play. At major stadiums they raise them for match warm-up as players repeatedly kick through the goals, but lower them for the actual game. The SCG is one of many happy PILA clients.

PILA’s barrier netting system is the perfect solution for action-packed AFL to help keep the ball in the field of play.