For people like me who are either new to the AFL or still getitng to know how everything works, here's a helpful topic to get a small feel of the team. Courtesy of the AFL 2006 Season-Preview magazine ($4.95, available at your local magazine place), for now, here are the rules and some choice definitions used throughout the magazine (pages 92-93)....




AFL GAME OVERVIEW


Field:
>>An indoor padded surface 85 feet wide and 50 yards long with eight-yard end zones.
>>Goal posts are nine feet wide with a crossbar height of 15 feet (NFL goal posts are 18.5 feet wide with a crossbar at 10 feet).
>>The goal-side rebound nets are 30 feet wide and 32 feet high. The bottoms of the nets are eight feet above the ground.
>>Sideline barriers are 48 inches high and made of high-density foam rubber.


Equipment:
>>The official football is the same size and weight as the National Football League ball. Each ball is manufactured by Spalding, a division of Russell Corporation. The ball is light brown and features a blue S-stripe and blue cross hairs on each end.


Players and Formations:
>>Eight players on the field; 20-man active roster; four-man inactive roster.
>>Players play offense and defense with the exception of the kicker, quarterback, offensive specialist (the kick returner on defense) and two defensive specialists.
>>Substitutions: All non-specialists may substitute only once during each quarter.
>>Four offensive players must line up on the line of scrimmage.
>>Three defensive players must be down linemen (in a three- or four-point stance). One linebacker may blitz on either side of the center. Allignment is two or more yards off the line of scrimmage. No stuning or twisting.
>>Offensive motion: One reciever may go in forward motion before the snap.


Movement of the Ball and Scoring:
>>Four downs are allowed to advance the ball 10 yards.
>>Six points for a touchdown.
>>One point for a conversion by place kick after a touchdown, two points for a conversion by drop kick and two points for a successful run or pass after a touchdown.
>>Three points for a field goal by placement or four points for a field goal by drop kick.
>>Two points for a safety.


Timing:
>>Four 15-minute quarters with a 15-minute halftime.
>>The clock stops for out-of-bounds plays or incomplete passes only in the last minute of each half or when the referee deems it necessary for penalties, injuries or timeouts.
>>Each team is allowed three timeouts per half.


Kicking:
>>Kickoffs are from the goal line. Kickers may use a one-inch tee.
>>Punting is illegal. On fourth down, a team may go for a first-down, touchdown, or field goal.
>>The recieving team may field any kickoff or missed field goal that rebounds off the net.
>>Any untouched kickoff that is out of bounds will be placed at the 20-yard line or the place where it went out of bounds, whichever is more advantageous to the recieving team.


Passing:
>>Recievers must have one foot inbounds for a catch. A forward pass that rebounds off the end-zone net or side barrier is a live ball and is in play until it touches the playing surface.


Overtime Rules:
>>Overtime periods are 15-minutes for both the regular season and the playoffs.
>>Each team gets one possession to score. If, after each team has had one possession, one team is ahead, that team wins. If the teams are tied after each had a possession, the next team to score wins.




GLOSSARY OF TERMS:


Ball in the Stands: When a ball is thrown or bounces into the seats surrounding the playing field, the "lucky" fan that catches the ball keeps it.


Defensive Specialists: A pair of players, substituted for the QB and offensive specialist, who are the best "cover men" on the team. Usually assigned to the opponent's best recievers.


Drop Kick: A drop-kicked field goal is worth four points. A drop-kicked extra point is worth two points. Former Wilwaukee and Chicago kicker Kenny Stucker is the last man to have connected on a two-point dropkick (1997).


Ironman: Signifies a participant playing both offense and defense.


"Mac and Jack" Linebackers: "Mac" may rush the QB straight on without stunting, twisting, or drop-back coverage. "Jack" must stay in an imaginary box behind the line of scrimmage. Either LB may cover the fullback or tight end, but double-teaming is illegal.


Offensive Motion: One offensive back may go into forward motion prior to the snap of the ball.


Offensive Specialist: This player, substituted for one of the defensive specialists, usually plays WR and kick returner.


Rebound Nets: Goal-side rebound nets extend outward from each upright. The nets are 30 feet wide , 32 feet high and extend to 40 feet above the playing surface. The bottom bars of the grames are positioned eight feet above the surface. The "Scoring area" is nine feet wide and 15 feet high. Nets are stretched so that a missed kick attempt will rebound off the net and back into the field of play. Once the ball caroms off the net, it's live.


Sideline Barriers: Similar to the sideboards that surround a hockey rink, the sideline barriers encircle the playing surface. The barriers are made of high-density foam pad, measuring three inches thick. The sideline barriers are one to three feet beyond the field perimeter.


Stunting or Twisting: When a defensive lineman is rushing the passer, there's no "stunting" or "twisting." In other words, lineman are requred to rush straight on.


Tight End: One offensive lineman must declare himself a tight end prior to the snap by simply raising his arm and "declaring" himself. The Mac (rush-eligibl) linebacker must line-up on the opposite side of the center from the tight end.


Two-Way Players: The game features eight-on-eight, single-platoon football, where six players on each team must play both offense and defense with limited substitutions.



Later I'll start adding the team previews. Quickly, 2006 marks the debut of the Kansas City Brigade and Utah Blaze, although technically, KC is just the New Orleans VooDoo with a new look and location, since they won't have a team this season thanks to Hurricane Katrina.

CHICAGO RUSH

Division: Central Division
2005 Record: 9-7
Head Coach: Mike Hohensee
Arena: Allstate Arena


2005 REVIEW:
Passing Leader: Raymond Philyaw (324 for 480 (67.5%), 2,669 yards, 67 TDs, and 13 INTs)
Receiving Leader: Etu Molden (96 receptions, 1,158 yards and 25 TDs)
Rushing Leader: Bob McMillen (60 rushes, 178 yards and 9 TDs)
Kicking Leader: Keith Gispert (90 for 103 PATS, 11 for 18 FGs)
Interception Leaders: Etu Molden & Russell Shaw (3 each)
Sacks Leader: John Moyer (6.0)


- The Chicago Rush looks to get over the hump and advance to ArenaBowl XX in Las Vegas after falling in overtime to the Colorado Crush in last season's American Conference final. 2005 marked the second consecutive season the team fell one game short of the ArenaBowl.


Quarterback: This will be a key position for the Rush in 2006. Last year's starter, Raymond Philyaw, left via free agency, so five quarterbacks---Michael Bishop, Matt D'Orazio, Todd Hammel, Asad Abdul-Khaliq, and Nick Rolovich---will battle for the starting job in Training Camp.


Offensive Specialist: Last season's biggest surprise was rookie C.J. Johnson, who recorded 26 receptions for 390 yards and nine TDs in the regular season, before exploding for 19 reception, 272 yards and six TDs in the playoffs. The Rush expects even more from Johnson in 2006.


Wide Receiver/Defensive Back: Russell Shaw, who had a career year for the Rush last year with 44 receptions, 52 tackles and three interceptions, will anchor the WR/DB position with AFL veterans Dennison Robinson and Jacques Rumph helping to add depth.


Wide Receiver/Linebacker: Leading reciver and 2005 All-Ironman selection Etu Molden will be joined by 2005 All-Ironman team member Cornelius White, who the Rush signed as a free agent from Columbus, and special teams force DeJuan Alfonzo. The addition of White may give the Rush the best trio of "Jack" linebackers in the AFL.


Fullback/Linebacker: Bob McMillen returns just 52 yards shy of setting the AFL's career rushing record. Charlie Cook, Levelle Brown and promising rookie Jeff Kelly will join McMillen in the backfield. Kelly, a former First Team All-America selection from Kansas State, spent four seasons with the Atlanta Falcons.


Offensive Line/Defensive Line: The 2004 Lineman of the Year, John Moyer, is back as are six other members of the 2005 line, including Johnny Thomas, D.J. Beisath, and Frank Moore. And if the Rush was not deep enough at line, the team signed free agent lineman Curtis Eason from Columbus and added 2005 af2 Lineman of the Year Khreem Smith to the mix.


Defensive Specialist: By the end of last season, Tony Lukins and Todd Howard had established themselves as a strong pair in the defensive backfield for the Rush. Both return but will be pressed for playing time by former Chicago Bears DB Reggie Austin and TCU rookie Brandon Williams.


Kicker: Keith Gispert is the most consistent kicker in franchise history. He returns for his third season after connecting on 90 of 1003 PAT attempts and 11 of 18 field goal attempts in 2005.


Coach: Head coach Mike Hohensee has led the Rush to the playoffs in each of his five seasons with Chicago. With 95 career victories, the AFL's third-winningest coach should get his 100th career win in 2006.

COLORADO CRUSH

Division: Central Division
2005 Record: 10-6
Established: 2003
Head Coach: Mike Dailey
Arena: Pepsi Center


2005 REVIEW:
Passing Leader: John Dutton (367-of-586 (62.6%), 4,143 yards, 89 TDs, 14 INTs)
Receiving Leader: Damian Harrell (122 receptions for 1,486 yards and 41 TDs)
Rushing Leader: Rich Young (21 carries for 67 yards and 4 touchdowns)
Kicking Leader: Clay Rush (105 for 118 PATs, 14-for-31 FGs)
Interception Leaders: Kevin McKenzie & Ahmad Hawkins (5 each)
Sacks Leader: JRich Young & Saul Patu (5.0)


- The Colorado Rush look to repeat in 2006 after winning their first AFL Championship in 2005 in only their third year of existance. The team returns all its key players including AFL Offensive Player of the Year Damian Harrell and quarterback John Dutton. Co-owner John Elway pulled off back-to-back championship seasons as a player in Denver, now his Colorado Crush hope to achieve the same for the mile high city.


Quarterback: Entering his fourth season with the Crush, John Dutton holds every passing mark in team history. Dutton completed 367 of 586 passes (62.6%) for 4,143 yards and 89 touchdowns with only 14 interceptions and registered three 300-yard passing games in 2005.


Offensive Specialist: 2005 Offensive Player of the Year Damian Harrell will be back to build on some of his record streaks. In 2005, Harrell finished with 1,486 receiving yards on 122 catches and 41 touchdowns. He currently holds the AFL record for consecutive regular-season contests with a touchdown reception (49) and has recorded five straight seasons of at least 1,200 yards receiving.


Wide Receiver/Defensive Back: A triple threat as a receiver, rusher, and kick returner, Willis Marshall had four games with 100 yards receivng, three games with 100 yards on kickoff returns and two games with at least 10 catches last season. Joining Marshall is Ahmad Hawkins, who tied for the team lead with five interceptions in 2005.


Wide Receiver/Linebacker: The combination of Kevin McKenzie and Andy McCullough gives the Crush fire power on both sides of the ball. In 2005, McKenzie tied for the team lead with five interceptions returning three for touchdowns while McCullough had two straight 100-yard receiving games in the postseason.


Fullback/Linebacker: With leading rusher Rich Young and Saul Patu returning, the Crush have great talent at this position. Following the 2005 season, Young was named to the AFL's All-Arena Season Team and All-Ironman squad.


Offensive Line/Defensive Line: Entering his third season with the Crush, Kyle Moore-Brown is the essence of Ironman football. He has started every game in his 11-year career, which is an AFL record 176 consecutive games.


Defensive Specialist: Besting his own AFL record for single season tackles with 129.5 last year, Rashad Floyd returns along with Delvin Hughly to anchor the Crush's secondary. In 2005, Hughly closed out the season with a team-leading 21 pass breakups and 72.5 tackles.


Kicker: Two-time Kicker of the Year Clay Rush returns. Rush proved to be one of the team's most valuable scoring weapons last season, connecting on a 62-yard field goal (second longest in AFL History) and hitting s 20-yard field goal as time expied to win ArenaBowl XIX.


Coach: Head Coach Mike Dailey and his entire staff return for 2006. Last year, Dailey moved into fourth place among the all-time winningest coaches in AFL History. In his nine years as a head coach, Dailey's teams have made seven post-season appearences, won four division titles, and two championships.

GRAND RAPIDS RAMPAGE

Division: Central Division
2005 Record: 4-12
Established: 1998
Head Coach: Sparky McEwen
Arena: Centennial Wireless Field at Van Andel Arena


2005 REVIEW:
Passing Leader: Michael Bishop (265 for 454 (58.4%), 2,255 yards, 57 TDs and 12 INTs)
Receiving Leader: Anthony Hines (70 receptions, 893 yards and 14 TDs)
Rushing Leader: Michael Bishop (82 rushes, 459 yards, and 17 TDs)
Kicking Leader: Peter Martinez (85 of 95 PATs, 18 for 44 FGs)
Interception Leaders: Damon Mason & Dennison Robinson (3 each)
Sacks Leader: Chris Avery (4.0)


- Grand Rapids has improved dramatically in nearly every offensive category form their 1-15 season in 2004. After a bump 1-11 start, the Rampage finished on fire, winning three of its final four games against the top three American Conference teams (Colorado, Los Angeles, and Chicaho), including both teams in the American Conference Championshio game and the eventual ArenaBowl champions.


Quarterback: Raymond Philyaw comes to Grand Rapids after two season with the Chicago Rush. In his career, Philyaw has the best TD-to-INT ratio (9.03) in AFL history and the fourth best completion percentage and passer rating.


Offensive Specialist: Free agent Aaron Bailey led the AFL in receptions last season with 144 while with New Orleans. He also accumulated 1,694 yards and 37 TDs. Anthony Hines led the Rampage in all receiving categories and will compete with Bailey for the starting job.


Wide Receiver/Defensive Back: Over the last two seasons, Josh Bush has established himself as the team's top receiver. Timon Marshall came on strong at the end of the season, making some great catches and returns for scores.


Wide Receiver/Linebacker: Most likely either Anthony Hines or Aaron Bailey will become the starting WR/LB. Other candidates for the position are Travis Burns who has over 3,000 yards and 36 scores last year in af2, and former Carolina Panther Anthony Bright.


Fullback/Linebacker: Chris Avery led all AFL FB/LB's in 14 categories last season including rushing yards, total points and total tackles. After two seasons with Philadelphia, Chris Ryan returns to the Rampage. Over the last six years, no player has rushed for more yards or scored more rushing TDS than Ryan.


Offensive Line/Defensive Line: Perhaps the biggest upgrades to the Rampage roster are at the line position. All-Arena performer Tim Martin helped Tom Briggs and B.J. Cohen to career years and is now ready to become the next star lineman in the AFL. To help Martin, the Rampage have surrounded him with big-name free agents like Bryant Shaw, who started every game for the ArenaBowl champion Colorado Crush last season and Winfield Garnett and Eric Gohlstin who both started every game for Philadelphia in 2005.


Defensive Specialist: Highlighting the position is Marvin Taylor, whos 12 INTs over the last two seasons are the second highest in the AFL. The Rampage have recorded just 13 picks in the same time frame.


Kicker: Peter Martinez was named to the AFL's All-Rookie team. His 139 points, which led the Rampage in 2005, are the second most by a rookie kicker in AFL history. He led the AFL in field goal attempts (44) with an AFL high 15 of those coming from 50 or more yards out.


Coach: Sparky McEwen enters his second season as Rampage head coach and his eighth with the franchise. He is known for his offensive mind but doubled as the team's defensive coordinator after seven games.

NASHVILLE KATS

Division: Central Division
2005 Record: 6-9-1
Established: 2004
Head Coach: Pat Sperduto
Arena: Gaylord Entertainment Center


2005 REVIEW:
Passing Leader: Leon Murray (250 for 416 (60.1%), 2,851 yards, 48 TDs and 10 INTs)
Receiving Leader: Fred Coleman (75 receptions, 847 yards and 12 TDs)
Rushing Leader: Dan Alexander (38 rushes, 105 yards and 5 TDs)
Kicking Leader: Tony Dodson (57 of 72 PATs, 7 for 23 FGs)
Interception Leaders: Khalil Carter (7)
Sacks Leader: Joe Minucci (5.5)


- After a slow 1-7 start to their expansion season, the Nashville Kats turned things around in a hurry during the second half of 2005. Pat Sperduto's squad put together a six-game unbeaten streak late in the year that put them on the brink of the playoffs. Although their postseason dreams were not realized, an off-season full of blockbuster trades and free-agent signings has the Kats poised to fight for the AFL title in 2006.


Quarterback: The Kats traded with Dallas for All-Rookie QB Clint Stoerner in the offseason. Stoerner will battle incumbent Leon Murray for the starting job in training camp. Murray battled injuries and a slow start in 2005, but rebounded to throw for 25 touchdowns without an interception to close out the season. Stoerner completed 64 perecent of his throws, 77 TDs and nearly 4,000 yards with Dallas.


Offensive Specialist: Nashville boasts arguably the best trio of players in the league at this position, with the addition of All-Arena star Frank Carter to incumbents Rupert Grant and All-Rookie choice Dan Alexander.


Wide Receiver/Defensive Back: T.T. Toliver will likely make the move from two-way player to offensive specialist in 2006, where he hopes to build on a highlight-filled start with the Kats last season. In seven games with the team, Toliver caught 12 TDs and keyed Nashville's resurgence.


Wide Receiver/Linebacker: Jarrick Hillery remains one of the top all-around players in the league. He will be joined by free-agent newcomer Cornelius Bonner, whose 12 INTs over the last two years are second best in the league. Reggie Stephens, who also figures into the mix at defensive specialist, can play both wats, as can Rober' Freeman.


Fullback/Linebacker: The Kats made their biggest offserason waves with their trade for perennial Ironman of the Year candidate Cory Fleming, who caught 66 touchdown passes over the last two seasons. Ageless wonder Darryl Hammond remains one of the AFL's best possession receivers.


Offensive Line/Defensive Line: This is the strength of last year's team as the Kats led the league with 24 sacks in 2005. The position only looks to have gotten stronger in the offseason with the addition of Anthony Herron.


Defensive Specialist: All-Arena player Khalil Carter will be joined by shutdown DB Monty Montgomery in what figures to be a formidable secondary. Stephens and Freeman may also see the time at DS, as could free-agent pickup Chris Angel.


Kicker: Nashville hopes for more consistency at this spot in 2006. They will bring in competition for the returning Tony Dodson.


Coach: Pat Sperduto returns for his fifth year as Kats coach, having coached the club both before and after their reformation. Sperduto will enjoy a team full of veteran talent after leading a rookie-filled club last season.