American football, known locally as "gridiron", is a participation and spectator sport in Australia. The sport is governed by Gridiron Australia, a member of the International Federation of American Football (IFAF).
The sport has been played in six Australian states and territories across the country since World War II, but has only had regular league play since 1983. There is no uniform gridiron season in Australia. The various state and territory bodies play at different times of the year. There are currently 73 junior and senior teams playing gridiron in Australia. The national team has competed in the IFAF World Cup and other international competitions.
American football has an increasing media profile in Australia. The National Football League is broadcast on both free-to-air television through One HD and subscription television through the Fox Sports and ESPN channels available on Foxtel and Austar, including the Super Bowl live. Due to interest in converts from Australian rules football, particularly Ben Graham and Saverio Rocca, the game is also regularly covered by Sports Tonight as well as the Herald Sun and other newspapers.
Famous quotes containing the words american, football and/or australia:
“You hear a lot of dialogue on the death of the American family. Families aren’t dying. They’re merging into big conglomerates.”
—Erma Bombeck (b. 1927)
“... in the minds of search committees there is the lingering question: Can she manage the football coach?”
—Donna E. Shalala (b. 1941)
“I like Australia less and less. The hateful newness, the democratic conceit, every man a little pope of perfection.”
—D.H. (David Herbert)