Current season, competition or edition: 2019 Arena Football League season | |
Formerly | Arena Football 1 (2010) NET 10 Wireless AFL (2012–2014) |
---|---|
Sport | Arena football |
Founded | 1986 |
Founder | Jim Foster |
Inaugural season | 1987 |
President | John Adams |
Commissioner | Randall Boe |
No. of teams | 6 |
Country | United States |
Headquarters | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
Most recent champion(s) | Washington Valor (1st title) |
Most titles | Tampa Bay Storm and Arizona Rattlers (5 titles) |
TV partner(s) | AFL website Monumental Sports Net ESPN Inc. |
Official website | ArenaFootball.com |
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The Arena Football League (AFL) is a professional indoorAmerican football league in the United States. It was founded in 1987 by Jim Foster, making it the third longest-running professional football league in North America, after the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the National Football League (NFL). The AFL plays a proprietary code known as arena football, a form of indoor American football played on a 66-by-28 yard field (about a quarter of the surface area of an NFL field), with rules encouraging offensive performance, resulting in a faster-paced and higher-scoring game. The sport was invented in the early 1980s and patented by Foster, a former executive of the United States Football League (USFL) and the NFL.
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From 2000 to 2009, the AFL had its own developmental league, the af2. The AFL played 22 seasons from 1987 to 2008; internal issues caused the league to cancel its 2009 season, though the af2 did play. Later that year both the AFL and af2 were dissolved and reorganized as a new corporation comprising teams from both leagues, and the AFL returned in 2010. The league's average game attendance since returning in 2010 has been approximately 9,500.
The league has historically had a nationwide footprint, and has been recognized as the most prominent professional indoor football league in North America, offering higher payment, more widespread media exposure, and a longer history than competing leagues. From a high of 19 teams in 2007, the league contracted to a low of four teams in 2018, all in the northeastern United States. There are six teams playing in the 2019 season.
- 1History
- 1.1Creation
- 1.4Decline (2008–2009)
- 5Growth of the league
- 6Hall of Fame
- 7Media
- 7.1Television
- 10League finances
- 10.1Accusation of mismanagement and unpaid bills
History[edit]
Creation[edit]
Jim Foster, a promotions manager with the National Football League, conceived of indoor football while watching an indoor soccer match at Madison Square Garden in 1981. While at the game, he wrote his idea on a 9 x 12 envelope, with sketches of the field and notes on gameplay. He presented the idea to a few friends at the NFL offices, where he received praise and encouragement for his concept. After solidifying the rules and a business plan, and supplemented with sketches by a professional artist, Foster presented his idea to various television networks. He reached an agreement with NBC for a 'test game'.[1]
Plans for arena football were put on hold in 1982 as the United States Football League was launched. Foster left the NFL to accept a position in the USFL. He eventually became executive vice-president with the Chicago Blitz, where he returned to his concept of arena football. In 1983, he began organizing the test game in his spare time from his job with the Blitz. By 1985, the USFL had ceased football operations and he began devoting all his time to arena football, and on April 27, 1986, his concept was realized when the test game was played.[1][2]
Test games[edit]
The test game was played in Rockford, Illinois on April 27, 1986[3] at the Rockford MetroCentre.[4] Sponsors were secured, and players and coaches from local colleges were recruited to volunteer to play for the teams, the Chicago Politicians and Rockford Metros, with the guarantee of a tryout should the league take off. Interest was high enough following the initial test game that Foster decided to put on a second, 'showcase' game. The second game was held on February 27, 1987 at the Rosemont Horizon in Chicago with a budget of $20,000, quadruple the $4,000 in the test game. Foster also invited ESPN to send a film crew to the game; a highlights package aired on SportsCenter.[1]
Inaugural season[edit]
Following the successes of his trial-run games, Foster moved ahead with his idea for arena football. He founded the Arena Football League with four teams: the Pittsburgh Gladiators, Denver Dynamite, Washington Commandos, and Chicago Bruisers.[4] Foster appointed legendary Darrel 'Mouse' Davis, godfather of the 'run and shoot' and modern pro offenses, as executive director of football operations. Davis hired the original coaches and was the architect of the league's original wide-open offensive playbooks.[5]
The first game in Arena Football League history was played on June 19, 1987, between the Gladiators and Commandos at Pittsburgh Civic Arena in front of 12,117 fans.[6] The game was deliberately not televised so that it could be analyzed and any follies and failures would not be subject to national public scrutiny. Following the inaugural game, tweaks and adjustments were made, and the first season continued.[1] The Dynamite and Bruisers played in the first-ever televised AFL game the next night, on June 20, 1987, at the Rosemont Horizon in suburban Chicago on ESPN with Bob Rathbun and Lee Corso calling the play-by-play. The broadcast showed a short clip of the Commandos-Gladiators game.[7] Each team played six games, two against each other team. The top two teams, Denver and Pittsburgh, then competed in the first-ever AFL championship game, ArenaBowl I.
On September 30, 1987, Foster filed an application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office to patent his invented sport. The patent application covered the rules of the game, specifically detailing the goalposts and rebound netting and their impact on gameplay. Foster's application was granted on March 27, 1990.[8] The patent expired in 2007.
Early years (1987–1999)[edit]
From its inception, the AFL operated in a state of semi-obscurity; many Americans had heard the term 'arena football' but knew little to nothing about the league itself.
From the 1987 season until the late 1990s, the most exposure the league would receive was on ESPN, which aired tape-delayed games, often well after midnight, and often edited to match the allotted time slot. The league received its first taste of wide exposure in 1998, when Arena Bowl XII was televised nationally as part of ABC's old Wide World of Sports.[citation needed]
On Saturday, July 23, 1989, much of America learned of the AFL for an unintended reason, when the Pittsburgh Gladiators' head coach, Joe Haering, made football history by punching commissioner Jim Foster during a game with the Chicago Bruisers.[9] The national media ran with the story, including a photo in USA Today. The game was played between the two teams in Sacramento's ARCO Arena, as part of the AFL's 'Barnstorming America' tour. Foster had walked onto the field of play to mediate an altercation between the two teams when Haering, a former NFL assistant, punched him in the jaw. Haering was suspended without pay.[9]
One of the league's early success stories was the Detroit Drive. A primary team for some of the AFL's most highly regarded players, including George LaFrance and Gary and Alvin Rettig, as well as being a second career chance for quarterback Art Schlichter, the Drive regularly played before sold out crowds at Joe Louis Arena, and went to the ArenaBowl every year of their existence (1988–1993). The AFL's first dynasty came to an end when their owner, Mike Ilitch (who also owned Little Caesars Pizza and the Detroit Red Wings) bought the Detroit Tigers and sold the AFL team.
Although the Drive moved to Massachusetts, becoming the Massachusetts Marauders for the 1994 season, the AFL had a number of other teams which it considered 'dynasties' between 1994 and 2016. The most successful of these were the Tampa Bay Storm and their arch-rival the Orlando Predators, as well as the San Jose SaberCats and their rivals, the Arizona Rattlers. Among those four teams, they won 14 of 22 ArenaBowls in that time span and appeared in all but two.[citation needed]
In 1993, the league staged its first All-Star Game in Des Moines, Iowa, the future home of the long-running Iowa Barnstormers, as a fundraiser for flood victims in the area. The National Conference defeated the American Conference 64–40 in front of a crowd of 7,189. The second All-Star event was in October 2013, with two games, the first in Honolulu, Hawai'i, the second being in Beijing, China.[citation needed] Harry potter and the goblet of fire audiobook download.
While some teams have enjoyed considerable on-field and even financial success, many teams in the history of the league have enjoyed little success either on or off of the field of play. There were a number of franchises which existed in the form of a series of largely-unrelated teams with little to no continuity of either coaching staffs or players under numerous management groups until they folded. One example of several which could be cited is the New York CityHawks, whose owners transferred the team from New York City to Hartford to become the New England Sea Wolves after two seasons, then after another two seasons were sold and became the Toronto Phantoms, which lasted another two seasons until folding. There are a number of reasons why these teams failed, including financially weak ownership groups, lack of deep financial support from some owners otherwise capable of providing it, lack of media exposure, and the host city's evident lack of interest in its team or the sport as a whole.[citation needed]
The new millennium (2000–2008)[edit]
The year 2000 brought heightened interest in the AFL. Then-St. Louis RamsquarterbackKurt Warner, who was MVP of Super Bowl XXXIV, was first noticed because he played quarterback for the AFL's Iowa Barnstormers. While many sports commentators and fans continued to ridicule the league, Warner's story gave the league positive exposure, and it brought the league a new television deal with TNN, which, unlike ESPN, televised regular season games live. While it was not financially lucrative, it helped set the stage for what the league would become in the new millennium. Also, the year also brought a spin-off league, the af2, intended to be a developmental league, comparable to the National Football League's NFL Europe. There was a lot of expansion in the 2000s. Expansion teams included the Austin Wranglers, Carolina Cobras, Los Angeles Avengers, Chicago Rush, Detroit Fury, Dallas Desperados, Colorado Crush, New Orleans VooDoo, Philadelphia Soul, Nashville Kats, Kansas City Brigade, New York Dragons and Utah Blaze. Some of these teams, including the Crush, Desperados, Kats, and VooDoo, were owned for at least part of their existence by the same group which owned the NFL teams in their host cities. The NFL purchased, but never exercised, an option to buy a major interest the AFL. Of all of these teams, only the Philadelphia Soul survives.
In 2003, the season expanded to 16 games. There were also several rule changes in this period. In 2005, players were no longer allowed to run out of bounds. The only way for a player to go out of bounds presently is if he is tackled into or deliberately contacts the side boards. This was also the first year the ArenaBowl was played at a neutral site. In 2007, free substitution was allowed, ending the 'iron man' era of one-platoon football; also, games ending in ties were abolished. And in 2008, the 'jack' linebacker was allowed to go sideboard to sideboard without being penalized for 'illegal defense'.[10]
Decline (2008–2009)[edit]
After 12 years as commissioner of the AFL, David Baker retired unexpectedly on July 25, 2008, just two days before ArenaBowl XXII; deputy commissioner Ed Policy was named interim commissioner until Baker's replacement was found. Baker explained, 'When I took over as commissioner, I thought it would be for one year. It turned into 12. But now it's time.'[11]
In October 2008, Tom Benson announced that the New Orleans VooDoo were ceasing operations and folding 'based on circumstances currently affecting the league and the team'.[12] Shortly thereafter, an article in Sports Business Journal announced that the AFL had a tentative agreement to sell a $100 million stake in the league to Platinum Equity; in exchange, Platinum Equity would create a centralized, single-entity business model that would streamline league and team operations and allow the league to be more profitable. Benson's move to shut down the VooDoo came during the Platinum Equity conference call, leading to speculation that he had folded because of the deal.[13]
Because of the sudden loss of the New Orleans franchise, the league announced in October that the beginning of the free agency period would be delayed in order to accommodate a dispersal draft. Dates were eventually announced as December 2 for the dispersal draft and December 4 for free agency, but shortly before the draft the league issued a press release announcing the draft had been postponed one day to December 3. Shortly thereafter, another press release announced that the draft would be held on December 9 and free agency would commence on December 11.[14] However, the draft still never took place, and instead another press release was issued stating that both the draft and free agency had been postponed indefinitely.[15] Rumors began circulating that the league was in trouble and on the verge of folding, but owners denied those claims. It was soon revealed the players' union had agreed to cut the salary cap for the 2009 season to prevent a total cessation of operations.[16] However, the announced Platinum Equity investment never materialized.
Canceling the 2009 season[edit]
How to download files from google drive to ipad. Although the af2 played its tenth season in 2009, a conference call in December 2008 resulted in enough votes from owners and cooperation from the AFLPA for the AFL to suspend the entire 2009 season in order to create 'a long-term plan to improve its economic model.'[17] In doing so, the AFL became the second sports league to cancel an entire season, after the National Hockey League cancelled the 2004–05 season because of a lockout. The AFL also became the third sports league to lose its postseason (the first being Major League Baseball, which lost its postseason in 1994 because of a strike). Efforts to reformat the league's business model were placed under the leadership of Columbus Destroyers owner Jim Renacci and interim commissioner Policy.[18]
High hopes for the AFL waned when interim commissioner Ed Policy announced his resignation, citing the obsolescence of his position in the reformatted league.[19] Two weeks later, the Los Angeles Avengers announced that they were formally folding the franchise. One month later, the league missed the deadline to formally ratify the new collective bargaining agreement and announced that it was eliminating health insurance for the players.[20] Progress on the return stalled, and no announcements were made regarding the future of the league.
On July 20, 2009, Sports Business Journal reported that the AFL owed approximately $14 million to its creditors and was considering filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.[21] In early August 2009, numerous media outlets began reporting that the AFL was folding permanently and would file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The league released a statement on August 4 to the effect that while the league was not folding, it was suspending league operations indefinitely. Despite this, several of the league's creditors filed papers to force a Chapter 7 liquidation if the league did not do so voluntarily.[22] This request was granted on August 7, though converted to a Chapter 11 reorganization on August 26.[23]
Relaunch and rock star owners (2010–2014)[edit]
Following the suspension of the AFL's 2009 season, league officials and owners of af2 (which had played its season as scheduled) began discussing the future of arena football and the two leagues. With its 50.1 percent ownership of af2, the AFL's bankruptcy and dissolution prompted the dissolution of af2 as well.[citation needed] That league was formally considered disbanded on September 8, 2009, when no owner committed his or her team to the league's eleventh season by that deadline.[citation needed] For legal reasons, af2 league officials and owners agreed to form a new legal entity, Arena Football 1 (AF1), with former AFL teams the Arizona Rattlers and Orlando Predators joining the former af2.[24][25]
All assets of the Arena Football League were put up for auction.[26] On November 11, 2009, the new league announced its intention to purchase the entire assets of the former AFL; the assets included the team names and logos of all but one of the former AFL and af2 teams.[27] The lone exception was that of the Dallas Desperados; Desperados owner Jerry Jones had purposely designed the Desperados' properties around those of the Dallas Cowboys, making the two inseparable. The auction occurred on November 25, 2009.[26] The assets were awarded to Arena Football 1 on December 7, 2009, with a winning bid of $6.1 million.[28]
On February 17, 2010, AF1 announced it would use the 'Arena Football League' name. The league announced plans for the upcoming season and details of its contract with NFL Network to broadcast AFL games in 2010.[29] AF1 teams were given the option of restoring historical names to their teams. In addition to the historical teams, the league added two new expansion franchises, the Dallas Vigilantes and the Jacksonville Sharks.
For the 2011 season, the Philadelphia Soul, Kansas City Brigade, San Jose SaberCats, New Orleans VooDoo, and the Georgia Force returned to the AFL after having last played in 2008. However, the Grand Rapids Rampage, Colorado Crush, Columbus Destroyers, Los Angeles Avengers, and the New York Dragons did not return. The league added one expansion team, the Pittsburgh Power. Former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Lynn Swann was one of the team's owners. It was the first time the AFL returned to Pittsburgh since the Pittsburgh Gladiators were an original franchise in 1987 before becoming the Tampa Bay Storm. The Brigade changed its name to the Command, becoming the Kansas City Command.[30][31] Even though they were returning teams, the Bossier–Shreveport Battle Wings moved to New Orleans as the Voodoo, the identity formerly owned by New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson. The Alabama Vipers moved to Duluth, Georgia, to become the new Georgia Force (the earlier franchise of that name having been a continuation of the first Nashville Kats franchise).[32] On October 25, 2010, lt was announced that the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz would not return.[citation needed] The Milwaukee Iron also changed names to the Milwaukee Mustangs, the name of Milwaukee's original AFL team that had existed from 1994 to 2001.
In 2012, the AFL celebrated its silver anniversary for its 25th season of operations. The season kicked off on March 9, 2012. The Tulsa Talons moved to San Antonio, Texas, and Jeffrey Vinik became owner of the Tampa Bay Storm.[33] The Dallas Vigilantes were left off the schedule for the 2012 season with no announcement from the management, and the team was subsequently quietly folded with no formal announcement ever being released. Like the National Football League, the AFL postponed the free agency period to October 31 due to Hurricane Sandy.[34]
It was announced on December 12, 2012, that the AFL had reached a partnership agreement with NET10 Wireless to be the first non-motorsports-related professional sports league in the United States to have a title sponsor, renaming it the NET10 Wireless Arena Football League.[35] The redesigned website showed the new logo which incorporated the current AFL logo with the one from NET10 Wireless. The title sponsorship agreement ended in 2014 after a two-year partnership.
In 2013, the league expanded with the addition of two new franchises to play in 2014, the Los Angeles Kiss, owned by Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of the rock band Kiss, and the Portland Thunder.
In 2014, the league announced the granting of a new franchise to former Mötley Crüe frontman Vince Neil, previously part-owner of the Jacksonville Sharks. That franchise, the Las Vegas Outlaws, played their home games at the Thomas & Mack Center, previously home to the Las Vegas Sting and Las Vegas Gladiators. After 20 years as a familiar name to the league, an AFL mainstay, the Iowa Barnstormers, departed the league to join the Indoor Football League. Soul blade game for iso ppsspp software. The San Antonio Talons folded on October 13, 2014, after the league (which owned the team) failed to find a new owner.[36] On November 16, 2014, despite a successful season record-wise, the Pittsburgh Power became the second team to cease operations after the 2014 season. This resulted from poor attendance.[37] It was later announced by the league that the Power would go dormant for 2015 and were looking for new ownership.[38] No new ownership group ever materialized, however.
Contraction (2015–2017)[edit]
Jerry Kurz also stepped down as commissioner of the AFL as he was promoted to be the AFL's first president. Former Foxwoods CEO Scott Butera was hired as his successor as commissioner.[39][40]
On August 9, 2015, ESPN reported that the New Orleans VooDoo and Las Vegas Outlaws had ceased operations.[41] On September 1, 2015, the Spokane Shock officially left the AFL and joined the IFL under the new name Spokane Empire, becoming the fifth active AFL/af2 franchise to leave for the IFL since the 2009 AFL bankruptcy (Iowa Barnstormers, Tri-Cities Fever, Green Bay Blizzard, and Arkansas Twisters left previously).[42]
On November 12, the league announced the defending champion San Jose SaberCats would be ceasing operations due to 'reasons unrelated to league operations'. A statement from the league indicated that the AFL was working to secure new, long-term owners for the franchise. This left the AFL with eight teams for 2016.[43]
On January 6, 2016, the league took over 'ownership and operational control' of the Portland Thunder from its previous owners.[44] The AFL stated this move was made after months of trying work out an arrangement 'to provide financial and operational support.' On February 3, 2016, it was announced that the franchise would start from scratch and no longer be called the 'Thunder' as the name and trademarks belong to former franchise owner Terry Emmert (similar to the Jerry Jones move with the Desperados). AFL commissioner Scott Butera announced that a new identity would be announced at a later date.[45] On February 24, 2016, the Thunder were rebranded as the Portland Steel.[46]
The league's 2016 schedule, announced on the league's website on December 10, 2015, showed an eight-team league playing a 16-game regular season over 18 weeks, with two bye weeks for each team, one on a rotational basis and the other a 'universal bye' for all teams during the Independence Day weekend, the first weekend in July. All teams qualified for the postseason, meaning that the regular season served only to establish seeding.[citation needed]
On February 10, 2016, The Washington Post and radio station WTOP-FM first broke the story that Monumental Sports & Entertainment (Ted Leonsis, chairman), which also owns the NHL's Washington Capitals, NBA's Washington Wizards, and WNBA's Washington Mystics, were 'close to a deal' in bring a new expansion franchise to the Verizon Center.[47][48] On March 10, 2016, AFL commissioner Scott Butera announced that the deal was finalized and that the new Washington, D.C., team would begin play in 2017.[49] On July 14, 2016, the team name was revealed as the Washington Valor.[50] There was also talk for franchises to return to San Antonio and St. Louis as well as a potential new team for Sacramento.[51] However, when the 2017 schedule was announced, there was no mention of any San Antonio, St. Louis, or Sacramento teams.
On October 12, 2016, the Orlando Predators announced they had left the league due to the reduced number of teams and other pending disagreements with the league.[52] Hours later, the Jacksonville Sharks also announced they would be leaving the AFL and later joined the National Arena League.[53] The next day, it was reported that the Arizona Rattlers were in the planning stages to also leave the AFL for the Indoor Football League for 2017. In the same report, it was stated the Los Angeles Kiss and Portland Steel had apparently folded after both teams failed to return calls or respond to inquiries into 2017 season ticket purchases.[54] Later on October 13, the league held a teleconference with the remaining team owners and issued a statement the next morning declaring that the league would continue in the long-term, although the league did not expressly commit to playing in 2017 at that time.[55] On October 14, the AFL held a dispersal draft with the five teams selecting players from the Jacksonville, Los Angeles, Orlando, and Portland rosters.[56] The Rattlers then officially left the AFL for the IFL on October 17, leaving the AFL with four teams. They were the sixth AFL team to leave for the IFL since the 2010 relaunch.[57] On November 14, the AFL announced that it had granted a second franchise to Washington Valor owner Ted Leonsis to be based out of Baltimore for the 2017 season,[58] the Baltimore Brigade, bringing the league up to five teams.
On August 23, 2017, the week of ArenaBowl XXX, multiple sources revealed that the AFL planned to expand to Albany, New York, and Newark, New Jersey, for 2018.[59] The Albany Empire was confirmed October 24, with the team owned by Hearst Communications executive George Randolph Hearst III and sharing non-football management with the Philadelphia Soul.[60] There was never another mention of a Newark team in the offseason. On November 28, the Cleveland Gladiators announced that they would have to take a two-year leave of absence while their arena, shared with its primary tenant the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers, undergoes construction during the basketball offseason.[61] The next month, the longest-tenured AFL team, with franchise roots to the inaugural AFL season, the Tampa Bay Storm, also suspended operations citing financial problems.[62]
Reorganization (2018–present)[edit]
In February 2018, the 2018 season schedule was finalized with only the four remaining teams, matching the size of the league in the original 'demonstration season' in 1987. However, the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the AFL and Arena Football League Players' Union (AFLPU) had expired after the 2017 season. A new agreement had not been made despite several proposals and supposed ultimatums between the two parties leading to rumors that the season and league's existence were in jeopardy. On March 16, 2018, a new deal on a four-year CBA was reached, nearly doubling player compensation and granting expanded health insurance benefits.[63]
On March 27, 2018, the AFL announced that commissioner Scott Butera would be replaced by former AOL counsel Randall Boe prior to the 2018 season.[64] The AFL also partnered with DraftKings to bring back AFL Fantasy Football. The league continued organizational changes for the 2019 season with Philadelphia Soul owner Ron Jaworski taking over as chairman of the executive committee, moving the league's headquarters from Las Vegas to Philadelphia, and naming John Adams as president and chief operating officer.[65]
On December 27, 2018, the AFL introduced a new set of logos to be used beginning with the 2019 season.[66][67] The league announced an expansion team in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on January 22, 2019, that is operated by the same ownership group as the Albany Empire.[68][69] On February 7, 2019, the league re-added the Columbus Destroyers as another expansion team to bring the league back to six teams.[70] On May 3, 2019, the AFL and ESPN Inc. announced a new media rights agreement to broadcast all games on ESPN3 with ArenaBowl XXXII to be broadcast on ESPN2. [71]
Teams[edit]
Team | City | Arena | Head coach | Joined |
---|---|---|---|---|
Current teams | ||||
Albany Empire | Albany, New York | Times Union Center | Rob Keefe | 2018 |
Atlantic City Blackjacks | Atlantic City, New Jersey | Boardwalk Hall | Ron James | 2019 |
Baltimore Brigade | Baltimore, Maryland | Royal Farms Arena | Omarr Smith | 2017 |
Columbus Destroyers | Columbus, Ohio | Nationwide Arena | Matt Sauk | 1999 |
Philadelphia Soul | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Wells Fargo Center | Clint Dolezel | 2004 |
Washington Valor | Washington, D.C. | Capital One Arena | Benji McDowell | 2017 |
On hiatus | ||||
Cleveland Gladiators | Cleveland, Ohio | Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse | Ron Selesky | 1997 |
The Arena Football League has teams playing in four U.S. markets, two announced expansion teams, and one franchise on hiatus
Season format and ArenaBowl[edit]
The 2019 season consists of a 13-week schedule during which each team plays 12 games and has one bye week. Each of the six teams plays each opponent at least once. At the end of the regular season, the top four teams participate in the ArenaBowl playoffs, in which the top seed faces the 4th seed while the 2nd seed faces the 3rd seed in a home and home series. The team in each series with the higher aggregate score advances to the ArenaBowl.[72] While the semifinals consists of two games for each pair of teams, the ArenaBowl is still one game.[73]
From the league's inception through ArenaBowl XVIII, the championship game was played at the home of the higher-seeded remaining team. The AFL then switched to a neutral-site championship, with ArenaBowls XIX and XX in Las Vegas. New Orleans Arena, home of the New Orleans VooDoo, served as the site of ArenaBowl XXI on July 29, 2007. This was the first professional sports championship to be staged in the city since Hurricane Katrina struck in August 2005.[74] ArenaBowl XXI in New Orleans was deemed a success, and the city was chosen to host ArenaBowl XXII.[75] In 2010, the location returned to being decided by which of the two participating teams was seeded higher. ArenaBowl XXV (2012) returned to a neutral site and was once again played in New Orleans. From 2014 to 2017, the ArenaBowl was played at the venue of the higher-seeded team. With one week remaining in the 2018 season, it was announced that the ArenaBowl would be awarded to the semifinal winner with the higher regular season attendance average. This rule was then not used in 2018 after the Washington Valor's home field, Capital One Arena, already had scheduled renovations starting at the end of the Valor's season; the championship would then be played in Baltimore despite the Valor's higher attendance.[76][77] In 2019, the ArenaBowl is announced to be hosted by the higher seed.
Rules[edit]
An AFL goalpost
- The field: An indoor padded surface 85 feet (26 m) wide and 50 yards (46 m) long with 8-yard (7.3 m) end zones. Goal posts are 9 feet (2.7 m) wide with a crossbar height of 15 feet (4.6 m) (NFL goalposts are 18.5 feet (5.6 m) wide with the crossbar at 10 feet (3.0 m)). The goalside rebound nets are 30 feet (9.1 m) wide by 32 feet (9.8 m) high. Any ball bouncing off of the nets, whether thrown or kicked, prior to contacting the ground, is live, as are balls off of the nets' supporting systems. The bottom of the nets are 8 feet (2.4 m) above the ground. Sideline barriers are 4 feet (1.2 m) high and made of high density foam rubber.[78]
- Equipment: the official football is the same size and weight as a National Football League ball, but with proprietary Arena Football insignia.
- Players and formations: eight players on the field; 21-man active roster; four-man inactive roster
- Substitutions: free substitution; some players may play both ways either by coach's choice or to step in because of injury. (The free substitution rule was adopted in 2007; prior to this, the AFL mandated a one-platoon system, from which two players on each side of the ball, the 'specialists' and the quarterback or kicker, were exempt.)
- Formation: four offensive players, including a wide receiver, must line up on the line of scrimmage. Of the three interior linemen, one must raise his hand indicating that he is an eligible receiver and hence a tight end, the other lineman being considered a guard. Three defensive players must be down linemen (in a three or four-point stance). Only the 'Mac' linebacker may blitz on either side of the center. The 'Jack' linebacker is restricted in where he can go prior to the ball crossing the line of scrimmage. Alignment is two or more yards off the line of scrimmage. No stunting or twisting. Offensive motion in the backfield: one receiver may go in a forward motion before the snap.
- Timing: four 15 minute quarters with a 15-minute halftime (in the ArenaBowl, 30 minutes). The clock stops for out-of-bounds plays and incomplete passes only in the last half-minute of regulation[73] and overtime and when the referee deems it necessary for penalties, injuries or timeouts. Except in the last half-minute of regulation, the clock continues to run after a touchdown is scored until the extra-point conversion has been attempted. Each team is allowed three timeouts per half, and two per overtime period if regulation ends tied. In earlier seasons, the league had clock stoppage rules for the final minute of each half that now are only implemented in the final half-minute of regulation & overtime. Also, a team with the lead and possession of the ball in the last minute had to gain positive yards on a play from scrimmage or the clock was stopped until the next snap, effectively outlawing the 'victory formation'. The play clock is 30 seconds.
- Movement of the ball and scoring: four downs are allowed to advance the ball ten yards for a first down, or to score. Six points for a touchdown. One point for a conversion by place kick after a touchdown or if a safety is scored off any conversion attempt, two points for a conversion by drop kick or for successful run or pass after a touchdown. Three points for a field goal by placement or fair catch kick or four points for a field goal by drop kick. Two points for a safety and for a defensive turnover on a conversion attempt returned the length of the field (a play which would be a defensive touchdown under any circumstances other than its occurring during a conversion attempt).
- Kicking: kickoffs are from the goal line, to begin the halves and odd overtimes, or after any score. Kickers may use a one-inch tee. All kicks must be made by either place kick or drop kick; punting is prohibited. The receiving team may field any kick that rebounds off the net or its surrounding framework and lands in the field of play. Any kickoff that goes out of bounds untouched or hits an overhead structure is to be placed at the 20-yard line or the place where it went out of bounds, whichever is more advantageous to the receiving team. If a kickoff goes beyond the end zone and stays in bounds (such as kicking it into the field goal 'slack net' or if the ball goes under the net), the ball will come out to the five-yard line. The touchback is not automatic; players must attempt to advance the ball out of their own end zone if it is caught there. The same is true if a missed field goal attempt goes beyond the goal line but is short of the rebound net. If the receiving player chooses not to take the ball out of the end zone (takes a knee) or is tackled in the end zone, the ball is placed on the 2½-yard line (the attempted runback does not result in a safety unless the runner crosses the goal line onto the field of play and then retreats into the end zone under his own impetus and is tackled there). Any field goal or extra point attempted by drop kick is worth one additional point (thus four points for a drop-kicked field goal or two for drop-kicked conversion).
- Passing: passing rules in arena football are the same as outdoor NCAA football in which receivers must have one foot inbounds. A unique exception involves the rebound nets. A forward pass that rebounds off the end zone net is a live ball and is in play until it touches the playing surface, as is a ball which bounces off of the padding of the sideline boards, provided it has not been touched by a member of the crowd. A player who goes over the boards to catch a ball and maintains possession of the ball to the floor is awarded a catch even if he lands out of bounds.
- Overtime: overtime periods are now 15 minutes during the regular season and the playoffs. In the first overtime each team gets one possession to score, unless the first team to possess yields a defensive touchdown or a safety, either of which ends the game immediately. Whoever is ahead after one possession for each team wins. If the teams are tied after each has had a possession, whoever scores next by any means wins. Multiple overtime periods will be played if needed in case of a tie and play continues in true sudden death thereafter for both regular-season and postseason games.
- Coaching challenges: Coaches are allowed two challenges per game; to do so, they must throw the red challenge flag before the next play. If the play stands as called after the play is reviewed, the team loses a timeout; however, if it is reversed they keep their timeout. If a team wins two straight challenges they are granted a third. In lieu of coaching challenges, reviews are automatic in the final half-minute of regulation & in all overtime periods, as they are for all scoring plays and all turnovers.
- Offsides: Defensive players may not jump offsides twice in any half; they risk ejection for the rest of the half if they do (this penalty is enforced in addition to the yardage penalty). Defensive players called for jumping offsides in overtime risk disqualification.
- Targeting, such as using the helmet to ram another player is prohibited, and players who do so risk immediate disqualification, plus a 15-yard penalty.
- Like the NCAA, CFL, and NFL, players are warned once for their first unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, and if they pick up another, they risk immediate disqualification.
Growth of the league[edit]
Season format changes[edit]
The practice of playing one or two preseason exhibition games by each team before the start of the regular season was discontinued when the NBC contract was initiated, and the regular season was extended from 14 games during the 1996 to 2000 seasons to 16 from 2001 to 2010. From 2011 to 2015, the regular season league expanded to 18 games, with each team having two bye weeks and the option of two preseason games.[79] Since the 2015 season and the decreasing league membership, the season length has also decreased, first to 16 games in 2016, then to 14 games in 2017, and to 12 games in 2018.[72]
China Arena Football League and AFL Global[edit]
In August 2012, Ganlan Media International received exclusive rights from the AFL to establish a new Chinese arena football league.[80] The league was eventually named the China Arena Football League (CAFL). The CAFL project is headed up by Martin E. Judge Jr. and Ron Jaworski, who are both part of the Philadelphia Soul's ownership group. The original plans were to establish a six-team league that would play a 10-week schedule that was slated to start in October 2014. The AFL coaches and trainers were to travel to China to help teach the rules of the sport to squads made up of Chinese and American players with the goal of starting an official Chinese arena league.[81] Following delays, the league began its first full season in 2016; however, subsequent play was postponed until 2019.[82]
The CAFL is not directly affiliated with the AFL and is instead owned by AFL Global, LLC, an entity that was created by Martin E. Judge Jr.[83]
Hall of Fame[edit]
The AFL has its own Hall of Fame consisting of players, coaches, and contributors who have significantly impacted the league. The AFL Hall of Fame solely exists to honor various AFL affiliates. This is the highest honor for any personnel who have been involved with the AFL. It has no physical location and exists solely as a list of players and contributors maintained by the league itself.
The Arena Football Hall of Fame is not affiliated with the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Former AFL contributors in the Pro Football Hall of Fame[edit]
- Kurt Warner, quarterback, Iowa Barnstormers, 1995–97, inducted in the Class of 2017
- Pat Bowlen, owner, Colorado Crush, 2003–08, inducted in the Class of 2019 (Bowlen's business partner in the Crush, John Elway, was inducted into the Hall as a player in 2004)
- Joe DeLamielleure, offensive lineman/defensive lineman, Charlotte Rage, 1992, inducted in the Class of 2003 (note that DeLamielleure's time in the AFL was largely a publicity stunt and that DeLamielleure saw only limited action in two games)
Media[edit]
Television[edit]
2000s[edit]
Beginning with the 2003 season, the AFL made a deal with NBC to televise league games, which was renewed for another two years in 2005. In conjunction with this, the league moved the beginning of the season from May to February (the week after the NFL's Super Bowl) and scheduled most of its games on Sunday instead of Friday or Saturday as it had in the past. In 2006, because of the XX Winter Olympic Games, the Stanley Cup playoffs and the Daytona 500, NBC scaled back from weekly coverage to scattered coverage during the regular season, but committed to a full playoff schedule ending with the 20th ArenaBowl. NBC and the Arena Football League officially severed ties on June 30, 2006, having failed to reach a new broadcast deal. Las Vegas owner Jim Ferraro stated during a radio interview that the reason efforts to make a deal failed was that ESPN refused to show highlights or scores or even mention Arena football as long as it was being aired on NBC.
For the 2006 season only, the AFL added a national cable deal with OLN (now NBC Sports Network) for eleven regular-season games and one playoff game.
On December 19, 2006, ESPN announced the purchase of a minority stake in the AFL. This deal included television rights for the ESPN family of networks. ESPN would televise a minimum of 17 regular season games, most on Monday nights, and nine playoff games, including ArenaBowl XXI on ABC.[84] The deal resulted in added exposure on ESPN's SportsCenter. However, after the original AFL filed for bankruptcy, this arrangement did not carry over to the new AFL, which is a separate legal entity. The AFL also had a regional-cable deal with FSN, where FSN regional affiliates in AFL markets carried local team games.
2010s[edit]
After its return in 2010, the AFL had its national television deal with the NFL Network for a weekly Friday night game.[85][86] All AFL games not on the NFL Network could be seen for free online, provided by Ustream.[citation needed]
The NFL Network ceased airing live Arena Football League games partway through the 2012 season as a result of ongoing labor problems within the league. Briefly, the games were broadcast on a tape delay to prevent the embarrassment that would result should the players stage a work stoppage immediately prior to a scheduled broadcast. (In at least once incidence this actually happened, resulting in a non-competitive game being played with replacement players, and further such incidents were threatened.) Once the labor issues were resolved, the NFL Network resumed the practice of broadcasting a live Friday night game. NFL Network dropped the league at the end of the 2012 season.
For the 2013 season, the league's new national broadcast partner was the CBS Sports Network. CBSSN would air 19 regular season games[87] and two playoff games. CBS would also air the ArenaBowl, marking the first time since 2008 that the league's finale aired on network television.[88] Regular season CBSSN broadcast games are usually on Saturday nights. As the games are shown live, the start times were not uniform as with most football broadcast packages, but varied with the time zone in which the home team was located. This meant that the AFL may have appeared either prior to or following the CBSSN's featured Major League Lacrosse game.
In 2014, ESPN returned to the AFL as broadcast partners, with weekly games being shown on CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPNEWS along with all games being broadcast on ESPN3 for free live on WatchESPN and the ESPN app. ArenaBowl XXVII and XXVIII were also broadcast on ESPN. Most teams also had a local TV station broadcast their games locally and all games were available on local radio.[89][90] In 2016, Univision Deportes began airing select AFL games during the regular season.[91][92] For the 2017 season, one AFL game per week was broadcast live nationally over CBS Sports Network. In 2017, the AFL also began streaming some games on Twitter and AFLNow, the league's streaming service.[93][94] For the 2018 season, the AFL's sole national English language telecast partner was the CBS Sports Network, but all games were streamed free online and Brigade and Valor games were available over their owner Ted Leonsis' Monumental Sports Network. In 2019, all games are available via streaming on ESPN3.
Video games[edit]
The first video game[95] based on the AFL was Arena Football for the C-64 released in 1988. On May 18, 2000, Kurt Warner's Arena Football Unleashed was released by Midway Games for the PlayStation game console. On February 7, 2006 EA Sports released Arena Football for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox. EA Sports released another AFL video game, titled Arena Football: Road to Glory, on February 21, 2007, for the PlayStation 2.[96]
Literature[edit]
In 2001, Jeff Foley published War on the Floor: An Average Guy Plays in the Arena Football League and Lives to Write About It. The book details a journalist's two preseasons (1999 and 2000) as an offensive specialist/writer with the now-defunct Albany Firebirds. The 5-foot-6 (170 cm), self-described 'unathletic writer' played in three preseason games and had one catch for −2 yards.
AFL Commissioners[edit]
- Jim Foster – 1987–1992
- Joe O'Hara – 1992–1993
- Jim Drucker – 1994–1996
- C. David Baker – 1997–2008
- Ed Policy (interim)[97] – 2008–2009[98]
- Jerry Kurz – 2010–2015
- Scott Butera – 2015–2017
- Randall Boe – 2018–present[64]
League office locations[edit]
- Chicago (1987–2009, 2012–2014)
- Tulsa (2009–2011)
- Las Vegas (2015–2017)
- Philadelphia (2018–)
League finances[edit]
The AFL currently runs as under the single-entity model, with the league owning the rights to the teams, players, and coaches.[99] The single-entity model was adopted in 2010 when the league emerged from bankruptcy. Prior to that, the league followed the franchise model more common in North American professional sports leagues; each team essentially operated as its own business with different owners and the league itself was a separate entity which in exchange for franchise fees paid by the team owners provided rules, officials, scheduling and the other elements of organizational structure.[100] A pool of money is allotted to teams to aid in travel costs.[101]
Accusation of mismanagement and unpaid bills[edit]
In recent years, the AFL's entity ownership, Arena Football One, LLC, has been at the center of much controversy over mismanagement of franchises, unpaid bills and several lawsuits against them.[102]
Jerry Kurz lawsuit[edit]
On July 21, 2016, league co-founder, former commissioner and president Jerry Kurz filed a class action lawsuit against Arena Football One, LLC, and his successor as commissioner, Scott Butera, for what was deemed 'breach of contract' after his effective demotion and subsequent firing following the 2015 season. In August of 2018, that lawsuit was thrown out, and Kurz left for the IFL as Financial Director.[103]
League progression[edit]
Season | Teams | Average attendance |
---|---|---|
1986 (Test season) | 2 | N/A |
1987 | 4 | 11,278 |
1988 | 6 | 8,512 |
1989 | 5 | 5,705 |
1990 | 6 | 8,900 |
1991 | 8 | 10,250 |
1992 | 12 | 12,268 |
1993 | 10 | 11,530 |
1994 | 11 | 10,748 |
1995 | 13 | 11,260 |
1996 | 15 | 10,787 |
1997 | 14 | 10,935 |
1998 | 14 | 10,594 |
1999 | 15 | 10,013 |
2000 | 16 | 9,618 |
2001 | 19 | 9,188 |
2002 | 16 | 9,958 |
2003 | 16 | 11,397 |
2004 | 19 | 12,019 |
2005 | 17 | 12,829 |
2006 | 18 | 12,378 |
2007 | 19 | 12,392 |
2008 | 17 | 12,957 |
2009 | 0 | N/A |
2010 | 15 | 8,135 |
2011 | 18 | 8,241 |
2012 | 17 | 7,841 |
2013 | 14 | 8,195 |
2014 | 14 | 8,473 |
2015 | 12 | 8,947 |
2016 | 8 | 9,342 |
2017 | 5 | 9,248 |
2018 | 4 | 7,601 |
2019 | 6 | TBA |
Source: ArenaFan
Average attendance for AFL games were around 10,000–11,000 per game in the 1990s, though during the recession connected to the dot-com bubble and the September 11, 2001 attacks average attendance dropped below 10,000 for several years. From the start of the 2004 season until the final season of the original league in 2008, average attendance was above 12,000, with 12,392 in 2007.[104] Eleven of the seventeen teams in operation in 2007 had average attendance figures over 13,000. In 2008, the overall attendance average increased to 12,957, with eight teams exceeding 13,000 per game.[105]
In 2010, the first year of the reconstituted league following bankruptcy, the overall attendance average decreased to 8,135, with only one team (Tampa Bay) exceeding 13,000 per game.[106] The 2018 average per game attendance of 7,901 was the lowest since 2012, the league's season interrupted by a temporary strike.
See also[edit]
References[edit]
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- ^Arena Football – 1987 Season – Denver Dynamite vs. Chicago Bruisers on YouTube
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- ^Pittsburgh Franchise to Go Dormant for 2015Archived April 2, 2016, at the Wayback Machine, AFL website, December 15, 2014
- ^Arena Football League Names Scott Butera CommissionerArchived September 26, 2014, at the Wayback Machine, ArenaFootball.com, September 22, 2014
- ^Arena Football League Names Scott Butera Commissioner, ArenaFan.com, September 22, 2014
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- ^IFL Announces Addition of Spokane Shock, IFL website, September 1, 2015
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- ^League Takes Over Operations of Portland ThunderArchived January 9, 2016, at the Wayback Machine, ArenaFootball.com, January 6, 2016
- ^AFL Commissioner Butera promises 'outstanding team' for Portland in 2016, Steve Brandon, Portland Tribune, February 3, 2016
- ^Portland AFL Organization Rebrands to SteelArchived March 5, 2016, at the Wayback Machine, ArenaFootball.com, February 24, 2016
- ^Ted Leonsis close to securing Arena Football League team to play at Verizon Center, Jonathan O'Connell and Dan Steinberg, Washington Post, February 10, 2016
- ^Ted Leonsis to announce D.C. is getting an Arena Football League team, Scott Allen, The Washington Post, March 10, 2016
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- ^'The Orlando Predators have chosen to suspend team operations'. Orlando Predators. October 12, 2016. Archived from the original on October 13, 2016.
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- ^Arena Football League Reveals New Logo, Elizabeth Devita, ArenaFootball.com, December 27, 2018
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- ^ ab'Arena Football League to Kick Off 2018 Season with New Playoff Rules, More Ticket Options for Fans'. AFL. February 13, 2018.
- ^ ab'BRIGADE ANNOUNCE 2019 REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE'. Baltimore Brigade. February 13, 2019.
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- ^Ganlan Media International Receives Exclusive Rights to Establish Professional American Arena Football League in China, NASDAQ XMO GlobeNewswire, August 30, 2012
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External links[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Arena Football League. |
Retrieved from 'https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Arena_Football_League&oldid=900344398'
Current season, competition or edition: 2019 LFL US season | |
Formerly | Lingerie Football League (2003–2012) |
---|---|
Sport | Women's American football |
Founded | 2002 |
Inaugural season | 2009 |
CEO | Mitch Mortaza |
Motto | Women of the Gridiron |
No. of teams | 8 |
Countries | United States |
Headquarters | Los Angeles, California |
Most recent champion(s) | Chicago Bliss (4th title) |
Most titles | Chicago Bliss (4 league titles) |
Official website | www.LFLUS.com |
The Legends Football League (LFL) is a women's 7-on-7 tackle American footballleague, with games played in the spring and summer at NBA, NFL, NHL and MLS arenas and stadiums. The league was founded in 2009 as the Lingerie Football League and was rebranded as the Legends Football League in 2013.[1][2] The league's administrative offices are located in Los Angeles.
- 4LFL US
- 4.2Seasons
- 5LFL Canada
- 5.2Seasons
- 6LFL Australia
- 6.2Seasons
- 7Hall of Fame
- 8Media
Background[edit]
Referees and players during the All-Fantasy Game, Sydney, 2012
The concept of the LFL originated from an alternative Super Bowlhalftime television special called the Lingerie Bowl, a pay-per-view event broadcast opposite the Super Bowl halftime show.[3] The first three Lingerie Bowls were held annually from 2004 to 2006 and were billed as Lingerie Bowls I, II, and III. From 2007 to 2009, the next three planned Lingerie Bowls (billed as Lingerie Bowls IV, V, and VI) were all cancelled for various reasons. In 2009, LFL chairman Mitch Mortaza expanded the concept from a single annual exhibition game to a ten-team lingerie football league.
Most LFL teams in the United States use the same color scheme as a professional men's football team in the area. Generally, this would be the local NFL teams, although UFL (Las Vegas, Orlando), and former NFL (Los Angeles) teams' color schemes have been used in areas with no current NFL team. In Canada, the teams' colors are based on either CFL teams (Toronto, Regina) or ice hockey teams (BC, Saskatoon). As of 2014, some teams in Australia use the local state colors. In addition, a small number of US based have adopted their own color schemes not reflective of other local teams.[citation needed]
Many of the teams are coached by former NFL players and coaches who are already well known in their respective cities. Many of the players have a background in competitive athletics at the college and semi-pro level, in sports such as track and field, tennis, volleyball, softball, soccer, basketball, and fitness-style bodybuilding. A few also have experience in tackle football from playing in other semi-pro leagues.
On January 10, 2013, the Lingerie Football League announced it would change its name to the Legends Football League (while still retaining the LFL moniker). The league announced that the athletes would wear 'performance apparel' instead of lingerie, but the uniforms look very much the same as before.[4] In addition to the new uniforms, redesigned shoulder pads were introduced to provide more protection for players. Other league changes included eliminating images of sexy women from team logos and changing the league tagline from 'True Fantasy Football' to 'Women of the Gridiron'.[2]
Rules[edit]
All-Fantasy Game in Sydney, 2012
Playing style is full-contact and similar to other indoor football leagues. Uniforms consist of shoulder pads, elbow pads, knee pads, performance wear, and ice hockey-style helmets with clear plastic visors in lieu of face masks. Prior to the 2013 season, players wore garters, bras, and panties.
There are no kickoffs, except the option for an on-side kick should the game be close near the end, nor field goals; halves and after scores begin on team's own 15-yard line.[5] Kicking off after every scoring drive was added before the 2013 Pacific Cup, but was removed shortly after the first game of the LFL Australia season. A team must attempt to get a first down on every fourth down, or they risk a turnover. After a touchdown, a team can attempt a one-point conversion from the one-yard line, or a two-point conversion from the three-yard line. Since 2015, teams are given the option to punt if within their own 10 yard line.[6] The defense can return the ball to their end zone off any conversion attempt for 2 points; the offense can get 1 point if safety is scored off the conversion attempt.
There are seven women on each side of the 50-yard field, one fewer than the eight players usually found in arena football or other indoor leagues. Teams consist of 20 players, only 14 of whom are active on game day. This means that there are usually three or four players who play both ways, as 'iron women'. But coaches are allowed free substitution.
The standard offensive formation features 1 quarterback, 1 running back, 1 center, 1 guard, 1 tight end, and 2 wide receivers. The standard defensive formation features 2 defensive linewomen, 1 linebacker, 2 cornerbacks, and 2 safeties (strong safety and free safety).
The field is 50 yards between end zones, 30 yards wide, and the end zones are 8 yards deep, roughly the same as other indoor leagues. Many fields are just over 28 yards wide, as games are often played in converted NHL rinks (which are 85 feet wide), with the plexiglass removed, dasher boards padded, and ice surfaces covered with artificial turf.[7]
A game consists of four ten-minute quarters and a 12-minute halftime (30-minute halftime in championship). In the event of a tie, an extra 8 minute sudden death period is played; whoever scores first wins it. If still tied, the game ends drawn, and each team receives a one in the tie column in the standings; however, in postseason, multiple 10-minute sudden death periods are played until one team scores, which wins the game and that team advances. Teams get 2 timeouts per half or overtime period.[6]
Teams are allowed two coaches' challenges per game by throwing a red flag. If after the play is reviewed, it is upheld, the team loses a timeout; the team keeps the timeout if it is reversed; if they win two straight challenges they are granted a third. All reviews are automatic in the final two minutes of each half and all overtime periods, as are scoring plays and turnovers.[year needed]
Global leagues[edit]
A Victoria Maidens player being interviewed by sideline reporter Sarah Godfrey, LFL Australia, 2014 season
The LFL began in the United States, but in 2012, the LFL launched a companion league in Canada. The LFL also kicked off an LFL league in Australia in December 2013.
The LFL plans to launch a fourth global league – LFL Europa – in 2015. LFL Europa would include teams in Dublin (Ireland), Manchester (England), Düsseldorf and Hamburg (Germany).[8]Barcelona (Spain) and Frankfurt (Germany) had previously been mentioned as potential franchise cities.[9]
In 2015, the LFL is planning to have the champions of each of the four proposed global leagues (US, Canada, Australia, and Europe) compete in an inaugural LFL World Bowl in São Paulo, Brazil.[9]
The LFL also hopes to launch a Latin American league in the near future which would include six franchises throughout Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina, but this league has no expected start date as of yet.[10]
After a successful publicity tour in China and Japan, LFL officials are now looking to debut LFL Asia in the near future, although a set date has not been set until LFL Europa and LFL Latin America have been established.
In addition to adding new leagues, the league is planning on combining LFL's US, Canada and Latin America into one big division known as LFL North America. That is planned for some time after LFL Canada resumes and LFL Latin America debuts.
From January 2015 on, there will three global divisions: LFL Americas, with clubs from Canada, Mexico, and the US; LFL Oceania, with clubs from Australia and New Zealand; and LFL Europa, with clubs from Europe. Every four years, there will be an LFL World Bowl, in which two teams from LFL Americas and one team each team from LFL Oceania and LFL Europa will battle in a single elimination tournament. The LFL is looking for franchise owners as the league continues to grow.[11]
On June 10, 2015, LFL announced in its State of the Franchise that there would be no international play through 2017. The sole focus will be on growing the league in the US, the exception being international exhibition games to introduce prospective countries to the league.[12]
LFL US[edit]
Teams[edit]
- Current LFL United States teams
Team | Stadium | City | Joined | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Eastern Conference | ||||
Atlanta Steam | Infinite Energy Arena | Duluth, Georgia | 2013 | |
Chicago Bliss | Sears Centre | Hoffman Estates, Illinois | 2009–10 | |
Nashville Knights | Nashville Municipal Auditorium | Nashville, Tennessee | 2018 | |
Omaha Heart | Ralston Arena | Omaha, Nebraska | 2013 | |
Western Conference | ||||
Austin Acoustic | Cedar Park Center | Austin, Texas | 2016 | |
Denver Dream | Budweiser Events Center | Loveland, Colorado | 2017 | |
Los Angeles Temptation | Citizens Business Bank Arena | Ontario, California | 2009–10 | |
Seattle Mist | ShoWare Center | Kent, Washington | 2009–10 |
Team | Stadium | City | Joining | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Announced Expansion Franchises | |||||
Pittsburgh Rebellion | Highmark Stadium | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | 2017, 2020 | ||
Arizona Scorch | TBD | Scottsdale, Arizona | TBD | ||
Washington Warriorettes | TBD | Washington, D.C. | TBD |
Team | Stadium | City | Joined | Operations Suspended | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Defunct Franchises | |||||
Baltimore Charm | Royal Farms Arena | Baltimore, Maryland | 2010–11 | 2015 | |
Dallas Desire | Dr Pepper Arena | Frisco, Texas | 2016 | 2016 | |
Green Bay Chill | UW–Milwaukee Panther Arena | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | 2011–12 | 2015 | |
Jacksonville Breeze | Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena | Jacksonville, Florida | 2009–10 | 2014 | |
Las Vegas Sin | Citizens Business Bank Arena | Ontario, California | 2011–12 | 2015 | |
Miami Caliente | FIU Stadium | Miami, Florida | 2009–10 | 2010–11 | |
Minnesota Valkyrie | Target Center | Minneapolis, Minnesota | 2011–12 | 2014 | |
New England Liberty | Verizon Wireless Arena | Manchester, New Hampshire | 2016 | 2016 | |
New York Majesty | Santander Arena | Reading, Pennsylvania | 2009–10 | 2009–10 | |
Orlando Fantasy | UCF Arena | Orlando, Florida | 2010–11 | 2011–12 | |
Philadelphia Passion | PPL Park | Chester, Pennsylvania | 2009–10 | 2014 | |
San Diego Seduction | San Diego Sports Arena | San Diego, California | 2009–10 | 2010–11 | |
Toledo Crush | Huntington Center | Toledo, Ohio | 2011–12 | 2015 |
Note that the 'joined' date refers to the current or most recent incarnation of each team. Several of the LFL's teams, including the Denver Dream and Dallas Desire, have had multiple, separate incarnations that have folded and been revived.
Seasons[edit]
2009–2010[edit]
Ten teams played in the inaugural 2009–2010 LFL season.[13] The league schedule ran from September 4, 2009, to January 29, 2010, with one game each Friday.[14] Teams played one game each against the other four teams in their conference. The top two teams in each conference advanced to the conference championship games held on February 4, 2010, in Miami, and the conference champions played in Lingerie Bowl VII on February 6, 2010. The Western Conference Los Angeles Temptation defeated the Eastern Conference Chicago Bliss by the score of 27–14.[15]
The LFL held its first 'All-Fantasy Game' on June 10, 2010, in Monterrey, Mexico. The Eastern Conference defeated the Western Conference, 36–14. The All-Fantasy Game's co-MVPs were Philadelphia Passion's Tyrah Lusby and Miami Caliente's Anonka Dixon.
Los Angeles Temptation players, 2009
2010–2011[edit]
For the 2010–2011 season, the LFL added new franchises in Orlando and Baltimore, while the New York Majesty and Denver Dream suspended operations. This kept the number of league teams at 10.
The 2011 Lingerie Bowl was held in Las Vegas, Nevada, on February 6, 2011. The Western Conference champion Los Angeles Temptation defeated Eastern Conference champion Philadelphia Passion, 26–25.[16]
The 2011 All-Fantasy Game was held in Hamilton, Ontario on July 30, 2011, at Copps Coliseum.[17] Trailing 18–6 in the second half, the Eastern Conference rallied to win, 24–18, over the Western Conference. Anonka Dixon, quarterback for the Orlando Fantasy, was awarded offensive MVP for her 3 touchdown passes and game-winning rushing touchdown, while Liz Gorman, a safety with the Tampa Breeze, was named defensive MVP.[18]
2011–2012[edit]
The logo of the Lingerie Football League
The LFL expanded from 10 franchises to 12 for the 2011–2012 season. The LFL accepted five expansion franchises – the Cleveland Crush, Green Bay Chill, Las Vegas Sin, Minnesota Valkyrie, and Toronto Triumph. Meanwhile, three franchises from the previous season – the Dallas Desire, San Diego Seduction, and Miami Caliente – suspended operations.
The season kicked off on August 26, 2011, and culminated with Lingerie Bowl IX on February 4, 2012. The LFL Eastern and Western Conference championship games were played back-to-back on January 28, 2012, at Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, California. For the second straight year, the Los Angeles Temptation won the Western Conference championship while the Philadelphia Passion won the Eastern Conference championship, setting up a rematch in the 2012 Lingerie Bowl of the previous year's championship game. The 2012 Lingerie Bowl was played at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, in the afternoon prior to the start of Super Bowl XLVI.[19][20] The Los Angeles Temptation won its third consecutive Lingerie Bowl with a 28–6 victory over Philadelphia Passion. The Temptation's Ashley Salerno and Amber Reed were co-MVP's, with Salerno throwing three touchdown passes and Reed scoring two rushing touchdowns.[21]
In 2012, the LFL expanded its annual 'All-Fantasy' game into a three-game international series, with one game in Mexico and two games in Australia.[22] The Mexico All-Fantasy Game took place on May 5, 2012, at the Palacio de los Deportes in Mexico City; the Western Conference defeated the Eastern Conference, 37–7.[23] The second match of the '2012 LFL All-Fantasy Tour' took place in Brisbane, Australia, on June 2, 2012, at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre; the Western Conference again emerged victorious, this time by a 45–36 score.[24] The Western Conference took a 3–0 series sweep with a 31–24 victory in the third and final 'All-Fantasy' match in Sydney, Australia, on June 9, 2012, at Allphones Arena.[25]
2013 season[edit]
Los Angeles Temptation vs Seattle Mist in Action in Los Angeles – May 4, 2013
The league delayed the next LFL US season from fall/winter 2012 to April 2013 in order to shift to a spring/summer schedule and to focus on the 2012 LFL Canada season.[26]
For the 2013 season, the LFL accepted two expansion franchises – the Omaha Heart and the Atlanta Steam. The Toronto Triumph switched leagues, joining LFL Canada for its inaugural 2012 season, while the Orlando Fantasy officially suspended operations, again leaving the league at 12 teams. The Tampa Breeze relocated to Jacksonville, Florida and were renamed the Jacksonville Breeze. The league also aligned their twelve teams into four three-team divisions for the 2013 season.
The 2013 LFL US season kicked off on March 30, 2013. Divisional championship games were held on August 17, 2013, and the conference championship games were held on August 24, 2013, in Ontario, California. The Philadelphia Passion advanced to their third straight Legends Cup (formerly the Lingerie Bowl) by winning the Eastern Conference championship, while the Chicago Bliss claimed the Western Conference title. The 2013 Legends Cup was held at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, on September 1, 2013, with the Chicago Bliss triumphing, 38–14.
The Pacific Cup was once again played at ShoWare Center on December 6, 2013. This time the Seattle Mist would face the Los Angeles Temptation due to the cancellation of the 2013 Canada season and not enough preparation from the BC Angels. Several key players from the Angels joined the Mist while a few key players from Las Vegas Sin joined the Temptation. The Mist won by a score of 27–25.
2014 season[edit]
https://yellowsv842.weebly.com/blog/what-a-time-to-be-alive-free-download-torrent. In the 2013 offseason, the LFL announced that the Philadelphia Passion and Minnesota Valkyrie had suspended operations for the 2014 LFL US season[27]
It was also announced that the Cleveland Crush were moving to Toledo, Ohio, and play its home games at the Huntington Center.[28] However, the team suspended operations and never returned to the league.
The season concluded with the Chicago Bliss defeating the Atlanta Steam 24-18 in the Legends Cup to win their second consecutive championship title.
2015 season[edit]
The 2015 season took place from April to September, ending with the 2015 Legends Cup. The Seattle Mist won the title 27–21, defeating the two-time champion Chicago Bliss.[citation needed]
2016 season[edit]
On September 16, 2015, Austin, Texas, received an expansion team for 2016 to play at the Cedar Park Center and the name was announced as the Austin Acoustic.[citation needed] On November 2, it was announced that Dallas, Texas, would rejoin the league in 2016 after being on hiatus since the end of the 2010–2011 season, retaining the Dallas Desire name, at Dr Pepper Arena. Austin and Dallas were added to the Western Conferences alongside the Seattle Mist and Los Angeles Temptation, while the Las Vegas Sin were suspended for the season.[29] On November 12, the league announced a final team for the 2016 season, called the New England Liberty out of the Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester, New Hampshire, joining the Chicago Bliss, Atlanta Steam and Omaha Heart in the Eastern Conference.[citation needed]
During the season, New England was forced to forfeit its final game as injuries caused the team to have below the minimum number of players needed to field a team. Seattle won a three-way tie with Dallas and Los Angeles for the best record in the Western Conference while Chicago had the best record in the Eastern Conference. Chicago and Atlanta advanced to the playoffs in the East while Seattle and Dallas advanced in the West. Chicago and Seattle won their Conference Championships and advanced to the Legends Cup in a rematch of both the previous championship and a meeting earlier in the season though with the opposite result of those two prior matches. The season ended on August 27, 2016, with the Chicago Bliss defeating the Seattle Mist 31–26 to win their third Legends Cup. The championship game was played at WestWorld in Scottsdale, Arizona.[30]
2017 season[edit]
The 2017 season began with new teams at Pittsburgh and Denver replacing New England and Dallas. Three teams (Chicago, Los Angeles, and Seattle) completed the regular season with perfect 4–0 records, a first in LFL history. Chicago and Atlanta advanced to the playoffs from the East while Seattle and Los Angeles advanced in the West. Atlanta upset Chicago in the Eastern Conference Championship, their first victory against the Bliss following seven consecutive defeats. In a war of unbeatens, Seattle bested Los Angeles in the Western Conference Championship. The season ended on September 3, 2017, as the Seattle Mist beat the Atlanta Steam 38–28 in the Legends Cup, played at the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, CA, to cap off their perfect 6–0 season to go with their second LFL title.[31]
2018 season[edit]
The season began with the new Nashville Knights replacing Pittsburgh in the East. Nashville courted controversy by recruiting half of the 2017 champion Seattle squad as free agents prompting the league to create a new rule limiting teams to only five free agents (Nashville had to give up two of the seven who then returned to Seattle). The Eastern Conference dominated the West in most match-ups and both the Chicago Bliss and Nashville Knights finished the season with 4–0 records. In the West, the Austin Acoustic pulled off an upset against the Atlanta Steam and quickly rose to become the new conference leader in stark contrast to their winless 2017 season. Chicago and Nashville advanced to the playoffs in the East relegating Atlanta to its first post-season absence while 2–2 Austin qualified for its first playoff appearance. Austin was accompanied by the 1–3 Los Angeles Temptation, the first team to do so with a losing record (discounting the 2016 Atlanta Steam that finished 1–2 without its forfeit win from the New England Liberty). Chicago and Austin won their conference championships and advanced to the 2018 Legends Cup. On September 8, 2018, at the H-E-B Center in Cedar Park, Texas, Chicago beat Austin 28–20 to complete a perfect 6–0 season and win their fourth Legend Cup Championship in six years.
2019 season[edit]
LFL Canada[edit]
Teams[edit]
- Current LFL Canada teams
Team | Stadium | City | Joined |
---|---|---|---|
LFL Canada | |||
BC Angels | Abbotsford Entertainment & Sports Centre | Abbotsford, British Columbia | 2012 |
Calgary Fillies | Stampede Corral | Calgary, Alberta | 2013 |
Regina Rage | Brandt Centre | Regina, Saskatchewan | 2012 |
Saskatoon Sirens | Credit Union Centre | Saskatoon, Saskatchewan | 2012 |
- Defunct LFL Canada team
Team | Stadium | City | Joined | Operations Suspended | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Defunct Franchises | |||||
Toronto Triumph | Hershey Centre | Mississauga, Ontario | 2011–12 | 2012 |
Seasons[edit]
2012[edit]
For the 2011–12 LFL United States season, the All-Fantasy Game was played in Hamilton, Ontario. This was due in part to the league's announcement that in 2012 there would be a Canadian Lingerie Football League. LFL Canada was originally scheduled for a twelve-week season with teams in six markets,[32] with the first regular season game on August 25, 2012, culminating with Lingerie Bowl I Canada on November 17, 2012, one week before the 100th Grey Cup.
On September 28, 2011, it was announced that, in addition to the Toronto Triumph who began play in LFL United States, LFL Canada's other five markets would consist of Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Quebec City, and Montreal; ironically, none of those five markets would actually get an LFL franchise.[33] On February 9, 2012, the LFL announced that Abbotsford, British Columbia, would be the next Canadian city to host a team in the League.[34] The franchise played its home games at the Abbotsford Entertainment & Sports Centre and competed in the Western Division of LFL Canada. On February 20, 2012, the LFL announced that the franchise would be named the BC Angels following the results of an online fan vote.[35] The decision for Abbotsford to host a team sparked some controversy, including expressed concern from at least one city councilor, as 'Abbotsford is a deeply religious agricultural community.'[36]
On February 22, 2012, the LFL announced that Regina, Saskatchewan would be the next Canadian city to host a team in the League. Home games would be played at the Brandt Centre.[37] On March 6, the LFL announced that the franchise would be named the Regina Rage after an online fan vote.[38]
Six days later, on February 28, the LFL announced that Saskatoon, Saskatchewan would join Regina as LFL Canada's second team in the Wheat Province. Home games would be played at the Credit Union Centre.[39] Upon releasing the Saskatoon Sirens' logo and colors, the league announced that LFL Canada was set at four teams for the 2012 season, with the league playing an eight-game schedule, scheduled to end with Lingerie Bowl I Canada the week before the Grey Cup.[40]
The 2012 LFL Canada season began on August 25, 2012 and culminated with Lingerie Bowl Canada I on November 17, 2012, between the Saskatoon Sirens and the BC Angels at the Abbotsford Entertainment & Sports Centre in Abbotsford, British Columbia. The BC Angels won the inaugural championship game 25–12 with BC Angels' quarterback Mary Anne Hanson and receiver Aleesa Garcia named as the game's MVPs.[41]
On December 15, 2012, the first annual Pacific Cup was played between the Seattle Mist of LFL US and the BC Angels of LFL Canada. Dubbed the 'Border War', the game was hosted by the Seattle Mist at the ShoWare Center in Kent, Washington, with home venues alternating each season.[42] The Mist won 38-18.
2013[edit]
On June 27, 2013, the 2013 LFL Canada schedule was released. LFL Canada accepted one proposed expansion team, the Calgary Fillies; their home games would be played at the Stampede Corral.[43] Meanwhile, the Toronto Triumph suspended operations for the 2013 season, bringing the number of LFL Canada teams back to four.[44] On September 16, 2013, the LFL officially postponed the entire 2013 LFL Canada season until 2014.[45][46]
However, the BC Angels were expected to participate in the second-annual 'Pacific Cup', an exhibition game between the Angels and LFL US's Seattle Mist. The 2013 contest was scheduled for December.[47]On October 3, it was announced that the Angels would be replaced in the game by the LA Temptation, citing not enough preparation. However, a few key players from the Angels would make the trip to Seattle to join the Mist.
LFL Australia[edit]
Teams[edit]
- LFL Australia teams
Team | Stadium | City | Joined | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
LFL Australia | |||||
New South Wales Surge | Centrebet Stadium | Sydney | 2013–14 | ||
Queensland Brigade | Skilled Park | Gold Coast | 2013–14 | ||
Victoria Maidens | AAMI Park | Melbourne | 2013–14 | ||
Western Australia Angels | nib Stadium | Perth | 2013–14 |
- Ladies Gridiron League
The LFL announced plans for an official minor league based out of Sydney, Australia, called the Ladies Gridiron League (LGL). The Ladies Gridiron League was designed to bring awareness of American football to Australian culture.[48] Five teams were announced to take part in this league: Berwick Diamonds, Sutherland Sirens, Western Furries, Newcastle Vipers, and Bondi Rage.[49] However, an official season has yet to take place.
Seasons[edit]
2013–14[edit]
Victoria Maidens players discuss their strategy
Australia hosted two games of the 2012 LFL All-Fantasy Game Tour.[50] Two exhibition games between the Eastern and Western Conferences took place on Australia's east coast in Brisbane and Sydney. Queensland native and wide receiver for the Los Angeles TemptationChloe Butler served as the ambassador of LFL Football coming to Australia and captained the Western Conference squad.
LFL Australia premiered in December 2013. The New South Wales Surge, Queensland Brigade, Victoria Maidens, and Western Australia Angels were the four teams playing in the inaugural 2013–14 LFL Australia season.[51]
2014–15[edit]
On March 23, 2014, LFL Australia accepted one proposed expansion team, the Adelaide Arsenal their home games would be played at the Coopers Stadium.[52] However, on September 29 the 2014–2015 season was cancelled due to the lack of a broadcast partner with competition planned to resume in 2015–2016 including an expansion into New Zealand.[53][54]
In February 2015, it was revealed that the players and coaches had actually left after disputes and issues with LFL management, namely Commissioner Mortaza. Players and coaches left and joined the Ladies Gridiron League, originally a subsidiary of the LFL now operating as its own league.[55]
Hall of Fame[edit]
Niki Gahzian of Los Angeles Temptation, one of the top scorers in 2009
Part of the requirement to be considered for the Hall of Fame is a minimum of four seasons of involvement at either coaching, executive or player level.
LFL Hall of Fame 2014[edit]
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LFL Hall of Fame 2014 Nominees
- David Bizub – Coach – Los Angeles Temptation
3-time champion (2009–2010, 2010–2011, 2011–2012)
- Marirose Roach – Running-back – Philadelphia Passion
Rollercoaster tycoon 3 key code generator. 2-time Offensive Player of the Year (2010–2011, 2011–2012)
- Monique Gaxiola – Middle Linebacker – Los Angeles Temptation
3-time US Champion (2009–2010, 2010–2011, 2011–2012), LFL Australia champion (2013–2014), Mortaza Award (2013)
- Heather Furr – Quarterback/Safety – Chicago Bliss
Champion (2013), 2-time League MVP (2010–2011, 2013)
Hall of Fame Inductee 2014 : Monique Gaxiola
LFL Hall of Fame 2015[edit]
LFL Hall of Fame 2015 Nominees
- Lauran Ziegler – Polyvalent player (WR/FS) – Orlando Fantasy / Jacksonville Breeze / Atlanta Steam
3-time All Fantasy Player
- Ashley Salerno – Quarterback – Los Angeles Temptation
2-time champion (2010–2011, 2011–2012), Rookie Of the Year (2010–2011), 2-time Lingerie Bowl MVP (2010–2011, 2011–2012)
- Jessica Hopkins – Wide-receiver/Safety – Seattle Mist
LFL Canada Champion (2012), Mortaza Award (2011–2012)
- Elizabeth 'Liz' Gorman – Safety – Tampa Breeze
2-time Defensive Player of the Year (2009–2010, 2011–2012), Defensive MVP of All-Fantasy Game 2011
Hall of Fame Inductee 2015 : Elizabeth 'Liz' Gorman
Media[edit]
Broadcasts[edit]
From 2009–2010, weekly games were shot in 1080i high-definition and broadcast on some MyNetworkTV affiliate stations, international stations, and online.
In 2010, MTV2 licensed the broadcast rights to 20 regular season and two conference playoff games and aired highlights of those games on a program entitled LFL Presents: LFL, Friday Night Football on MTV2. For the 2011–12 season, MTV2 also broadcast the championship game, in addition to presenting the games in their entirety and broadcasting them live at 9:00 PM ET.[56]
In 2013, the league began airing their games exclusively online on a week-delayed basis, releasing their games every Saturday on YouTube. Games are shot in 1080i.[57]
At the start of the 2013–2014 Australia season, LFL signed an agreement with 7mate in Australia to broadcast games every Saturday night.[58]
In 2015, Fuse became the exclusive broadcaster of LFL games in the United States.[59][60] Games are broadcast on a week-delay basis on Saturday nights, and are later uploaded to YouTube on Fridays. In the fall, Oxygen Media premiered the reality series, Pretty. Strong., which focuses on the lives and careers of the Chicago Bliss. The show was produced by Relativity Television.[61]
Fuse did not broadcast the 2016 season. Instead, games were broadcast in select markets on affiliates of The CW and MyNetworkTV as well as Regional sports networks on a week-delayed basis. [62]
In 2017, Super Channel became the exclusive Canadian broadcaster of all LFL games through the 2019 season. Super Channel will use the LFL to launch its 'Super Channel SPORTS' sub-brand that will be used for all sporting and events and sports-themed programming.[63]Eleven Sports Network acquired the broadcast rights to the LFL in the United States.[64]
Music[edit]
Since the 2009–2010 season, the Legends Football League has partnered with Five Stone music to compose music for the weekly game highlights, commercials, sound effects, radio shows, and music bed for the games on MTV2 and the international TV stations.
The LFL theme song was originally composed by Five Stone in a collaboration with the vocalist Piper from the band Flipsyde. The LFL theme song changed in 2013 to 'The Chosen' by Iowa-based group Drenalin.
Starting with the 2013 Australia season, the LFL has dropped 'The Chosen' and opted to go with cold openings with dialogue instead of music.
Fantasy football[edit]
In 2011, the Legends Football League partnered with Fantazzle Fantasy Sports to present a fantasy football game for the LFL.[65] Download chrome 76 for mac.
It lasted for a year, before being shutdown and repackaged in 2013 as LFL PartyDeck,[66] a social networking site exclusively for LFL fans, players, and coaches.
Video game[edit]
In 2012, the Legends Football League teamed with Japanese-based Yuke's Co. Ltd to design and develop an official LFL game.[67] The video game still does not have a firm release date.
Reception[edit]
The league has met with criticism. Critics say the league degrades female athletes through 'pernicious objectification'.[68] The league was accused in its earlier years of fining players for wearing too many clothes, as well as not paying medical bills for injured players.[69] However, the league has responded, claiming that fines were given because the equipment worn was in direct conflict with the league's sponsored gear (e.g. Rawlings and Cutters, at the time).[70] Following the rebranding, the league now allows players to wear other clothing (bras, panties/thongs, extra padding, medical wraps) under the uniform.[citation needed] Players are still required to pay for their own medical insurance and care.[citation needed]
The league also prohibited players from commenting on personnel matters, a rule that prompted the vast majority of the Toronto Triumph, including team captain Krista Ford, to quit in protest in October 2011.[71] The league claims that that policy has also changed since the rebranding, allowing players to express changes and ideas to keep the league functioning.[citation needed] Originally a professional league with players receiving a cut of net revenue, Mortaza stopped paying his players beginning in the 2011 season and converted the league into an amateur organization; players must also pay for their own health insurance.[72] League founder Mortaza admitted at one point the league was marketed toward 'mostly beer-drinking college students aged 21 and up.'[73] The league has since attempted to reach a broader audience, including couples, kids, and families.
Uniforms[edit]
In LFL players are allowed to wear make-up or face paint. Picture shows a Victoria Maidens player.
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The original uniforms of the Lingerie Football League consisted of an athletic bra and underwear that were more revealing than protective. The uniforms had lace and ribbons and the athletes all had to wear garter belts.
The uniforms have received extensive criticism for their revealing nature. In an ESPN article, Sarah Spain, the co-host of espnW, wrote, 'After watching these women play, I can honestly say I respect the heck out of them as athletes, but I'll still never respect the Lingerie Football League, no matter what name they give it.' [74]
Some players have responded ambivalently or positively to the uniforms, with one quoted as saying 'I just appreciate playing football, I don’t care what they put me in', and another favoring the limited clothing, saying 'It's more comfortable this way.'[75] LFL players with experience in track and field competitions have noted that the typical LFL uniform is comparable to other uniforms, with Elizabeth Govrick of the Minnesota Valkyrie stating she 'ran track and I was wearing, you know, stuff if not close to almost smaller than what I’m wearing out on the football field. You take beach volleyball, you take volleyball, you take other sports where it's pretty much the same thing.'[76] Adrian Purnell of the Jacksonville Breeze said that the outfits are only for marketing purposes.[77] Heather Furr, a quarterback for the Chicago Bliss said 'I think with little girls watching the game . if they can see past the uniform and see us as role models, then that's what I want.'[74] Abbie Sullivan of the Cleveland Crush stated, 'just because we play in the LFL does not mean we promote promiscuity. We are smart females. We are athletes who take care of our bodies. We are the total package.' Similarly, Toledo Crush player Marija Condric stated, 'Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Sit down and watch. You’ll forget what we are wearing and you will be thinking about how hard that girl got hit on that last play.'[78]
Other players are quoted as viewing the uniforms as a necessary evil, with one saying 'Maybe one day, girls won't have to wear lingerie to get people interested [in women's football].'[79] Liz Gorman, a player with the Jacksonville Breeze, stated she'd rather wear a conventional uniform: 'I mean, I don't like it. You'd rather wear full clothing. I have a bunch of scrapes on me.' She also indicated a belief that the league is likely to change to conventional uniforms in the future: 'You look back at basketball, you used to have to wear skirts. Obviously it's changed, they have the WNBA now. So if you look back, women's sports has constantly evolved and I think that this sports league is going to end up changing the uniform.'[80]
Along with the rebrand of the league in 2013, the league made the decision to change the uniforms. The league felt like the uniforms were too heavy on sex appeal, and traded these uniforms in for 'performance wear.'[4] While the US remained with the old uniforms for the 2013 season, minus the ribbons and garters, LFL Australia's debut season in the beginning of 2014 marked the debut of the new 'performance wear' uniforms. The new uniforms resemble the uniforms worn by volleyball players, replacing ribbons with shoelaces on the front of the top and bottom.
The new uniforms made their debut in the US for the 2014 season. In addition to the shoelaces, the US uniforms feature brighter, more vibrant colors for the teams, with some teams getting new color schemes for the new season. White color away uniforms have been mostly replaced, with both away and home teams sporting what could be considered home color uniforms.[citation needed] White uniforms returned for the 2015 season, but only for certain teams.[citation needed]
2017 Legends Football League 'full pants' uniform. [81]
In partnership with Sleefs, the LFL announced new uniforms with new colors for the 2016 season. Numbers and logos are now printed on the uniform as opposed to previously being sewn on. In addition, the league also announced that teams will have a choice of camo or black alternates.[82]
It was announced by the league that CandlenCaleb would become the new uniform provider for the LFL starting with the 2017 season. In the announcement, the league announced that, for the first time in league history, the uniforms for the last home games of the 2017 season would include long pants in lieu of the regular bikini bottom.[83] The new uniforms still lack leg, hip, or chest padding, and include the existing bra and shoulder pad combination. The uniforms debuted as the standard outfit at the beginning of the 2018 season. While the league, some players, and many fans were pleased with the change, other more vocal fans and players were not, prompting the league to change uniforms late season to a shorts uniform as a means of compromise. The shorts, with a look more similar to indoor volleyball shorts, are 2-3 inches longer than the original bikini bottoms. Some players have worn longer athletic shorts underneath for added protection.
Safety[edit]
A player of NSW Surge in standard uniform with shoulder pads, knee/elbow pads, and hockey helmet
The league has received many complaints from players in regards to safety. Since the uniforms cover very little skin, the players are very susceptible to injury. Ex-lingerie football player Nikki Johnson was one of the many players that experienced injuries in her time in the league. Those injuries included injuries sustained from hard hits and a broken wrist that required surgery.[84] She, like many other players, believed the league gave very little protection to the women by providing them with weak shoulder pads and weak helmets. Due to lack of coverage around torso, arms, and legs, they can sustain scrapes and bruises very easily.
As part of the reformation and brand change, LFL and partner Rawlings changed the shoulder pads to be more protective, including a harder plastic shell to cover the shoulders instead of just a pad. In addition, the helmets were given more padding inside and the addition of a concussion meter, meant to go off and alert the trainer of a head injury, regardless of the players saying that they are fine. This putting into place a system where, if a player goes out of action for a head injury, they must pass a physical and mental test before being allowed back on the playing field.[citation needed]
At the start of the 2014 US season, LFL unveiled new helmets by Bauer, designed with a harder outer shell and more padding than the CCM helmets used the past 4 years. They are still equipped with the concussion meters. Chinstraps, while still by Russell, are thicker and have more padding.[citation needed]
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The shoulder pads were remodeled again for the 2014 season, with more padding given to the shoulders and a thicker plate given to the chest pad. They also introduced new sturdier elbow and knee pads, in addition to new gloves designed by Champion Gloves, replacing Cutters as the leagues official glove.[citation needed]
Notable records[edit]
Passing
- Anne Erler – Quarterback – Green Bay Chill (2013)
4 games, Rating : 178,7, 43/75, 550 yards, TD : 16 Int : 4
Rushing
- Marirose Roach – Running-back – Philadelphia Passion (2010–2011)
6 games, Att : 70, Yards : 598, Avg : 8.5, Yds/game : 99.7, TD : 18
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Receiving
- Anna Heasmann – Wide-receiver – Green Bay Chill (2013)
4 games, Rec : 18, Avg/catch : 13.7, Yards : 246, Yds/game : 61.5, TD : 9
- Hallie Jiskra – Center – Green Bay Chill (2013)
4 games, Rec : 6, Avg/catch : 19, Yards : 114, Yds/game : 28.5, TD : 5
Tackles
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- Tina Caccavale – Safety – Miami Caliente (2009–2010)
5 games, Tackle : 40, Tckl/game : 8, Sack : 0, Int : 2
Interceptions Quickbooks online mac app no longer working.
- Shannon Rene – Cornerback – Chicago Bliss (2010–2011)
5 games, Int : 6, Yards : 73, Long : 26, TD : 0
- Anne Erler – Safety – Saskatoon Sirens (Canada 2012)
4 games, Int : 6, Yards : 79, Long : 29, TD : 1
See also[edit]
References[edit]
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- ^ abMitchell, Houston (11 January 2013). 'Lingerie Football League changes name; players to wear uniforms'. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 11 January 2013.
- ^Geist, Bill (February 7, 2010). 'Lacing Up for the Lingerie Bowl; Bill Geist Learns LFL Players Really Love Football, and Don't Mind Playing in Their Underwear'. CBS Sunday Morning. Retrieved February 23, 2010.
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- ^'Oxygen Media set to tackle the Gridiron with LFL Series, 'Pretty. Strong.''. lfl360.com. Retrieved 2015-04-07.
- ^'LFL ANNOUNCES USA TELEVISION, MOBILE AND ONLINE DISTRIBUTION STRATEGY'. lfl360.com. Retrieved 2016-04-12.
- ^'Super Channel kicks off new sports programming sub-brand with the acquisition of popular US sports franchise, Legends Football League'. Canada NewsWire. February 22, 2017.
- ^'LFL ANNOUNCES US SPORTS BROADCAST PARTNER, ELEVEN SPORTS'. lfl360.com. Retrieved 2017-04-12.
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- ^[url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/03/25/lingerie-football-players_n_512848.html]
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- ^ ab'Legends Football League Is Still The Wrong Packaging For Women's Game'. espnW. Retrieved 2016-12-13.
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- ^'Legends Football League And Sleefs Team On Landmark On-Field Armour Deal'.
- ^'LFL AND SPORTS OUTFITTER CANDLENCALEB KICKOFF MULTI-YEAR UNIFORM PARTNERSHIP'.
- ^RON KANTOWSKI LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL. 'Ex-Lingerie player stumps for women's football safety'. Las Vegas Review-Journal.
External links[edit]
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