Section 5: Rules of Play
A match consists of four quarters, with duration and intervals set under Law 10.1. Play commences, and is restarted at the centre, by a throw-up (Law 13); the general procedure for throwing up the football is at Law 14.
Marking the football is governed by Law 15, which defines a Mark (Law 15.1), addresses particular circumstances (Law 15.2), and fixes the location of the Mark (Law 15.3).
Disposal after a Mark or free kick is governed by Law 20. Where an Umpire elects to let play continue rather than award a Mark or free kick, the advantage rule applies (Law 21).
Free kicks are awarded for the infringements enumerated in Law 18. A fifty metre penalty may be imposed in addition, advancing the Mark toward the offending team’s goal (Law 19).