League attendance in 1999 surpassed one million (1,130,322) for the fourth consecutive season. The Arizona Rattlers led the circuit for the second straight season, averaging 15,055 per game. ArenaBowl XIII, held in Albany, NY, drew 13,652 spectators, a sellout.
Ball- The official football of the Arena League is the Wilson Ironman football. It is the same size and weight of the football used by National Football League players.
Ball in the Stands-
When a ball is thrown or bounces into the seats surrounding the playing field, the "lucky" fan that catches the ball, keeps it. Although no official statistic has been recorded, its estimated that the league gives away 15-20 balls per game.
Defensive Specialists-
A pair of players, substituted for the QB and offensive specialist, who are the best "cover-men" on the team. Usually assigned to the opponents' best receiver and offensive specialist. Take for instance, Nashville's Corey Johnson. As a rookie last season, he became the first player since Durwood Roquemore in 1988 to lead the league in both interceptions (11) and tackles (93).
"Don't Blink!"-
The tagline for the league's first-ever national marketing campaign. "Don't Blink!" epitomizes the game. In 1998, the league's combined per game score was a record 97.4 points per game. In fact, six teams averaged better than 50 points. The New Jersey Red Dogs established the professional football record with 91 points against Texas (now Houston) in 1997.
Drop Kick-
A field goal that is drop-kicked through the uprights is worth 4 points. An extra point attempt that is drop-kicked is worth 2 points. In 1994, Cleveland's Brian Mitchell was 6-of-11 on 4-point attempts and 18-of-34 on two-point attempts. Milwaukee's Kenny Stucker is the last kicker to have connected on a two-point drop-kick (1997).
Internet- Located at www.arenafootball.com, the league's official web-site contains the latest, news, statistics, rosters, schedules and links to its member teams' web-sites.
Ironman-
Synonymous with Arena Football, "Ironman" signifies participants playing both offense and defense. Typically, linemen get to pass block as well as rush the passer, wideouts play either defensive back or linebacker and fullbacks play linebacker. Each year, the league honors an Ironman of the Year, and, six of the last seven seasons, Orlando's Barry Wagner has won the award.
"Mac and Jack" Linebackers -
"Mac" may rush the QB straight-on, without stunting, twisting or drop-back coverage. "Jack" must stay within an imaginary box behind the line of scrimmage. Either linebacker may cover the fullback or tight end, but double-teaming is illegal. "Mac" typically plays wide receiver on offense while "Jack" competes at fullback.
Offensive Motion- Unlike stadium-played football, one offensive back may go into forward motion prior to the snap of the ball.
Offensive Specialist-
This player, substituted for one of the defensive specialists, usually plays wide receiver and kick returner. Simply one of the most dangerous players on the field, the offensive specialist is the first option on offense. Perfect example? Arizona's Calvin "Shakes" Schexnayder, who racked up over 1,900 yards receiving and 44TD's last season.
Overtime-
Arena Football has a unique overtime rule. If a contest is tied after regulation, teams will play a 15-minute overtime. Each team will have one opportunity to score. If, after each team has had one chance to score, the game is tied, the first team to score is crowned the winner.
Rebound Nets-
Goal-side rebound nets extend outward from each upright. The nets are approximately 30-feet wide, 32-feet high and extend to 40-feet above the playing surface. The bottom bars of the frames are positioned 8-feet above the surface. Nets are stretched taut so that a missed kick attempt will rebound off the net and back into the field of play. Once the ball caroms off the net, it's live.
Sideline Barriers-
Similar to the sideboards that surround a hockey rink, the sideline barrier encircles the playing surface. The barrier is made of a high-density foam pad, measuring 3 inches thick. The sideline barriers are 1- to 3-feet beyond the field perimeter.
Stunting or Twisting-
When a defensive lineman is rushing the passer, there's no "stunting" or "twisting". In other words, linemen are required to power past offensive linemen straight -on, without using Reggie White-like moves.
Tight End- A position not widely utilized in Arena Football, one offensive lineman can declare himself a tight end prior to the snap by simply raising his arm and "declaring" himself a tight end.
Two-Way Players -
One of the most "throwback" features of the Arena League is the fact that the game features eight-on-eight, single-platoon football, where six players on each team must play both offense and defense with limited substitutions, much as was the case with early NFL clubs.
