ball-upn.
/ˈbɔːlʌp/, U.S. /ˈbɔlˌəp/, /ˈbɑlˌəp/, Australian English /ˈbɔːlʌp/ Australian Rules Football.
A method of starting or restarting play (as at the beginning of a quarter, after a goal has been scored, or following certain penalties) in which the ball is thrown (or bounced) into the air by the umpire and players on opposing teams attempt to gain possession. Also (in quot. 1890) as int.: calling for a restart of this type.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > football > Australian football > [noun] > actions or manoeuvres
free1859
handball1859
hand-balling1867
goal-kicking1871
handballing1883
behind1888
ball-up1890
minor1903
handpass1931
1890 J. Sadler Lyrics & Rhymes 143 ‘Jump on him!’ ‘Kick it!’ ‘Ball up!’
1928 G. Moriarty Teaching Game of Football ii. 3 If there is a scrimmage in front of goals, and the Umpire blows his whistle for ‘Ball up’, your tall ruckman should get in position.
1964 Footy Fan (Melbourne) II. xvi. 19 No matter what decision I made, I could not win, so..I called for a ‘ball-up’ and settled for a draw.
1983 G. Atkinson Bk. Austral. Rules Finals 202 Umpire Schwab blew his whistle for a puzzling ‘ball-up’ decision.
2006 Australian (Nexis) 14 Feb. (Sport section) 18 Umpires had been quicker to disperse stoppages with a ball up.
This is a new entry (OED Third Edition, June 2008; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
<
n.1890