By Mrinal Asija, May 26
Long before AFL and Rugby were the big kids on the block, the Kabi Kabi people of South Queensland were hitting the field for a spirited game of Buroinjin.
On June 1, Melbourne University Sport, as a part of National Reconciliation week, will host the annual Buroinjin Cup reviving this traditional game in a fun-filled tournament between Ormond, Trinity, St Hilda's and Queen's College teams at University Oval in Parkville.
Buroinjin is a running-and-passing ball game with similarities between rugby, soccer, and AFL . It is named after the ball it was played with, which was made from roo skin and sewn with kangaroo tendons and stuffed with grass.
Baxter Aurisch, president of the Intercollegiate Sport Committee (ICSC), is expecting the college teams to draw in a lot of support on the day, but he also believes that the Buroinjin Cup is about more than just the competition.
“The ICSC would love to encourage every member of the college and university community to have a look, as the competition itself is only one aspect of the day. We expect Buroinjin to be used as a day of celebration and have a real sense of community during the Reconciliation Week, and it will have the spirit of comradery rather than rivalry."
"In association with the indigenous company Wanayra, the participating colleges are able to properly involve themselves in the Reconciliation Week, in what promises to be a day of sport and education,” Aurisch said.
Since 2019, the Buroinjin Cup has been held during the National Reconciliation Week, which is observed from 27 May to 3 June. The 'Cup' is a way for the MU Sport and University of Melbourne community to come together and honour the shared history and culture of the country and its indigenous people through sport and game playing.
Before the series of round robin matches kick-off, a traditional smoking ceremony will be held on the ground, led by an Indigenous Elder. This moving welcome is a fitting way to formally start the day for the assembled crowds and players.
The event is open to all students and staff of the university, who can also enjoy some free bbq and live music. If you are coming down and need a quick introduction to the rules of Buroinjin, we have got you covered!
The game is played by two teams of six to eight players using a ball smaller in size than a soccer ball. The playing area is approximately 50–70 metres long and 35–50 metres wide with a line at each end. The players aim to cross the line while running with the ball to score a point for their team. But they must do this without being touched by the opponent!
If a player with the buroinjin is touched, they must throw the ball in the air to be collected by another player. Similar to touch footy, there is no tackling allowed, but the ball can only be passed to a teammate without kicking or hitting it with the fist. Players are also not allowed to dive on the ball on the ground.
Check out our event link for more details and to register for a free ticket.