[Back In The Saddle]

Tony,

To help you out on this important international assignment, I Googled some basic imperial to metric conversions and Australian rules and customs. This helpful list should make the Aussies feel right at home in your game.

1. Down under they rigoursly enforce the 1.8288 meters closely guarded rule.
2. The ball may be made of Kangaroo leather; be warned that it has a heckuva bounce to it. It may also have an external pouch for holding a smaller ball of similar material.
3. Be prepared to rotate more frequently at lead as the Melbourne team will be used to driving down the left-hand side of the lane while Americans generally drive on the right.
4. The expression "Fair Dinkum," while containing the word "dink" is not a derogatory expression.
5. The proper Australian term of address for a head coach is "Poofter." You'll want to use it frequently when addressing the coach.
6. If, in the heat of the moment, one of the Aussies throws a stick at you, duck. And stay ducked 'cuz it's coming back.

Have a fun game. I've never met an Aussie yet that wasn't mad as a hatter and fun to be around!