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Comment by Barrin92 | Hacker News Reader

being a sucker for games that create complexity out of simple rules I do not enjoy American football at all. Granted I haven't grown up with it so I guess that makes it extra unfamiliar, but it seems so damn complicated. Multiple teams, constant pausing, so many rules, field goals, touchdowns etc. The author compares it to video games which I actually agree with, but I never really could get into league or magic for the same reason.

I'm more of a fan of soccer or tennis which both manage to be very simple but are to me much more dynamic

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The multiple teams with many different positions means that many different body types are needed, which allows a wide range of people to participate and contribute. Although rugby for instance seems pretty cool, the players are all built like NFL linebackers so it's not something that I could ever play with any ability. Football has a place for small, fast guys and slow, fat guys (and girls) along with the superhumans. The deep and subtle complexity means that at basically any position, intelligence and/or intuition can make up for having less physical ability.

It's also great at teaching teamwork and good sportsmanship. If it weren't for the concussions, it would be the perfect sport for building character in school.

*Experiences will vary with the size of the school and the program there. I'm sure there are plenty of 5A schools where you have to be a superhuman to play at all, but there are plenty of schools where normal people can make the team with some effort, and not a few 1A/2A schools where anyone that can walk makes the team.

This isn’t true with respect to rugby union.

In the Australian side one of the most impressive and key players is Nic White at 84kg and 173cm. Heck, one of the best NZ players of all time, Dan Carter, is 178cm and 94kg.

There are many positions and they require vastly different physiques.

multiple teams?

Offense, defense, special.

special teams - punting, kick receiving, etc. it's a valid claim.

For me almost all sports and esports are painfully boring to observe. I don't feel any attachment to the teams and the gameplay carries out pretty much the same every time. I'd much rather be playing the sport or game.

The exception is for this are things that are very novel. I'll happily watch a video of someone mtb riding down some insane trails or someone playing a video game in a crazy way I haven't seen before. But once its no longer new its no longer interesting to me.

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