Why is a "mark" so called?

Question

Isn't it a "catch"?

Answer 1

when caught, the ref stands on "the mark"

Answer 2

In the old days when a player caught the ball the umpire would mark the ground as to where he would take his kick from, hence the expression 'standing on the mark"  

Answer 3

Because that's what Jacko's mum called him!

It is on his birth certificate.

And, no, I don't think he would be much of a catch!

Answer 4

A mark isn't just an AFL term.

Rugby Union and Rugby League both used the term. It died out on League a while ago but in Union the rule used to be if you caught the ball on the full in your own 22 yard line then you got a free kick from where you caught it (i.e. the mark).

Answer 5

yeah tru, but mark sound better

Answer 6

A bit of history this one, but years ago when the player "caught" the ball he would then mark his spot and get to kick it from that mark. As time has gone and rules changed the opposition player now takes his place at that mark, really robbing the bloke who got the ball about 10 meters of distance.

Answer 7

where the ground is marked

for a catch

hence he is standing the mark