Rule changes for 2026

BAFA has announced the contact rule changes for 2026

[ Read more about the rule changes made in 2026... ]

BAFA rulebooks

Contact football

2026 BAFA rulebook ^{2nd March 2026}

• Press release on rule changes ^{2nd March 2026}
• 2025 rule changes ^{2nd March 2026}
• Order printed copies (except BAFRA members)

• 9-on-9 rules variations ^{16th February 2025}
• 8-on-8 rules variations ^{9th February 2023}
• 7-on-7 rules variations ^{10th February 2024}
• 5-on-5 rules variations ^{2nd March 2025}

Flag football

• Flag rules 2023 (IFAF)
• BAFA notes on flag rules 2024 - under review for 2026

More information on the rules

• Medical requirements
  • Questions and answers on medical personnel and facilities ^{September 2025} (PDF)
  • Concussion guidelines ^{23rd March 2024}
  • [under review] Pregnancy guidelines ^{23rd March 2024}
• Talking to Officials
  • Guidance document (PDF) ^{23rd March 2024}
  • Poster
  More info on particular rule changes:
  • Blocking below the waist (since 2023) ^{9th February 2023}
  • Targeting (since 2023) ^{10th February 2024}
  • 40/25-second play clocks (since 2015)
• Advice on field markings ^{2nd March 2026}
• Advice on uniforms ^{9th February 2023}
  • IFAF guidance on helmet covers ^{16th March 2025}

BAFA and competition regulations

• BAFA Regulations ^{2nd March 2026}
• Current league regulations varying the playing rules ^{2nd March 2026}
  • League regulations for small-sided competitions ^{2nd March 2026}
• Authorisations granted
• BAFA Contact Competition Rules and Regulations – 2024 - for info only

How do I contact the Rules Committee?

Email the rules editor (Dr Jim Briggs)