Rule changes for 2021

There are no rule changes for 2021 - the 2020 rulebook will continue to be used.

However, a small number of temporary changes due to COVID-19 have been introduced. Details can be found here.

[ Read more about the rule changes made in 2020... ]

BAFA rulebooks

Contact football

2020-21 BAFA rulebook

• COVID-19 guidance ^{19th July 2021}
• How to obtain printed copies of the rulebook (to follow)
• Press release on rule changes
• 2020 rule changes

• 9-on-9 rules variations
• 8-on-8 rules variations
• 7-on-7 rules variations^{30th June 2021}
• 5-on-5 rules variations

Flag football

Current edition - Flag rules 2021 (IFAF)

• BAFA notes on flag rules 2021

More information on the rules

• Medical requirements
  • Questions and answers on medical facilities and risk assessment (since 2017)
  • Concussion protocol (since 2017)
  • Injury assessment tool for concussion (new 2017)
• More info on particular rule changes:
  • Blocking below the waist (since 2019)
  • Summary of Team A blocking below the waist rules (since 2019)
  • Targeting (since 2019)
  • 40/25-second play clocks (since 2015)
  • Running clock rule (since 2015)
• Advice on field markings (since 2015)

BAFA and competition regulations

• BAFA Regulations
• 2015 press release on new regulations
• Current league regulations varying the playing rules
  • League regulations for small-sided competitions
• National League Adult Contact competition regulations (since 2019/20) - for info only

How do I contact the Rules Committee?

Email the rules editor