With effect from 1st April 2026
See the full 2026 Regulations with changes marked in blue.
- Various additions required by UK Anti-Doping. This including clarification of UKAD jurisdiction over breaches of their rules.
- It is now a breach of the Code of Conduct to allow unregistered people access to the sideline, to conceal evidence or to use the Regulations for vexatious reasons. Clubs may also breach the code by registering participants incorrectly.
- Clubs are responsible for ensuring appropriate behaviour by specators and must not allow music with offensive or derogatory language to be used. If requested, clubs must stop the use of artificial noise makers.
- Emphasis that teams are responsible for failures to meet game management standards. Clubs are also responsible for ensuring that illegal coaching does not take place.
- New definition of "Spectator" and updated definition of "game official".
- Statement added that all BAFA registrants are deemed to have made themselves familiar with and agreed to be bound by various BAFA documents.
- Clarify that references to a "Playing Rule" refer to the contact playing rules except where small-sided football or flag football have their own variants.
- Guidance on how to supply evidence for disciplinary cases is now provided.
- The Grievance Procedure has been removed from the Regulations and replaced by a separate Complaints Policy.
- Disciplinary appointments are now made under the authority of the CEO rather than the Board.
- The Arbitration (Scotland) Act 2021 may apply if all parties are located in Scotland.
- Various minor improvements to wording to make things clearer.
