As the International Federation we hold sole responsibility for establishing, maintaining, and developing the official rules of play across our sport’s disciplines.
This governance role ensures that the game is played to a consistent, fair, and safe standard at every level of competition worldwide, and it is exercised separately — but consistently — across Flag Football, Tackle Football, and Wheelchair Football.
Our rulebooks are developed in close consultation with national member federations, technical officials, coaches, player representatives and key stakeholders, reflecting both the practical realities of each discipline and the evolving expectations of international sports governance.
Every rule change follows a structured review process, balancing stability — so athletes, coaches, and officials can rely on consistent standards — with the flexibility to adapt the game as it grows and reaches new audiences.
Rule books are produced either annually or biannually.
IFAF has formal rulebooks for both tackle football and flag football.
A rulebook for wheelchair football is being developed, building upon resources pioneered by our member federations.
The Rules documents can be found in the Library section of the website under the Football Operations section.
Members of the Rules Committees can be found in the Committees section of the website.
