USAFL Amendments to the Laws of Australian Football
Downloads
- 2025 Approved AFL/USAFL Changes and Interpretations Summary Chart (PDF)
- 2025 Laws of Australian Football — Full Version (PDF)
Game Format
| Match Length | 2 x 20 minute halves with a 7-minute half time break |
| Time-on | No time-on added for stoppages. Time stops only for serious injuries requiring stretcher or ambulance intervention. |
| Decisions | USAFL Executive Board decisions are final |
Player Eligibility
A player’s first inter-city game with a sanctioned USAFL club determines their team eligibility for Nationals. Metro or intra-club games do not bind players to clubs. Exemptions are available through the player registration system.
Qualification Points Requirements
| Division | Minimum Points |
|---|---|
| Men’s Divisions | 4 points |
| Women’s Divisions | 2 points |
- 2 points per USAFL inter-city game
- 1 point per metro or tournament game
- Maximum 2 points per calendar week (Monday–Sunday)
- Teams must submit qualification lists with dates
The 50/50 Participation Rule
A maximum of 9 Non-Nationals may be on the field at any time. Non-National is defined as anyone not deemed an American (for US teams) or Canadian (for Canadian teams), determined by country of birth on passport. A minimum of 9 Nationals must be on field at all times. Players unable to prove national status are classified as Non-National.
Send Off Rule
| Card | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Yellow Card | 15-minute send-off. Player can be replaced. |
| Red Card | Ejected for remainder of game, cannot return that day, automatic tribunal appearance. Replacement allowed after 15 minutes. |
Team Rankings at Nationals
Determined in order by: Total Championship points → Percentage → Points scored → Goals scored → Head-to-head matchups → Coin toss.