Updated for Season 2026
Australian Football in Switzerland is played under a modified 9-a-side format.
AFL Switzerland uses the AFL Europe 2024 Rules & Regulations as the main 9-a-side reference, adapted for Swiss domestic league conditions. Where AFL Switzerland has specific local rules, those Swiss rules apply.
The AFL Switzerland 2026 Rules Directive is the current match-day reference for players, coaches, umpires and club officials. It replaces the previous 2022 AFL Switzerland Rules & Regulations as the current domestic guidance.
2026 Rules Directive
Quick summary: AFL Switzerland domestic rules and match-day clarifications
The following points are the main Swiss domestic variations and match-day clarifications.
1. AFL Europe 2024 is the main 9-a-side reference
Where the AFL Switzerland rules or 2026 directive are silent, AFL Switzerland follows the AFL Europe 2024 9-a-side framework, adapted for Swiss domestic league conditions.
2. 25-metre penalties, not 50 metres
In AFL Switzerland 9-a-side matches, 50-metre penalties are reduced to 25 metres.
3. No boundary throw-ins in normal 9-a-side matches
Where there are no boundary umpires, the field umpire restarts play with a ball-up five metres in from where the ball crossed the boundary line.
4. Deliberate out of bounds applies in the AFL Europe 9-a-side format
Players are expected to keep the football in play. A free kick may be awarded where a player kicks the football out on the full, does not show sufficient intent to keep it in play, or deliberately forces it over the boundary. Genuine skill errors may result in a ball-up instead.
5. Swiss match durations apply
AFL Switzerland domestic match lengths and breaks are set by AFL Switzerland. These may differ from AFL Europe tournament timings.
6. Swiss squad size and top-up rules apply
AFL Switzerland has domestic rules for squad sizes, medical substitutes, emergency players, top-up players, own players and forfeits. These are set out in the 2026 directive.
7. Mixed competition rules apply
AFL Switzerland has specific rules for mixed-gender matches, particularly around tackling and body contact. These rules are intended to keep the game safe while preserving normal Australian Football contest principles.
8. Minimum age
The minimum age to play in AFL Switzerland competitions is set by AFL Switzerland and is explained in the 2026 directive.
9. Concussion and serious injury
Any player suspected of concussion must not return for the rest of the match day. Player safety takes priority over match circumstances.
10. Yellow cards, red cards and reports
The 2026 directive explains the process for yellow cards, red cards, reports and post-match disciplinary follow-up.
Current rules document
AFL Switzerland 2026 Rules Directive
This is the current rules reference for AFL Switzerland domestic matches.
It includes guidance on:
- rule hierarchy
- AFL 2026 changes and Swiss application
- playing surface, posts and safety
- match format, player numbers and team sheets
- match timing
- boundary restarts and deliberate out of bounds
- kick-ins after a behind
- marks and free kicks deep in defence
- protected area and standing the mark
- 25-metre penalties
- holding the ball and high-contact interpretation
- mixed competition tackling rules
- top-up players, own players and forfeits
- minimum age
- umpires, goal umpires, runners and water carriers
- concussion and serious injury
- reports, cards and respect for officials
- switching teams
Reference documents
AFL Switzerland uses the AFL Europe 2024 Rules & Regulations as the main 9-a-side reference where Swiss rules are silent, adapted as necessary for domestic league conditions.
Where neither AFL Switzerland rules nor the AFL Europe 2024 framework provide specific guidance, the Laws of Australian Football apply, unless expressly varied by AFL Switzerland.
Questions
For questions about the application of these rules, please contact AFL Switzerland.
