Rules & Regulations
DFA player, club and competition regulations — 2026 season.
Player registration
No player may be listed on an official match sheet without a DFA Player ID in Verified status. Registration requires identity, age and address documents. Players under 18 require parent or guardian consent.
Transfers and dual registration
A player may be registered to one primary club or academy at a time during a season window. Transfers must be notified to the secretariat before the next matchday.
Age groups
Age is calculated from 1 January of the competition year unless a tournament circular states otherwise. Date of birth proof is mandatory.
Discipline
Yellow and red cards accumulate across DFA competitions. Serious misconduct is referred to the disciplinary committee.
Club affiliation
Clubs and academies must complete annual affiliation, list coaches and confirm a home venue before entering teams.