The 12 brand new game enhancement rules will be trialled during the 2026 Lidl National Football League season, which commenced on January 18th. The rule enhancements are aimed at improving gameplay and consistency, with the first 6 of 12 rules mirroring the new rules of men’s Gaelic football.
So what are these rules?
- Kick-Out Mark: This rule is aimed to encourage high catching skills and to give the team receiving the kick-out a better chance at maintaining possession. It is awarded to a team player, from either team, who catches the ball cleanly from the kick out or past the 40m arc. The player signals to the referee by raising their arm upright, and they are permitted to kick the ball from the point where the award was marked. Opposing players must retreat 13m. Alternatively, the player may play on immediately and cannot be challenged within 4m of position of the mark.
- 3 v 3 Structure: During play, a team must have at least 4 players (including the goalkeeper) in their half and at least 3 outfield players in the opposition half. A breach in the act of receiving, carrying or intercepting the ball will result in a free kick awarded from where the player crossed the line. This rule is aimed at preventing massed defences and creating increased space for attacking play.
- 40m Scoring Arc: To encourage kicking skills and long range kicks, two points are awarded to a team if the player scores a point with at least one foot on or outside the 40m mark.
- Discipline- Delaying Playing: When a player commits a foul to delay the play of the game, they will be appropriately carded and the opposing team are awarded a free kick 50m ahead of their position. This rule is intended to discourage foul play as an attempt to delay the game.
- Solo and go: Instead of waiting for the ref’s permission to take a free when fouled, a player can now solo immediately and continue to attack without being challenged for 4m by the opposition. The aim of this incentive is to allow for less delays in the game and for more open and flowing gameplay.
- Discipline – Dissent by a Team Official: Misconduct by a Team Official warranting a red or yellow card results in a free kick for the opposing team which can be taken on the 13m mark or the 40m for a chance (to score a two pointer!). The aim of this rule is to encourage respect towards match officials.
- The Tackle: Previously, a player could only tackle when the ball was out from the body. Now a player can tackle the ball even if it is close to the body, to increase the defensive challenge of the game.
- Preventing a collision: A player may now use one or both hands to delay an opponent’s forward movement if the opponent is in possession of the ball and the contact is made below shoulder height. Allows for a cleaner tackle.
- Persistent foul: Three non- technical fouls will result in a yellow card for persistent fouling. This aims to discourage persistent fouling by a player.
- Controlled contact: This rule allows a player to use their body to fairly contest for possession of the ball without excessive force.
- 45m Kick Must Go Forward: The rules around “The 45” kick remain the same, except the ball cannot be played backwards or a throw-in will be awarded.
- Square Ball From Play: An attacking player can now legally enter the small rectangle after the final play of the ball e.g. the final kick or hand pass into the small rectangle. Rules around the square ball from a set play remain the same otherwise.
These rules are designed to decrease stoppages in the game and encourage fair play. At the end of the Lidl National Football League, the Playing Rules Review Workgroup will review the success of the implemented rules and decide whether the rules should be brought in for all competitions.
