The rules of the game
Downs, scoring, the clock and penalties, without the jargon.
Read the guideIndependent guide
American Football in the UK: An Independent Guide
Looking for reliable information on how American football works in the UK? Our independent guide brings it together in one place. We are not a club, a league or the official site of any organisation, so we offer an outside perspective on the sport without promoting anyone. We do not publish line-ups, results or fixtures. Our aim is to help newcomers understand the game and know where to find it.
Five guides to the sport
The site has five guides. The first explains the rules of the game, the second describes positions and kit, and the third shows how competition is organised in the UK. The fourth traces the sport’s history in Britain, and the fifth explains how to get started. Each guide stands on its own, but together they give a full picture of the game, taking readers from watching their first match on screen to deciding whether to play.
Positions and kit
Who plays where, and the kit you need before you start.
Read the guideHow competition works in the UK
The BAFA National Leagues, university football and the GB Lions.
Read the guideA short history of the sport in Britain
From a 1910 exhibition game to NFL fixtures in London.
Read the guideHow to start playing
Flag football, open sessions, student teams and staying safe.
Read the guideThe rules of American football for new viewers
The rules can be confusing for beginners, so our guide to them is the best place to start. Under NFL and college rules, a game is played over four quarters of 15 minutes. The team on offence has four attempts to gain 10 yards. A touchdown is worth 6 points and a field goal 3. Knowing these few numbers is enough to help you follow a match and understand what is happening on the field.
The history of American football in the UK
Interest in the sport in Britain can be traced to a clear starting point. From 1982, Channel 4 showed highlights of NFL games in Britain, helping to build the first generation of viewers. The NFL has played its International Series games in London since 2007, with Tottenham Hotspur Stadium also hosting games since 2019. You can read more in our guide to the history of the sport in Britain.
The sport is also growing beyond television. In the UK, adult competition is run by BAFA, and the university league, BUAFL, operates under BUCS. Flag football, the non-contact version of the game, will join the programme of the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 2028. Its inclusion shows that interest in this version extends beyond the NFL itself.
How do you start playing American football?
If you are wondering how to start playing, flag football is worth considering. It is a non-contact game, which makes it an approachable introduction to the sport for many people. Our guide for beginners explains the difference: instead of tackling an opponent, a player pulls a flag from their belt.
The next step is to explore the competitions. Adult competition is run by BAFA, while students play in BUAFL under BUCS, so it is worth checking which route suits you best. Our guides follow a clear sequence, from the rules, through positions and kit, to the structure of competition, helping everyone find a place in the sport. We do not promise an answer to every question, but we do offer reliable information to help you find your way.
Read on, starting with the guide to the rules, then choose the topic about American football in the UK that interests you most.
Partners
Readers who also enjoy competitive video games may find this service useful.
-
https://eloboost24.eu/overwatch/rank
boost overwatch
Overwatch rank boosting means an experienced player helps an account climb the competitive ladder. It suits players who feel stuck in one tier and want to reach a higher one without grinding through every match themselves.