Queensland Football Association (1880–1890)

The Queensland Football Association (QFA) was an early governing body for Australian rules football in the colony of Queensland, Australia, active between 1880 and 1890. Formed to provide structure and regulation to the burgeoning sport, the QFA played a crucial role in shaping the game's development within the region.

During its ten-year existence, the QFA was responsible for establishing rules of play, organising interclub competitions, and adjudicating disputes. Membership comprised various football clubs located primarily in Brisbane and surrounding areas. The QFA's actions helped to standardize gameplay and foster a competitive environment, contributing to the increasing popularity of Australian rules football throughout the 1880s.

Key functions included:

• Rule Establishment: The QFA adopted and modified the Victorian Football Association (VFA) rules, adapting them for local conditions.
• Competition Management: The QFA organised and managed a premiership competition between member clubs, culminating in an annual premiership.
• Dispute Resolution: The association acted as a governing body to mediate disagreements and enforce rules, ensuring fair play.
• Promotion of the Sport: The QFA worked to promote Australian rules football within Queensland, attracting new players and supporters.

The QFA's influence waned towards the end of the 1880s, as the code faced increasing competition from rugby football. In 1890, the QFA dissolved, and its functions were largely superseded by other organizations, including those focused on rugby, which gained greater traction as the dominant football code in Queensland. Although short-lived, the Queensland Football Association left a lasting legacy as the first significant organized body dedicated to Australian rules football in the state. Its efforts helped lay the foundation for future development and the eventual establishment of a strong Australian rules football presence in Queensland.