John Slavin Awards 2009

BAFRA awards the John Slavin Trophy in odd-numbered years to the team with the best game management. Game management in this context includes categories such as the balls and ball boys, the chains and chain crew, the changing rooms. This year, the assessment including spectator facilities including whether seating was provided, whether there was a commentator, a scoreboard, a referee microphone, and stadium clocks that the teams and spectators could see. The title is awarded to the team that has comes out best in an audit carried out by BAFRA members at each game. A perfect facility scores 0.

In 2007, when the Trophy was last awarded on this basis, it was won by Edinburgh Wolves. Although the competition was tight, they were able to retain their trophy this year, improving their average from 16.2 to 15.6.

Edinburgh's nearest rivals were Kent Exiles in Division 1, who averaged 22.2. Lincolnshire Bombers, Colchester Gladiators and Doncaster Mustangs were the only other senior teams to average less than 30. The average for the league as a whole was 64.8. Sadly, no Premier Division team scored under that figure.

The award is named after John Slavin. John was a long-serving BAFRA official and sometime director of the Association who sadly died in October 2005. In his memory, BAFRA has dedicated an award made to a team that shows commitment to improving the game experience for players and fans, as well as officials.

The full 2009 results of the awards are therefore:

Edinburgh Wolves will be awarded their trophy at half-time of the Division 2 final at BritBowl weekend. Lincolnshire Bombers and Colchester Gladiators will receive framed certificates in recognition of their accomplishments.

Kent Exiles and Doncaster Mustangs will be presented with framed certificates at half-time of the Division 1 final. Kent Exiles Youth and Forth Valley Fusion will be presented with framed certificates at half-time of the Youth Bowl.

BAFRA expresses its appreciation to all the teams who put in the extra effort to improve their facilities in 2009, and looks forward to them achieving even better in 2010.