NAME

#

TEAM

CODE

Q

OFFENCE

SUSPENDED

New this week

John Rodgers

Colchester Gladiators

FGT

1

With 11:00 remaining in the first quarter, the player threw a punch at an opponent.

29th August 2021 v Ipswich Cardinals

Tristan Walker

94

Cornwall Monarchs

FPF

3

Mr. Walker was being held by #84 of Jurassic. He punched #84 and then elbowed him whilst he was on the ground. Both the holding fouls and flagrant personal foul were called.

5th September 2021 v Somerset Wyverns

Tyler Corn

5

Ipswich Cardinals

TUF

1

In quarter 1 the player was flagged for taunting with 11.00 remaining. With 9.20 remaining the first quarter the player was flagged for a personal foul late hit. The player then walked to the sideline and then moved back to confront two officials over the quality of officiating. This was flagged as dissent.

N.B. After being disqualified for two Unsportsmanlike Conduct fouls Mr Corn committed a further act of Misconduct as he threw his helmet towards the officials. This is a second Fixed Penalty offence and Mr Corn has been given a further two game suspension.

29th August 2021 v Colchester Gladiators & 12th September 2021 v Norwich Devils & 19th September 2021 v Cambridgeshire Cats

Emmanuel Falola

52

Kent Exiles

FGT

4

With 4:28 remaining in the fourth quarter, #52 ran forcibly into a pile of players and joined in the fight which included forcibly pulling people off the pile.

19th September 2021 v London Olympians

Marlon Smith

44

Kent Exiles

FGT

4

With 4:28 remaining in the fourth quarter, #44 was seen to throw a punch at an opposition player who was on the ground.

19th September 2021 v London Olympians

Tyriq Taiwo

12

Kent Exiles

FGT

4

With 4:28 remaining in the fourth quarter, after the play was over, #12 committed a late hit away from the ball and proceeded to fight an opponent.

19th September 2021 v London Olympians

London Blitz (U19)

23

London Blitz

TGT

3

During the third quarter, a Tamworth player had possession when he received a forcible blow to the face cage from the crown of the helmet by #23. #23 lowered his head and used an upwards movement with the crown of his helmet which resulted in forcible contact.

29th August 2021 v South London Renegades

Kamal Mitchell

18

London Olympians

FGT

4

With 4:28 remaining in the fourth quarter, after the play was over, #11 was seen to engage with an opponent and forcibly ripped his helmet off and threw it to the ground, before proceeding to fight an opponent.

19th September 2021 v Kent Exiles

Jordan Simpson

87

Sandwell Steelers

FGT

2

#87 was seen to throw a punch in the direction of an opponent.

5th September 2021 v Crewe Railroaders

Finn Osborne

81

Solent Seahawks (U16)

FUC

2

In the third game of the tournament, between Solent and Somerset, with 2:18 remaining in the second half, #81 swore directly at the sideline official, using language that the official felt was significantly offensive.

4th September 2021 - First game of Solent’s next Tournament

Previous weeks

Jack Watson

HC

Lancashire Wolverines

MIS

O

Mr Watson was reported for an act of Misconduct after the game for making disparaging comments towards an official.

29th August 2021v Manchester Titans

* As this was a disqualification of a non-player, this is a whole game day suspension as opposed to just a playing suspension. Mr Watson may not be present at the game site in any capacity.

Nigel Westbrooks

3

Merseyside Nighthawks

TUF

3

During the second quarter, #3 was penalised for using abusive language towards an opponent. During the third quarter, he was penalised with a second unsportsmanlike conduct foul for dunking the ball over the goalposts.

29th August 2021 v Sheffield Giants

HOME TEAM

REPORT

NEXT HOME GAME

New this week

Bournemouth Bobcats

The goal posts were the width of soccer posts rather than football posts.

Keith Wickham #423

5th September 2021 v Sussex Thunder

East Essex Sabres

No changing room was made available, which meant that we had to dress and conduct our pre-game conference in the sports centre reception area.

William Marriage #293

26th September 2021 v Essex Spartans

Edinburgh Wolves

Apart from the team and coach's boxes not being marked out to the ten-yard lines, this was a well marked field.

Ian Sneddon #427

5th September 2021 v Inverclyde Goliaths

Hellingly Phoenix (U16)

Perfectly marked 48-yard field with 10-yard end zones, just missing team area markings. Kent Phoenix v Wembley fixture abandoned with 28 seconds remaining in the game by agreement of both coaches, due to a serious injury to a Phoenix player. The advice from the on-site medical staff was that the player could not be safely moved, so the final game was played on an alternate similarly marked field. Plaudits to Game Management for providing a down box with operator and two ball persons, the presence of whom helped massively with keeping the games moving at a good tempo.

Tim Ockendon #481

Unknown

Hertfordshire Cheetahs

Coaches boxes only marked to 25-yard lines.

Mike Roberts #32

29th August 2021 v Oxford Saints

Hertfordshire Cheetahs (U19)

Coaches boxes only marked to 25-yard lines.

Mike Roberts #32

Unknown

Hertfordshire Cheetahs (NWFL)

Fields well marked apart from no markings at two and five yards for try attempts.

Andrew Murrell #608

Unknown

Highlands Wildcats (U19)

Well marked 7v7 pitch. Officials were able only to change in an "office" space as Highland council is still reopening changing facilities.

Ali May #42

Unknown

Humber Warhawks

Some of the equipment stored in the Referee’s changing room has been removed. One change to chain crew during the game.

Liam Wooton #478

5th September 2021 v Doncaster Mustangs

Ipswich Cardinals

Hash marks were NFL-width. Pylons were in place to mark the actual hash mark positions. Changing room was not lockable, no private shower or toilet, not enough seats for a 5 man crew, and not enough coat hooks.

Lee Wood #517

Unknown

Jurassic Coast Raptors

No nine-yard markings on the visitor’s side of the field. Game was played without goals. A member of the crew needed to be taken to hospital following a stumble and fall to the ground resulting in a blow to the head.

Stephen Egan #466

Unknown

Kent Exiles

The field was not marked accurately with differing lengths between the 5 yard marks. The team areas were marked correctly for pre-COVID and not current regulations.

Richard Moger #472

Unknown

Kent Exiles (U19)

The field was not marked accurately with differing lengths between the 5 yard marks. The team areas were marked correctly for pre-COVID and not current regulations.

Richard Moger #472

Unknown

Leeds Bobcats

The Referee was advised prior to the game that the issue with the netting behind the post, which would stop the game balls being lost in the wilderness that is over the fence, had not been repaired. As both teams wanted to kick, it was decided to play all offensive plays towards the other end of the field. 80-yard field marked in blue with rugby markings in white that intersect the American Football lines in places. With under one minute remaining, the game was ended following a Doncaster score as Leeds had sustained a number of injuries and informed the referee that they would only knee out the game if asked to play on.

Lee Taylor #183

12th September 2021 v Sheffield Giants

Leigh Miners

80-yard field. Only one ball person provided by the home team, and very close to scheduled kick off time.

John Roberts #145

Unknown

Northants Knights

Team areas were not marked to current COVID requirements. Otherwise, an extremely well marked field.

Brian Yates #29

29th August 2021 v Scunthorpe Alphas

Northumberland Vikings

90-yard field. No nine-yard or three-yard marks. Team Areas had not been extended for COVID. Game was abandoned, at the request of the coaches in the fourth quarter with 6:11 running clock remaining, after a head and neck injury to a Darlington player, which required an ambulance. Kudos to the Vikings medical team and the Vikings staff who looked after the injured player for two hours until the ambulance arrived.

Roy Davis #44

19th September 2021 v Gateshead Senators

Sandwell Steelers

The goalposts were offset a short distance behind the end line. The field was otherwise well marked.

Paul Todd #289

5th September 2021 v Crewe Railroaders

Scunthorpe Alphas

90-yard field. Team areas were marked incorrectly but were extended with cones. At various points during the game it was noticed that the game ball pressure had decreased so needed reinflation by the home team.

David Hewitt #607

12th September 2021 v Northants Knights

Scunthorpe Alphas (U16)

Missing 12-yard marks. Two fields were too close together so it was impractical for teams to use the team area in between and remain within the COVID regulations. Teams were allocated half of the remaining sideline with a gap between at midfield so social distancing could be maintained. Due to the proximity of a wasp's nest near one of the endzones the crew decided to run all offensive players towards the opposite end of the field.

Andrew Swift #403

Unknown

Solent Seahawks (U16)

In the first game of the tournament with 18 minutes remaining in the second half, the game was stopped to treat a player. The game resumed after the injury and after the gameday management had re-secured safety equipment near the sideline.

Mike Woolnough #98

Unknown

Sussex Thunder

Well marked 90-yard field, except the end-line is marked too close to the perimeter fence, so another sport line is used.

This fixture was the second game of a double header, with the previous game finishing less than 20 minutes before the scheduled kick off time. Kick off was delayed to allow the officials adequate time to rest, and to brief the new chain crew. As the revised kick off time kicked off less than 3.5 hours before the facility closing time, rule 3-2-1 was applied and the playing time was reduced to 12-minute quarters. Injury to an official meant the crew setup differently in the second half.

Oliver Maskell #221

19th September 2021 v Rushmoor Knights

Sussex Thunderbolts

Well marked 90-yard field, except the end-line is marked too close to the perimeter fence, so another sport line is used. The game was suspended for 12 minutes in the third quarter, due to an injury to a Sussex player that required an ambulance.

Oliver Maskell #221

5th September 2021 v Essex Spartans

Tamworth Phoenix (U19)

The blue markings on a green 3G field were a little faint in places but usable.

Krister Halvorsen #77

Unknown

Worcestershire Black Knights

90-yard field. Reasonably well marked out. Multiple ruts filled by game management prior to kick-off. The field is a significant walk from the changing rooms.

Stuart Tabberer #348

Unknown

Outstanding items from previous weeks

Birmingham Bulls

With 6:08 remaining in the third quarter, the game was suspended for 30 minutes to treat an injured player.

Amir Brooks #593

29th August 2021 v Swindon Storm

Chester Romans

The venue's groundsman had painted a 90-metre field. This resulted in end zones which were too shallow with a depth of approximately five yards. Accordingly, the five-metre lines were designated as goal lines and the field was shortened to 80 metres. The chain did not align with the painted markings, since the crew were unable to extend its length to ten metres. During the second quarter, one of the ball persons was changed.

Paul Todd #289

29th August 2021 v Leigh Miners

Chorley Buccaneers (U19)

80 yard field with no team or coaching areas marked.

Lee Taylor #183

12th September 2021 v Manchester Titans (U19)

Cornwall Monarchs

Field of play was only 80 yards.

Richard Madge #485

5th September 2021 v Somerset Wyverns

Darlington Steam

90-yard field. No nine-yard marks or numbers. Team areas marked with cones to the 20-yard lines but were corrected prior to kick off.

David Hewitt #607

29th August 2021 v DC Presidents

Dumfries Hunters

The team areas were not marked to the ten-yard lines, so cones were used to extend these areas. With 1:21 remaining in the game, a Clyde Valley player received an injury that required an ambulance, which was going to take some time to arrive, so both coaches agreed to abandon the remainder of the game.

Ian Sneddon #427

12th September 2021 v Dunfermline Kings

Dunfermline Kings

Coaches and Player boxes were marked out using standard rulebook measurements and not the current COVID revision.

Shawn Sombati #15

29th August 2021 v Dumfries Hunters

East Kent Mavericks

90-yard field. One ball person changed at half time. With 4:20 remaining in fourth quarter, the captains agreed to move to a running clock to prevent frustrations resulting in further ejections. At 15:58, the players, crew and spectators were treated to a fly past by the red arrows en route to the Folkestone airshow.

Ben Gadsby #564

12th September 2021 v Sussex Thunderbolts

East Kilbride Pirates

Player and Team area lines marked using standard rulebook measurements and not adjusted to covid changes. Field 80-yards using blue lines and 40-yard line used White Centre line which was not in sync with rest of lines.

Shawn Sombati #15

5th September 2021 v Glasgow Tigers

Essex Spartans

Early in the third quarter the SE Squadron coach informed the crew that his team could not carry on due to a lack of players. Game was abandoned with the score: Essex Spartans 18 - 0 SE Squadron.

Larry Rigby #269

29th August 2021 v East Kent Mavericks

Highland Stags

90-yard field.

Henry Richardson #25

29th August 2021 v Clyde Valley Blackhawks

Knottingley Raiders

90-yard field with ten-yard end zones. The Team and Coaching areas are marked to the 25-yard lines. No nine-yard marks or numbers. There was a five-minute delay to the kick off time as the Medics were held up in traffic. There was a single change of Chain Crew personnel, which did not cause any issues.

Chris Jarvis #10

5th September 2021 v Leeds Bobcats

Lancashire Wolverines

Lancashire had a new chain set since their first game, this was slightly too long but easily rectified by the officials. 80 yard field with no team or coaching areas marked.

Lee Taylor #183

12th September 2021 v Merseyside Nighthawks

Leicester Falcons

At the two minute warning, a Shropshire player collapsed in the end zone and the game was suspended for an hour and ten minutes. With mutual agreement the half time break was taken at that point on the understanding that we would play out the last two minutes and go straight into the third quarter. As the delay progressed, we were made aware of a large storm front and could hear peals of thunder in the distance. As we were getting ready to resume, I spoke to the coaching staff of both teams and explained the lightning protocol. I advised that if we were to observe lightning, we would have a further prolonged and indeterminate delay after the injury delay and it would be impractical to continue the game, meaning that it would be abandoned. Both teams' staff agreed. As we were lining up for the second half kick off, a lightning strike was observed some way off but with the storm heading our way. The game was abandoned.

Brian Yates #29

28th August 2021 v Tamworth Phoenix

London Blitz

Lines on the field were not straight and in one place a 5-yard line split into two. There were patches of standing water on the field.

Keith Wickham #423

19th September 2021 v London Warriors

London Blitz B

Game did not proceed due to multiple areas of standing water on the field. Goal posts at one end not straight.

Joseph Foxon #473

26th September 2021 v London Hornets

London Blitz (U19)

Lines on the field were not straight and in one place a 5-yard line split into two. There were patches of standing water on the field.

Keith Wickham #423

29th August 2021 v South London Renegades

London Olympians

Well marked 90-yard field in white with other sports markings also in white. No team or coaching areas, no numbers, nine-yard marks, or three-yard try marks. Game start time was initially moved to 16:00 to 16:15 due to the late arrival of the away side.

Thunder was already audible prior to meeting with the coaches but a first visible lighting strike occurred at 15:55. This continued multiple times until 16:30 when the coaches mutually agreed to abandon the game before kick-off due to the availability of the field and the continued forecast for lighting in the area.

James Ford-Bannister #479

5th September 2021 v London Warriors

Manchester Titans

80-yard field. Team areas marked to pre-covid dimensions. No numbers, nine-yard marks, or three-yard marks. Multiple lines for other sports in various colours.

John Roberts #145

5th September 2021 v Chester Romans

Nottingham Caesars

80-yard field with some wavy lines and some inconsistent distances between hash marks. No numbers or nine-yard marks.

Brian Yates #29

19th September 2021 v Scunthorpe Alphas

Nottingham Caesars (U19)

80-yard field with some wavy lines and some inconsistent distances between hash marks. No numbers, nine-yard marks, pylons, or yard line markers.

Brian Yates #29

5th September 2021 v Tamworth Phoenix

Shropshire Revolution

Field marked in blue with white athletics markings also present. An additional solid line was also marked approximately ten yards from the actual sideline on one side of the field. There were several divots from athletics events but these had been filled with sand. Team areas marked to pre-covid dimensions. Posts have a definite lean forward at one end of the field. With 3:00 remaining in the third quarter, the game was suspended for 70 minutes due to a serious injury to a Shropshire player. Plaudits to both teams in dealing with a difficult situation in a professional manner.

Jed Brookes-Lewis #395

5th September 2021 v Tamworth Phoenix

Solent Thrashers

There was no one available to lock the changing room so bags were placed in cars. No nine-yard marks. Cross bar encroaches approx. one yard into the end zone.

David Knight #135

5th September 2021 v Rushmoor Knights

South East Legion (U19)

Well marked 90-yard field in white with 8-yard end zones. Coaching line at twelve feet had been added but all other team area markings were absent. Numbers too small and at inconsistent depths. Hedge behind one set of goalposts from which balls could not be retrieved, so all kicks at goal were agreed to be at the other set of posts. Game suspended for 65 minutes with 11:39 remaining in the second quarter in order to treat a seriously ill player. Plaudits to both teams for the way they handled this difficult situation and the high levels of sportsmanship in the game in general.

Tim Ockendon #481

12th September 2021 v Wembley Stallions (U19)

South East Squadron

Goals were soccer goals with uprights attached. Only one side had both posts so all offensive plays took place towards that goal. Dog excrement had to be removed from the field prior to kick off. No parking available on site. Changing room was lockable however there was no separate toilet and too few coat hooks. Game stopped for four separate injury incidents, each lasting about four minutes. No 9 yard marks, no numbers, no 3 yard try line. Grass long, however playable.

Lee Wood #517

12th September 2021 v East Essex Sabres

South Lincolnshire Lightning

First home game for South Lincolnshire. Very well marked 90-yard field, although no team areas - so cones were used. Chain crew were generally slow and twice moved on a flagged play, which caused difficulty for the crew.

Joel Pearson #405

19th September 2021 v Northants Knights

South London Renegades (U19)

Well marked 90-yard field in white with other sports markings also in white. No team or coaching areas, no numbers, nine-yard marks, or three-yard try marks. One ball person was inattentive and went missing with a game ball prior to the senior game (he was later found).

James Ford-Bannister #479

5th September 2021 v Kent Exiles

Wembley Stallions

With 7:30 remaining in the second quarter, the game was suspended due to lightning. With 2:31 remaining in the second quarter, the game was suspended for a second time due to lightning. During the second suspension, the 30 minute timer was reset three subsequent times due to lightning. After the third reset, and a discussion between the two coaching staffs, the game was abandoned.

Peter Parsons #321

5th September 2021 v London Hornets

Yorkshire Assassins (U19)

Short delay to kick off whilst awaiting the medic.

Liam Wooton #478

12th September 2021 v Sheffield Giants (U19)

Yorkshire Rams

Well marked field. Changing room is small for a crew of five.

Liam Wooton #478

12th September 2021 v Knottingley Raiders

PLAY OF THE WEEK:

New this week

Play: Inside the last minute of the first half. Team B are trailing. 1st & 10 at Team B's 20-yard line. A25 receives a handoff in the backfield and runs to Team B's 23-yard line where he throws a backwards pass to A9 who is running a reverse. The pass sails high which causes A9 to jump up at Team B's 27-yard line where he bats the ball forwards. The ball lands a few yards in front of A9 where B65 muffs the ball and it rolls across the sideline at Team B's 21-yard line. What is the next down, where will the ball next be snapped from? What Clock options do Team B have?

Ruling?

Last week

Play: 2nd Goal at the B-6 -yard line. Ball carrier A33 is downed at the one-yard line and then B98 piles on. A33 retaliates by punching B99.

Ruling: 3rd and Goal at the B-1 yard line. The penalties cancel since neither has been completed. The down counts. Only A14 is disqualified for fighting. AR 10-1-5:III

MECHANICS:

New this week

Game Situation: The game is being played with a visible game clock, it is being officiated by a crew of 4. Which official(s) are responsible for ensuring the stadium clock has been correctly started or stopped?

Answer next issue…

Last week

Game Situation: When should the Referee give a preliminary signal following a penalty? What should the other officials be doing while the Referee is giving a preliminary signal?

Answer: The Referee should give a preliminary signal when the enforcement of a penalty is not obvious (M19.3.1.c). While the Referee is giving a preliminary signal, the Wing and Deep Wing officials on the sideline of the non-offending team should explain to the Head Coach what the foul was and what options he has. They should then convey his decision to the Referee (preferably via Radio) (M19.3.2).

Date

Event

Contact for details

2021

13th November (Sat)

BAFRA Board Meeting

secretary@bafra.info

2022

2nd - 3rd April (Sat-Sun)

BAFRA Convention

convention@bafra.info

2nd April (Sat)

BAFRA Ltd. AGM

secretary@bafra.info

BAFRA Directors

President

David Parsons

president@bafra.info

General Secretary

Richard Moger

secretary@bafra.info

Finance

Stuart Tabberer

finance@bafra.info

Operations

Roger Goodgroves

operations@bafra.info

Recruitment

Kieran Smith

recruitment@bafra.info

Training

James Ford-Bannister

training@bafra.info

Director without Portfolio #1

Peter Parsons

dwp1@bafra.info

Director without Portfolio #2

Steve Tonkinson

dwp2@bafra.info

The opinions expressed in this Newsflash are those of the contributors, and not necessarily of BAFRA or its Directors.

All Incident Reports to be submitted via www.bafra.info.

Deadline for articles submitted by email (newsflash@bafra.info) is midnight Tuesday.