NAME

#

TEAM

CODE

Q

OFFENCE

SUSPENDED

New this week

Stuart Burrows

40

Berkshire Renegades

TGC

2

#40 was seen to crouch and lead with the crown of his helmet to the chest of an opposing receiver.

19th May 2024 v Swindon Storm

Scott Barnard

11

Nottingham Caesars

TUF

4

With 5:00 remaining in the second quarter, #11 committed Unsportsmanlike Conduct shoving an opponent (in action that was clearly not part of game action) well after the ball was dead after running from some distance. With 7:01 remaining in the fourth quarter, #11 committed a second Unsportsmanlike Conduct foul for using the football to taunt an opponent.

12th May 2024 v Northants Knights

Previous weeks

Simon McLean

35/HC

Bournemouth Bobcats

TUF

3

The player/coach committed two unsportsmanlike conduct fouls. The first with 12:18 remaining in the first quarter for prolonged dissent over a no-call for roughing the passer. The second with 11:52 remaining in the third quarter for repeated dissent over a player down/fumble decision at a volume to be audible by spectators while on the sideline.

12th May 2024 v Hereford Stampede

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

James Simpson

63

Nottingham Caesars

TUF

4

Player committed his first Unsportsmanlike Conduct foul in the first quarter directing an expletive towards the referee. He committed a second Unsportsmanlike Conduct foul in the second quarter for striking an opponent clearly after the play was over and clearly not part of game action.

12th May 2024 v Northants Knights

HOME TEAM

REPORT

NEXT HOME GAME

New this week

Birmingham Lions Academy (U19)

Markings were slightly faint, which will be corrected for the next game.

Krister Halvorsen #77

21st July 2024 v Nottingham Caesars

Cambridgeshire Cats

Field marking feint in places but usable.

Lee Wood #517

16th June 2024 v Hertfordshire Cheetahs

Edinburgh Wolves

90- yard field. No limit lines or three-yard marks. Team areas were missing but marked out using cones. The lines were painted in yellow and very faint but the major issue was an athletics track, which was painted in bright white on the field. It comprised an oval running track that went over the sidelines and curved around just short of the goal lines and five sprinting lanes that ran diagonally from pylon to pylon across the field. It was extremely difficult to locate the football lines. There were also rugby markings in light blue. The field needs to be appropriately remarked prior to any future game. The away team made it clear that they would not have played the game had they not just travelled a significant distance to play. All three game balls needed inflating prior to use. Half-time was extended to 30 minutes as the changing facilities were a long walk from the field and several players needed to use the toilet. Both head coaches agreed with this.

David Hewitt #607

23rd June 2024 v Merseyside Nighthawks

Glasgow Tigers

Team areas marked out to 25-yard lines.

Ian Sneddon #427

2nd June 2024 v Highland Stags

Kent Exiles

Well-marked 90-yard field. Changing rooms were not lockable and a walk from the field.

Graham Smith #149

19th May 2024 v London Olympians

Lancaster Bombers

80-yard field marked in light blue. The endzone line had been marked two inches in front of the rugby try line, meaning the plane of the goal was two inches behind the plane of the end-line. This also meant there were white field markings within four feet of an end zone line. There were no numbers or nine-yard marks. Team areas were marked between the 25-yard lines. The home team played in Red Jersey with solid White numbers, the Jersey had previously been made as Red Jerseys with Red numbers with a white border, so they had correctly had the Jerseys re-made with legal numerals, however, each jersey had its number changed with the remarking, so in effect each Jersey has two numbers on it. The game was suspended for three to four minutes in the second quarter when a drone was flown directly over the visiting team area and upwind of the field. The drone operator was located and he refused to land the drone stating that he had permission of the University to fly the drone overhead, so the University security staff was sought to have the individual removed. The changing room was large enough for two to three people and was shared with numerous other officials. It was not secured and the nearest parking was approximately a half mile walk. The kick-off was delayed by approximately ten minutes with the mutual consent of both teams.

Ben Griffiths #228

Unknown

Lincolnshire Bombers

The game kicked off 30 minutes after the advertised time due to the late arrival of the visiting team due to road delays. Field marked as 100 IFAF yards, missing only nine-yard marks. End zones appear to be ten actual yards.

Joel Pearson #405

2nd June 2024 v Wakefield District Raiders

London Blitz (U19)

Much improved markings. The field surface has been worked on, but was still a little soft in places. Team areas were not marked to the 20-yard lines. No limit lines. One goalpost is tilted. The changing room has been cleaned and cleared out. It also now has a working toilet.

Peter Parsons #321

14th July 2024 v South London Renegades

London Warriors

Faintly marked 90-yard field with eight-yard end zones marked in blue with other sports markings in yellow, white, and red. No numbers or limit lines and rugby markings approximated for nine-yard marks. Kick-off was delayed by 20 minutes due to a combination of a late finish to the previous game and late provision of chain crew. One ball person was absent for almost the entire second half. Well-appointed changing room but not lockable.

Tim Ockendon #481

12th May 2024 v Bristol Aztecs

London Warriors (U19)

Faintly marked 90-yard field with eight-yard end zones marked in blue with other sports markings in yellow, white, and red. No numbers or limit lines and rugby markings approximated for nine-yard marks. Well-appointed changing room but not lockable.

Tim Ockendon #481

9th June 2024 v London Blitz

Nottingham Caesars

The crew of eight were allocated four small changing rooms suitable for 1/2 people. The pre-game was held in the centre's Conference Room, before relocating to the changing area. The field markings are in red (along with some markings for other sports) and are extremely faint and very hard to see. No limit lines. Coaching boxes and team areas were not marked all the way to the 20-yard lines and were too close to the field on both sides.

Peter Parsons #321

12th May 2024 v Northants Knights

Nuneaton Jaguars (U16)

The field was marked with White Plastic lines, cones and wonky spray-painted goal lines.

Lawrence Grugeon #22

Unknown

Sandwell Steelers

End Zone size was minimum allowed by rule. Changing room’s lock was not working.

Andrew Lovell #559

26th May2024 v Leigh Miners

Sandwell Steelers (U19)

End Zone size was minimum allowed by rule. Changing room’s lock was not working.

Andrew Lovell #559

26th May 2024 v Sheffield Giants

South Wales Warriors

The changing room was not lockable. 90-yard field with eight-yard endzones. No nine-yard marks and the coaching boxes were approximately one yard from the sideline. Inbounds and sideline short yard-line extensions were too thin (about two inches thick). Plaudits must go to the gameday management for the efforts they put in to enhance the matchday experience for spectators, including a referee's microphone, gameday programme, electronic scoreboard, and plenty of elevated covered seating (essential for the rainy conditions.)

Amir Brooks #593

12th May 2024 v Bristol Apache

Sussex Thunder

Well-marked 90-yard field marked in white. No nine-yard marks or numbers. No Team areas or Coaches' box. Limit lines were at 12ft.

Changing room was only suitable for three people so a larger team room was commandeered when they went out to the field. Changing rooms were generally very dirty and bags were stored in cars.

A good crowd were in attendance and the home team also provided a scoreboard. Game day management was generally excellent but one ball did require a small amount of additional inflation.

James Ford-Bannister #479

26th May 2024 v Cornwall Monarchs

Wakefield District Raiders

80-yard field, which had a significant slope from one sideline to the other. There were no numbers or nine-yard marks. It was a grass field, which varied from extremely short and barren grass to some areas where the grass was over six inches long. There were a significant amount of dandelions, daisies and other wildflowers growing on the field. The field was extremely bumpy and uneven, though none of the bumps constituted a trip hazard. There were no limit lines. The team areas were marked between the 25-yard lines. The changing room provided for the officials was large enough for one person and home to spiders. The crew located another changing room that was not being used. The changing rooms were not lockable. The shower provided was unclean and stopped working completely when anyone flushed the toilet.

Prior to the game, it was observed that the numerals on the back of most Wakefield Jerseys were only approximately five inches high. The Head Coach was advised of the problem and asked if he had alternate Jerseys. He stated he did not, that he was aware of the problem, and advised that new Jerseys had been ordered. The requisite penalties were applied during the game.

Ben Griffiths #228

23rd June 2024 v Darlington Steam

Outstanding items from previous weeks

Bournemouth Bobcats

No limit lines. Two changing rooms were provided, each of which was big enough for three people, with a shared common area.

Peter Parsons #321

12th May 2024 v Hereford Stampede

Chester Romans

Due to serious traffic disruption, the visiting team were delayed in arriving, which resulted in the kickoff being slightly delayed. Team areas were absent. Some inbounds short yad line extensions were unevenly spaced.

Paul Todd #289

26th May 2024 v Sheffield Giants

Chester Romans (U19)

Kickoff was slightly delayed due to the non-arrival of the booked medics. Play was able to proceed after alternative medical cover was found to be available. Team areas were absent. Spacing of inbounds short yad line extensions was uneven in places. Otherwise, a well-marked 90-yard field marked in blue on green.

Paul Todd #289

26th May 2024 v Nottingham Caesars (U19)

Clyde Valley Blackhawks

Hash marks were marked to incorrect width, so cones were placed outside of the end lines to mark the correct width. Coaching/Team areas marked to 25-yard lines.

Kenneth Glover #71

2nd June 2024 v Inverclyde Blackhawks

Colchester Gladiators

Team areas were marked to 25-yard lines. Chain set needed repair on one occasion.

Brian Yates #29

2nd June 2024 v Swindon Storms

Darlington Steam

Reasonably well-marked 100-yard artificial field. No nine-yard marks or numbers. Team areas were missing but both teams kept to the correct areas. Both goals were two yards behind the end lines but this didn't have any impact on the game. All three game balls were under-inflated and needed pumping up prior to use.

David Hewitt #607

19th May 2024 v Gateshead Senators

Doncaster Mustangs

One change of personnel on the chain crew at halftime. Eight-yard end zones and a couple of wonky lines.

Joel Pearson #405

26th May 2024 v Wakefield District Raiders

East Kent Mavericks

The school have remarked the pitch in dark blue and by using IFAF measurements have restored a 90-yard field with end zones now between 7 and 13 yards. All of the previous markings are still present but in a lighter shade of blue so some care is needed to ensure you're referencing the correct set. Various other sports markings using white, yellow and red are present. No nine-yard marks or numbers, but you can approximate with one of the other sport markings. Team areas were not marked to the 20-yard lines. An issue with changing room allocation meant that the officials were given use of the staff room, which was kept locked during the game but  access could be made by anyone with an ID badge so personal belongings were locked in cars.

Phil Clarke #262

9th June 2024 v Norwich Devils

East Kilbride Pirates

90-yard field marked in dark blue with rugby markings in white. Team areas were at an inconsistent depth from the sideline. No nine-yard marks or numbers. Lockable changing room only suitable for three people but the team provided a meeting room for pre-game that was suitable for all eight officials. EKP provided a game-day announcer and there was a good-sized crowd in the stands.

James Ford-Bannister #479

26th May 2024 v Newcastle Vikings

Essex Tridents

Field has had team areas, coaches' lines and players' lines marked correctly. Hashes are wider than the previous week but a little too narrow. Other markings were in blue with American Football markings in white. Ground was uneven but playable. The changing room is not lockable

Lee Wood #517

19th May 2024 v Ipswich Cardinals

Gateshead Senators

90-yard field, which had been freshly marked on the Saturday. Due to the inclement weather and regular game play, the lines gradually washed away or disappeared into the mud. Thankfully, the home team had 12 pylons in place, which allowed for lateral placement of the ball. The game balls provided were slightly low on pressure, which was rectified by the officials before the game. The posts at both ends of the field are at a slight angle, both the same and in the same direction. It is possible that was caused by the high winds in Gateshead in the days leading up to the game.

Lee Taylor #183

12th May 2024 v Doncaster Mustangs

Hereford Stampede

Field markings are in blue, but were very faint in places. This was due to a combination of heavy rainfall and the rugby club playing three matches on the field, which resulted in the field surface being cut up in places which badly affected some of the five-yard lines and inbounds short yard line extension. Hereford had not been permitted to remark the field prior to the game. The inbounds markings were especially faint, which sometimes made spotting the ball difficult. The officials are given two changing rooms each sized for three officials, which were not locked during the game. One stoppage to fix the chain set.

Amir Brooks #593

26th May 2024 v Bournemouth Bobcats

Highland Stags

Some holes on the field but these were filled in sufficiently by game management prior to kick off.

Kenneth Glover #71

12th May 2024 v Clyde Valley Blackhawks

Inverclyde Goliaths

Team areas were marked to the 25-yard lines.

Ian Sneddon #427

19th May 2024 v Clyde Valley Blackhawks

Lancashire Wolverines

90-yard field with other non-football markings. No nine-yard marks or numbers. No limit lines. Otherwise, an excellent game played in the right spirit by both teams.

Peter Roberts #87

26th May 2024 v Staffordshire Surge

Leigh Miners

Team areas were absent. Otherwise, a well-marked 90-yard field.

Paul Todd #289

12th May 2024 v Lancashire Wolverines

London Hornets

Well-marked 90-yard field in white. No limit lines and the coaching and team area lines were at incorrect distances. The field surface was poor with areas of standing water but was not hazardous and did not significantly deteriorate as the game progressed. The game balls provided were all worn, two were at incorrect pressure, one of which developed a faulty valve when re-inflated to the correct pressure and had to be replaced. Good size changing room but no private shower or toilet facilities. Kick-off was delayed by ten minutes due to roster problems during card check.

Tim Ockendon #481

12th May 2024 v Portsmouth Dreadnoughts

Manchester Titans

80-yard field as Manchester have been granted an extension to rule 1-2-1 for 2024. There were other sports markings present, some of which were also in white but did not create an issue.

Lee Taylor #183

19th May 2024 v East Kilbride Pirates

Manchester Titans (U19)

80-yard field. There were other sports markings present, some of which were also in white but did not create an issue.

Lee Taylor #183

19th May 2024 v Chorley Buccaneers

Merseyside Nighthawks

Field well marked. No team areas were marked, but cones were used.

John Roberts #145

12th May 2024 v Tamworth Phoenix

Newcastle Vikings

Team areas were marked to the 25-yard lines, so both teams were made aware of the correct areas.

Kenneth Glover #71

19th May 2024 v Edinburgh Wolves

NE Academy Giants (U19)

90-yard field. No limit lines. Team areas were incorrectly marked. No numbers or nine-yard marks.

Henry Richardson #25

19th May 2024 v Edinburgh Napier Knights (U19)

Nottingham Caesars (U19)

Coaching' boxes were too close to the sideline. Other markings were in a similar colour (red) to the gridiron markings. One stoppage for 12 minutes due to neck injury.

Joel Pearson #405

14th July 2024 v Birmingham Lions

Ouse Valley Eagles

The changing room was shared with Rugby Referees. The room was not lockable. Crew were locked in the changing area whilst junior rugby players changed after their match. Well-marked 100-yard Field. The game was suspended at 16:25 for 40 mins with 7:15 remaining in the fourth quarter, whilst an injured Ipswich player was attended to. It was reported that there would be a 1h45 wait for an ambulance. At 17:00 the Head Coaches agreed to shorten the fourth quarter to 0:00 due to concerns over the player and the possible 1900 restart.

Graham Smith #149

19th May 2024 v Cornwall Monarchs

Oxford Saints

No team areas were marked. The field was well marked and clearly visible in a powder blue colour and there were other sports markings in white. The changing room was cramped for a standard-size crew.

Andrew Murrell #608

12th May 2024 v Wembley Stallions

Scunthorpe Alphas

Team areas were marked to 25-yard lines. Otherwise, field was excellent.

Dave Black #574

19th May 2024 v Yorkshire Rams

Sheffield Giants

Well-marked but faint 90-yard field with other sports markings in contrasting colours.

Perry Wayman #504

19th May 2024 v Humber Warhawks

Shropshire Revolution

Field markings were in white, with other sports markings on the field also in white. The field surface had several divots filled in with sand pre-game.

Emma Payne #236

19th May 2024 v Nottingham Caesars

Solent Thrashers

Team areas were marked to the 25-yard lines. The ten-yard lines at both ends were marked in a different colour to the rest of the field and had faded badly. The changing room provided for a crew of six was suitable only for two or three officials.

Oliver Maskell #221

14th July 2024 v Cambridgeshire Cats

Somerset Wyverns

The changing room is suitable for a maximum of three officials. Officials used a team changing room when vacant. Chains broke once.

Dave Moore #92

23rd June 2024 v Hereford Stampede

Somerset Wyverns (U19)

The officials’ changing room is sized for 3 people (maximum) and is not lockable. One change was made to the chain crew at half-time. In the third quarter, the game was suspended for approximately 30 minutes to treat an injured player.

Amir Brooks #593

19th May 2024 v Rushmoor Knights

Swindon Storm

Changing rooms were small, unlockable, and was being used as storage space for various items.

Darren Urben #438

12th May 2024 v Sussex Thunder

PLAY OF THE WEEK:

Play of the Week Will Return when the Exam Period has concluded

Date

Event

Contact for details

2024

11th May 2024

BAFRA Board Meeting

secretary@bafra.info

6th July 2024

BAFRA Board Meeting

secretary@bafra.info

9th November 2024

BAFRA Board Meeting

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

Oliver Maskell

operations@bafra.info

Recruitment

Susannah Taylor

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.