NAME

#

TEAM

CODE

Q

OFFENCE

SUSPENDED

New this week

Peter Blackie

44

Berkshire Renegades

TUF

4

With 8:01 remaining in the third quarter there was an incident involving multiple fouls by both teams. After the play was over, Berkshire #44 was seen to direct gestures towards the Swindon Storm sideline in a manner that was likely to cause ill will. This was one of four Unsportsmanlike fouls committed by Berkshire players during this incident. With 14:49 remaining in the fourth quarter, following a successful two-point try by Swindon Storm, while the official was coming in from the sideline, Berkshire #30 approached the official and complained of holding by an opponent, before the official was able to respond, #44 came toward the official and, in a demeaning and dissenting manner, called me the official “blind”. This happened in close proximity to other players who would have clearly heard it.

2nd June 2024 v Sussex Thunder & 9th June 2024 v Swindon Storm

Bow Alade

97

Edinburgh Wolves

FUC

4

As players were un-piling, #97 was tangled with another player. As they got to their feet, they shouted and, twice, clearly and loudly swore at the Umpire.

9th June 2024 v East Kilbride Pirates & 23rd June 2024 v Merseyside Nighthawks

George Fell

9

Edinburgh Wolves

FGT

4

With 11:59 remaining in the fourth quarter, an altercation started between Red #9 and Black #37. Black #37 escalated by headbutting Red #9, to which Red #9 responded with multiple punches to Black #37's helmet.

9th June 2024 v East Kilbride Pirates

(Moses) Olumide Adekoya

5

London Olympians

TUF

4

#5 committed two Unsportsmanlike Conduct fouls in the game. The first was for using abusive language towards opposition players and the second, with under a minute remaining in the fourth quarter, was for a celebration directly opposite the Exiles team area.

9th June 2024 v Kent Exiles & 16th June 2024 v East Kent Mavericks

Ethan Goddard

37

Newcastle Vikings

FGT

4

With 11:59 remaining in the fourth quarter, an altercation started between Red #9 and Black #37. Black #37 escalated by headbutting Red #9, to which Red #9 responded with multiple punches to Black #37's helmet.

26th May 2024 v East Kilbride Pirates

Ben Lloyd

14

Swindon Storm

FGT

3

With 8:01 remaining in the third quarter, there was an incident involving multiple fouls by both teams. As a play developed, during which holding occurred between Berkshire player #24 and Swindon #14, they began to tussle before eventually Swindon #14 dragged the opponent to the ground. He then began to punch him repeatedly, striking him multiple times with clenched fists directed to the body and head in a combative manner unrelated to football and with the apparent intent to hurt and cause injury to an opponent.

2nd June 2024 v Colchester Gladiators

Previous weeks

Oliver Willett

6

Chester Romans

TUF

4

Player received his first USC in the third quarter for standing over a prone opponent and using an expletive. He received his second with 1:52 remaining in the fourth quarter for making a “crying” gesture towards the opposition sideline.

26th May 2024 v Sheffield Giants

Oliver Smith

36

Highland Stags

FPF

1

At 4.20 in the 1st quarter, #36 was engaged in a block, he disengaged the block then re engaged by grabbing the defenders shirt and head butting his opponent, this led to him being ejected.

2nd June 2024 v Glasgow Tigers

Demilade Soyoye

0

Rushmoor Knights

TUF

3

With 12:20 remaining in the third quarter, after the ball carrier had gone out of bounds, #0 was observed to forcefully shove an opponent away from the play, drawing a first Unsportsmanlike Conduct penalty. On the following play, with 12:04 remaining in the third quarter. #0 was observed again shoving an opponent after the play resulting in a second unsportsmanlike penalty.

26th May 2024 v London Hornets

2nd June 2024 v Portsmouth Dreadnoughts

HOME TEAM

REPORT

NEXT HOME GAME

New this week

Bristol Aztecs

Brand new venue for the Bristol Aztecs. Two small changing rooms were provided. Field marked in yellow with 1cm thick lines. Not at all visible if looking into the sun. Hash marks and short yard line extensions 6 inches in length. No team areas were marked.

Stuart Tabberer #348

16th June 2024 v London Warriors

Darlington Steam

The field was marked out as a 100 IFAF yards and the chain set needed adjusting to accommodate this. No limit lines, nine-yard marks, or numbers. Team areas were missing but marked out using cones. The goal posts were soccer goals with lengths of piping strapped to them in order to create uprights. The crossbar was too low and the posts too wide but this issue will hopefully be rectified prior to the next game here. There are no designated changing facilities for officials so the crew were given access to a separate foyer area which was private and had it's own toilet.

David Hewitt #607

2nd June 2024 v Doncaster Mustangs

Hertfordshire Cheetahs

The game was played at Sports Training Village, Hertfordshire University. Two changing rooms were provided as neither was big enough for a crew of five. Field marked in faded dark blue lines. Hash marks were marked to NFL-width. Coaching boxes and team areas were marked with cones. No numbers or nine-yard marks. No Limit lines. With 0:24 remaining in the third quarter, there was a serious injury to a player of the visiting team. The medical personnel made the decision that they did not wish to move the player until such time as an ambulance arrived. After waiting approximately 30 minutes, due to the projected arrival time of an ambulance (three hours), after discussion between the two Head Coaches and the Referee, it was agreed to shorten the length of the remaining quarters to 0:00.

Peter Parsons #321

9th June 2024 v Bristol Aztecs

Kent Exiles

Excellent gameday management and a well-marked 90-yard field, only missing nine-yard marks/field numbers. The changing room allocated to the officials was extremely spacious but not lockable. Crews should account for the 5+ minute walk to the field, the Exiles do have several gazebos up so drinks can be left behind the team area in the shade.

Phil Clarke #262

30th June 2024 v London Blitz B

London Blitz

Second game of a doubleheader. Markings had degraded considerably since the first game and also as this game wore on, so became much harder to see. This field will need to be re-marked prior to the next game. No team areas or limit lines and one goal has a tilted crossbar. The surface also began to break up towards the end and became much more uneven in Andrew Murrell #608

26th May 2024 v Hertfordshire Cheetahs

London Blitz B

Field markings were faint in places, however, the team did go over the worst areas to improve visibility. No team areas or limit lines and one goal has a tilted crossbar. External Medical cover was not onsite at kick-off time, but they confirmed they were on the way and stuck in traffic. An alternative medic that met the requirements was found and the game kicked off 25 minutes late. The main medical cover arrived approximately 30 minutes later and took over. The game was suspended for 48 minutes in the second quarter due to a serious player injury and until he could be safely removed from the field. A new chain crew was presented to HL just as the second-half kickoff was about to take place.

Andrew Murrell #608

26th May 2024 v East Kent Mavericks

Manchester Titans

Well-marked, but the lines were faded. Kick-off was delayed due to a delay in providing the chain crew.

John Roberts #145

26th May 2024 v Merseyside Nighthawks

Manchester Titans (U19)

The field was well-marked but lines were becoming faded and difficult to see in bright sunlight. Multiple changes to officials' assistants.

John Roberts #145

21st July 2024 v North East Giants (U19)

North East Giants (U19)

No three-yard lines.

Ali May #42

4th August 2024 v Manchester Titans

Ouse Valley Eagles

Team areas marked to 25-yard lines.

Brian Yates #29

2nd June 2024 v Essex Tridents

Scunthorpe Alphas

No three-yard marks but an otherwise well-marked 90-yard field. The changing room was a disabled toilet but was furnished with chairs and a table containing sweet treats.

Joel Pearson #405

30th June 2024 v Chester Romans

Sheffield Giants

The Kick-Off was delayed by 15 minutes to allow sufficient time between the preceding Junior Game and this game. The field was marked in black. While dark, the markings were clearly visible. There were some conflicting Navy coloured markings very close to the Football markings. There were white field markings closer than four feet and an end zone line. No numbers or nine-yard marks. No limit lines or team areas were marked. Two changing rooms were provided for the officials; each was big enough only for one person and they were not lockable.

Ben Griffiths #228

2nd June 2024 v Yorkshire Rams

Sheffield Giants (U19)

The field was marked in black. While dark, the markings were clearly visible. There were some conflicting Navy coloured markings very close to the Football markings. There were white field markings closer than four feet and an end zone line. No numbers or nine-yard marks. No limit lines or team areas were marked. Two changing rooms were provided for the officials; each was big enough only for one person and they were not lockable.

Ben Griffiths #228

16th June 2024 v Birmingham Lions (U19)

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.

Richard Whitby #136

9th June 2024 v Birmingham Bulls

Staffordshire Surge

A member of the chain crew was changed at half time due to illness. Multiple events at Stafford Rugby Club meant officials were asked to change in the gym. Rugby club staff advised it would be locked during the game and not used, At half time, despite reassurances, officials found the gym was not locked and and several people not related to either club were using the gym. Officials were asked to vacate and they used a conference room instead.

Andrew Lovell #559

16th June 2024 v Leigh Miners

Tamworth Phoenix

The changing room could not be locked. However, the crew were provided with Samosas, Wraps, and bottles of water, which were all much appreciated.

Keith Wickham #423

9th June 2024 v Manchester Titans

Outstanding items from previous weeks

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

Bournemouth Bobcats

90-yard field, slightly rutty in areas. Two changing rooms big enough for three officials each were provided, but these were otherwise adequate. One game ball malfunctioned during the pregame checking and, during the game, some balls were temporarily lost amongst nettles behind one of the goals.

Oliver Maskell #221

30th June 2024 v Somerset Wyverns

Cambridgeshire Cats

Field marking feint in places but usable. They will need re-marking prior to the next game at this venue.

Lee Wood #517

16th June 2024 v Hertfordshire Cheetahs

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 yard 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)

Chorley Buccaneers (U19)

The game was played at the University of Manchester. 100-yard field marked in blue with no numbers, nine-yard marks, three-yard marks, or limit lines. Team areas were marked out with cones.

Andrew Swift #403

16th June 2024 v Manchester Titans (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

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

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

No limit lines, nine-yard marks or numbers.

Henry Richardson #25

26th May 2024 v Lincolnshire Bombers

Glasgow Tigers

Team areas marked out to 25-yard lines.

Ian Sneddon #427

2nd June 2024 v Highland Stags

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 field will need re-marking prior to the next game at this venue.

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

The chains had to be repaired and lengthened slightly prior to kickoff. Field markings were faint and difficult to see, they will need re-marking prior to the next game at this venue. The ground was uneven.

Gordon Galloway #7

23rd June 2024 v Glasgow Tigers

Humber Warhawks

No nine-yard marks or three-yard marks. A couple of wonky lines, possibly due to the undulating field surface.

Joel Pearson #405

9th June 2024 v Scunthorpe Alphas

Ipswich Cardinals

Well-marked field. Team areas were between the 30-yard lines and goal post uprights were shorter than standard rugby posts. With 3:22 remaining in the fourth quarter, one of the on-field officials suffered a medical issue. At this point, both head coaches agreed to shorten the fourth quarter to 0:00 given the treatment time needed and also further heat-related concerns.

Andrew Murrell #608

26th May 2024 v Colchester Gladiators

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

Changing room too small for a crew of four. No team area marked. Goals were ~1 yard behind each endline.

Jed Brookes-Lewis #395

9th June 2024 v Staffordshire Surge

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 Hornets

Coaching box line marked three feet from the sideline, with team area line at nine feet on both sides. Both areas were also marked to the 25-yard lines. No limit lines. Field surface was a little uneven in places and a little soft in others, after previous rain. Changing room was spacious but not lockable.

Peter Parsons #321

26th May 2024 v Rushmoor Knights

London Warriors

Faintly marked 90-yard field with eight-yard end zones in blue and other sports markings in yellow, white, and red. The field markings will need re-marking prior to the next game at this venue. No numbers or limit lines and rugby markings approximated for nine-yard marks. Well-appointed changing room but not lockable.

Tim Ockendon #481

26th May 2025 v Solent Thrashers

London Warriors (U19)

Faintly marked 90-yard field with eight-yard end zones in blue and other sports markings in yellow, white, and red. The field markings will need re-marking prior to the next game at this venue. 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 field markings were in red (along with some markings for other sports) and were extremely faint and very hard to see. The field will need re-marking before the next game at this venue. 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.

Richard Whitby #136

14th July 2024 v Shropshire Revolution

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

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

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

Solent Thrashers (NWFL)

Team areas marked to 25-yard lines. Lines at ten yards different to the rest of the field. Goals overhang endzones slightly.

Oliver Maskell #221

20th July 2024 v Birmingham Lions

South London Renegades (U19)

The field has been remarked in blue as a 100-yard field. This put the goals five yards inside the endzone. To resolve this, the goal lines were moved to the five-yard lines resulting in a 90-yard field.

Lee Wood #517

16th June 2024 v London Warriors (U19)

South Wales Warriors

The changing room was not lockable. 90-yard field with eight-yard endzones. The field had been re-marked since last week's downpour and the previous issue with the coaching/team areas has now been fixed. No nine-yard marks. Inbounds and sideline short yard-line extensions were too thin (about two inches thick) and were unevenly spaced in places.

Amir Brooks #593

26th May 2024 v Somerset Wyverns

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

Swindon Storm

The changing rooms could not be locked.

Jon Husband #304

9th June 2024 v Berkshire Renegades

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

Yorkshire Rams

No three-yard marks, nine-yard marks, or numbers. Team areas were marked out between the 25-yard lines. Several inbounds markings didn't necessarily line up with the corresponding sideline markings.

David Hewitt #607

9th June 2024 v Chester Romans

PLAY OF THE WEEK:

New this week

Play: Team A are trailing by 2 points, there are 3 seconds left on the clock in the fourth quarter. It is fourth-and-Goal on the B-4. Linebacker B97 runs from the B-2 and jumps at the line of scrimmage in an attempt to block a field goal. B97 lands on offensive lineman B57 on the line of scrimmage. The field goal attempt is missed. Team A had five players in the backfield at the snap. Time expired during the down.

Ruling?

Last week

Play: A12 throws a forward pass intended for A89. Dur ing the pass, defensive end B88 is flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct. The pass to A89 is complete for a 10-yard gain to the A-30 where A88 is tackled.

Ruling: The penalty is enforced at the end of the run, which is the A-30; first and 10 for Team A at the A-45. (9-2-1)

MECHANICS:

New this week

Game Situation: There are 30 seconds left in the game and the clock is running, both Teams have one timeout remaining. Team A commits a False Start. As this is a potential 10 second run-off; what actions should the Wing officials on a 4 man crew take?

Answer next issue…

Last week

Game Situation: On a field goal attempt, Defender B93 tips the ball at the line of scrimmage in an attempt to block the kick. What signal should the Umpire give?

Answer: No signal should be given, the Umpire should not give a signal in this situation.  The Umpire should give the ball tipped (S11) signal only if the kick is touched (but not forced touched) by Team B BEYOND the neutral zone  (M10.8.d.2).

Date

Event

Contact for details

2024

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.