NAME

#

TEAM

CODE

Q

OFFENCE

SUSPENDED

Previous weeks

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.

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

Jahlaw Stewart

33

Sheffield Giants U19

TUF

3

During the first quarter, Number 33 was observed retaliating as part of an altercation following a late hit. This resulted in his first unsportsmanlike conduct foul. With 4:48 remaining in the third quarter, Number 33 received a pass to score a touchdown. He then put his hand to his ear in an action of taunting an opponent.This resulted in his second unsportsmanlike conduct foul.

16th June 2024 v Birmingham Lions

HOME TEAM

REPORT

NEXT HOME GAME

New this week

Berkshire Renegades

A couple of holes were found in the field which were filled prior to kickoff by the groundsman.

Scott Castle #626

30th June 2024 v Ipswich Cardinals

Chester Romans

Some field markings were faint or almost missing e.g. short yard extensions at the sideline. The field will need remarking before the next game at this venue. Very little space for the visiting team on the sideline. Coaches and player boxes marked with cones. Little space for HL to work. Changing rooms were not lockable and only really adequate for two (not six) officials.

Mike Cavanagh #465

14th July 2024 v Yorkshire Rams

Colchester Gladiators

Well marked field and good playing surface. Changing rooms not lockable but big enough for the crew. Plenty of water supplied during the game

Graham Smith #149

30th June 2024 v Essex Tridents

Clyde Valley Blackhawks

No limit lines.

Henry Richardson #25

9th June 2024 v Inverclyde Goliaths

Darlington Steam

100-yard field marked with IFAF yards. The team are awaiting rugby posts to be installed and have make-shift goals by attaching uprights to soccer goals. With the agreement of both head coaches, at 4:31 in the fourth quarter, the remaining time was reduced to 0:00, while an ambulance was called to assess a Doncaster player.

Ali May #42

9th June 2024 v Wakefield District Raiders

Glasgow Tigers

There were a few areas that could be improved, but a lawnmower should probably be top of the team's list.

Ian Sneddon #427

16th June 2024 v Clyde Valley Blackhawks

Hereford Stampede

The two officials' changing rooms were not locked during the game, although the refreshments provided by the gameday management were much appreciated. The 100 IFAF-yard field has been well marked out in white with no other sport markings visible - the only possible gripe is that the halfway line was double-thickness.

Amir Brooks #593

Unknown

Lincolnshire Bombers

Lincolnshire have remarked their field and it is now legal - a well-marked 90-yard field missing only nine-yard marks. However, some moles have moved in making a small section of the field softer than ideal. The crew did not fit in the referees’ changing room so moved into an empty team changing room.

Joel Pearson #405

16th June 2024 v Doncaster Mustangs

Norwich Devils

With 5:47 remaining in the first quarter, a Norwich player sustained a back injury, which was deemed to require an emergency ambulance. The game was suspended for 1 hour 37 mins until this arrived.

Brian Yates #29

23rd June 2024 v East Kent Mavericks

Ouse Valley Eagles

Really well-marked 100-yard field. No numbers or limit lines and team areas were marked between the 25-yard lines. The changing room could not be locked but was sufficient for a crew of five.

James Ford-Bannister #479

14th July 2024 v Colchester Gladiators

Portsmouth Dreadnoughts

90-yard field, spray painted in blue. The grass was very long with a few inbounds markings not lining up with sideline short yard-line extensions. The grass will need cutting and the field remarking before the next game at this venue.

Darren Urben #438

9th June 2024 v Oxford Saints

Sheffield Giants

90-yard field marked in black with other sports markings present in a variety of different colours. There were no team or coaches areas but these were lined with cones and both teams managed to remain within their respective areas extremely well.

Lee Taylor #183

21st July 2024 v Scunthorpe Alphas

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

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

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 (U19)

The changing room was very small for a crew of five. No Team area was marked for the visiting team.

Andrew Lovell #559

23rd June 2024 v Sandwell Steelers

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)

Doncaster Mustangs

Well-marked 90-yard field. Team areas were marked out between the 25-yard lines. The second half kick-off was delayed by approx. 55 minutes due to a thunderstorm that arrived as the first half was ending.

David Hewitt #607

30th June 2024 v Darlington Steam

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

Blue markings. Unfortunately, after they were painted heavy rain made them faint in some places. 23-minute delay due to an injury with 14:53 remaining in the first quarter.

Kenneth Glover #71

9th June 2024 v Edinburgh Wolves

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

Gateshead Senators

Endzones were uneven in length. The field is due to be remarked as several lines are faded and this should be rectified by the next home game.

Ali May #42

21st July 2024 v Darlington Steam

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

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 on a good playing surface. Changing rooms are capacious and close to the field, but not lockable. Rugby goals in the home team area had padding around lower posts.

Graham Smith #149

16th June 2024 v Berkshire Renegades

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

Lancashire Wolverines

100-yard field marked in blue with no numbers, limit lines, or marked team areas.

Andrew Swift #403

16th June 2024 v Sandweel Steelers

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

100-yard field marked in white. Some lines were crooked but not majorly so. No numbers or nine-yard marks and team areas were marked with cones. One set of goal posts cannot stay straight in the wind so they had to be adjusted by team personnel with sticks before kicks at goal to the shot-put end. Lockable changing room provided to fit a crew of five and seat four. No shower, but a private toilet was available but had no light. However, the room is clearly being renovated for future improvement.

James Ford-Bannister #479

16th June 2024 v Solent Thrashers

London Blitz B

100-yard field marked in white. Some lines were crooked but not majorly so. No numbers or nine-yard marks and team areas were marked with cones. One set of goal posts cannot stay straight in the wind so they had to be adjusted by team personnel with sticks before kicks at goal to the shot-put end. Lockable changing room provided to fit a crew of five and seat four. No shower, but a private toilet was available but had no light. However, the room is clearly being renovated for future improvement.

James Ford-Bannister #479

16th June 2024 v Kent Exiles

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

The changing room was spacious but had no private shower and could not be locked.

Keith Wickham #423

30th June 2024 v Oxford Saints

London Warriors

90-yard field with eight-yard end zones marked faintly 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 Cambridgeshire Cats

London Warriors (NWFL)

Field markings were blue on green and were fading. These will need to be re-marked at some point this season. There was one brief stoppage for a repair of the chains.

Daniel Clarke #311

22nd June 2024 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

Manchester Titans

80-yard field. Other sports markings present.

Jed Brookes-Lewis #395

21st July 2024 v Newcastle Vikings

Manchester Titans (NWFL)

Freshly marked 80-yard field. The home team's jerseys were illegal due to non-contrasting numbers. Therefore the home team were penalised in accordance with Rule [1-4-5-c].

Steve Hall #512

3rd August 2024 v Teesside Steelers

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

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

The start of the game was delayed by around 15 minutes due to lightning..

Paul Todd #289

30th June 2024 v Staffordshire Surge

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 (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

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

No nine-yard marks. Inbounds and sideline short yard-line extensions were too thin (about two inches thick), although the spacing problems from the last game appear to have been remedied. One game ball was replaced after it was lost in a neighbouring car park following a PAT.

Amir Brooks #593

30th June 2024 v Hereford Stampede

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

Sussex Thunder

Changing rooms were dirty and had a leak.

Scott Castle #626

23rd June 2024 v Essex Tridents

Swindon Storm

The changing rooms could not be locked.

Jon Husband #304

9th June 2024 v Berkshire Renegades

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

Teesside Steelers (NWFL)

The field had been marked as 85 yards with the distance between some "five-yard" lines being marked with 5 short yard-line extensions and measuring six yards. The field was shortened to 80 yards and played in one direction to accommodate this.

Ali May #42

20th July 2024 v Peterborough Royals

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 1st and 10 from the B-16 Yard line. There are 3 seconds remaining in the game. Quarterback A11 attempts a forward pass which falls incomplete. After A11 releases the pass defender B98 launches himself and forcibly contacts A11 in the helmet. Time expired during the down. A11 lands awkwardly and requires brief medical attention for an injury to his non-throwing hand. R informs the Team B head coach of the disqualification and by the time B98 has left the field, A11 states to the Referee that he is able to continue to play.

Ruling?

Last week

Play: There are 3 seconds remaining in the 2nd quarter. Team A, 1st & 10 at Midfield. Quarterback A17 attempts a forward pass, which is intercepted by B98 at the B-30, he advances to the B-40 where he is tackled. During the interception return B79 commits a Blindside Block against A17 and the B-35. Team A were in an illegal formation at the snap, time expired during the down.

Ruling: The half is over.

As there was a change of possession and Team B had not fouled prior to gaining possession, Team B will refuse offsetting fouls and only their penalty may be enforced (10-1-4-exp-1).

As there are not offsetting fouls, Team A will declines Team B’s foul as they will not want to allow Team B an opportunity to score (AR:10-1-4:III0/. There are no reasons to extend the half (3-2-3-a).

MECHANICS:

New this week

Game Situation: The opening kick-off of the game results in a Touchback, on the ensuing play from scrimmage Team A complete a pass for 9 yards. Team A substitute their Wide Receivers to bring in extra Running Backs, Team B make matching Substitutes. The Umpire moves towards the snapper and instructs him not to snap the ball. The Quarterback calls out the cadence and the snapper, snaps the ball.

Answer next issue…

Last week

Game Situation: On a five man crew, on 3rd down, Team A run a sweep play towards the Press-Box side of the field. After the play, the Line Judge indicates a forward progress spot that results in a first down, the Head Linesman indicates a spot that results in fourth down. The two wing officials cannot agree on the spot. Which forward progress spot should be used?

Answer: M5.5.9.f - If the officials cannot agree on the call, it is normally best to go with the call made by the official with primary responsibility for making it. Going with the call made by an "experienced" official over that made by an "inexperienced" official may cause problems in the long-term. In this case the coverer is the Line Judge, so that forward progress spot should be used.

Date

Event

Contact for details

2024

13th 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.