Issue 11/25 3rd April 2025
BAFRA Newsflash | |||
RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR 2025
A few reminders of things I said at the Convention and for the benefit of those who weren't there.
The 2025 BAFA rulebook (https://rules.bafra.info/rulebook/bafa2025/index.htm) is now in full force.
Note that the medical requirements have increased for Div 2 and BUCS football - both those levels now require the medical personnel to include an "immediate care practitioner" (typically a paramedic). Some other medical personnel may meet the definition if they have specific additional qualifications as set out in Rule [13-1-1-c-1]. Each team must still have its own first aider. The identity of a team's first aider(s) should be confirmed with the head coach at the pre-game meeting.
None of the league regulations have changed this year (i.e. those where the rules allow the league to specify how a game should proceed in certain circumstances). The full list at http://rules.bafra.info/docs/leagueregs.htm is up-to-date as is the list at https://rules.bafra.info/docs/smallleagueregs.htm for small-sided competitions.
Rule [1-2-1-a-3] imposes a minimum length of field for Premier Division games. For 2025, this extends to Division 1 and Division 2 (but not BUCS, yet).
The game will not take place if the distance between the goal lines is less than 90 yards. However, teams may apply for an exemption. Last year's exemption for Manchester Titans has lapsed. Changes to the list will be notified in Newsflash and recorded at https://rules.bafra.info/docs/authorisations.htm. The same process will apply for teams whose setup has been approved for sideline replay - none have as yet.
If you have any questions, please let me know.
Jim Briggs - Chair, BAFA Rules Committee
rules@britishamericanfootball.org
BAFRA AGM/BOARD MEETING
The minutes of the 2025 BAFRA AGM can be found here: agm2025.pdf
The minutes of the second BAFRA Board meeting can be found here: eb20250323.pdf
Richard Moger – General Secretary
secretary@bafra.info
BAFRA AWARDS
At the BAFRA Convention the Annual Award winners were announced as part of the weekend, with an additional three new awards for this year: The Chris Jarvis Award for mentor of the year, the BAFRA Volunteer of the Year and The BAFRA Members’ Award. It is with great pleasure that I can announce the following:
While these were all deserving winners, I would like to acknowledge all those who were nominated for an award and thank them for everything they do for BAFRA.
Please join me in congratulating both the winners of these awards.
Richard Moger – General Secretary
secretary@bafra.info
BAFRA AGM/BOARD MEETING
All BAFRA qualified and associate members (including Competent Associates) should have received a copy of the 2025 Rule book. If you have not please contact me so that I can get this posted out to you.
Richard Moger – General Secretary
secretary@bafra.info
DISCIPLINARY CASES
NAME | # | TEAM | CODE | Q | OFFENCE | SUSPENDED | |
Previous weeks | |||||||
Jordan Mannion | 2 | Darlington Steam | TUF | 3 | In the second quarter, after a play, #2 swore at the umpire. In the third quarter, #2 stayed on top of a player after the play and, when un-piling, started shouting at nearby officials. | 6th April 2025 v Gateshead Senators & 13th April 2025 v Humber Warhawks | |
Tom-David Aghedo | 95 | London Warriors | FUC | 4 | With 0:57 remaining in the fourth quarter, #95 confronted the Referee complaining that he had been held. He continued to complain vociferously, then his language became abusive. He was penalised for Unsportsmanlike Conduct and, as this penalty was being enforced, his language became foul, abusive, and insulting. He was therefore disqualified for flagrant unsportsmanlike conduct. | 13th April 2025 v Rushmoor Knights & 27th April 2025 v Cambridgeshire Cats | |
Vanessa Mansaray | 50 | London Warriors Women | NOR | 50 | Played in a game while only listed on the roster as as sideline personal/coach. | 10th May 2025 v Birmingham Lions Women | |
Charlie Thynne/George | 44 | London Warriors Women | NOR | 44 | Made an inappropriate and unauthorised public statement on social media about matters relating to British American Football. | 10th May 2025 v Birmingham Lions Women & 17th May 2025 v Solent Thrashers Women | |
Joseph McGovern | 17 | Rushmoor Knights (U19) | TUF | 2 | 1. Q2, 9:01, #17 was observed taunting the opponents sideline for a prolonged period. 2. Q2, 3:27, after the play was over, #17 was observed verbally abusing an opponent before removing their own helmet and throwing it to the ground in anger. | 13th April 2025 v Solent Seahawks | |
Ellis Phillips | 18 | Swindon Storm (U19) | FUC | 2 | At 19:04 in the second half, #18 shouted racial abuse towards an opponent. This was in the second game of a tournament. | 12th April 2025 - first Swindon game of Tournament at Somerset Wyverns | |
GAME MANAGEMENT REPORTS
HOME TEAM | REPORT | NEXT HOME GAME |
New this week | ||
Aberdeen Roughnecks | The chain crew were unavailable until about ten minutes prior to kickoff and, as three newbies, needed a huge amount of supervision/guidance. The field was marked with NFL-width hash marks. While the provided changing room is suitable for up to a crew of eight, it was not lockable. Ali May #42 | Unknown |
Gloucestershire Gladiators | 100 yard field with black lines marked on green field. Team areas marked to the 25. Kickoff was delayed by 5 minutes for briefing and locating the correct balls for the game. | Unknown |
OBU Panthers | The field was missing team and coaching areas. The officials’ assistants were not provided until less than ten minutes prior to kickoff. Thankfully, some speedy briefing avoided a delay. Oliver Maskell #221 | Unknown |
Sheffield Sabres | Team areas were absent but were marked with cones. Pylons at the hash-marks extended were absent. Otherwise, a well-marked 90-yard field. With 2:58 remaining in the fourth quarter, play was suspended for approximately 55 minutes due to an injury. Lee Taylor #183 | Unknown |
PLAY OF THE WEEK
Play of the Week will return when the exam period has concluded.
Date | Event | Contact for details |
2025 | ||
BAFRA Directors | |||||
President | David Parsons | General Secretary | Richard Moger | ||
Finance | Mark Schofield | Operations | Oliver Maskell | ||
Recruitment | Emma Harris | Training | James Ford-Bannister | ||
Director without Portfolio #1 | Peter Parsons | Director without Portfolio #2 | Steve Tonkinson | ||
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. |
