NAME

#

TEAM

CODE

Q

OFFENCE

SUSPENDED

New this week

Ian Whitehead

4

East Kent Mavericks

TUF

4

Late in the third quarter, after a successful try, #4 instigated a sequence of dead ball unsportsmanlike conduct fouls for pushing/shoving/incendiary language, resulting in four players being penalised - three East Kent and one Colchester. In the third quarter, with 4:13 remaining after an unsuccessful third-down play by Colchester, #4 faced and moved toward the Colchester sideline and taunted opponents.

11th May 2025 v Essex Tridents

Charles Chemali

10

Rushmoor Knights

TUF

4

With 12:48 remaining in the first quarter, #10 and an opponent were engaged in a dead ball physical altercation that then sparked a wider fracas. With 5:33 remaining in the fourth quarter, after intercepting the ball, #10 then pushed the ball into an opponent's face, which was deemed an act of taunting.

11th May 2025 v Cambridgeshire Cats

Stanley Ejike-Ume

55

Rushmoor Knights

FUC

1

With 12:48 remaining in the first quarter, during a dead-ball fracas, #55 was observed to charge into an opponent and headbutt them.

11th May 2025 v Cambridgeshire Cats

Lewis Mason

24

Swindon Storm

FPF

2

With 5:16 remaining in the second quarter, after the play was over, #24 was seen to forcibly headbutt an opponent whom he believed had fouled him..

11th May 2025 v Hereford Stampede

Paul Osayande

77

London Warriors (U19)

TUF

4

With 1:30 remaining in the fourth quarter, #77 was involved in unnecessary dead-ball activity at the back of the end zone and was penalised for unsportsmanlike conduct by the Back Judge. While subsequently being escorted from the field by teammates and coaches, #77 was verbally abusive towards the Referee, which drew a second flag for unsportsmanlike conduct as it was considered a second, separate, independent act.

1st June 2025 v South London Renegades & 15th June 2025 South London Renegades

Previous weeks

Matthew Hyndman

21

Chester Romans

TUF

4

Early in the third quarter, number 21 stood over a prone opponent and taunted them. Between the third and fourth quarters, whilst changing ends, number 21 verbally abused an Official. He was disqualified.

Upon completion of the penalty and announcement of disqualification, number 21 re-entered the field, removed his helmet, threw it to the ground and charged at the officials. He had to be restrained by a number of teammates and coaches. This was treated as Misconduct and a second fixed penalty offence

11th May 2025 v Scunthopre Alphas and next 4 competitive games thereafter

Aimee-Louise Mulcahy

44

Hertfordshire Cheetahs Women

FPF

2

With around 9 minutes left of the 2nd Half of the Final game of this event - Hertfordshire #44 was seen to forcibly remove and throw the helmet of a Caledonia Chaos player across the field. Due to the force used in taking this action - the Caledonia player was left on the ground and required medical treatment and assessment. Therefore #44 wa disqualified for a FPF.

31st May 2025 - First Hertfordshire Cheetahs game of Tournament

Charlie Thynne/George

44

London Warriors Women

MIS

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

Demilade Soyoye

28

Rushmoor Knights

TUF

3

With 13:00 remaining in the second quarter, #28 left the team area to confront the LJ on the sideline (stopping the LJ from his duties), and loudly shout and remonstrate about a call. With 12:50 remaining in the third quarter, #28 was seen by the BJ to forcibly shove an opponent to the ground, well after and away from the play, and after the opponent had clearly finished participating in any action.

11th May 2025 v Cambridgeshire Cats

Andre Clarke

86

Solent Seahawks (U19)

TUF

4

In the first quarter, the player threw the football at an opponent after the play was over.

With 2:12 remaining in the 4th quarter number 86 committed a second unsportsmanlike act. They taunted their opponents using the football in the crook of their arm.

18th May 2025 v Rushmoor Knights U19

HOME TEAM

REPORT

NEXT HOME GAME

New this week

Clyde Valley Blackhawks

No numbers or nine-yard marks.

Kenneth Glover #71

6th July 2025 v Aberdeen Roughnecks

Cornwall Monarchs

90-yard well-marked grass field marked with blue paint. Parking at the venue was a little problematic due to other events going on, and the official changing room was too small for a crew of five. A couple of the crew changed in the vacated player changing area. Toilet facilities are public in the park area nearby.

Francis Bevan #474

25th May 2025 v Hereford Stampede

Coventry Phoenix

100-yard well-marked field with only numbers/nine-yard marks missing. The car park is pay & display, however game management will collect reg numbers to put in the system so there is no need to buy a ticket. Half time delivery of samosas was very much appreciated.

Jed Brookes-Lewis #395

1st June 2025 v Newcastle Vikings

Doncaster Mustangs

The changing room was small but adequate, although it did not lock. The 90-yard field was well marked, including correct coaching and team boxes. Markings for a rugby pitch were also marked in white but were clearly distinguishable from the football markings and did not create a problem.

Dave Black #574

15th June 2025 v Gateshead Senators

East Kent Mavericks

90-yard field with eight-yard end zones marked in blue with other sport markings in white, red, and yellow. No limit lines, numbers or nine-yard marks. Team areas were the incorrect size, and the coaching line was at the incorrect depth. Game management can get the changing room locked upon request, but this is a code lock rather than a key, so it can be opened by anyone with access. There was one change to the officials' assistants at halftime. Colchester requested that it be reported that they considered the blue field markings to be too faint, and it was hard to make out the sideline. The officials visually inspected the field and found it clear to make out the entire sideline from the middle of the field. However, another coat of paint would help make them brighter.

Phil Clarke #262

25th May 2025 v Kent Exiles

Edinburgh Napier Knights (U19)

Apart from a couple of differently coloured lines on the field, the team did a very good job.

Ian Sneddon #427

18th May 2025 v East Kilbride Pirates

Hereford Stampede

Field marked with IFAF Yards in blue, as the game was not played on the regular field on site. Refreshments provided to officials pre-game, which was most appreciated.

Krister Halvorsen #77

15th June 2025 v Plymouth Vanguard

Kent Exiles

The changing room was not able to be locked, and it was a fair walk from the changing room/car park to the field. Otherwise, a good day.

Daniel Clarke #311

18th May 2025 v Colchester Gladiators

London Warriors

90-yard artificial field marked in blue. Field lines, coaching box, and team area markings are all very faint and can be hard to see. The crossbars on both goals sag in the middle. The mechanism for displaying the numbers on the down box is broken, so not all four downs can be displayed. The game kicked off 30 minutes later than scheduled due to the time that the previous U19 game finished.

Peter Parsons #321

18th May 2025 v Hertfordshire Cheetahs

London Warriors (U19)

90-yard artificial field marked in blue. Field lines, coaching box, and team area markings are all very faint and can be hard to see. The crossbars on both goals sag in the middle. The mechanism for displaying the numbers on the down box is broken, so not all four downs can be displayed. At 1:41 in the third Quarter, Game Management were asked to remove a spectator from the home team side who had used his phone to taunt a visiting team player who had gone out of bounds on that side of the field during a scoring play.

Peter Parsons #321

15th June 2025 v South London Renegades

Manchester Titans (U16)

Field & team areas were marked with cones, other sports markings were present.

Ian Rogers #625

Unknown

Northants Knights

Two sets of hash marks, one NCAA-width and one NFL-width. This led to confusion when spotting the ball. Three-yard marks were marked at the two-yard lines.

Brian Yates #29

25th May 2025 v Birmingham Bulls

Northants Knights (U19)

Well marked field with the coaching areas marked between the 25-yard lines. The officials assistants, although keen, were very mobile and we had to reset the chain and down marker during a series.

Gerry Mellough #79

1st June 2025 v Birmingham Lions

Nottingham Caesars

Well-marked 90-yard field. All three game balls required inflation prior to use. The changing rooms allocated were three small rooms that could only accommodate a maximum of two people each. This was despite a large changing room being requested due to the size of the crew.

David Hewitt #607

1st June 2025 v Manchester Titans

Rushmoor Knights

Field markings were notably fainter than in the last two games, but they are due to be repainted soon. The changing room is "cosy" for a crew of five, but is lockable. Goals are too wide and are extensions of a soccer goal.

Oliver Maskell #221

1st June 2025 v London Blitz

Solent Seahawks (U16)

With 1:26 remaining in the second half of the first game between Solent and Rushmoor, there was an injury to a player. The teams agreed to declare the score and end the game. The second set of games was suspended until an ambulance arrived on site to treat the player. This was completed within 30 minutes allowing resumption of play within adequate time. With 0:11 seconds remaining in the second half between Rushmoor and Oxford there was a suspension of play due to an injury. The coaches met in the middle of the field and agreed to declare the game.

Scott Castle #626

Unknown

Solent Thrashers (NWFL)

Kick off was delayed by 25 minutes, due to the late arrival of the away team who had been stuck in traffic. Away team wore grey meaning the game was grey vs black, but the grey was light enough there was sufficient contrast.

Oliver Maskell #221

7th June 2025 v Manchester Titans

Swindon Storm (U19)

With 9:26 remaining in the second quarter, during the play, a defender committed a facemask foul whilst taking a player to the ground. The helmet was released and contacted the Head Linesman in the face. Following medical treatment and a 20 minute delay, the medic advised the official was able to return. However, the official should wait until the end of the half. The crew was reduced to three, which the crew continued with until the start of the third quarter when the crew returned to four.

Scott Castle #626

8th June 2025 v Hertfordshire Cheetahs

York Centurions

The changing rooms did not lock and were quite a walk from the field. A reasonably well-marked 100-yard field in blue, with team areas marked with cones.

Dave Black #574

Unknown

Yorkshire Rams

All lines were very faint, with the grass long in places and bare in others. Team and coaches areas marked between the 25-yard lines.

John Roberts #145

1st June 2025 v Merseyside Nighthawks

Outstanding items from previous weeks

Aberdeen Roughnecks

A well-marked 100-yard field. Kickoff was delayed by 30 minutes due to road works delaying the arrival of the away team. One game ball had to be changed at half time, it was found to have a slow puncture.

Gordon Galloway #7

8th June 2025 v Glasgow Tigers

Berkshire Rengages

90-yard field. White lines on an arid field. Upon arrival, one end line was broken, but this was corrected before kickoff. The original changing room was very small, but the crew were given a bigger changing room. Neither room was private nor lockable.

Darren Urben #438

18th May 2025 v Rushmoor Knights

Birmingham Bulls

90-yard field marked in yellow and was difficult to see at times. There was a single change to the chain crew at halftime. The changing rooms were very basic and not lockable. Contrary to the previous report, Birmingham elected to allow kicks at both sets of posts, so one-way mechanics were not required.

Stuart Tabberer #348

8th June 2025 v Shropshire Revolution

Birmingham Lions (NWFL)

Game played at Birmingham University. Team had remedied issue with some lines experienced in the past and noted that they are fully remarking the field on May 1st. Opening Kickoff delayed by three minutes due to the incursion of two dogs onto the field of play.

Krister Halvorsen #77

10th May 2025 v London Warriors

Bournemouth Bobcats

No team or coaching boxes marked. Some other sports markings run close to the American Football markings and can seem confusing.

Oliver Maskell #221

8th June 2025 v Solent Thrashers

Bristol Aztecs

90-yard field marked in yellow with rugby markings in white. Markings were too thin and not straight in places, but Bristol were not able to mark the field until two hours before the game (with only the backup line marker available) due to a prior rugby match. Coaching and Team areas were marked further back than regulation due to a request from the rugby club to protect the field. Two locker rooms were provided, each suitable for around three people, but they were adequate. The pre-game was held outdoors. Locker rooms were not locked during the game, but were staff-supervised.

James Ford-Bannister #479

7th June 2025 v Cambridgeshire Cats

Chester Romans

90-yard field, which had been remarked in blue, albeit with no three-yard marks or coaches’ boxes. Team areas were marked with cones and there were no pylons at the hashmarks extended. Multiple other sports markings were present in various colours. A number of portable soccer goals were stored on the visitors sideline at less than 18’ but as far up against the caged area as possible. Only one small changing room, large enough for two people, was provided for a crew of five despite game managements attempts to secure a second room. This room was not lockable. Officials of other sports also attempted to use this room. One of the officials assistants was provided late.

Ian Rogers #625

18th May 2025 v Sheffield Giants

Darlington Steam

A well-marked out 100-yard field. Other sports markings were present in close proximity to the endzones. Team areas were missing, but other sports markings were used for the coaches' box line. All three game balls needed inflating before use. No designated officials changing rooms, so the officials had to wait for the players to vacate their room so they could use that one.

David Hewitt #607

25th May 2025 v Humber Warhawks

Essex Tridents

Field marked in IFAF yards with 1 yard = 0.9 yards. Very well-marked 100-yard field, in white, with ten-yard end zones and with other sport markings in white. No limit line and coaching lines, and team area lines at incorrect depth, but on-field markings were perfect. Good size, well-appointed, lockable changing room just lacking a private toilet.

Tim Ockendon #481

11th May 2025 v East Kent Mavericks

East Kilbride Pirates

No numbers or nine-yard marks.

Henry Richardson #25

6th July 2025 v Newcastle Vikings

East Kilbride Pirates (U19)

No numbers or nine-yard marks.

Henry Richardson #25

6th July 2025 v Highland Wildcats

Highland Wildcats (U19)

Although this was a well-marked field, the lines were painted in yellow, which is not very clear on green grass.

Ian Sneddon #427

8th June 2025 v Edinburgh Napier Knights

Humber Warhawks

A reasonably well-marked 90-yard field with no numbers. Changing rooms are poor and double as a store area for equipment.

Dave Black #574

18th May 2025 v Doncaster Mustangs

Leicester Panthers

Field marked in yellow and missing nine-yard marks (although rugby marks used as an approximation) and coaches' boxes. Following halftime, one ball person was asked to tone down his celebrations in the second half and instead chose not to continue as ball person, so the second half was delayed as a replacement ball person was sought and briefed.

Joel Pearson #405

1st June 2025 v Lincolnshire Bombers

Lincolnshire Bombers

The field was faintly marked with markings difficult to see from the Head Linesman's side of the field. Mole hills are still a problem, with many having to be flattened, and the surface produced stones, which were difficult to clear. There were no hash mark pylons.

Gerry Mellough #79

18th May 2025 v Leigh Miners

London Blitz B

Large patches of the field are bare earth. One goalpost was noticeably wonky. Hot water was available in the showers. The team now has a regular stadium announcer, who is pretty good at following the rules but less good at knowing what the penalty signals are.

Ben Gadsby #564

8th June 2025 v Sussex Thunder

London Blitz (U19)

One member of the chain crew was changed at halftime for three plays. The field continues to lack grass in large patches. One goal is lopsided.

Ben Gadsby #564

18th May 2025 v Ipswich Cardinals

Manchester Titans (NWFL)

A clearly marked 90-yard field. The team areas were marked between the 15-yard lines, but Game Management had coned off each end of the field at 20 yards. Field markings in black, including numbers with multiple other sports markings in different colours also present.. New goalposts were in use for the first time, similar to rugby posts attached to the top of movable soccer goals. On arrival, the crew had to request the removal of nets from the soccer goals and for the posts to be centred within the hash marks. End zones were approximately nine yards and, at each end, there was a white soccer line which had two small squares with no turf covering the solid surface beneath. These were filled with sand prior to kickoff. There were no pylons at the inbounds lines, nor were there goal line yardage markers. Game management provided a lockable changing room, which was large enough for a crew of eight, along with food & drink.

Ian Rogers #625

17th May 2025 v Teesside Steelers

Manchester Titans (U19)

Field markings were below minimum standards. No goalposts were available as there were issues with contractors who were due to install them before the game. Both teams agreed to play with no goalposts. The home team failed to provide three leather balls before kickoff, therefore, synthetic balls were used. Markings were black on a green field, coaching areas were marked between the 15-yard line rather than the 20-yard lines. There were issues with the down box operator, who appeared to be more interested in talking to the ball boy than paying attention to the game.

Steve Hall #512

8th June 2025 v Chester Romans

Merseyside Nighthawks

90-yard field with football markings in yellow, along with other field markings for other sports in other colours. Lines were wonky in places, and the inbounds markings were not always straight laterally or the same length. Otherwise, the game was played in great spirits throughout by both teams.

Peter Roberts #87

18th May 2025 v Yorkshire Rams

Newcastle Vikings

The changing room was not lockable. The field was re-marked with a few wobbly lines. Three-yard marks were missing.

Ali May #42

11th May 2025 v Manchester Titans

Nottingham Caesars (U19)

The field was marked in red with other sports markings present. The team areas were too close to the sideline.

Jed Brookes-Lewis #395

1st June 2025 v Sandwell Steelers U19

Plymouth Vanguard

A well-organised game day. The field had been re-marked due to the rain and was in good condition. The coaches' boxes were marked with cones, but all other lines were good.

Dave Moore #92

1st June 2025 v Hereford Stampede

Rushmoor Knights (U19)

100-yard field. Goal posts were made by extending soccer goals, resulting in posts that were 24’ wide with an 8’ high crossbar at both ends. No limit lines. At half time, the length of the remaining quarters were shortened to five minutes by agreement of both Head Coaches and the Referee under Rule [3-2-1-a]. The second half was also played with a running clock. Plaudits to Rushmoor game management for the way in which they looked after the officials throughout the day.

Peter Parsons #321

1st June 2025 v Swindon Storm U19

Sandwell Steelers

90-yard field faintly marked in blue, with seven-yard end zones. The field surface is uneven in areas. There was a ten-minute delay to the start of the game due to waiting for an injured player from the junior game to be moved off the field.

Emma Harris #236

18th May 2025 v Birmingham Bulls

Sheffield Giants

Team areas weren’t painted but were marked with cones. Otherwise, a well-marked 90-yard field.

Paul Todd #289

11th May 2025 v Chester Romans

Shropshire Revolution

Field is in a sports stadium used for hammer and discus sports so there were multiple divets infield. Multiple white lines on field from other sports. Visiting team area not marked. Several pieces of equipment used for other sports on the field had to be padded prior to game

Andrew Lovell #559

11th May 2025 v Sandwell Steelers

Somerset Wyverns

There was a long stoppage in the second quarter for an injury to a player. The halftime interval was taken during this delay, and play resumed after the player was able to be moved. Coaches' boxes were only marked to the 25-yard line. Field and other markings were good. A conference room was supplied for officials, which had a lot more space than the official changing room.

Dave Moore #92

22nd June 2025 v Solent Thrashers

Sussex Thunder

100 IFAF-yard field, re-marked to a high standard since the previous game. The field was very dry due to the sudden warm weather, and there was a temporary stoppage to remove some dog faeces from an end zone. Due to the small officials' locker rooms, the crew were offered a vacated team locker room and bags were locked in the storage area during the game.

James Ford-Bannister #479

1st June 2025 v London Blitz B

Swindon Storm

The field was generally well marked however there was a high number of bark and pieces of wood on the field which is a community facility. The changing room is of a good size but is not lockable. Dan Coles was awarded the best BAFRA fan of the game.

Richard Moger #472

11th May 2025 v Hereford Stampede

Yorkshire Academy Assassins (U19)

The field was marked with cones, as were the team areas.

Dave Black #574

19th July 2025 (Tournament)

PLAY OF THE WEEK:

New this week

Play: 1st and 10 at the A-25. Late in the 1st quarter, ball carrier A21 circles right end toward his team area and is hit by B54 at the A-30. A21 continues to drive forward and lands with his body down at the A-34 out of bounds in or near the team area having crossed the sideline at the A-34.

Ruling?

Last week

Play: Second and five at the A-45. Ball carrier A33 breaks out into the open and has a clear path to the goal line. At the B-2 they suddenly make a shar p left turn and trot along the B-2 as the Team B players begin to catch up to them. They then carry the ball into the end zone. A33 next runs to the stands and begins to exchange "high-fives" with the fans.

Ruling: Touchdown. A33 is allowed to consume time by delaying the touchdown as long as they are not celebrating or taunting, but A33 is charged with unsportsmanlike conduct for running to the stands. Dead-ball foul. Team B can choose to have the penalty enforced on the try or the subsequent kickoff. (9-2-1, 9-2-1-a-1-h, AR 9-2-1:IX)

MECHANICS:

New this week

Game Situation: Which official is responsible for giving a list of officials to each Head Coach (the “Coaches Card”)?

Answer next issue…

Last week

Game Situation: In the week before the game, the officials note that Newsflash states that a home team player is suspended for the game.

During the pre game meeting between the Head Coach, Referee & Umpire, the Home Team Head Coach states that he believes the player should not be suspended from the game.

Answer: The Referee should remind the coach that any suspended players must be marked on the roster as suspended and they may not participate in the game as a player.

However, if he says that the player is entitled to play, show the Coach the edition of Newsflash that lists the suspension and stress to him that it is our accepted journal of disciplinary actions. You should take all reasonable steps to talk the coach out of playing the player, but if the player enters the game, allow him to play (I.e. don't eject him on the first play) and report it as a misconduct incident. Note on the Incident Report what you said to the coach. The incident should also be reported via the tracking suspensions form in the Gameday Paperwork section of the members area (BAFRA Members Handbook - Game day administration).

Date

Event

Contact for details

2025

17th May (Sat)

BAFRA Board Meeting

secretary@bafra.info

12th July (Sat)

BAFRA Board Meeting (Virtual)

secretary@bafra.info

8th November (Sat)

BAFRA Board Meeting

secretary@bafra.info

2026

11th April (Sat)

BAFRA Ltd. AGM

secretary@bafra.info

11th-12th April (Sat-Sun)

BAFRA Convention

training@bafra.info

BAFRA Directors

President

David Parsons

president@bafra.info

General Secretary

Richard Moger

secretary@bafra.info

Finance

Mark Schofield

finance@bafra.info

Operations

Oliver Maskell

operations@bafra.info

Recruitment

Emma Harris

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.