BAFRA BULLETIN TO BAFA TEAMS 2006

Changes to fees

At a recent BAFRA member's meeting the directors were asked to investigate how much the current game fee had been reduced, in real terms, by inflation since it was introduced. Our investigation concluded that if inflation were taken into account the fee would now be £62 per experienced official. We appreciate that most teams would find it difficult to fund what would be around an 80% increase.

We have however found it necessary to raise the game fees for 2006 by £5 to £40 for an experienced official and to £25 for a rookie official

The directors also looked into the BAFRA administration fee, currently £60 per game. We concluded that due mainly to the co-operation between the BAFL and BAFRA on scheduling matters we are able to reduce officials travel and we have made some administrative savings. Therefore, we are in a position to reduce the BAFRA admin fee for games by £10 to £50. We will look at this again for the 2007 season, particularly if petrol prices remain high.

This will mean a net increase to teams of £10 per game this year. The new fees will take effect from 1st April 2006.

Assignment of crews

With the same level of co-operation we received in 2005 from teams and the league when scheduling, BAFRA expects to be able to cover all BAFL games during the coming season.

We have a particular shortage of officials in Scotland and the North East of England, and will continue to struggle to cover more than 2 games per weekend in those areas. We expect to be able to cover at least 10 games per week in total.

If you have any enquiries regarding scheduling please contact operations@bafra.org.

Recruiting new officials

We need to recruit more officials in all areas of the country and teams can help by putting our ad in programmes, or if you know of any ex-players who want to stay involved with the game or fans who want to get involved with the game but don't want to play, point them in our direction. They can find out more online at www.bafra.org/ or by speaking to one of the officials after a game.

Rule changes

There are only 2 playing rule changes for 2006.
Firstly, linemen who previously were exempt from the clipping rule in their initial contact will have fouled if they block an opponent from behind below the knee. Previously they could block him anywhere.
Secondly, defensive players who run and leap to block a field goal or try will have fouled if they land on any player (including a teammate). Previously they only fouled if they landed on an opponent.

On medical facilities, an ambulance is now optional provided a doctor or paramedic is present. More detailed advice for teams on this is being prepared.

The above changes are currently provisional pending BAFA Board approval.