BRITBOWL

I think anyone who witnessed both the Division 1 and Premier Division bowl games at the weekend realised, if they didn't know beforehand, that British American football can produce tight and tense finishes as good as any in the NFL. If you weren't there and haven't seen the reports, the Division 1 final went to four extra periods before Sussex edged ahead of Redditch, while London Blitz led virtually all the way in the Premier final before being pipped at the post by Coventry with a field goal 4 seconds from time.

Some of us get so used to working blowouts week after week that we forget that sometimes you have to be able to step up a gear in a close game and focus on rules and interpretations that aren't everyday stuff. The two crews who worked those games did step up and as a consequence did BAFRA proud. The other two crews did a good job too - although the results of their games were known long before the final whistle, both games had their challenges that needed to be addressed. It all goes to prove that as officials we need to be ready for anything, any time!

A big well done and thanks from me to everyone from BAFRA involved in the weekend - all four crews; Scott and Ben who covered as alternate officials; Phil Clarke and Colin Willox who did a lot of running around off the field; Graham for organising the Saturday night meal; and Chris and Janis Jarvis who arranged the trophy and certificates for the John Slavin Trophy. A special word of thanks too to Alisha Cockerill who marshalled the chain crew perfectly and gained plaudits from each crew for doing so. I also understand she intervened to stop a fight breaking out in a team area, which was well beyond the call of duty!

I think the general consensus from the BAFRA members there was that Keepmoat was an excellent venue and exceeded Don Valley in most respects. The only shame was that there wasn't a bigger crowd to share in the excitement of the close finishes.

I'll be reporting our feedback to the league shortly. If anyone has any comments they want me to include, please let me know.

Jim Briggs
president@bafra.org

REMINDER: NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN TRAINING DAYS

If you intend coming along to any of the undernoted events, please send me a confirmation email by Tuesday 30th September. I will then advise both locations of the numbers.

Northern Event: Saturday 4th October 2000: 9:30am – 4:00pm

Birchwood Golf Club, Kelvin Close, Warrington, WA3 7PB

www.golftoday.co.uk/clubhouse/coursedir/cheshire/birchwood.html

Southern Event: Sunday 12th October 2008: 9:30am – 4:00pm

Saracens Head Hotel, High Street, Chelmsford, CM1 1BE

www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/11450/

Davie Parsons

training@bafra.org

KIT FOR SALE

Many of our longer serving members will remember Tony Heywood who was a member in the late 1980’s and through most of the 1990’s. He has contacted me with an offer to sell his kit and equipment.

The following are available:

• 3 game shirts (one short sleeved, one long sleeved and one thermal) (large)

• 1 pair socks (not worn)

• 1 pair knickers

• 4 caps (two black with white piping, 2 white) (size 7⅛)

• 1 pair gloves

• 2 balaclavas/snoods

• 1 reversible rain jacket

• 2 flags

• 1 bean bag

• 1 chain clip

• 1 down marker

• 1 signals card

• 1 pack of game cards

If anyone wishes to purchase any or all of these, please contact me and I will put you in touch with Tony.

Paul Sutton

secretary@bafra.org

FINANCE UPDATE

BAFRA's financial year ends on the 30^th of September, can anybody who is holding cheques from BAFRA Ltd please pay them in by Monday the 29^th September. Two people are still holding cheques from BAFRA's old account, please pay these in by Friday this week as that account will be closed on Monday.

Please also note that I will not be taking membership fees off expenses as this complicates the accounts.

Charlie Dean Young

finance@bafra.org

RECRUITMENT OPPORTUNITY

BAFRA have been offered a trade stand at Colchester Gladiators' tailgate party at the Green man pub next to Wembley stadium before the NFL London game on Sunday 26th October. To maximise our recruitment profile we need volunteers to man the stand and talk to potential recruits. The day will start at 10am and Colchester are hoping for several visitors over the course of the day. Anyone who is willing to help, please contact me.

Ben Griffiths

recruitment@bafra.org

SEEKING BAFRA ARTISTS

Are you a graphical designer? Or a you a skilled artist? BAFRA is seeking people with artistic skills to produce promotional posters and other material to highlight and promote BAFRA and the benefits of being an American Football Referee. If you are interested please contact me.

Ben Griffiths

recruitment@bafra.org

DISCIPLINARY CASES

GAME MANAGEMENT REPORTS

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