2010 CONVENTION

Like many others I got home fairly late on Sunday, tired but still buzzing from a great weekend. I would like to thank everyone who came along to the convention this year; it was without doubt one of the best for many a year. The enthusiasm shown by everyone over the weekend was the key factor in why it all went so well. Attendance figures were up on last year again and initial feedback would suggest everyone enjoyed themselves and learned from the experience.

Now, wasn’t Jim Jackson great? His presentations, supported by some really good quality video, were excellent. Everyone was raving about his blocking below the waist presentation. I'm sure Jim enjoyed his trip to the UK and that the standing ovation he received at the end will stay with him for quite a while.

It takes a lot of people to help make the Convention successful and I would personally like to thank everyone who gave presentations, led break-out sessions, managed the welcome desk and provided additional support throughout the weekend..

You will find attached a Convention Feedback Form. I would ask that you all take the opportunity to complete the document and return it to president@bafra.org. Let’s hear about your likes and dislikes. What did you think about the speakers and what you would like to happen next year? We want to tailor the Convention to meet the needs of BAFRA and its members so please take this opportunity to put forward your thoughts and opinions.

Davie Parsons

president@bafra.org

2010 EXAMINATION

All qualified and associate members should by now have received their 2010 exam. If you have not received it, you need to contact me as a matter of urgency. To date (Wednesday 31^st March) I have received answer sheets from Cameron Gibson and Lee Mills. I will keep this list updated on a weekly basis throughout the exam period. I remind people that a field diagram is available on the website for those who require it.

The examination must be returned to me by Saturday 24^th April at the latest, unless an extension has been granted. As it says on the preamble to the exam, extensions may only be granted by the Director of Training; the Examination Committee do not have this authority. As the Directors are still debating the best option regarding the appointment of the Director of Training, applications for extension should be sent to Davie Parsons until otherwise notified. Davie may be contacted via either president@bafra.org or training@bafra.org. Results will be sent out individually after the exam period closes.

Paul Sutton

exam2010@bafra.org

CRIMINAL RECORDS BUREAU CHECKS

As those who attended the AGM will be aware, BAFRA Directors have agreed that all active members will need to undergo a CRB check. Whilst this may not be a mandatory requirement for officiating our sport, we believe it to be the correct thing to do and, judging by the reaction of the members present, they overwhelmingly support this view. It will not be required for affiliate members.

The process is being coordinated via BAFA with a firm called TMG CRB who undertake such activities on behalf of a number of other sporting organisations including the Football Association and the England and Wales Cricket Board.

The Directors wish to appoint a member to oversee the process on behalf of BAFRA. Expressions of interest in this role should be sent to me by 10^th April.

Paul Sutton

secretary@bafra.org

APRIL GAMES & AVAILABILITY

I have a number of games to schedule on the following dates:

• 11^th April 3 pre season friendlies

• 17^th April 1 BUAFL friendly

• 18^th April 1 BUAFL varsity game 1 BAFA CL Regular Season game

• 25^th April 10 BAFA CL events

I have assigned crews for the 11^th April but need everyone to complete their availability for the summer so that I can start assigning for the rest of April and the season ahead. Could I ask you all to ensure that your availability is completely up to date. If you could update your availability in time for my return from my holidays I can then assign for the rest of April on the weekend of April 10^th 11^th. If I do not have your availability I will be unable to assign you to games.

Plymouth Blitz Old Boys Varsity Game

I have had a request for a crew for a varsity old boys game at Plymouth Blitz on Saturday April 17^th. If anyone is available to do this game could you please email me by April 9^th.

Inverness & Cornwall

I have to cover games in Inverness and Cornwall on the following dates

• 25^th April Highland Wildcats – Only game in Scotland so will assign Scottish crew

• 2^nd May Highland Wildcats & Cornish Sharks

• 16^th May Cornish Sharks

• 6^th June Highland Wildcats

• 13^th June Cornish Sharks

• 4^th July Cornish Sharks

• 1^st August Cornish Sharks

• 8^th August Highland Wildcats

• 15^th August Highland Wildcats

At the AGM a number of people offered to travel to these locations if needed. Could I ask everyone who is able to travel to one of these games to let me know by the 9^th April please.

BAFA Community League Season

As the league begins to get to grips with the schedules I will need to offer some flexibility confirming each month's schedule of games. I will do my best to give you as much notice as possible of each month's assignments. My intention is to issue a month at a time at this stage with each month's assignments going out no later than 1 week prior to the 1^st game of each month. I will issue further ahead if at all possible. Can I just ask that you bear with me as I work with the new league to ensure we can cover all games.

Director Away

I will be away on holiday from 31^st March to 9^th April. I will have some but very limited email & phone access. I should be able to deal with anything that is urgent but that is all. Please expect a reduced level of service from me during this period. Games for the 11^th April have been scheduled so I do not expect to many issues to contend with during my absence.

Pete Johnson

operations@bafra.org

BAFA DISCIPLINARY PANEL MEMBERS WANTED

BAFA is looking to recruit a number of senior people from within all aspects of the sport to form a disciplinary panel.

With the change to competition structures this season, BAFA has decided to adopt a common approach to discipline in all competitions, including the Community Leagues and BUAFL. This means that instead of each league having its own disciplinary structure, a single panel will deal with appeals against ejections and other player disciplinary matters. This will mean that the BAFA Disciplinary Code, revised in 2008, will be more consistently applied.

Anyone who wishes to nominate someone for the panel should contact the BAFA Disciplinary Officer, Jim Briggs, at discipline@bafa.org.uk before 10^th April. It is expected that prospective panel members would have been participants in the sport for several years, as a player, coach, club volunteer or official.

Training will be provided for those appointed. It is expected that members of the panel will deal with cases on a rota basis, and would not be involved in any case involving their club or its opponents.

Jim Briggs

discipline@bafa.org.uk

CONVENTION 2010 – CORRESPONDENCE FROM A NEW MEMBER

I wish to thank the Board and all members who welcomed me into the BAFRA family at the convention this weekend. It was my first Convention having only been a member of BAFRA for two weeks, I was welcomed with open arms and left with additional new friends.

I found the weekend a steep learning curve, however I found I was able to contribute to the sessions and left a lot more knowledgeable than when I arrived. I learnt a lot from the experience of the senior guys and the video clip compilations from guest speaker Jim Jackson were an invaluable learning tool. As they say – a picture is worth a thousand words. The final question has to be why has it taken so long for me to join.

See you guys on the field in 2010 and can't wait for next years convention!

Roy Davis

#44

SOLENT OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION

The next meeting of the Solent Officials Association will be on Thursday 22^nd April at 8pm at my place. We may also have some new recruits from Saturday's training course involved.

Let me know if you expect to make it.

Jim Briggs

#31

NEWSFLASH

Due to an editorial error Newsflash was not sent out last week. All articles that were due to be included in last week's issue are included here.

Dean Wright

newsflash@bafra.org

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