December 2010 - Inside American Football 1

Transcription

December 2010 - Inside American Football
1
INSIDE
AMERICAN
FOOTBALL
Issue Four
2
Inside American Football - December 2010
Kent Falcons break away
during their game against the
Hertfordshire Hurricanes
Photo © Garry Neesam
v1.1
Hello & welcome to Issue Four of Inside American
Football!
Production for this issue has been somewhat more
difficult than the first three issues. This is mainly due
to the lack of support; we can come up with items for
individual articles but rely on teams & participants of
the sport in the UK providing us with content in the
form of match reports & team news.
I suppose it is to be expected that there would be a
fall-off from BAFA CL teams as their season ended
in September, but I know from trawling the forums
that teams are not stagnant, many are engaged in
recruitment, coaching clinics, rookie training as well
as community events. We’d like to hear about it! If it
wasn’t for BAFRA & the Coventry Jets, we might not
have had an Issue 4.
Now that the BUAFL season is well underway, albeit
interrupted due to the recent bad weather, it has been
disappointing not to have had much support from the
Uni teams. Requests in the forums & via email to every
BUAFL team requesting info resulted in just 7 match
reports (& 3 of those are from my team).
I wonder why such a poor response, do teams not feel
the need for exposure in a format such as IAF? Do not
enough people know about the magazine, do people
feel that with university funding the season will just
go ahead anyway & publicity is not necessary? I’d be
interested to hear your thoughts.
So my plea for the next few weeks is for people to get
in touch with their game reports, team news, on & offfield events.
Similarly, we do have people getting in touch to
volunteer their services. I do try to respond to everyone
but if you have not had a reply, please get in touch in
case your email was spammed by my system. (if you
put ‘IAF’ or American Football’ in the title it won’t get
deleted).
Anyway, moving on, our first three issues have seen
10,000 downloads or online views, so it’s not all bad.
Happy Christmas & have a great New Year!
Garry Neesam
Editor
Inside American Football
Issue Four Contributors
Garry Neesam: Editor & Publisher
Mike Revell: Staff Writer & Graphics
Nathan Sharrocks: Staff Writer
Pete Barker: Staff Writer
Luke Hill: Staff Writer
Contributors
Barbara Johnson
Martin Bown
Steve Tonkinson
Simon Ryan
Photographers
Chris Evers
Dan Aitch
Garry Neesam
Martin Wilmott
Mike Dean
Rachel Graham
IAF Website: www.insideamericanfootball.com
IAF Facebook:www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=129743753708576
IAF Twitter Page: twitter.com/insideamfootbal
INSIDE
AMERICAN
FOOTBALL
Issue Four
2
Kent Falcons break away
during their game against the
v1.1
Hello & welcome to Issue Four of Inside American
Football!
Production for this issue has been somewhat more
difficult than the first three issues. This is mainly due
to the lack of support; we can come up with items for
individual articles but rely on teams & participants of
the sport in the UK providing us with content in the
form of match reports & team news.
I suppose it is to be expected that there would be a
fall-off from BAFA CL teams as their season ended
in September, but I know from trawling the forums
that teams are not stagnant, many are engaged in
recruitment, coaching clinics, rookie training as well
as community events. We’d like to hear about it! If it
wasn’t for BAFRA & the Coventry Jets, we might not
have had an Issue 4.
Now that the BUAFL season is well underway, albeit
interrupted due to the recent bad weather, it has been
disappointing not to have had much support from the
Uni teams. Requests in the forums & via email to every
BUAFL team requesting info resulted in just 7 match
reports (& 3 of those are from my team).
I wonder why such a poor response, do teams not feel
the need for exposure in a format such as IAF? Do not
enough people know about the magazine, do people
feel that with university funding the season will just
go ahead anyway & publicity is not necessary? I’d be
interested to hear your thoughts.
So my plea for the next few weeks is for people to get
in touch with their game reports, team news, on & offfield events.
Similarly, we do have people getting in touch to
volunteer their services. I do try to respond to everyone
but if you have not had a reply, please get in touch in
case your email was spammed by my system. (if you
put ‘IAF’ or American Football’ in the title it won’t get
deleted).
Anyway, moving on, our first three issues have seen
10,000 downloads or online views, so it’s not all bad.
Happy Christmas & have a great New Year!
Garry Neesam
Editor
Issue Four Contributors
Garry Neesam: Editor & Publisher
Mike Revell: Staff Writer & Graphics
Nathan Sharrocks: Staff Writer
Pete Barker: Staff Writer
Luke Hill: Staff Writer
Contributors
Barbara Johnson
Martin Bown
Steve Tonkinson
Simon Ryan
Photographers
Chris Evers
Dan Aitch
Garry Neesam
Martin Wilmott
Mike Dean
Rachel Graham
IAF Website: www.insideamericanfootball.com
IAF Facebook:www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=129743753708576
IAF Twitter Page: twitter.com/insideamfootbal
Issue Four
Contents
6 Team News
from around the league
13 Match Reports
BUAFL & off-season BAFACL
30 A Guide to Offence
NCAA Coach Rich Warner talks to IAF
33 British Junior Flag Championships
A report via the Coventry Jets Flag Academy
36 The Chester Romans
Nathan Sharrocks looks at the past, present &
future of the BAFA club
38 BAFCA Coaching Clinic
details of an upcoming event for coaches
40 So You Want to be a Ref?
We look at the processes for a new BAFRA
recruit
42 Ask the Ref
Steve Tonkinson look at the differences
between the codes of football
48 NFL Photo Comp Winner
Mike Dean won a photography competition to
shoot the Broncos & 49ers at Wembley
52 Wembley
The photographic & written experience of two
IAF Readers who went to Wembley
56 Working the Chains at Wembley
BAFRA member Simon Ryan was on the
chain crew at the NFL game, here’s how he
got on
60 Cheetahs meet the 49ers
Watford Cheetahs Treasurer Tish Pattni got to
go to the 49ers training camp
62 Officiating from Down Under
A female AF official came to Europe this
summer
68 BUAFL League Results
72 BUAFL League Standings
74 BUAFL Team Directory
76 BAFA Team Directory
44 Intro to the UFL
Hertfordshire Hurricane RB, Gareth
‘Dash’ Bentir-Davies makes a break during
we look at the United Football League in
America
a training session
4
October
2010
- Inside
AmericanFootball
Football 5
December
2010
- Inside
American
Issue Four
Contents
6 Team News
from around the league
13 Match Reports
BUAFL & off-season BAFACL
30 A Guide to Offence
NCAA Coach Rich Warner talks to IAF
33 British Junior Flag Championships
A report via the Coventry Jets Flag Academy
36 The Chester Romans
Nathan Sharrocks looks at the past, present &
future of the BAFA club
38 BAFCA Coaching Clinic
details of an upcoming event for coaches
40 So You Want to be a Ref?
We look at the processes for a new BAFRA
recruit
42 Ask the Ref
Steve Tonkinson look at the differences
between the codes of football
48 NFL Photo Comp Winner
Mike Dean won a photography competition to
shoot the Broncos & 49ers at Wembley
52 Wembley
The photographic & written experience of two
IAF Readers who went to Wembley
56 Working the Chains at Wembley
BAFRA member Simon Ryan was on the
chain crew at the NFL game, here’s how he
got on
60 Cheetahs meet the 49ers
Watford Cheetahs Treasurer Tish Pattni got to
go to the 49ers training camp
62 Officiating from Down Under
A female AF official came to Europe this
summer
68 BUAFL League Results
72 BUAFL League Standings
74 BUAFL Team Directory
76 BAFA Team Directory
44 Intro to the UFL
Hertfordshire Hurricane RB, Gareth
‘Dash’ Bentir-Davies makes a break during
we look at the United Football League in
America
a training session
4
October
2010
- Inside
AmericanFootball
Football 5
December
2010
- Inside
American
NEWS
NEWS
Jets light up Christmas
Jets form links with the Jets
With seven years experience of playing
American Football and a Britbowl
title to his name, Coventry Jets star
offensive lineman Adam O’Reilly has
begun a new chapter in his career.
After being named Head Coach of the
newly formed Coventry University
Jets last year, O’Reilly took charge of
his first competitive fixture recently,
a 12-7 victory over the Leicester
Longhorns.
The home fixture, played at Earsldon
RFC’s Canley ground, saw first half
scores from Chris Hobbs and Michael
Billinghurst as the Jets held on for an
historic victory in their first match.
O’Reilly was over the moon to be
asked to lead the programme as he
was a former student at the University.
Whilst the Northampton native was
studying Industrial Product Design at
Coventry he represented the Warwick
Wolves as the City’s two Universities
fielded just one team.
“I was really nervous all the way
through” admitted O’Reilly “we had a
great start taking the opening kick off
up to half way then scoring three run
plays later. We got off to a great start
which was really pleasing; our special
teams played well all game with some
very good punts by Josh Hughes
putting our defense in good positions.
Our defense was solid all day and
although the Longhorns got a score
to lead by a point the team kept their
spirits high and heads held up.”
“There were no scores in the second
half but Leicester converted two 4th
and longs to keep their drives going.
My nerves were jangling inside the
final two minutes as they tried another
4th and long with a reverse but the
defence had another good stand and
that was when I knew we had won
the game. You could feel the relief all
round as the offense ran out the clock
and we won what I hope is the first
game of many.”
Apart from O’Reilly the team
features a host of other names that
will be familiar to the Jets’ faithful.
Graham Huber runs the offense for
the University team with former Jets
linebacker Parm Sidhu in charge of the
defensive unit. Joining Sidhu on the
sideline are current Coventry players
Wayne Gumbs, who coaches defensive
backs, and Simon Volkwein, who
coaches the offensive line. Under the
watchful gaze of the German guard
are his senior team team-mates John
Charlesworth and Ben Abbott.
“It’s really helped being coached by
people that I’ve worked with over
the summer” said Abbott, “I know
exactly what’s expected of me and the
professionalism I need to show. All of
the experience that I’ve gained during
the summer has been invaluable as
I’ve been to pass it onto the rookies
and accelerate their development in
the game. We worked very hard last
year and put in a good framework to
provide a foundation for the University
team to build upon so that we could
achieve our full potential this year.”
“We have some very good coaches
to help develop our fledgling squad
into a very strong team. We’ve had
such a great start to the season we
now need to take this and build upon
it. For me we have already exceeded
expectations this year, I hope we can
keep this going and be the dark horses
of the BUAFL league.” You can see
how Abbott and O’Reilly get on this
Sunday (28th of November) as the
University Jets host the Gloucester
Gladiators at Earlsdon RFC, kick off is
at 13:00.
For more details on the Coventry
Jets and the Coventry University Jets
please visit their website www.covjets.
com or follow them on Twitter www.
twitter.com/CoventryJets. The Jets
are still busy recruiting for the 2011
campaign and are looking for anyone
aged 7 onwards, male or female.
Further details about rookie inductions
can be found on the website.
For further details or information
please contact: Adam Etheridge
[email protected]
Mobile telephone: - 07877 992 456
The Coventry Jets helped light up
Christmas as they made an appearance
in the City Centre to join The Hoosiers
in getting Coventry into the Christmas
spirit. Jets’ mascot CeeJay joined
starting centre Paul Rickhuss and
kicker Alan Steel as well as a host
of other stars as they took part in,
local radio station, Mercia’s seasonal
festivities culminating in the big Xmas
Lights Switch On.
Among the celebrities were other
local sports stars such as Jeff Smith
and Tom Ledgard of Elite League ice
hockey champions the Coventry Blaze
and Richard Keogh and Jordan Clarke
of the City’s Championship football
club. Also on hand were Pingu, former
Hollyoaks’ star Melissa Walton and
the City’s Lord Mayor. Children’s
TV presenters and former Pop Idol
contestants Sam and Mark were a huge
hit with the locals as was Debbie Isitt,
Director of hit Brit flicks Confetti and
Nativity.
As part of the day’s activities Rickhuss
and Steel, undaunted by the 10,000
screaming fans, were put through their
paces in a game of “Guess the object
JD (the popular Mercia FM DJ) was
describing”. JD described various
objects in 60 seconds as the pair and
Jets’ fan Emily, who was chosen
from the crowd, managed to guess
10 correctly. The trio were narrowly
pipped to the post by the Blaze and
Coventry City who both scored
eleven. All three of the fans chosen
from the crowd won tickets to Mercia
FM’s Live event at the LG arena in
Birmingham that featured the likes of
Mark Ronson, the Saturdays, McFly
and James Blunt taking to the stage.
“It’s great to be involved in something
like this and get the chance to give
something back to the City as a thank
you for their support” stated Rickhuss
“we had so many people come up to us
and wish us well for next season and I
was amazed by how much they knew
about the club and the players.” Steel
added “it was quite nerve-wracking
being interviewed on stage in front of
so many people before the competition
started – but it was a great laugh!
The Lord Mayor and all of the sports
people involved wished us all the best
in our 2011 EFAF campaign opener
against Paris in April.”
Hot on the heals of their season opener
away to the Paris Cougars, the Jets will
face Danish Champions the Søllerød
Gold Diggers at the Butts Park Arena
as they complete the group stage of
the EFAF Cup. A potential semi-final
showdown with their nemesis, the
London Blitz, could be the reward for
topping a difficult group. For more
details on the Coventry Jets and to find
out how you can be part of their 2011
campaign, please visit their website
www.covjets.com or follow them on
Twitter www.twitter.com/CoventryJets.
Youth Team seeks old Helmets for Art Project
Jon Tait, Head Coach for the Woodham
Warriors youth team is on the lookout
for old football helmets.
Jon is the assistant head at Woodham
Community Technology College in
Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.
He says that many of the squad are
studying art at GCSE level. The art
department are very keen to maximise
their enthusiasm in American Football
6
by getting them to create their own
designs on old helmets and use this as
part of the design portfolios.
If anyone has one that they want to
donate they can contact Jon directly at
[email protected].
He will even pay the postage to get
them to the college.
You can find more info on the team at:
www.woodham.org.uk/
woodhamwarriors/
CeeJay with CBBC
Presenters Sam &
Mark at the Xmas
Lights switch on.
Photo courtesy of
Alan Steel.
7
NEWS
NEWS
Jets light up Christmas
Jets form links with the Jets
With seven years experience of playing
American Football and a Britbowl
title to his name, Coventry Jets star
offensive lineman Adam O’Reilly has
begun a new chapter in his career.
After being named Head Coach of the
newly formed Coventry University
Jets last year, O’Reilly took charge of
his first competitive fixture recently,
a 12-7 victory over the Leicester
Longhorns.
The home fixture, played at Earsldon
RFC’s Canley ground, saw first half
scores from Chris Hobbs and Michael
Billinghurst as the Jets held on for an
historic victory in their first match.
O’Reilly was over the moon to be
asked to lead the programme as he
was a former student at the University.
Whilst the Northampton native was
studying Industrial Product Design at
Coventry he represented the Warwick
Wolves as the City’s two Universities
fielded just one team.
“I was really nervous all the way
through” admitted O’Reilly “we had a
great start taking the opening kick off
up to half way then scoring three run
plays later. We got off to a great start
which was really pleasing; our special
teams played well all game with some
very good punts by Josh Hughes
putting our defense in good positions.
Our defense was solid all day and
although the Longhorns got a score
to lead by a point the team kept their
spirits high and heads held up.”
“There were no scores in the second
half but Leicester converted two 4th
and longs to keep their drives going.
My nerves were jangling inside the
final two minutes as they tried another
4th and long with a reverse but the
defence had another good stand and
that was when I knew we had won
the game. You could feel the relief all
round as the offense ran out the clock
and we won what I hope is the first
game of many.”
Apart from O’Reilly the team
features a host of other names that
will be familiar to the Jets’ faithful.
Graham Huber runs the offense for
the University team with former Jets
linebacker Parm Sidhu in charge of the
defensive unit. Joining Sidhu on the
sideline are current Coventry players
Wayne Gumbs, who coaches defensive
backs, and Simon Volkwein, who
coaches the offensive line. Under the
watchful gaze of the German guard
are his senior team team-mates John
Charlesworth and Ben Abbott.
“It’s really helped being coached by
people that I’ve worked with over
the summer” said Abbott, “I know
exactly what’s expected of me and the
professionalism I need to show. All of
the experience that I’ve gained during
the summer has been invaluable as
I’ve been to pass it onto the rookies
and accelerate their development in
the game. We worked very hard last
year and put in a good framework to
provide a foundation for the University
team to build upon so that we could
achieve our full potential this year.”
“We have some very good coaches
to help develop our fledgling squad
into a very strong team. We’ve had
such a great start to the season we
now need to take this and build upon
it. For me we have already exceeded
expectations this year, I hope we can
keep this going and be the dark horses
of the BUAFL league.” You can see
how Abbott and O’Reilly get on this
Sunday (28th of November) as the
University Jets host the Gloucester
Gladiators at Earlsdon RFC, kick off is
at 13:00.
For more details on the Coventry
Jets and the Coventry University Jets
twitter.com/CoventryJets. The Jets
are still busy recruiting for the 2011
campaign and are looking for anyone
aged 7 onwards, male or female.
Further details about rookie inductions
can be found on the website.
For further details or information
please contact: Adam Etheridge
[email protected]
Mobile telephone: - 07877 992 456
The Coventry Jets helped light up
Christmas as they made an appearance
in the City Centre to join The Hoosiers
in getting Coventry into the Christmas
spirit. Jets’ mascot CeeJay joined
starting centre Paul Rickhuss and
kicker Alan Steel as well as a host
of other stars as they took part in,
local radio station, Mercia’s seasonal
festivities culminating in the big Xmas
Lights Switch On.
Among the celebrities were other
local sports stars such as Jeff Smith
and Tom Ledgard of Elite League ice
hockey champions the Coventry Blaze
and Richard Keogh and Jordan Clarke
of the City’s Championship football
club. Also on hand were Pingu, former
Hollyoaks’ star Melissa Walton and
the City’s Lord Mayor. Children’s
TV presenters and former Pop Idol
contestants Sam and Mark were a huge
hit with the locals as was Debbie Isitt,
Director of hit Brit flicks Confetti and
Nativity.
As part of the day’s activities Rickhuss
and Steel, undaunted by the 10,000
screaming fans, were put through their
paces in a game of “Guess the object
JD (the popular Mercia FM DJ) was
describing”. JD described various
objects in 60 seconds as the pair and
Jets’ fan Emily, who was chosen
from the crowd, managed to guess
10 correctly. The trio were narrowly
pipped to the post by the Blaze and
Coventry City who both scored
eleven. All three of the fans chosen
from the crowd won tickets to Mercia
FM’s Live event at the LG arena in
Birmingham that featured the likes of
Mark Ronson, the Saturdays, McFly
and James Blunt taking to the stage.
“It’s great to be involved in something
like this and get the chance to give
something back to the City as a thank
you for their support” stated Rickhuss
“we had so many people come up to us
and wish us well for next season and I
was amazed by how much they knew
about the club and the players.” Steel
added “it was quite nerve-wracking
being interviewed on stage in front of
so many people before the competition
started – but it was a great laugh!
The Lord Mayor and all of the sports
people involved wished us all the best
in our 2011 EFAF campaign opener
against Paris in April.”
Hot on the heals of their season opener
away to the Paris Cougars, the Jets will
face Danish Champions the Søllerød
Gold Diggers at the Butts Park Arena
as they complete the group stage of
the EFAF Cup. A potential semi-final
showdown with their nemesis, the
London Blitz, could be the reward for
topping a difficult group. For more
details on the Coventry Jets and to find
out how you can be part of their 2011
campaign, please visit their website
www.covjets.com or follow them on
Twitter www.twitter.com/CoventryJets.
Youth Team seeks old Helmets for Art Project
Jon Tait, Head Coach for the Woodham
Warriors youth team is on the lookout
for old football helmets.
Jon is the assistant head at Woodham
Community Technology College in
Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.
He says that many of the squad are
studying art at GCSE level. The art
department are very keen to maximise
their enthusiasm in American Football
6
by getting them to create their own
designs on old helmets and use this as
part of the design portfolios.
If anyone has one that they want to
donate they can contact Jon directly at
[email protected].
He will even pay the postage to get
them to the college.
You can find more info on the team at:
www.woodham.org.uk/
woodhamwarriors/
CeeJay with CBBC
Presenters Sam &
Mark at the Xmas
Lights switch on.
Photo courtesy of
Alan Steel.
7
NEWS
NEWS
Jets celebrate Annual Awards
Kent Exiles announce Head Coach for 2011
The Kent Exiles are extremely proud
to announce that Antony Bainbridge is
to become the Head Coach of the Kent
Exiles with immediate effect.
Coach Bainbridge joins the Exiles
from the University of Brighton
Tsunami where he had been Head
Coach since 2008, and was Defensive
Coordinator from 2006-2008. Coach
Bainbridge has also held positions at
the Maidstone Pumas and Greenwich
Mariners in the past.
Coach Bainbridge also had a
successful playing career, having
represented England in 1999, and the
GB Bulldogs in 1996. The Exiles are
also a familiar place having played
for us in 1999-2003, and then again in
2007-2008, making the Exiles a club
Coach Bainbridge considers his home.
On his appointment Coach Bainbridge
commented “I’m very grateful to the
Exiles for giving me this opportunity
to lead them in 2011 and the future.
They are the club I have always
considered as home, and it means a lot
to me returning once again. 2010 was a
tough season for the club, but the basis
of a great team is here, both on the
pitch and behind the scenes, and it is
turning that promise into action on the
pitch which I’m looking forward to”.
“As a club we’re delighted”
commented Exiles Chairman Dave
Pester, “Coach Bainbridge is a club
man, and this is certainly a long term
appointment. We know his dedication
and coaching ethos can only improve
us, now we’re looking forward to 2011
and moving the club forward again
through his coaching guidance. We’re
also pleased that all of our Coaching
team from 2010 will be returning, once
again we’ve got a great team to work
with the squad”.
Coach Bainbridge is now hard at
work on the Exiles pre-season training
schedule, as well as evaluating his
current squad, he will also be happy
to hear from any players or coaches
interested in joining the team, and
can be contacted via the club website
www.kentexiles.co.uk or by e-mailing
[email protected].
Coach Bainbridge being welcomed to the Club by Chairman David Pester - Photo courtesy of Martin Jefkins
Nathan Lumsden of Old Orlens [L] Presents the
Player of the Year Award to Adam Biggs [R]
Photo courtesy of Alan Steel
Adam Biggs won the coveted Player
of the Year Award at Old Orleans as
the Coventry Jets ended their 2010
season with their annual awards night.
It capped a memorable year for Biggs
which has seen him take the reigns
as Head Coach of the Jets Youth
programme as well as scale Africa’s
highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, in
aid of charity The Myasthenia Gravis
Association. The evening also included
awards for the junior and youth
kitted programmes as well as seeing
two more people inducted into the
Coventry American Football Hall of
Fame.
Youth Academy Head David Cowen
kicked off proceedings with the awards
for the junior kitted team. Cowen’s
squad of 14-16 year olds completed
a memorable second season that saw
the Jets make the playoffs for the first
time, losing to eventual victors, the
London Warriors, at the quarter-final
stage. Offensive MVP went to running
back Denzel Harmitt-Alexander with
Jordan Sinclair scooping the Defensive
Award. Chris Hann took home Player
of the Year for his contribution on both
sides of the ball.
Biggs then stepped up to hand out
8
Mark Cohen [L] Receives His Tankard
from Gerry McManus [R]
the youth kitted prizes, Captain Sam
Knight was named the outstanding
player on Special Teams, whilst Matt
Gough took Lineman of the Year.
Sean Hanlon won the Offensive MVP
award and rookie wide receiver Alex
Preece took the main award with
Coaches’ Player of the Year. TJ Chieza
was a double award winner, adding
Defensive MVP to his Player’s Player
of the Year prize.
General Manager Gerry McManus
was joined by Nathan Lumsden of
sponsors, and hosts, Old Orleans to
dish out the awards to the Britbowl
finalists. Wide receiver Courtney
Pope, who lead the league with 15
touchdown receptions was named
Offensive MVP with David Saul
taking the Defensive equivalent. Saul
was also league leader with nine
interceptions, he also equalled Jason
Allen’s post-season record for the club
with three picks in the semi-final at
Bristol.
Linemen of the year were centre Paul
Rickhuss on offense and end Kevin
Mills for the defensive unit. Mark
Wade was named Rookie of the Year
in a category that proved far more
competitive than in previous seasons.
Player’s Player went to retiring legend
Mark Cohen. Affectionately known as
“Bird”, Cohen came out of retirement
with the Jets 0-4 and helped spring a
turn around in the second half of the
season as Coventry went on to win five
of their final six games.
Launched in 2009 with the inductions
of McManus and James O’Grady,
the Jets added a further pair to the
Fame. Cohen was a shoe in for the
class of 2010 and was deservedly
joined by Graham Huber who has
dedicated over 25 years to the sport
and helped breathe new life into the
game in the City. There was one
final presentation as Cohen took
a commemorative jug to mark his
century of touchdown receptions for
the club. His hundredth score for the
club came in the semi-final victory
over the Bristol Aztecs and punctuated
an incredible spell with the club lasting
six seasons.
NEWS
NEWS
Jets celebrate Annual Awards
Kent Exiles announce Head Coach for 2011
The Kent Exiles are extremely proud
to announce that Antony Bainbridge is
to become the Head Coach of the Kent
Exiles with immediate effect.
Coach Bainbridge joins the Exiles
from the University of Brighton
Tsunami where he had been Head
Coach since 2008, and was Defensive
Coordinator from 2006-2008. Coach
Bainbridge has also held positions at
the Maidstone Pumas and Greenwich
Mariners in the past.
Coach Bainbridge also had a
successful playing career, having
represented England in 1999, and the
GB Bulldogs in 1996. The Exiles are
also a familiar place having played
for us in 1999-2003, and then again in
2007-2008, making the Exiles a club
Coach Bainbridge considers his home.
On his appointment Coach Bainbridge
commented “I’m very grateful to the
Exiles for giving me this opportunity
to lead them in 2011 and the future.
They are the club I have always
considered as home, and it means a lot
to me returning once again. 2010 was a
tough season for the club, but the basis
of a great team is here, both on the
pitch and behind the scenes, and it is
turning that promise into action on the
pitch which I’m looking forward to”.
“As a club we’re delighted”
commented Exiles Chairman Dave
Pester, “Coach Bainbridge is a club
man, and this is certainly a long term
appointment. We know his dedication
and coaching ethos can only improve
us, now we’re looking forward to 2011
and moving the club forward again
through his coaching guidance. We’re
also pleased that all of our Coaching
team from 2010 will be returning, once
again we’ve got a great team to work
with the squad”.
Coach Bainbridge is now hard at
work on the Exiles pre-season training
schedule, as well as evaluating his
current squad, he will also be happy
to hear from any players or coaches
interested in joining the team, and
can be contacted via the club website
www.kentexiles.co.uk or by e-mailing
[email protected].
Coach Bainbridge being welcomed to the Club by Chairman David Pester - Photo courtesy of Martin Jefkins
Nathan Lumsden of Old Orlens [L] Presents the
Player of the Year Award to Adam Biggs [R]
Adam Biggs won the coveted Player
of the Year Award at Old Orleans as
the Coventry Jets ended their 2010
season with their annual awards night.
It capped a memorable year for Biggs
which has seen him take the reigns
as Head Coach of the Jets Youth
programme as well as scale Africa’s
highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, in
aid of charity The Myasthenia Gravis
Association. The evening also included
awards for the junior and youth
kitted programmes as well as seeing
two more people inducted into the
Fame.
Youth Academy Head David Cowen
kicked off proceedings with the awards
for the junior kitted team. Cowen’s
squad of 14-16 year olds completed
a memorable second season that saw
the Jets make the playoffs for the first
time, losing to eventual victors, the
London Warriors, at the quarter-final
stage. Offensive MVP went to running
back Denzel Harmitt-Alexander with
Jordan Sinclair scooping the Defensive
Award. Chris Hann took home Player
of the Year for his contribution on both
sides of the ball.
Biggs then stepped up to hand out
8
Mark Cohen [L] Receives His Tankard
from Gerry McManus [R]
the youth kitted prizes, Captain Sam
Knight was named the outstanding
player on Special Teams, whilst Matt
Gough took Lineman of the Year.
Sean Hanlon won the Offensive MVP
award and rookie wide receiver Alex
Preece took the main award with
Coaches’ Player of the Year. TJ Chieza
was a double award winner, adding
Defensive MVP to his Player’s Player
of the Year prize.
General Manager Gerry McManus
was joined by Nathan Lumsden of
sponsors, and hosts, Old Orleans to
dish out the awards to the Britbowl
finalists. Wide receiver Courtney
Pope, who lead the league with 15
touchdown receptions was named
Offensive MVP with David Saul
taking the Defensive equivalent. Saul
was also league leader with nine
interceptions, he also equalled Jason
Allen’s post-season record for the club
with three picks in the semi-final at
Bristol.
Linemen of the year were centre Paul
Rickhuss on offense and end Kevin
Mills for the defensive unit. Mark
Wade was named Rookie of the Year
in a category that proved far more
competitive than in previous seasons.
Player’s Player went to retiring legend
Mark Cohen. Affectionately known as
“Bird”, Cohen came out of retirement
with the Jets 0-4 and helped spring a
turn around in the second half of the
season as Coventry went on to win five
of their final six games.
Launched in 2009 with the inductions
of McManus and James O’Grady,
the Jets added a further pair to the
Fame. Cohen was a shoe in for the
class of 2010 and was deservedly
joined by Graham Huber who has
dedicated over 25 years to the sport
and helped breathe new life into the
game in the City. There was one
final presentation as Cohen took
a commemorative jug to mark his
century of touchdown receptions for
the club. His hundredth score for the
club came in the semi-final victory
over the Bristol Aztecs and punctuated
an incredible spell with the club lasting
six seasons.
NEWS
NEWS
Hull Hornets announce commitment to
Football
The Hull Hornets management
group have announced the team’s
commitment to the BAFA 2011 season.
General Manager Chris Evers confirms
the teams details were emailed to the
officiating body, rep Mel Biscombe.
He continued: “this is the start of a
major push for the Hornets as we need
to gain new players and encourage the
veterans back to the squad to train.”
He continued: “The weather conditions
are seriously hindering this forward
progress we have postponed our
Hornets rookie taster day, which was
scheduled to take place in December.
This will now take place during
January 2011, on Saturday 22nd, for
the youth team and Sunday 23rd, for
the adult team, with a commitment
to full training for the 2011 season
beginning on Sunday, 30 January.”
Training sessions begin at 11:00am
prompt.
On Saturday the 8th and Saturday 15th
of January, members of the squad will
take part in awareness events across
the region, more information will
follow on this soon.
We would also like to remind players
that joining the Hornets also means
a financial commitment to the squad
which MUST be met, and if met will
ensure a full season of football for
all involved and last year’s problems
will remain a thing of the past. As
part of this commitment is the new
player/club agreement this MUST be
signed by the player/club before being
allowed full team status to see more
on the agreement join the Hornets new
forum at http://hull-hornets.maxforum.
org/
To register an interest in the squad
telephone Hull Hornets Head Coach
Graham McCoid on: 07704434458.
We look forward to seeing you in the
New Year, and towards a full season of
football with the Hull Hornets, enjoy
Christmas and the New Year and be
prepared to work hard when training
recommences in January 2011.
Blitz continue
Award-winning
Season
British Champions, the London
Blitz, picked up another award recently
when they won the BBC London Sport
- Amateur Team of the Year Award.
2010 was the forth consecutive year
in which the Blitz were nominated
for the award, however, this year they
received a unanimous decision from
the BBC panel.
Senior Team Head Coach Mark Moss
said “We are very proud that the BBC
have recognised our commitment
and effort across all levels of our
organisation, 2010 was a great year for
the Blitz but we are fully focused on
preparing for 2011”
They added the Haringey Celebrating
Sport Award for the 2010 Adult Team
of the Year to this year’s accolades
having won the John Slavin Award
earlier in the year for the best home
field experience. The award is
bestowed by BAFRA.
After a third finals defeat in four
years the Jets have regrouped and
are more determined than ever to
regain the crown that they won in
2008. A recruitment campaign aimed
at coaches and players will soon
get underway but one has already
begun for the club’s volunteer staff.
Coventry’s first appointments are those
of Webmaster and Web Designer.
With the new appointments comes
the launch of a brand new website
www.covjets.com. Alan Steel will
oversee the day to day maintenance of
the site as well as dictate the look to
designer Joe Brammer. Steel is already
familiar to Jets fans as he has served
as the clubs punter and kicker for the
past two seasons. Brammer is also a
familiar name as the Jets youth team
quarterback and Great Britain Lions
invitee.
Former Webmaster Parm Sidhu
left the club earlier this year to join
local rivals, the Birmingham Bulls.
Sidhu, who played outside linebacker
for the Jets since 2005, continued
to run the old site until the end of
September before pulling the plug
when the new site went live on Friday
the 1st of October. Steel, born and
raised in Glasgow, has many years
of experience running a website after
starting his own business in 1999
and seeing it grow from strength to
strength whilst maintaining his own
website.
Brammer was raised in Texas but now
calls Coventry home. The tough young
quarterback will attend university next
year, studying video games animation,
and will return to lead the Coventry
Jets Youth Team in it’s second season.
Alan Steel in his other role kicks off
for the Coventry Jets
Photo © Alan Moynihan
Action from the game between Edinburgh Predators &
Edinburgh Napier Knights on 14th November
Photo © Rachel Graham
Youth Football Back in Norfolk
Sean Lockwood & a group of old
Norwich devils players & coaches
have embarked on a plan which will
see youth & junior football back in the
area once again.
Sean will take on the role of Head
Coach & has previous coaching
experience with the now defunct
Norwich devils Youth team & has
coached at International Youth level.
He will be assisted by Alan Gibbs who
has similar coaching experience.
They plan to build the club through
2011 & aim to be playing full
competition level by 2012.
While they do have small team in
place, Sean is on the lookout for more
people to join him. He said: “We still
Coventry forge ahead online
need players,coaches and back room
staff to play ball,coach and help run
the club. We are an open club and will
take anyone that wants to join us.
“We are also looking for sponsors to
get involved with the club as well and
are currently sourcing funds to get new
kit.”
Anyone interested can find more
details about the club at their website:
www.eteamz.com/norwichyouthafc
or you can email Sean direct via:
[email protected]
10 Inside American Football - December 2010
Norwich Youth Head Coach, Sean
Lockwood, wants to bring youth football
back to the area for 2011
NEWS
NEWS
Hull Hornets announce commitment to
Football
The Hull Hornets management
group have announced the team’s
commitment to the BAFA 2011 season.
General Manager Chris Evers confirms
the teams details were emailed to the
officiating body, rep Mel Biscombe.
He continued: “this is the start of a
major push for the Hornets as we need
to gain new players and encourage the
veterans back to the squad to train.”
He continued: “The weather conditions
are seriously hindering this forward
progress we have postponed our
Hornets rookie taster day, which was
scheduled to take place in December.
This will now take place during
January 2011, on Saturday 22nd, for
the youth team and Sunday 23rd, for
the adult team, with a commitment
to full training for the 2011 season
beginning on Sunday, 30 January.”
Training sessions begin at 11:00am
prompt.
On Saturday the 8th and Saturday 15th
of January, members of the squad will
take part in awareness events across
the region, more information will
follow on this soon.
We would also like to remind players
that joining the Hornets also means
a financial commitment to the squad
which MUST be met, and if met will
ensure a full season of football for
all involved and last year’s problems
will remain a thing of the past. As
part of this commitment is the new
player/club agreement this MUST be
signed by the player/club before being
allowed full team status to see more
on the agreement join the Hornets new
forum at http://hull-hornets.maxforum.
org/
To register an interest in the squad
telephone Hull Hornets Head Coach
Graham McCoid on: 07704434458.
We look forward to seeing you in the
New Year, and towards a full season of
football with the Hull Hornets, enjoy
Christmas and the New Year and be
prepared to work hard when training
recommences in January 2011.
Blitz continue
Award-winning
Season
British Champions, the London
Blitz, picked up another award recently
when they won the BBC London Sport
- Amateur Team of the Year Award.
2010 was the forth consecutive year
in which the Blitz were nominated
for the award, however, this year they
received a unanimous decision from
the BBC panel.
Senior Team Head Coach Mark Moss
said “We are very proud that the BBC
have recognised our commitment
and effort across all levels of our
organisation, 2010 was a great year for
the Blitz but we are fully focused on
preparing for 2011”
They added the Haringey Celebrating
Sport Award for the 2010 Adult Team
of the Year to this year’s accolades
having won the John Slavin Award
earlier in the year for the best home
field experience. The award is
bestowed by BAFRA.
After a third finals defeat in four
years the Jets have regrouped and
are more determined than ever to
regain the crown that they won in
2008. A recruitment campaign aimed
at coaches and players will soon
get underway but one has already
begun for the club’s volunteer staff.
Coventry’s first appointments are those
of Webmaster and Web Designer.
With the new appointments comes
the launch of a brand new website
www.covjets.com. Alan Steel will
oversee the day to day maintenance of
the site as well as dictate the look to
designer Joe Brammer. Steel is already
familiar to Jets fans as he has served
as the clubs punter and kicker for the
past two seasons. Brammer is also a
familiar name as the Jets youth team
quarterback and Great Britain Lions
invitee.
Former Webmaster Parm Sidhu
left the club earlier this year to join
local rivals, the Birmingham Bulls.
Sidhu, who played outside linebacker
for the Jets since 2005, continued
to run the old site until the end of
September before pulling the plug
when the new site went live on Friday
the 1st of October. Steel, born and
raised in Glasgow, has many years
of experience running a website after
starting his own business in 1999
and seeing it grow from strength to
strength whilst maintaining his own
website.
Brammer was raised in Texas but now
calls Coventry home. The tough young
quarterback will attend university next
year, studying video games animation,
and will return to lead the Coventry
Jets Youth Team in it’s second season.
Alan Steel in his other role kicks off
for the Coventry Jets
Photo © Alan Moynihan
Youth Football Back in Norfolk
Sean Lockwood & a group of old
Norwich devils players & coaches
have embarked on a plan which will
see youth & junior football back in the
area once again.
Sean will take on the role of Head
Coach & has previous coaching
experience with the now defunct
Norwich devils Youth team & has
coached at International Youth level.
He will be assisted by Alan Gibbs who
has similar coaching experience.
They plan to build the club through
2011 & aim to be playing full
competition level by 2012.
While they do have small team in
place, Sean is on the lookout for more
people to join him. He said: “We still
Coventry forge ahead online
need players,coaches and back room
staff to play ball,coach and help run
the club. We are an open club and will
take anyone that wants to join us.
“We are also looking for sponsors to
get involved with the club as well and
are currently sourcing funds to get new
kit.”
Anyone interested can find more
details about the club at their website:
www.eteamz.com/norwichyouthafc
or you can email Sean direct via:
[email protected]
Norwich Youth Head Coach, Sean
Lockwood, wants to bring youth football
back to the area for 2011
MATCH REPORTS
NEWS
Jets spread the word against bullying
The Coventry Jets helped support
Anti-Bullying Week 2010 as they
visited several Coventry schools to
host workgroups and hold talks with
students. The annual event is organised
by the Anti-Bullying Alliance and has
been held in the UK every November
since 2004. Sabrina Palmer, AntiBullying coordinator at Barr’s Hill
School and Community College, was
one of the first to invite the Jets to
share their experiences.
“On the day, we asked the pupil’s
for their understanding of types
of bullying and what they had
experienced within their school” said
Jets’ Academy Manager and Welfare
Officer Dave Cowen “We spoke about
raising awareness and changing the
culture within the school and explained
that they, the pupils, could have a
direct effect on people’s health and
even possibly save lives. I work in
mental health and can relate bullying
to psychological problems that some
young people carry into adulthood.”
Barr’s Hill is currently working
towards a Charter Mark for the school
and with the year 11 pupils putting
together a news letter about bullying,
the visit from the Jets could prove
very beneficial. Coventry Jets legend
Mark Cohen was able to speak about
his personal experiences with being
bullied. “I was picked on up to my last
year at school and it was not a nice
experience.” Stated the former London
Monarchs wide receiver, “I told the
young adults this at the meeting and
explained that bullies are normally
people who have been bullied and it
becomes a vicious cycle.”
“Someone is bullied, they take their
frustrations out on someone weaker
than themselves and so on, which is
why it’s important to stop it outright.
Bullying is not always physical, it can
be mental too. Something as small
as name calling or totally ignoring
someone everyday at school or work
is bullying. However, as young adults
they don’t have to put up with it. There
are several communication channels
for those who have been bullied to
seek help and guidance.”
”The detrimental effects on a person’s
life that these experiences can have
might lead to low self esteem, lack of
commitment to do anything and even
suicide.” The pupils in attendance
were given anti-bullying badges to
help encourage their fellow students
to approach them if they’re victims
of bullies. The school itself is paying
for the printing of the anti-bullying
newsletter and running a competition
to come up with a name for it.
If you are being bullied, tell a friend,
tell a teacher and tell your parents. It
won’t stop unless you do. It can be
hard to do this so if you don’t feel you
can do it in person it might be easier to
write a note to your parents explaining
how you feel, or perhaps confide in
someone outside the immediate family,
like a grandparent, aunt, uncle or
cousin and ask them to help you tell
your parents what’s going on.
Demons shut out Bulldogs to win season opener
Bath Spa Bulldogs 0 – Exeter Demons 28
The Exeter Demons kicked off their
British Universities American Football
League (BUAFL) campaign in style on
Sunday with a convincing 28-0 away
victory over the Bath Spa Bulldogs.
The game saw notable performances
from rookies Aaron Shorter and Josh
Berg, with touchdowns coming from
Shorter, Josh Amis, Will Budge and
Charlie O’Flaherty.
Exeter’s defence, led by Berg, was
on top form all day, allowing few
yards and turning the ball over several
times. This performance was typified
by Berg’s shuddering third quarter
hit on the Bulldogs’ half back which
knocked the ball loose to be scooped
up by O’Flaherty and returned for a
touchdown.
The power and aggression shown
by the defence was matched by the
offense with some hard running from
half back Shorter behind an offensive
line which held its own very well on
the day. Shorter struck on the Demons’
opening drive, sprinting in from 20
yards, the running back having had an
earlier touchdown effort denied by a
penalty on the offense.
While the Exeter ground game was
on good form, the passing game was
slow to start. However, in the third
quarter, John Lewiston’s first pass
connected with Budge who, after
shaking off three defenders, strolled
into the end zone for a 35 yard score.
Likewise the Bulldogs found their
passing form late in the fourth quarter,
but too late to salvage anything against
an Exeter Demons side that showed
great potential in their first game of the
season. Exeter will look to improve
on last year’s showing in the league in
their sophomore season with high hope
of making the playoffs.
Although the game exhibited the
trademarks of a season opener in its
dropped catches and poor discipline on
both sides, it was nonetheless a good
win to get Exeter off to the winning
start that they deserved in the BUAFL,
setting them up nicely for their first
home game against the Gloucester
Gladiators on November 21st.
...Will Budge
YOUR MAGAZINE NEEDS YOU
Inside American Football has been put together by a small team who have a passion for British American Football.
We need your help to make this the best publication it can be. There are a number of ways in which members of the
British American Football community can assist:
L-R Mark Cohen, Dave
Cowen & Alan Steel
of the Jets are joined
by the pupils at Barr’s
Hill.
Photo courtesy of
Sabrina Palmer
Send in your Match Reports:
We started issue 1 with 5 game reports, we can use lots more, send them in with or without a photograph or two.
Send in your Team News
Let the whole community know what’s going on with your team. Put Inside American Football on your club’s news
distribution list - [email protected].
Suggest a Feature
You can see the kind of articles we’re doing, why not help us with some suggestions for new features. You don’t need to
write it, our staff can do that, but if you want to provide a full article yourself, get in touch with your ideas.
Spread the Word
Please add a link to us on your websites & forums - www.insideamericanfootball.com
Please contact the editor for more information - [email protected] (please put ‘IAF’ or ‘American Football’
in the email title)
MATCH REPORTS
NEWS
Jets spread the word against bullying
The Coventry Jets helped support
Anti-Bullying Week 2010 as they
visited several Coventry schools to
host workgroups and hold talks with
students. The annual event is organised
by the Anti-Bullying Alliance and has
been held in the UK every November
since 2004. Sabrina Palmer, AntiBullying coordinator at Barr’s Hill
School and Community College, was
one of the first to invite the Jets to
share their experiences.
“On the day, we asked the pupil’s
for their understanding of types
of bullying and what they had
experienced within their school” said
Jets’ Academy Manager and Welfare
Officer Dave Cowen “We spoke about
raising awareness and changing the
culture within the school and explained
that they, the pupils, could have a
direct effect on people’s health and
even possibly save lives. I work in
mental health and can relate bullying
to psychological problems that some
young people carry into adulthood.”
Barr’s Hill is currently working
towards a Charter Mark for the school
and with the year 11 pupils putting
together a news letter about bullying,
the visit from the Jets could prove
very beneficial. Coventry Jets legend
Mark Cohen was able to speak about
his personal experiences with being
bullied. “I was picked on up to my last
year at school and it was not a nice
experience.” Stated the former London
Monarchs wide receiver, “I told the
young adults this at the meeting and
explained that bullies are normally
people who have been bullied and it
becomes a vicious cycle.”
“Someone is bullied, they take their
frustrations out on someone weaker
than themselves and so on, which is
why it’s important to stop it outright.
Bullying is not always physical, it can
be mental too. Something as small
as name calling or totally ignoring
someone everyday at school or work
is bullying. However, as young adults
they don’t have to put up with it. There
are several communication channels
for those who have been bullied to
seek help and guidance.”
”The detrimental effects on a person’s
life that these experiences can have
might lead to low self esteem, lack of
commitment to do anything and even
suicide.” The pupils in attendance
were given anti-bullying badges to
help encourage their fellow students
to approach them if they’re victims
of bullies. The school itself is paying
for the printing of the anti-bullying
newsletter and running a competition
to come up with a name for it.
If you are being bullied, tell a friend,
tell a teacher and tell your parents. It
won’t stop unless you do. It can be
hard to do this so if you don’t feel you
can do it in person it might be easier to
write a note to your parents explaining
how you feel, or perhaps confide in
someone outside the immediate family,
like a grandparent, aunt, uncle or
cousin and ask them to help you tell
your parents what’s going on.
Demons shut out Bulldogs to win season opener
Bath Spa Bulldogs 0 – Exeter Demons 28
The Exeter Demons kicked off their
British Universities American Football
League (BUAFL) campaign in style on
Sunday with a convincing 28-0 away
victory over the Bath Spa Bulldogs.
The game saw notable performances
from rookies Aaron Shorter and Josh
Berg, with touchdowns coming from
Shorter, Josh Amis, Will Budge and
Charlie O’Flaherty.
Exeter’s defence, led by Berg, was
on top form all day, allowing few
yards and turning the ball over several
times. This performance was typified
by Berg’s shuddering third quarter
hit on the Bulldogs’ half back which
knocked the ball loose to be scooped
up by O’Flaherty and returned for a
touchdown.
The power and aggression shown
by the defence was matched by the
offense with some hard running from
half back Shorter behind an offensive
line which held its own very well on
the day. Shorter struck on the Demons’
opening drive, sprinting in from 20
yards, the running back having had an
earlier touchdown effort denied by a
penalty on the offense.
While the Exeter ground game was
on good form, the passing game was
slow to start. However, in the third
quarter, John Lewiston’s first pass
connected with Budge who, after
shaking off three defenders, strolled
into the end zone for a 35 yard score.
Likewise the Bulldogs found their
passing form late in the fourth quarter,
but too late to salvage anything against
an Exeter Demons side that showed
great potential in their first game of the
season. Exeter will look to improve
on last year’s showing in the league in
their sophomore season with high hope
of making the playoffs.
Although the game exhibited the
trademarks of a season opener in its
dropped catches and poor discipline on
both sides, it was nonetheless a good
win to get Exeter off to the winning
start that they deserved in the BUAFL,
setting them up nicely for their first
home game against the Gloucester
Gladiators on November 21st.
...Will Budge
YOUR MAGAZINE NEEDS YOU
Inside American Football has been put together by a small team who have a passion for British American Football.
We need your help to make this the best publication it can be. There are a number of ways in which members of the
British American Football community can assist:
L-R Mark Cohen, Dave
Cowen & Alan Steel
of the Jets are joined
by the pupils at Barr’s
Hill.
Photo courtesy of
Sabrina Palmer
Send in your Match Reports:
We started issue 1 with 5 game reports, we can use lots more, send them in with or without a photograph or two.
Send in your Team News
Let the whole community know what’s going on with your team. Put Inside American Football on your club’s news
distribution list - [email protected].
Suggest a Feature
You can see the kind of articles we’re doing, why not help us with some suggestions for new features. You don’t need to
write it, our staff can do that, but if you want to provide a full article yourself, get in touch with your ideas.
Spread the Word
Please add a link to us on your websites & forums - www.insideamericanfootball.com
Please contact the editor for more information - [email protected] (please put ‘IAF’ or ‘American Football’
in the email title)
MATCH REPORTS
MATCH REPORTS
Jets Continue Unbeaten Start
Missed Opportunities disappoint Stallions
Gloucester Gladiators 0 - Coventry University Jets 0
28th November 2010
Staffordshire Stallions 0 - Nottingham Outlaws 14
The Coventry University Jets
continued their unbeaten start to their
first ever competitive season as they
fought out an entertaining 0-0 tie with
the visiting Gloucester Gladiators.
Both teams struggled to move the
football in far from ideal conditions in
one of the few matches that survived
the weather. Michael Billinghurst
again led a solid defensive unit for
the Jets as the rookie squad continue
to defy the odds conceding just seven
points through their first two games.
Coventry opened the game making
some headway on the ground behind
their powerful offensive line. Rookie
running back Till Whermaker benefited
from some huge holes to break off runs
of 9 and 17 yards taking the ball down
to the visitors 33. The Jets drive stalled
though as they were unable to get
their passing game on track in the cold
conditions.
Gloucester’s first possession was
brought to halt by Josh Kelly’s
interception but the Jets didn’t
capitalise as they turned the ball
back over just two plays later. The
Gladiators wasted decent field position
as a couple of penalties forced them
back into their own half. Both teams
exchanged punts early in the second
quarter before Coventry mounted a
lengthy drive which took them down
to their opponents 27 yard line. Josh
Randall threw his second pick of the
day though and the Jets were lucky
that a block in the back penalty wiped
out what would’ve been 64 yard
interception return.
Half time arrived shortly afterwards
and the teams agreed a quick turn
around as the light was fading and
the ground was beginning to refreeze.
Neither team had any success in the
third quarter as both went three and out
twice. The final quarter was a different
story, Gloucester mounted their most
impressive series driving down to the
Jets 16 before another costly penalty
wiped out a big gain forcing them into
a 43 yard field goal attempt that was
wide and never looked like having the
legs.
After months of anticipation and
weeks of preparation, the Staffordshire
Stallions began their 2010/11 BUAFL
Midland Athletic Conference season at
home to Nottingham Outlaws and were
looking to make amends for their 12-7
defeat against them last season.
As with all opening week fixtures, it
was a chance for new players and old
to come together and set the tone for
the remainder of the season. A number
of rookie players got the chance to
start and show the new-look coaching
staff what they can do in a game and
not just on the practice field.
The Stallions began the game on
offence but it was a short time on the
field as they gave up a sack on the
first play and then failed to recover
the yardage in the following two
plays, resulting in a three-and-out on
the opening possession. Both sides’
defences held strong and allowed very
little offence from the opposing side,
it looked as though it was going to be
another close game between the two
sides.
The away side were the first to break
the deadlock though when Aaron
Whermaker then took the reigns
and carried Coventry down to the
Gladiators seven as he made 53 yards
on the drive that culminated with Josh
Hughes attempting a 31 yard kick
with 20 seconds left. The boot sailed
agonisingly wide of the left upright
and the Jets had to endure two more
plays as Gloucester tried to pinch the
game. The final play saw the guests
complete a pass and attempt a lateral
that was stolen by Panus Mavridis to
preserve the tie.
After a conference between the
Officials and Head Coaches it was
decided that due to failing light and
the sub-zero temperatures that it
wouldn’t be safe to play overtime and
the draw was confirmed. “The result
doesn’t give the game credit for how
entertaining and hard fought it was”
said Jets Head Coach Adam O’Reilly
“both sides had chances to win it but
in the end the decision to call the
game a tie was the right one. We’re
looking forward to our next game
against Gloucester, I’m just hoping the
weather’s better.”
...Coventry Jets
Salamon was able to find room in the
Stallions defence to score the Outlaws’
first touchdown of the season – the
extra point was successful and they
took a 7-0 lead into the break.
It could have been a different story
though had the referee not called
back a touchdown from Stallions’’
#39 Alasdair Jarvis. The linebacker
stripped the ball from the hands of the
Outlaws’ player and returned the ball
45 yards for a score, but the referee
deemed the player was already down
before the ball came out – it was a
bitter blow.
The second half saw the Staffordshire
side continuing to struggle on
offence and it was a case of missed
opportunities and dropped balls that
was holding them back from tying
the game up. The Outlaws were being
put under pressure by the defence but,
crucially, they were unable to keep
them off of the field and they managed
the clock well.
A second score came in the fourth
quarter when Jamie Edwards found his
way into the end zone and, following
the extra point, the Stallions trailed
14-0 but still had time on the clock to
try and find a way back into the game.
It wasn’t to be though and the Outlaws
prevailed against the Stallions in
another close encounter, leaving
the home side to rue their missed
opportunities and ask what might have
been had the touchdown at the end of
the second quarter stood.
Action from the game between Edinburgh Predators & Edinburgh Napier Knights on 14th November
MATCH REPORTS
MATCH REPORTS
Jets Continue Unbeaten Start
Missed Opportunities disappoint Stallions
Gloucester Gladiators 0 - Coventry University Jets 0
28th November 2010
Staffordshire Stallions 0 - Nottingham Outlaws 14
The Coventry University Jets
continued their unbeaten start to their
first ever competitive season as they
fought out an entertaining 0-0 tie with
the visiting Gloucester Gladiators.
Both teams struggled to move the
football in far from ideal conditions in
one of the few matches that survived
the weather. Michael Billinghurst
again led a solid defensive unit for
the Jets as the rookie squad continue
to defy the odds conceding just seven
points through their first two games.
Coventry opened the game making
some headway on the ground behind
their powerful offensive line. Rookie
running back Till Whermaker benefited
from some huge holes to break off runs
of 9 and 17 yards taking the ball down
to the visitors 33. The Jets drive stalled
though as they were unable to get
their passing game on track in the cold
conditions.
Gloucester’s first possession was
brought to halt by Josh Kelly’s
interception but the Jets didn’t
capitalise as they turned the ball
back over just two plays later. The
Gladiators wasted decent field position
as a couple of penalties forced them
back into their own half. Both teams
exchanged punts early in the second
quarter before Coventry mounted a
lengthy drive which took them down
to their opponents 27 yard line. Josh
Randall threw his second pick of the
day though and the Jets were lucky
that a block in the back penalty wiped
out what would’ve been 64 yard
interception return.
Half time arrived shortly afterwards
and the teams agreed a quick turn
around as the light was fading and
the ground was beginning to refreeze.
Neither team had any success in the
third quarter as both went three and out
twice. The final quarter was a different
story, Gloucester mounted their most
impressive series driving down to the
Jets 16 before another costly penalty
wiped out a big gain forcing them into
a 43 yard field goal attempt that was
wide and never looked like having the
legs.
After months of anticipation and
weeks of preparation, the Staffordshire
Stallions began their 2010/11 BUAFL
Midland Athletic Conference season at
home to Nottingham Outlaws and were
looking to make amends for their 12-7
defeat against them last season.
As with all opening week fixtures, it
was a chance for new players and old
to come together and set the tone for
the remainder of the season. A number
of rookie players got the chance to
start and show the new-look coaching
staff what they can do in a game and
not just on the practice field.
The Stallions began the game on
offence but it was a short time on the
field as they gave up a sack on the
first play and then failed to recover
the yardage in the following two
plays, resulting in a three-and-out on
the opening possession. Both sides’
defences held strong and allowed very
little offence from the opposing side,
it looked as though it was going to be
another close game between the two
sides.
The away side were the first to break
the deadlock though when Aaron
Whermaker then took the reigns
and carried Coventry down to the
Gladiators seven as he made 53 yards
on the drive that culminated with Josh
Hughes attempting a 31 yard kick
with 20 seconds left. The boot sailed
agonisingly wide of the left upright
and the Jets had to endure two more
plays as Gloucester tried to pinch the
game. The final play saw the guests
complete a pass and attempt a lateral
that was stolen by Panus Mavridis to
preserve the tie.
After a conference between the
Officials and Head Coaches it was
decided that due to failing light and
the sub-zero temperatures that it
wouldn’t be safe to play overtime and
the draw was confirmed. “The result
doesn’t give the game credit for how
entertaining and hard fought it was”
said Jets Head Coach Adam O’Reilly
“both sides had chances to win it but
in the end the decision to call the
game a tie was the right one. We’re
looking forward to our next game
against Gloucester, I’m just hoping the
weather’s better.”
...Coventry Jets
Salamon was able to find room in the
Stallions defence to score the Outlaws’
first touchdown of the season – the
extra point was successful and they
took a 7-0 lead into the break.
It could have been a different story
though had the referee not called
back a touchdown from Stallions’’
#39 Alasdair Jarvis. The linebacker
stripped the ball from the hands of the
Outlaws’ player and returned the ball
45 yards for a score, but the referee
deemed the player was already down
before the ball came out – it was a
bitter blow.
The second half saw the Staffordshire
side continuing to struggle on
offence and it was a case of missed
opportunities and dropped balls that
was holding them back from tying
the game up. The Outlaws were being
put under pressure by the defence but,
crucially, they were unable to keep
them off of the field and they managed
the clock well.
A second score came in the fourth
quarter when Jamie Edwards found his
way into the end zone and, following
the extra point, the Stallions trailed
14-0 but still had time on the clock to
try and find a way back into the game.
It wasn’t to be though and the Outlaws
prevailed against the Stallions in
another close encounter, leaving
the home side to rue their missed
opportunities and ask what might have
been had the touchdown at the end of
the second quarter stood.
Action from the game between Edinburgh Predators & Edinburgh Napier Knights on 14th November
MATCH REPORTS
MATCH REPORTS
A Day out in Carlisle
Dundee Hurricanes 30 - Carlisle Border Reivers 4
I went to a football game the other day
down in Carlisle in sunny England.
Got myself a light sunburn...in
October!
Anyway, Dundee Hurricanes played
the Carlisle Border Reivers. The home
field was pretty, had a few flowers
across the pitch and mushrooms on the
side. Also awesome acoustics up there
(or were the guys just very chatty this
time?).
The Reivers are a fairly new team,
hosting the game to show BAFA they
can, hoping to be in Div 2 next year.
There were a handful of spectators
around, the Reivers were a bit low on
numbers (18), Dundee was a mighty
presence compared (27ish). There were
4+1 refs, one being mentored at first
before flying solo.
Game started on time, Reivers on
receiving end, first catch fumbled but
recovered on own 3.
The pitch was a bit slippery - had
been a bit rainy in the morning. On
Dundee’s turn, the QB slipped, but
they managed to get the ball to RB #2
who scored a TD just a few mins in the
game.
Nice.
In the first quarter, there were quite a
few tentative throws from the Dundee
QB. Was he still warming up?
The main theme from quarter 2 was
“run thru the middle”, this did not
change much on the Carlisle side until
the very end (last minute of the game
they managed a pass, didn’t complete
but I did enjoy the spirit of adventure
there).
Another soft pass by Dundee, caught
by #15 who took it to the endzone.
The 2 point try was intercepted,
Carlisle’s #11 got the team on the
board. Nice run.
The running game from Carlisle and
seemed to match Dundee’s passing
game - tentative.
Carlisle’s punter was out a few times,
likes kicking to the left.
Run by Dundee #2, made it through
some stumbles to Carlisle 10 yard line.
the Dundee side, QB to RB #20 to #85,
20 yrd run. Sweet.
End result was 30-4 for Dundee.
Enjoyable game, would have loved
to see more diversity on the plays by
Carlisle, something to look forward to
in the next games.
...Sarah Wentzel
All photos this report
© Rachel Graham
Another tentative pass, we’re at 3rd
and goal.
Dundee tries another run through the
middle, but Carlisle defence shuts
them down quite quickly. Must have
done some training since the last game
(against Clyde Valley Blackhawks
70ish-0 loss).
Note to self: Do not stand next to the
ref. The white hat must have bought
his whistle at a speciality shop for
extra loud equipment.
Halftime...
Dundee changed tactics, QB #13
played a little wide-receiving, RB #2
switched to QB position.
Carlisle defense seemed more
aggressive, offense stuck to the
“running thru the middle” game.
The 2nd half saw some nice plays on
MATCH REPORTS
MATCH REPORTS
A Day out in Carlisle
Dundee Hurricanes 30 - Carlisle Border Reivers 4
I went to a football game the other day
down in Carlisle in sunny England.
Got myself a light sunburn...in
October!
Anyway, Dundee Hurricanes played
the Carlisle Border Reivers. The home
field was pretty, had a few flowers
across the pitch and mushrooms on the
side. Also awesome acoustics up there
(or were the guys just very chatty this
time?).
The Reivers are a fairly new team,
hosting the game to show BAFA they
can, hoping to be in Div 2 next year.
There were a handful of spectators
around, the Reivers were a bit low on
numbers (18), Dundee was a mighty
presence compared (27ish). There were
4+1 refs, one being mentored at first
before flying solo.
Game started on time, Reivers on
receiving end, first catch fumbled but
recovered on own 3.
The pitch was a bit slippery - had
been a bit rainy in the morning. On
Dundee’s turn, the QB slipped, but
they managed to get the ball to RB #2
who scored a TD just a few mins in the
game.
Nice.
In the first quarter, there were quite a
few tentative throws from the Dundee
QB. Was he still warming up?
The main theme from quarter 2 was
“run thru the middle”, this did not
change much on the Carlisle side until
the very end (last minute of the game
they managed a pass, didn’t complete
but I did enjoy the spirit of adventure
there).
Another soft pass by Dundee, caught
by #15 who took it to the endzone.
The 2 point try was intercepted,
Carlisle’s #11 got the team on the
board. Nice run.
The running game from Carlisle and
seemed to match Dundee’s passing
game - tentative.
Carlisle’s punter was out a few times,
likes kicking to the left.
Run by Dundee #2, made it through
some stumbles to Carlisle 10 yard line.
the Dundee side, QB to RB #20 to #85,
20 yrd run. Sweet.
End result was 30-4 for Dundee.
Enjoyable game, would have loved
to see more diversity on the plays by
Carlisle, something to look forward to
in the next games.
...Sarah Wentzel
All photos this report
© Rachel Graham
Another tentative pass, we’re at 3rd
and goal.
Dundee tries another run through the
middle, but Carlisle defence shuts
them down quite quickly. Must have
done some training since the last game
(against Clyde Valley Blackhawks
70ish-0 loss).
Note to self: Do not stand next to the
ref. The white hat must have bought
his whistle at a speciality shop for
extra loud equipment.
Halftime...
Dundee changed tactics, QB #13
played a little wide-receiving, RB #2
switched to QB position.
Carlisle defense seemed more
aggressive, offense stuck to the
“running thru the middle” game.
The 2nd half saw some nice plays on
MATCH REPORTS
MATCH REPORTS
Rampant Hertfordshire Running Game Reaps Revenge on Greenwich Mariners
Under frosty floodlights in Greenwich,
the Hertfordshire Hurricanes exacted
their vengeance upon a strong
Mariners side, winning with a 41 – 0
shut out.
Last season, the Challenge Trophy
winning Greenwich Mariners
embarrassed the ‘Canes with a
tight victory, leaving a bruise on
Hertfordshire’s reputation that took
the shine off a season that saw the
Hurricanes reach the national semifinals.
This time around, however, Greenwich
were no match for the green cyclones,
as runningbacks Dwayne ‘Ike’
Okonkwo (three touch downs), Temi
Oduyemi (82yds off 13 carries) and
Gareth Davies (one touchdown) tore
them apart from every angle.
The game was harder fought than
the dominant scoreline showed, with
Greenwich unfortunately losing
their quarterback through injury a
short way into the second quarter.
Deciding to shotgun-snap directly to
a runningback instead, the Greenwich
ground game tested a stout Hurricanes
defense inspired by the return of GB
and London Blitz linebacker Fabrizio
Gargiulo (#80), who led by example
with five tackles and three assists.
Hertfordshire scored on their opening
drive, as Oduyemi (#28) delivered a
selfless performance from behind an
under strength O-Line that achieved
above and beyond what was expected
of them, featuring “Mike” Zhao Hu
at Center, left-guard Jon Binks and
tackles Martynas Juras and Ryan King.
Starting at right-guard was Jakub Maj,
a Hurricane rookie that stepped up to
deliver a performance beyond what
could be expected. They were ably
supported by rookies Leigh New and
Solomon Akakpo, who came in to
continue the O-Line’s dominance of an
experienced Greenwich defense.
Oduyemi summed up their
performance: “Without the O-Line
there’s no quarterback and no
runningback. They did some good
work, and there was hardly any
pressure in the back field.”
This opening drive ended with a touch
down from veteran running back
Okonkwo (#33) powering home to his
first of a hat-trick of TDs.
His second came later in the first half,
repeating the pattern of the first score
as Oduyemi twisted Greenwich in on
themselves from half-back behind
the blocking of Okonkwo at full-back,
before Quarterback Joe Thompson (#5)
handed off to Okonkwo for another
short-yardage TD.
The passing game struggled to get
off the ground, as Thompson was
frustrated by penalty calls and frozen
fingers, having one seemingly clear
touchdown called back for pass
interference. He had more luck running
with the ball, picking up twenty five
yards and a touch down of his own.
Returning QB Alexandre Szabo (#13)
had more luck, combining primarily
with veteran receiver Adrian Gumbs
(#86) for three pass completions and a
touch down.
A spirited Greenwich fight-back in the
second half was stopped ruthlessly
by the Hurricanes defense, with the
defensive play of the game coming
in the third quarter. On fourth down
and six yards to go for the first,
Greenwich broke a run to the outside
of Hurricanes containment and looked
certain to run it home for their first TD,
only for first-year cornerback Stefan
Rivera (#8) to make a huge tackle,
flipping the larger running back as
he did so, winning the ball back for
Hertfordshire.
The Hurricane’s offense returned in the
fourth quarter to expose an exhausted
Mariners defense, as first Okonkwo
and then Davies (#3) broke off huge
TDs from the midfield, running 45 and
55 yard scores respectively.
This excellent display of offense, and
a first shut out of the season for the
D should provide the Hertfordshire
Hurricanes with plenty of momentum
going into their first two home games
of the season, first a return fixture
against the UEA Pirates on the 28th of
November and then a game with the
high-flying Kent Falcons on the 5th of
December. Both games will be held at
the Hertfordshire Sports Village.
...Peter Barker
All photos this article
© Garry Neesam
MATCH REPORTS
MATCH REPORTS
Rampant Hertfordshire Running Game Reaps Revenge on Greenwich Mariners
Under frosty floodlights in Greenwich,
the Hertfordshire Hurricanes exacted
their vengeance upon a strong
Mariners side, winning with a 41 – 0
shut out.
Last season, the Challenge Trophy
winning Greenwich Mariners
embarrassed the ‘Canes with a
tight victory, leaving a bruise on
Hertfordshire’s reputation that took
the shine off a season that saw the
Hurricanes reach the national semifinals.
This time around, however, Greenwich
were no match for the green cyclones,
as runningbacks Dwayne ‘Ike’
Okonkwo (three touch downs), Temi
Oduyemi (82yds off 13 carries) and
Gareth Davies (one touchdown) tore
them apart from every angle.
The game was harder fought than
the dominant scoreline showed, with
Greenwich unfortunately losing
their quarterback through injury a
short way into the second quarter.
Deciding to shotgun-snap directly to
a runningback instead, the Greenwich
ground game tested a stout Hurricanes
defense inspired by the return of GB
and London Blitz linebacker Fabrizio
Gargiulo (#80), who led by example
with five tackles and three assists.
Hertfordshire scored on their opening
drive, as Oduyemi (#28) delivered a
selfless performance from behind an
under strength O-Line that achieved
above and beyond what was expected
of them, featuring “Mike” Zhao Hu
at Center, left-guard Jon Binks and
tackles Martynas Juras and Ryan King.
Starting at right-guard was Jakub Maj,
a Hurricane rookie that stepped up to
deliver a performance beyond what
could be expected. They were ably
supported by rookies Leigh New and
Solomon Akakpo, who came in to
continue the O-Line’s dominance of an
experienced Greenwich defense.
Oduyemi summed up their
performance: “Without the O-Line
there’s no quarterback and no
runningback. They did some good
work, and there was hardly any
pressure in the back field.”
This opening drive ended with a touch
down from veteran running back
Okonkwo (#33) powering home to his
first of a hat-trick of TDs.
His second came later in the first half,
repeating the pattern of the first score
as Oduyemi twisted Greenwich in on
themselves from half-back behind
the blocking of Okonkwo at full-back,
before Quarterback Joe Thompson (#5)
handed off to Okonkwo for another
short-yardage TD.
The passing game struggled to get
off the ground, as Thompson was
frustrated by penalty calls and frozen
fingers, having one seemingly clear
touchdown called back for pass
interference. He had more luck running
with the ball, picking up twenty five
yards and a touch down of his own.
Returning QB Alexandre Szabo (#13)
had more luck, combining primarily
with veteran receiver Adrian Gumbs
(#86) for three pass completions and a
touch down.
A spirited Greenwich fight-back in the
second half was stopped ruthlessly
by the Hurricanes defense, with the
defensive play of the game coming
in the third quarter. On fourth down
and six yards to go for the first,
Greenwich broke a run to the outside
of Hurricanes containment and looked
certain to run it home for their first TD,
only for first-year cornerback Stefan
Rivera (#8) to make a huge tackle,
flipping the larger running back as
he did so, winning the ball back for
Hertfordshire.
The Hurricane’s offense returned in the
fourth quarter to expose an exhausted
Mariners defense, as first Okonkwo
and then Davies (#3) broke off huge
TDs from the midfield, running 45 and
55 yard scores respectively.
This excellent display of offense, and
a first shut out of the season for the
D should provide the Hertfordshire
Hurricanes with plenty of momentum
going into their first two home games
of the season, first a return fixture
against the UEA Pirates on the 28th of
November and then a game with the
high-flying Kent Falcons on the 5th of
December. Both games will be held at
the Hertfordshire Sports Village.
...Peter Barker
© Garry Neesam
MATCH REPORTS
MATCH REPORTS
Loughborough Aces it
Loughborough Aces 56 - Staffordshire Stallions 17
A game that began with a minutes
silence to honour the fallen on
Remembrance Sunday turned into a
game that the Staffordshire Stallions
(0-1) would rather not remember.
The Loughborough Aces (1-0), fresh
from the hammering they dished out
to the Leicester Longhorns in Week
1 of the season, looked to quickly get
on the scoreboard and that they did.
Two quick scores from the home side,
one pass touchdown and one rush
touchdown, enabled them to get an
early advantage over their long-time
rivals.
In a game of few positives for the
Stallions, they responded well in their
next drive. Despite starting deep in
their own territory, the offence drove
the ball up the field and Quarterback
Ryan Stewart ploughed into the endzone behind the driving offensive line
– it was an impressive drive from the
offence to score their first points of the
season. Kicker Steven Higgins kicked
the extra point to see to make the score
14-7 at the end of the first quarter.
The Stallions defence were able to
force a turnover on the high-octane
Aces offence when linebacker Alasdair
Jarvis was able to pick off a pass
from the quarterback in the red-zone.
Unfortunately the offence were unable
to follow up their impressive drive
from the end of the first quarter and
the chance to capitalise on the turnover
was gone.
On the next Aces possession the
Stallions defence thought they had
another turnover when Jarvis was
quickest to react and recovered the
fumble, only to see the play called
dead for an inadvertent whistle for
the second time in two weeks. It was
another blow and was one of several
dubious calls from the referees to go
against the travelling side.
After that let-off, the Aces were able
to add to their lead when a screen pass
to the running back went for another
touchdown. Before the half, they
added another screen pass touchdown,
though it was debatable as to whether
or not the runner got into the end-zone
before he was forced out of bounds by
the Stallions defence...it was a bitter
blow to end the half as the Aces led
28-7.
The home side used the second half
to give fringe players the opportunity
to show what they could do against a
tiring Staffordshire Stallions defence.
The team were able to add numerous
more touchdowns against their rivals,
carving the defence up at will.
The Stallions offence kept on going
and, despite being able to drive up the
field, they were left to rue dropped
catches and missed opportunities
once more – including a drop in the
endzone by rookie receiver Taffat Jama
which would have resulted in his first
touchdown of the season.
University of East
Anglia cheerleaders,
the Angels, in action
during their recent
match supporting
the UEA Pirates
against Hertfordshire
Hurricanes
Rookie Renegades Victorious
Staffordshire Stallions 0 - Nottingham Trent Renegades 14
Week 3 of the 2010/11 BUAFL season
saw the Staffordshire Stallions (0-2)
host the Nottingham Trent Renegades
(0-1) in what was the first ever meeting
between the two sides. Both sides
came into the game looking for their
first win of the year and both sides
were in a confident mood on their
respective sidelines as the game got
under way.
The game could have got off to the
worst possible start for the Stallions.
After going three-and-out on their
opening offensive possession, a
massive run from the Renegades on
their opening drive was called back
by the referees for a block in the back
close to the line of scrimmage – it was
a let off for the Stallions defence, but
they recovered straight away to give
the ball back to the offence.
However, once again, the same
troubles plagued the offence as they
tried to move the ball down the field
with the running backs being swarmed
by the Trent defence and dropped
catches from the receivers. On the
other side of the ball, the defence
were holding strong against the Trent
offence and were able to keep them
scoreless – aided by a fourth-down
stop by defensive tackle Julian Myles.
The second quarter arrived and it
was a case of more of the same. The
home team continued to struggle on
the offensive side of the ball as did
their opposition – but they were able
to force the ball deep into Stallions
territory which brought about it the
break in the deadlock.
After another disappointing series
on offence, the Stallions were forced
to punt with Richard Bayes taking
over punting duties from Moses
Ogundeji. Pressure from the right
hand side of the defensive line saw the
punt blocked and, if it wasn’t for the
alertness of tight-end Lewis Bayley,
the Renegades could have recovered it
for a touchdown.
They didn’t but were able to punch
it into the end zone a couple of plays
later when their running back found a
hole in the Stallions defence for the goahead score. A two-point conversion
later and the Renegades made the score
8-0.
With little time left in the half,
Quarterback Ryan Stewart’s long pass
down field was picked off; halting the
progress of the offence and giving the
defence more work to do as the half
came to a close. The Renegades, still
with time-outs left, effectively drove
down the field but their chance to go
two scores up before the half ended
was scuppered when Julian Myles
again broke through the offensive line
and brought down the runner and time
expired before they could get another
play off.
A second lapse in the Stallions’ special
teams coverage led to another score
from the travelling side. From the
kick-off to open the second half, the
Renegades broke free of the kick-off
teams collective grasps and into the
end zone for the score to extend their
lead – it wasn’t the start to the second
half that the Stallions had hoped for
but the defence was able to stop the
attempted point after to keep the score
at 14-0.
The Stallions offence came back onto
the field and began an impressive
drive down field, including a big gain
through the air when quarterback
Ryan Stewart picked out running back
Tyler King, but a familiar foe made an
unwelcome return when the offence
fumbled the ball and gave possession
back to the Renegades – after such a
promising drive the team once again
had nothing to show for it.
The defence were able to keep the
scoring potential of the NTU offence
and as well as keeping their ground
game in check, there was very little
luck for the quarterback when he
went to the air. Rookie corner back
Steven Higgins recorded his first
career interception to stop them in their
tracks once again but the offence was
unable to capitalise as another fumble
ended their time on the field and gave
possession back to the away side as
the clock ticked down and the fourth
quarter began.
NTU got the ball back and looked to
add even more points on their ensuing
drive and, whilst taking time off the
clock, their quarterback recorded his
second interception of the afternoon
when he picked out Stallions corner
back Gareth Evans who, like Higgins
before him, recorded his first pick of
the season after pulling down the pass
in the endzone before being brought
down close by.
The Stallions began their drive with
a long way to go for the score but
a series of penalties on the offence
had them pinned back in dangerous
territory, the Renegades sensed a
chance to send the heat at Stewart once
again and they were able to get through
to sack the QB in the end zone to add
another 2 points to their score and
extend their lead to 16-0.
The Renegades then began to run
down the clock against the defence
before time expired to end the game
and consigning the Stallions to their
second consecutive 0-3 start to a
season.
The Stallions now have a week off to
prepare for the week 5 clash at home,
playing host to the Warwick Wolves –
a team that they have played four times
previously and won all the meetings
between the two teams.
MATCH REPORTS
MATCH REPORTS
Loughborough Aces it
Loughborough Aces 56 - Staffordshire Stallions 17
A game that began with a minutes
silence to honour the fallen on
Remembrance Sunday turned into a
game that the Staffordshire Stallions
(0-1) would rather not remember.
The Loughborough Aces (1-0), fresh
from the hammering they dished out
to the Leicester Longhorns in Week
1 of the season, looked to quickly get
on the scoreboard and that they did.
Two quick scores from the home side,
one pass touchdown and one rush
touchdown, enabled them to get an
early advantage over their long-time
rivals.
In a game of few positives for the
Stallions, they responded well in their
next drive. Despite starting deep in
their own territory, the offence drove
the ball up the field and Quarterback
Ryan Stewart ploughed into the endzone behind the driving offensive line
– it was an impressive drive from the
offence to score their first points of the
season. Kicker Steven Higgins kicked
the extra point to see to make the score
14-7 at the end of the first quarter.
The Stallions defence were able to
force a turnover on the high-octane
Aces offence when linebacker Alasdair
Jarvis was able to pick off a pass
from the quarterback in the red-zone.
Unfortunately the offence were unable
to follow up their impressive drive
from the end of the first quarter and
the chance to capitalise on the turnover
was gone.
On the next Aces possession the
Stallions defence thought they had
another turnover when Jarvis was
quickest to react and recovered the
fumble, only to see the play called
dead for an inadvertent whistle for
the second time in two weeks. It was
another blow and was one of several
dubious calls from the referees to go
against the travelling side.
After that let-off, the Aces were able
to add to their lead when a screen pass
to the running back went for another
touchdown. Before the half, they
added another screen pass touchdown,
though it was debatable as to whether
or not the runner got into the end-zone
before he was forced out of bounds by
the Stallions defence...it was a bitter
blow to end the half as the Aces led
28-7.
The home side used the second half
to give fringe players the opportunity
to show what they could do against a
tiring Staffordshire Stallions defence.
The team were able to add numerous
more touchdowns against their rivals,
carving the defence up at will.
The Stallions offence kept on going
and, despite being able to drive up the
field, they were left to rue dropped
catches and missed opportunities
once more – including a drop in the
endzone by rookie receiver Taffat Jama
which would have resulted in his first
touchdown of the season.
University of East
Anglia cheerleaders,
the Angels, in action
during their recent
match supporting
the UEA Pirates
against Hertfordshire
Hurricanes
Rookie Renegades Victorious
Staffordshire Stallions 0 - Nottingham Trent Renegades 14
Week 3 of the 2010/11 BUAFL season
saw the Staffordshire Stallions (0-2)
host the Nottingham Trent Renegades
(0-1) in what was the first ever meeting
between the two sides. Both sides
came into the game looking for their
first win of the year and both sides
were in a confident mood on their
respective sidelines as the game got
under way.
The game could have got off to the
worst possible start for the Stallions.
After going three-and-out on their
opening offensive possession, a
massive run from the Renegades on
their opening drive was called back
by the referees for a block in the back
close to the line of scrimmage – it was
a let off for the Stallions defence, but
they recovered straight away to give
the ball back to the offence.
However, once again, the same
troubles plagued the offence as they
tried to move the ball down the field
with the running backs being swarmed
by the Trent defence and dropped
catches from the receivers. On the
other side of the ball, the defence
were holding strong against the Trent
offence and were able to keep them
scoreless – aided by a fourth-down
stop by defensive tackle Julian Myles.
The second quarter arrived and it
was a case of more of the same. The
home team continued to struggle on
the offensive side of the ball as did
their opposition – but they were able
to force the ball deep into Stallions
territory which brought about it the
break in the deadlock.
After another disappointing series
on offence, the Stallions were forced
to punt with Richard Bayes taking
over punting duties from Moses
Ogundeji. Pressure from the right
hand side of the defensive line saw the
punt blocked and, if it wasn’t for the
alertness of tight-end Lewis Bayley,
the Renegades could have recovered it
for a touchdown.
They didn’t but were able to punch
it into the end zone a couple of plays
later when their running back found a
hole in the Stallions defence for the goahead score. A two-point conversion
later and the Renegades made the score
8-0.
With little time left in the half,
Quarterback Ryan Stewart’s long pass
down field was picked off; halting the
progress of the offence and giving the
defence more work to do as the half
came to a close. The Renegades, still
with time-outs left, effectively drove
down the field but their chance to go
two scores up before the half ended
was scuppered when Julian Myles
again broke through the offensive line
and brought down the runner and time
expired before they could get another
play off.
A second lapse in the Stallions’ special
teams coverage led to another score
from the travelling side. From the
kick-off to open the second half, the
Renegades broke free of the kick-off
teams collective grasps and into the
end zone for the score to extend their
lead – it wasn’t the start to the second
half that the Stallions had hoped for
but the defence was able to stop the
attempted point after to keep the score
at 14-0.
The Stallions offence came back onto
the field and began an impressive
drive down field, including a big gain
through the air when quarterback
Ryan Stewart picked out running back
Tyler King, but a familiar foe made an
unwelcome return when the offence
fumbled the ball and gave possession
back to the Renegades – after such a
promising drive the team once again
had nothing to show for it.
The defence were able to keep the
scoring potential of the NTU offence
and as well as keeping their ground
game in check, there was very little
luck for the quarterback when he
went to the air. Rookie corner back
Steven Higgins recorded his first
career interception to stop them in their
tracks once again but the offence was
unable to capitalise as another fumble
ended their time on the field and gave
possession back to the away side as
the clock ticked down and the fourth
quarter began.
NTU got the ball back and looked to
add even more points on their ensuing
drive and, whilst taking time off the
clock, their quarterback recorded his
second interception of the afternoon
when he picked out Stallions corner
back Gareth Evans who, like Higgins
before him, recorded his first pick of
the season after pulling down the pass
in the endzone before being brought
down close by.
The Stallions began their drive with
a long way to go for the score but
a series of penalties on the offence
had them pinned back in dangerous
territory, the Renegades sensed a
chance to send the heat at Stewart once
again and they were able to get through
to sack the QB in the end zone to add
another 2 points to their score and
extend their lead to 16-0.
The Renegades then began to run
down the clock against the defence
before time expired to end the game
and consigning the Stallions to their
second consecutive 0-3 start to a
season.
The Stallions now have a week off to
prepare for the week 5 clash at home,
playing host to the Warwick Wolves –
a team that they have played four times
previously and won all the meetings
between the two teams.
MATCH REPORTS
MATCH REPORTS
Hull & Leeds in Low-scorer
Sheffield Hallam Warriors -v- Hull Sharks
Leeds Carnegie 8 - Hull Sharks 6
No match report but we have some photos courtesy of Chris Evers of CEDigital
On a rather fresh West Yorkshire
evening the UH Sharks travelled to
West Park to face Leeds Met Carnegie.
After a warm welcome by the Carnegie
players and coaching staff the Sharks
lost the toss and were forced to open
their 2010/11 campaign by kicking the
ball away.
Carnegie then settled into their opening
drive with a few good breaks, however
were forced to punt the ball while in
the Shark’s half of the field. Hull then
took control of the ball around their
own 20 yard line; they too had a good
opening drive forcing Leeds back past
half way before themselves having to
punt the ball away. This dominance of
both teams’ defences continued into
the second quarter until quarter back
Chris “Brady” Summerling was forced
to scramble after pressure from the
Leeds defence and throw the ball away
from inside his own end zone, with
the decision from the officials being
intentional grounding. Leeds 2 – Hull
0.
After kicking the ball back to Carnegie
Hull found new depth, a decision
which in previous years would have
caused heads to drop was ignored
as they fought to regain possession
of the ball. It wasn’t long until the
Sharks defence duly came up with the
ball with good field position setting
up their offence with only minutes
until half time. What followed was a
major turning point for the Sharks, a
controlled and steady advance down
the field picking up first down after
first down. Until finishing off the drive
with a powerful run from second year
running back Jon Farrow, retaining his
bragging rights within the team as the
seasons opening scorer for the second
year in a row. After a failed 2 point
attempt the score was Leeds 2 – Hull
6. With only seconds left in the half
responsibility of keeping the lead into
the break was left up to the Sharks
defence. Then with only seconds to go
until the end of the half Carnegie broke
away and ran in to take the lead. They
too failed to convert for the extra two
points, ending the half.
Half time, Leeds 8 – Hull 6.
After an impressive start from both
teams but with no one team really
taking hold of the game the Sharks
took solace that victory was still in
reach.
Good drives followed the break from
both sides but with no score from
either side until receiver Marc Bews
found himself uncovered and made an
impressive catch to score the games
final points. Leeds 8 – Hull 12.
Another failed two point conversion
followed, but with the Shark’s spirits
high they knew it was their game to
lose now.
It now fell to the Sharks offence to
retain as much possession as possible
and the Sharks Defence to hold out
the Carnegie threat. With some big
defensive plays from Kevin Onimole
and Carl Malam the Sharks ran down
the clock, denying Carnegie the score
they needed. The game finished with
Carl Malam’s second pick of the game
and the Sharks offence taking a knee.
A good clean game played by both
teams. The Sharks wish Carnegie all
the best for the rest of their season,
with good athletes and sound coaching
it won’t be long until they hit the form
they had last year again.
All photos this page © CE Digital
The Sharks now look to their first
home game only a week away against
Northern high flyers Sheffield Hallam
for what is set to be their toughest test
of the season.
...Chris Evers
MATCH REPORTS
MATCH REPORTS
Hull & Leeds in Low-scorer
Sheffield Hallam Warriors -v- Hull Sharks
Leeds Carnegie 8 - Hull Sharks 6
No match report but we have some photos courtesy of Chris Evers of CEDigital
On a rather fresh West Yorkshire
evening the UH Sharks travelled to
West Park to face Leeds Met Carnegie.
After a warm welcome by the Carnegie
players and coaching staff the Sharks
lost the toss and were forced to open
their 2010/11 campaign by kicking the
ball away.
Carnegie then settled into their opening
drive with a few good breaks, however
were forced to punt the ball while in
the Shark’s half of the field. Hull then
took control of the ball around their
own 20 yard line; they too had a good
opening drive forcing Leeds back past
half way before themselves having to
punt the ball away. This dominance of
both teams’ defences continued into
the second quarter until quarter back
Chris “Brady” Summerling was forced
to scramble after pressure from the
Leeds defence and throw the ball away
from inside his own end zone, with
the decision from the officials being
intentional grounding. Leeds 2 – Hull
0.
After kicking the ball back to Carnegie
Hull found new depth, a decision
which in previous years would have
caused heads to drop was ignored
as they fought to regain possession
of the ball. It wasn’t long until the
Sharks defence duly came up with the
ball with good field position setting
up their offence with only minutes
until half time. What followed was a
major turning point for the Sharks, a
controlled and steady advance down
the field picking up first down after
first down. Until finishing off the drive
with a powerful run from second year
running back Jon Farrow, retaining his
bragging rights within the team as the
seasons opening scorer for the second
year in a row. After a failed 2 point
attempt the score was Leeds 2 – Hull
6. With only seconds left in the half
responsibility of keeping the lead into
the break was left up to the Sharks
defence. Then with only seconds to go
until the end of the half Carnegie broke
away and ran in to take the lead. They
too failed to convert for the extra two
points, ending the half.
Half time, Leeds 8 – Hull 6.
After an impressive start from both
teams but with no one team really
taking hold of the game the Sharks
took solace that victory was still in
reach.
Good drives followed the break from
both sides but with no score from
either side until receiver Marc Bews
found himself uncovered and made an
impressive catch to score the games
final points. Leeds 8 – Hull 12.
Another failed two point conversion
followed, but with the Shark’s spirits
high they knew it was their game to
lose now.
It now fell to the Sharks offence to
retain as much possession as possible
and the Sharks Defence to hold out
the Carnegie threat. With some big
defensive plays from Kevin Onimole
and Carl Malam the Sharks ran down
the clock, denying Carnegie the score
they needed. The game finished with
Carl Malam’s second pick of the game
and the Sharks offence taking a knee.
A good clean game played by both
teams. The Sharks wish Carnegie all
the best for the rest of their season,
with good athletes and sound coaching
it won’t be long until they hit the form
they had last year again.
All photos this page © CE Digital
The Sharks now look to their first
home game only a week away against
Northern high flyers Sheffield Hallam
for what is set to be their toughest test
of the season.
...Chris Evers
MATCH REPORTS
MATCH REPORTS
First Years Step Up as Hurricanes Storm to Three Wins From Three
The Hertfordshire Hurricanes have
continued their unbeaten season with
a 50 – 0 victory over the UEA Pirates
in their first home game of the season,
with the rookies having a ball.
Ably led by captains Richard Ward,
Forrester Osei, Jon Binks and Stefan
Rivera-Gonzales, Hertfordshire
physically overwhelmed their
opponents - dominating UEA players
all over the field. With such apparent
ascendancy, a number of rookie
‘Canes were given their chance in the
limelight, and they stole the show with
outstanding performances across the
team.
Running the ball with great success
were first years Forrester Osei (#32) (3
carries for 6 yds and 2 touch downs);
Garreth Davies (#3) (4 carries for 91
yds and a TD) and rookie Alan Man
(#16) (4 carries for 23yds), who later
finished his day by winning connect4
with three moves and a dose of wellearned swagger.
First year quarterback Joe Thompson
(#5) had two passing touch downs
and 18 yards rushing, as well as a
two-point rushing conversion. One
of those TDs was thrown to rookie
wide receiver Mark Flatman (#83) for
Flatman’s second TD of the season.
Rookie Jonna McIver (#88) also
recorded his first catch of the season,
for five yards.
On the other side of the ball, the
defense produced their second shut out
of the season. Rookies Izu “OJ” Ojika
(#52) (2 interceptions, 4½ tackles)
and Emanual Olakotan (#94) (2 sacks,
5 tackles) shone particularly. Team
Captain Richard Ward (#54) led from
the front with a huge 6½ tackles and
two interceptions, although one of
these was called back for an unrelated
penalty.
The game began with Hertfordshire
dominating on offense, with three of
the first five plays going for touch
downs. Starring were runningbacks
Temi Oduyemi (#28) and Dwayne
“Ike” Okonkwo (#33), racking up 214
yards and 2 TDs (both to Oduyemi)
from 8 carries between them. The total
running gains for Hertfordshire were
a monstrous 352yds and 5 TDs from a
mere 21 carries.
With production like this QBs
Thompson and Szabo had little need
to pass, but brought some efficient
production of their own nevertheless
with Thompson notching 2 TDs and 40
yards (6 completions from 10 attempts)
and Szabo scoring 67 yards with two
completed passes (6 attempts).
As the Hurricanes began rotating
players the scoring dropped off,
but a deflated Pirates team failed to
take any advantage as their attack –
disadvantaged without their starting
runningback – faltered against an
aggressive and relentless Hurricanes
D.
Head Coach Jim Messenger was
pleased with his team’s performance,
giving, “special mention to the kicking
team of Jack White, Joe Thompson and
Alex Szabo.”
With such a complete victory safely in
their records, the Hurricanes march on
to what looks to be a challenging clash
with the high-flying Kent Falcons
on December 5th at the University’s
Hertfordshire Sports Village.
...Peter Barker
All photos this item
© Garry Neesam
MATCH REPORTS
MATCH REPORTS
First Years Step Up as Hurricanes Storm to Three Wins From Three
The Hertfordshire Hurricanes have
continued their unbeaten season with
a 50 – 0 victory over the UEA Pirates
in their first home game of the season,
with the rookies having a ball.
Ably led by captains Richard Ward,
Forrester Osei, Jon Binks and Stefan
Rivera-Gonzales, Hertfordshire
physically overwhelmed their
opponents - dominating UEA players
all over the field. With such apparent
ascendancy, a number of rookie
‘Canes were given their chance in the
limelight, and they stole the show with
outstanding performances across the
team.
Running the ball with great success
were first years Forrester Osei (#32) (3
carries for 6 yds and 2 touch downs);
Garreth Davies (#3) (4 carries for 91
yds and a TD) and rookie Alan Man
(#16) (4 carries for 23yds), who later
finished his day by winning connect4
with three moves and a dose of wellearned swagger.
First year quarterback Joe Thompson
(#5) had two passing touch downs
and 18 yards rushing, as well as a
two-point rushing conversion. One
of those TDs was thrown to rookie
wide receiver Mark Flatman (#83) for
Flatman’s second TD of the season.
Rookie Jonna McIver (#88) also
recorded his first catch of the season,
for five yards.
On the other side of the ball, the
defense produced their second shut out
of the season. Rookies Izu “OJ” Ojika
(#52) (2 interceptions, 4½ tackles)
and Emanual Olakotan (#94) (2 sacks,
5 tackles) shone particularly. Team
Captain Richard Ward (#54) led from
the front with a huge 6½ tackles and
two interceptions, although one of
these was called back for an unrelated
penalty.
The game began with Hertfordshire
dominating on offense, with three of
the first five plays going for touch
downs. Starring were runningbacks
Temi Oduyemi (#28) and Dwayne
“Ike” Okonkwo (#33), racking up 214
yards and 2 TDs (both to Oduyemi)
from 8 carries between them. The total
running gains for Hertfordshire were
a monstrous 352yds and 5 TDs from a
mere 21 carries.
With production like this QBs
Thompson and Szabo had little need
to pass, but brought some efficient
production of their own nevertheless
with Thompson notching 2 TDs and 40
yards (6 completions from 10 attempts)
and Szabo scoring 67 yards with two
completed passes (6 attempts).
As the Hurricanes began rotating
players the scoring dropped off,
but a deflated Pirates team failed to
take any advantage as their attack –
disadvantaged without their starting
runningback – faltered against an
aggressive and relentless Hurricanes
D.
Head Coach Jim Messenger was
pleased with his team’s performance,
giving, “special mention to the kicking
team of Jack White, Joe Thompson and
Alex Szabo.”
With such a complete victory safely in
their records, the Hurricanes march on
to what looks to be a challenging clash
with the high-flying Kent Falcons
on December 5th at the University’s
Hertfordshire Sports Village.
...Peter Barker
All photos this item
© Garry Neesam
MATCH REPORTS
MATCH REPORTS
Flag Academy enjoy off-season friendlies
After a difficult 2010 season the
Coventry Jets Flag Cadets showed
their resilience with a fine 19-12
victory over their hosts, the 2010
national finalists, the Studley Bearcats.
The Junior squad had a more difficult
day, with Head Coach Andrew
Gambrill leaving his year 10s out to
give his younger players some valuable
game time, an 18-6 defeat was a
creditable result against a Bearcat side
with a great deal of experience.
After a well crafted drive, the Jets
Cadets opened up the scoring with
Meme McCook latching on to a pass
form Ben Eaton. Eaton would go on
to have his best day as a Jet, putting
in an assured performance. His next
attempt connected with debutante John
McEnery for an extra point and a 7-0
lead to the visitors.
Studley replied with a quick
touchdown but couldn’t convert it and
trailed by a point. Momentum seemed
to be swinging the way of the hosts
as the Jets offence stalled and their
defence began to show some cracks.
However, Captain Kieran Eaton
bucked the trend with an interception
that ensured Coventry entered the
break with the lead.
Kieran Eaton continued his fine
form into the second half, taking
a quick pass from Brother Ben
before embarking on a mazy 40 yard
touchdown run to extend the lead to
13-6. On the Bearcats’ next drive Marc
Peters stepped in front of his receiver
to pick off Studley’s quarterback and
hand his offence a short field to play
on. The Eaton brothers accepted the
gift and hooked up for yet another
touchdown. Studley added a late
consolation but the Jets saw the game
out to win 19-12.
Gambrill was quick to acknowledge
rookie Coach Tik McCook as a
decisive factor “Tik was fantastic, I
knew she had the tactical know how,
but in a game situation nerves can
get to you. It’s an often over looked
skill, but her communication with the
players is incredible.” With her mentor
Gemma Eaton unwell and unable to
travel, a lot of responsibility fell upon
the 18 year olds’ shoulders but she
managed to come up with a debut
victory.
Although the Juniors, making their
first appearance since securing the
National Championship, were defeated
there were many highlights. Precious
McCook followed a tackle for a loss
on a 2nd down play, with a sack on 3rd
down before Paul Peters came up with
a pick on 4th.
Quarterback Terrell Burgess, son of
former Jet defensive back Karl, put
together a nice drive that looked like
it would end on a 4th and inches play
on the half way line. Burgess had other
ideas though and found Jay Beardmore
through the narrowest of gaps. Not
content with a fresh set of downs
Beardmore raced to the end zone for
the score. Paul Peters was named MVP
for the Juniors adding six receptions
for 49 yards to his interception.
The Jets will continue to train at the
Memorial Park before they move in
to the Excel Centre in January, with
return fixtures versus Studley in the
advanced stages of planning. “Off
season is often about the youngsters
getting experience” explained Gambrill
about the hectic schedule “It can help
the coaches identify the learning needs
of the players, so to that end, today
was a success.”
Also in friendly action this weekend
were the Senior Flag team, who, after a
disappointing last place finish to 2010
have been unbeaten in pre-season. The
Jets Youth Kitted team have regularly
helped out with practice matches and
so for the last match before training
moves indoors, Coach Gambrill
invited birthday boy Joe Brammer and
his team to play.
Senior Flag built an early lead over
as Adam Grindrod threw deep on
first down to his brother Dave for the
opening score. Dave followed that up
with a pick 6 on the following youth
team possession to double the Flag
teams’ lead. Whilst they were in full
flow on offence, the Flag squad’s
defence also managed to chip in with
some notable performances, Tendai
Chieza making a serious claim for a
starting spot with some spectacular
play. The biggest cheer of the day
though was for Natalie Parker who,
in her first game, recorded a sack of
Brammer.
Rob Coleman threw another score for
the flag, hooking up with the elusive
Tik McCook for a 20-0 lead before
the Youth team finally woke up. Joe
Brammer and Alex Preece hooked up
for several long gains to eat into the
deficit. The Youth pulled another score
back before the Flag could respond.
Dave Grindrod capped a memorable
MVP performance with a 40 yard run
and Shadrach McCook iced the game
with a rush that left the Youth players
grasping at air. Brammer’s Youth
squad managed a score in-between the
brace but it wasn’t enough to come
close to a rampant Flag team.
“Undefeated in five games” noted
Gambrill in his post-match interview.
“We’ve regrouped and made some
adjustments from last year which seem
to be working. It was nice to finish
against the youth team, they always
give us a great game and the spirit is
just right, lot’s of good natured banter,
but at the end of the day we’re all part
of the same family. I thought Joe and
Alex looked fantastic. They’re going to
score a lot of points next season in the
Youth League.
Senior Flag will continue to practice
at the Memorial Park until December
18th, then, in January they move
indoors to Canley’s Xcel centre.
Upcoming fixtures include an away
trip to Bristol and a date with Filton
College. For more details on the
Coventry Jets and to find out how you
can be part of their 2011 campaign,
twitter.com/CoventryJets.
...Coventry Jets
MATCH REPORTS
MATCH REPORTS
Flag Academy enjoy off-season friendlies
After a difficult 2010 season the
Coventry Jets Flag Cadets showed
their resilience with a fine 19-12
victory over their hosts, the 2010
national finalists, the Studley Bearcats.
The Junior squad had a more difficult
day, with Head Coach Andrew
Gambrill leaving his year 10s out to
give his younger players some valuable
game time, an 18-6 defeat was a
creditable result against a Bearcat side
with a great deal of experience.
After a well crafted drive, the Jets
Cadets opened up the scoring with
Meme McCook latching on to a pass
form Ben Eaton. Eaton would go on
to have his best day as a Jet, putting
in an assured performance. His next
attempt connected with debutante John
McEnery for an extra point and a 7-0
lead to the visitors.
Studley replied with a quick
touchdown but couldn’t convert it and
trailed by a point. Momentum seemed
to be swinging the way of the hosts
as the Jets offence stalled and their
defence began to show some cracks.
However, Captain Kieran Eaton
bucked the trend with an interception
that ensured Coventry entered the
break with the lead.
Kieran Eaton continued his fine
form into the second half, taking
a quick pass from Brother Ben
before embarking on a mazy 40 yard
touchdown run to extend the lead to
13-6. On the Bearcats’ next drive Marc
Peters stepped in front of his receiver
to pick off Studley’s quarterback and
hand his offence a short field to play
on. The Eaton brothers accepted the
gift and hooked up for yet another
touchdown. Studley added a late
consolation but the Jets saw the game
out to win 19-12.
Gambrill was quick to acknowledge
rookie Coach Tik McCook as a
decisive factor “Tik was fantastic, I
knew she had the tactical know how,
but in a game situation nerves can
get to you. It’s an often over looked
skill, but her communication with the
players is incredible.” With her mentor
Gemma Eaton unwell and unable to
travel, a lot of responsibility fell upon
the 18 year olds’ shoulders but she
managed to come up with a debut
victory.
Although the Juniors, making their
first appearance since securing the
National Championship, were defeated
there were many highlights. Precious
McCook followed a tackle for a loss
on a 2nd down play, with a sack on 3rd
down before Paul Peters came up with
a pick on 4th.
Quarterback Terrell Burgess, son of
former Jet defensive back Karl, put
together a nice drive that looked like
it would end on a 4th and inches play
on the half way line. Burgess had other
ideas though and found Jay Beardmore
through the narrowest of gaps. Not
content with a fresh set of downs
Beardmore raced to the end zone for
the score. Paul Peters was named MVP
for the Juniors adding six receptions
for 49 yards to his interception.
The Jets will continue to train at the
Memorial Park before they move in
to the Excel Centre in January, with
return fixtures versus Studley in the
advanced stages of planning. “Off
season is often about the youngsters
getting experience” explained Gambrill
about the hectic schedule “It can help
the coaches identify the learning needs
of the players, so to that end, today
was a success.”
Also in friendly action this weekend
were the Senior Flag team, who, after a
disappointing last place finish to 2010
have been unbeaten in pre-season. The
Jets Youth Kitted team have regularly
helped out with practice matches and
so for the last match before training
moves indoors, Coach Gambrill
invited birthday boy Joe Brammer and
his team to play.
Senior Flag built an early lead over
as Adam Grindrod threw deep on
first down to his brother Dave for the
opening score. Dave followed that up
with a pick 6 on the following youth
team possession to double the Flag
teams’ lead. Whilst they were in full
flow on offence, the Flag squad’s
defence also managed to chip in with
some notable performances, Tendai
Chieza making a serious claim for a
starting spot with some spectacular
play. The biggest cheer of the day
though was for Natalie Parker who,
in her first game, recorded a sack of
Brammer.
Rob Coleman threw another score for
the flag, hooking up with the elusive
Tik McCook for a 20-0 lead before
the Youth team finally woke up. Joe
Brammer and Alex Preece hooked up
for several long gains to eat into the
deficit. The Youth pulled another score
back before the Flag could respond.
Dave Grindrod capped a memorable
MVP performance with a 40 yard run
and Shadrach McCook iced the game
with a rush that left the Youth players
grasping at air. Brammer’s Youth
squad managed a score in-between the
brace but it wasn’t enough to come
close to a rampant Flag team.
“Undefeated in five games” noted
Gambrill in his post-match interview.
“We’ve regrouped and made some
adjustments from last year which seem
to be working. It was nice to finish
against the youth team, they always
give us a great game and the spirit is
just right, lot’s of good natured banter,
but at the end of the day we’re all part
of the same family. I thought Joe and
Alex looked fantastic. They’re going to
score a lot of points next season in the
Youth League.
Senior Flag will continue to practice
at the Memorial Park until December
18th, then, in January they move
indoors to Canley’s Xcel centre.
Upcoming fixtures include an away
trip to Bristol and a date with Filton
College. For more details on the
Coventry Jets and to find out how you
can be part of their 2011 campaign,
twitter.com/CoventryJets.
...Coventry Jets
MATCH REPORTS
MATCH REPORTS
Falcons Grounded by Raging Hurricanes
The University of Hertfordshire
Hurricanes clipped the wings of SEC
rivals University of Kent Canterbury
with an impressive shut-out
performance against the high-scoring
Falcon offense. The Hurricanes now
advance to a record of 4-0 on the
season with one game to go before the
Christmas break.
Kent Quarterback Brendan Spangler
had a torrid day as the Hurricanes’
defense brought the heat, recording
ten sacks. Meanwhile, the Herts
offense kept the chains moving and the
scoreboard ticking-over to complete
the domination of the game.
Freshman defensive end Emmanual
Olakotan led the charge with consistent
pressure throughout the contest. He
was joined in recording two sacks by
Mike Savva, Gianni Bruno and Louis
Hill with Martin Nzenga and Richard
Ward making the other two. Ward also
recorded four tackles and three assists
on the day in another creditable team
captain display. Fellow linebacker
Kalaba Chibwe gained two tackles,
three assists and returned a fumble
14 yards for his first ever touchdown.
The Hurricanes defense rose to
the occasion and kept in check the
considerable talents of both Spangler
and Kent’s all-purpose run/receiving
threat, Lawrence Benjamin.
Runningback Temi Odeyemi was again
the Hurricanes offensive workhorse
rushing for 77 yards off eleven carries.
The running of Odeyemi and Forrester
Osei wore down the Falcons defense
in the first half before the prodigious
Gareth Bentir-Davies was introduced
in the third quarter. ‘Dash Davies’,
in his first year at the University of
Hertfordshire, is making a habit of
spectacular breakaway runs. On his
second carry he ripped-off a 41 yard
TD run to add to similar feats from 55
yards and 59 yards in the previous two
games. He finished the day with seven
carries for 105 yards and a score. The
Hurricanes’ other scores came from
a one-yard run by Osie, an 18 yard
reception by Dominic Husbands and
a 16 yard field goal by Alex Szabo.
Szabo also kicked three extra points.
Hurricanes head coach, Jim
Messenger, said, ‘The Falcons gave us
the toughest challenge of the season so
far. They have an excellent squad with
some great talent on both sides of the
ball and I’m sure they will win a lot of
games this year.’ He continued, ‘Our
players rose to the challenge today
with a great performance. The new
players are finding their feet and the
whole squad is starting to gel. Today
was a great confidence builder for us.
We know now we are a good team and
can step it up when necessary. But we
will not rest on that, we will get better
yet!’
Hurricanes MVPs:
Defense - Emmanual Olakotan
Offense - Gareth Bentir-Davies
Special Teams - Ryan King
...Hurricanes
© Garry Neesam
MATCH REPORTS
MATCH REPORTS
Falcons Grounded by Raging Hurricanes
The University of Hertfordshire
Hurricanes clipped the wings of SEC
rivals University of Kent Canterbury
with an impressive shut-out
performance against the high-scoring
Falcon offense. The Hurricanes now
advance to a record of 4-0 on the
season with one game to go before the
Christmas break.
Kent Quarterback Brendan Spangler
had a torrid day as the Hurricanes’
defense brought the heat, recording
ten sacks. Meanwhile, the Herts
offense kept the chains moving and the
scoreboard ticking-over to complete
the domination of the game.
Freshman defensive end Emmanual
Olakotan led the charge with consistent
pressure throughout the contest. He
was joined in recording two sacks by
Mike Savva, Gianni Bruno and Louis
Hill with Martin Nzenga and Richard
Ward making the other two. Ward also
recorded four tackles and three assists
on the day in another creditable team
captain display. Fellow linebacker
Kalaba Chibwe gained two tackles,
three assists and returned a fumble
14 yards for his first ever touchdown.
The Hurricanes defense rose to
the occasion and kept in check the
considerable talents of both Spangler
and Kent’s all-purpose run/receiving
threat, Lawrence Benjamin.
Runningback Temi Odeyemi was again
the Hurricanes offensive workhorse
rushing for 77 yards off eleven carries.
The running of Odeyemi and Forrester
Osei wore down the Falcons defense
in the first half before the prodigious
Gareth Bentir-Davies was introduced
in the third quarter. ‘Dash Davies’,
in his first year at the University of
Hertfordshire, is making a habit of
spectacular breakaway runs. On his
second carry he ripped-off a 41 yard
TD run to add to similar feats from 55
yards and 59 yards in the previous two
games. He finished the day with seven
carries for 105 yards and a score. The
Hurricanes’ other scores came from
a one-yard run by Osie, an 18 yard
reception by Dominic Husbands and
a 16 yard field goal by Alex Szabo.
Szabo also kicked three extra points.
Hurricanes head coach, Jim
Messenger, said, ‘The Falcons gave us
the toughest challenge of the season so
far. They have an excellent squad with
some great talent on both sides of the
ball and I’m sure they will win a lot of
games this year.’ He continued, ‘Our
players rose to the challenge today
with a great performance. The new
players are finding their feet and the
whole squad is starting to gel. Today
was a great confidence builder for us.
We know now we are a good team and
can step it up when necessary. But we
will not rest on that, we will get better
yet!’
Hurricanes MVPs:
Defense - Emmanual Olakotan
Offense - Gareth Bentir-Davies
Special Teams - Ryan King
...Hurricanes
© Garry Neesam
COACHING
COACHING
A Guide to Offence
parts of the field. You have to make the
defense defend the entire field. I think
it’s not too hard to have some basic
pass concepts with some simple reads
for the QB that can be effective.
Peter Barker talks to Illinois College coach Rich Worsell
Richard Worsell is the Offensive
Coordinator at Illinois College, an
NCAA Division 3 team playing in
the Midwest Conference. Born and
raised an Englishman, Coach Rich
worked with Tarannau Aberystwyth,
Southern All-Stars Wildcats and GB
Bulldogs in BUAFL, as well as taking
the position of Head Coach at Sussex
Thunder at senior level. He is a
qualified level 2 BAFCA coach.
Moving to the States, Rich has
coached positions all over the offense
during his eight years coaching at
Collegiate level, including Wide
Receivers, Tight Ends, Quarterbacks
and O-Line. At Illinois he focuses,
however, on the O-Line.
IAF was fortunate enough to get
his extensive thoughts on coaching
offense, and his experiences provide
an interesting insight into the
similarities and differences between
the UK and US ball-game.
First thing’s first, what would you
consider a strong, rounded, basic
formation to start from?
I would say in general if you are
looking at basing your offense from
one formation, that formation must use
the best 5 guys you have. If you have
no obvious fullback then look to see if
you have an additional receiver. I think
often people play a NFL style offense
when maybe they have more receivers
sat on the bench who are better players
than the FB. Similarly if you have two
great tailbacks and 2 receivers then use
those guys.
At Illinois College we are a very
multiple offense. That means we
employ a lot of different personnel
groups and also different formations
with each group. We start day 1 with 1
TE, 2 Running backs and 2 WRs as it’s
easier to teach our offense from here
and then spread out.
Is it best, for a new offense, to have
multiple formations or just the one?
I like having the ability to line up in
a lot of different looks. I think it can
make the defense think more than they
are used to and it’s a lot more fun! I
think you can use the same run and
pass plays from different formations if
you are smart in how you teach them.
Is the use of motions necessary at a
basic level?
When you motion on offense you hope
to learn something, if you motion a
receiver across the formation and a DB
runs with him, then you have man to
man coverage. If a LB runs with him
then you have man under coverage and
if no one runs with him its zone.
As an offensive line coach a lot
of motion can mess with blocking
schemes, suddenly all three or four
linebackers are moving and it forces
the offense to adjust. A simple trade of
the TE from one side to the other can
often make the entire defense adjust,
the question you have to ask is, did
the gain from moving that player outweigh the cost.
The Indianapolis Colts never motion,
they want Peyton Manning to get a
clear look at the defense. I like the QB
being able to see what’s going on.
Many offenses in the UK don’t vary
their points of attack much - instead
relying on a playbook full of tricks and
gadgets. How viable a strategy is this?
Boise State are known for running a
lot of trick plays. I don’t believe you
can base your offense on all tricks
and gadgets. They do have their place
in any offense, but in my experience
a trick play can require a lot more
repetition than a regular offensive play.
How important is the option to a basic
offense?
The option is a very high maintenance
play. Everyone on the offense needs
to be on the same page. If you are
effective at running any of the option
plays then the defense will tend to get
a little more vanilla as it forces you to
play a little slower and more to your
assignments. However, if you are not
good at the option you will deal with a
lot more turnovers.
For many years the University of
Nebraska was the leading option team
in the country, they won national titles
and scored a lot of points running the
option. They also lead the country in
fumbles. If you are going to run the
option then you need to commit to it.
The pass is a more complex and
precise play than the run – but to not
include it in any offense would be
foolish. How should the pass be used
in a basic offense, especially in British
leagues which are so centred on the
run?
In a basic offense I would use the
pass to work with the running game.
I would have a play action off the top
run play you have. I would use the rest
of the basic passing game to attack the
defense in every area.
If you have a comprehensive run
game then you can attack a defense
inside out. I would use the pass game
to attack the flat area and the deeper
Would you keep it simple, with a few
simple pass-plays to keep the D on
their heels, or would you introduce
various pass-plays to use as a specific
weapon? How important is it to use
play-action and screen passes?
I would keep it simple. I love to keep
everything as simple as possible,
simple rules and simple adjustments.
Then repeat, repeat and repeat. Make it
automatic.
A great place to start is the three step
boot concept. Call a 3 step route into
the boundary, the rest of the team
runs boot away. If the single receiver
is open then throw him the ball,
otherwise have the QB boot away. It’s
a great 2 in 1 pass play and the reads
are really easy for the QB.
So it’s first and ten; what’s your
thinking?
It really depends on where we are on
the field. If we are inside our own
50 then I want to get into a 2nd and
medium or short yardage situation.
Obviously getting another first down
is a great thing, but I want to keep the
chains moving and be efficient.
If you are in 4 down territory then
I approach 1st down as a more
aggressive down. I would try and
get the ball down the field, knowing
that second down I can be more
conservative and get into a 3rd and
medium/short and then work 3rd down
to get a 4th and short.
Do you automatically think pass on
third and long?
The great tendency is to just throw the
ball on third and long. Typically your
completion percentage is pretty low
in this situation. Last season we had
just over 9 third and long situations a
game. If you convert 30% of these I
would say you are doing well. What I
like to do is run the ball on third and
long. If you do this three times in a
game then you are taking time off the
clock. By doing this you can take away
1 possession from the opposing team.
To me in the overall scheme of things,
I think this is a good trade-off for three
deep low percentage passes. Obviously
if you are losing then you need to try
and get first downs.
The second thing I would say is
that inside the opponents 50 we are
automatically in 4 down territory. So
often we throw a short pass or run the
ball to go from third and long to 4th
and short or medium. You will get a lot
of cheap yardage on a short pass and
often receivers will get YAC (yards
after catch) and get the first down
anyway.
At a lower level, should the QB still be
an automatic leader?
Whether the QB likes it or not the
expectations of every member of the
team are different for him. People will
look to the QB to provide a certain
amount of leadership. Leadership
needs to be developed. One thing I
have noticed is that with the increased
popularity of the no-huddle offense
the QB has less time to talk with the
guys on offense. So this takes away
some of the leadership demands. To be
a leader you need to be commanding,
consistent and positive. Develop these
skills and you will develop a good
leader at any position.
Are audibles, considering the lack of
well-trained QBs in the British game
particularly, necessary?
I ran a very check heavy offense at
Millikin my last season there. The QBs
had to know the bad looks for every
run play and protection and would
change the play. The mentality was
only get us out of bad looks, we spent
many hours working these checks
every day. To be honest with only
two practices a week and the relative
simple nature of the offense I wouldn’t
even mess with full audibles.
You can use the CWM system, and
give the QB two different plays with
one defensive key to pick which play.
But for this you need accurate scouting
information. If you don’t swap film or
get to scout an opponent then again
this is tough to put into effect.
What key, basic blocking schemes are
necessary to an offense?
With the passing game I would start
with a basic pass protection that the
QB knew exactly who was accounted
for on the defense and who wasn’t. I
feel strongly this gives the QB a lot
more comfort in the pocket than if he
doesn’t know who is blocked. With
two backs against a 4-3 defense it can
be as simple as the OL take the 4 down
linemen and Middle Linebacker and
each RB has an outside linebacker. The
QB knows any safeties that blitz are
unblocked.
Against a 3-4 defense the 5 OL have
the 3 DL and the two inside LBs, the
RB have the two outside LBs once
again. This is relatively simple and
should give the QB some stability.
As long as the center identifies the
two different looks and adjusts the
protection there is nothing for the QB
to do, thus meaning he can concentrate
on his passing reads.
In the running game you should be
able to attack both the inside and
outside of the defense. I am a big fan
of zone blocking. This means that the
OL blocks a certain gap or area and
not necessarily a certain defender.
The running back reads one or two
defenders and that tells him which
gap to run in. This way the offense is
always running in the open holes.
The two common variations of zone
blocking are inside zone where the
running back is looking to either run
in the play-side A gap or cut it back if
the defense closes down front-side. Or
outside stretch zone where the back is
looking to gain width on the defense
and if there is a chance to cut up inside
take that seam instead.
Zone blocking is of great help when
you are not sure how the defense will
line up and play you. So you can go
into every game with minimal in game
adjustments as a result.
How important is blocking coaching
for receivers?
If you want an athlete to do
something on game-day then you
better practice it during the week.
COACHING
COACHING
A Guide to Offence
parts of the field. You have to make the
defense defend the entire field. I think
it’s not too hard to have some basic
pass concepts with some simple reads
for the QB that can be effective.
Peter Barker talks to Illinois College coach Rich Worsell
Richard Worsell is the Offensive
Coordinator at Illinois College, an
NCAA Division 3 team playing in
the Midwest Conference. Born and
raised an Englishman, Coach Rich
worked with Tarannau Aberystwyth,
Southern All-Stars Wildcats and GB
Bulldogs in BUAFL, as well as taking
the position of Head Coach at Sussex
Thunder at senior level. He is a
qualified level 2 BAFCA coach.
Moving to the States, Rich has
coached positions all over the offense
during his eight years coaching at
Collegiate level, including Wide
Receivers, Tight Ends, Quarterbacks
and O-Line. At Illinois he focuses,
however, on the O-Line.
IAF was fortunate enough to get
his extensive thoughts on coaching
offense, and his experiences provide
an interesting insight into the
similarities and differences between
the UK and US ball-game.
First thing’s first, what would you
consider a strong, rounded, basic
formation to start from?
I would say in general if you are
looking at basing your offense from
one formation, that formation must use
the best 5 guys you have. If you have
no obvious fullback then look to see if
you have an additional receiver. I think
often people play a NFL style offense
when maybe they have more receivers
sat on the bench who are better players
than the FB. Similarly if you have two
great tailbacks and 2 receivers then use
those guys.
At Illinois College we are a very
multiple offense. That means we
employ a lot of different personnel
groups and also different formations
with each group. We start day 1 with 1
TE, 2 Running backs and 2 WRs as it’s
easier to teach our offense from here
and then spread out.
Is it best, for a new offense, to have
multiple formations or just the one?
I like having the ability to line up in
a lot of different looks. I think it can
make the defense think more than they
are used to and it’s a lot more fun! I
think you can use the same run and
pass plays from different formations if
you are smart in how you teach them.
Is the use of motions necessary at a
basic level?
When you motion on offense you hope
to learn something, if you motion a
receiver across the formation and a DB
runs with him, then you have man to
man coverage. If a LB runs with him
then you have man under coverage and
if no one runs with him its zone.
As an offensive line coach a lot
of motion can mess with blocking
schemes, suddenly all three or four
linebackers are moving and it forces
the offense to adjust. A simple trade of
the TE from one side to the other can
often make the entire defense adjust,
the question you have to ask is, did
the gain from moving that player outweigh the cost.
The Indianapolis Colts never motion,
they want Peyton Manning to get a
clear look at the defense. I like the QB
being able to see what’s going on.
Many offenses in the UK don’t vary
their points of attack much - instead
relying on a playbook full of tricks and
gadgets. How viable a strategy is this?
Boise State are known for running a
lot of trick plays. I don’t believe you
can base your offense on all tricks
and gadgets. They do have their place
in any offense, but in my experience
a trick play can require a lot more
repetition than a regular offensive play.
How important is the option to a basic
offense?
The option is a very high maintenance
play. Everyone on the offense needs
to be on the same page. If you are
effective at running any of the option
plays then the defense will tend to get
a little more vanilla as it forces you to
play a little slower and more to your
assignments. However, if you are not
good at the option you will deal with a
lot more turnovers.
For many years the University of
Nebraska was the leading option team
in the country, they won national titles
and scored a lot of points running the
option. They also lead the country in
fumbles. If you are going to run the
option then you need to commit to it.
The pass is a more complex and
precise play than the run – but to not
include it in any offense would be
foolish. How should the pass be used
in a basic offense, especially in British
leagues which are so centred on the
run?
In a basic offense I would use the
pass to work with the running game.
I would have a play action off the top
run play you have. I would use the rest
of the basic passing game to attack the
defense in every area.
If you have a comprehensive run
game then you can attack a defense
inside out. I would use the pass game
to attack the flat area and the deeper
Would you keep it simple, with a few
simple pass-plays to keep the D on
their heels, or would you introduce
various pass-plays to use as a specific
weapon? How important is it to use
play-action and screen passes?
I would keep it simple. I love to keep
everything as simple as possible,
simple rules and simple adjustments.
Then repeat, repeat and repeat. Make it
automatic.
A great place to start is the three step
boot concept. Call a 3 step route into
the boundary, the rest of the team
runs boot away. If the single receiver
is open then throw him the ball,
otherwise have the QB boot away. It’s
a great 2 in 1 pass play and the reads
are really easy for the QB.
So it’s first and ten; what’s your
thinking?
It really depends on where we are on
the field. If we are inside our own
50 then I want to get into a 2nd and
medium or short yardage situation.
Obviously getting another first down
is a great thing, but I want to keep the
chains moving and be efficient.
If you are in 4 down territory then
I approach 1st down as a more
aggressive down. I would try and
get the ball down the field, knowing
that second down I can be more
conservative and get into a 3rd and
medium/short and then work 3rd down
to get a 4th and short.
Do you automatically think pass on
third and long?
The great tendency is to just throw the
ball on third and long. Typically your
completion percentage is pretty low
in this situation. Last season we had
just over 9 third and long situations a
game. If you convert 30% of these I
would say you are doing well. What I
like to do is run the ball on third and
long. If you do this three times in a
game then you are taking time off the
clock. By doing this you can take away
1 possession from the opposing team.
To me in the overall scheme of things,
I think this is a good trade-off for three
deep low percentage passes. Obviously
if you are losing then you need to try
and get first downs.
The second thing I would say is
that inside the opponents 50 we are
automatically in 4 down territory. So
often we throw a short pass or run the
ball to go from third and long to 4th
and short or medium. You will get a lot
of cheap yardage on a short pass and
often receivers will get YAC (yards
after catch) and get the first down
anyway.
At a lower level, should the QB still be
an automatic leader?
Whether the QB likes it or not the
expectations of every member of the
team are different for him. People will
look to the QB to provide a certain
amount of leadership. Leadership
needs to be developed. One thing I
have noticed is that with the increased
popularity of the no-huddle offense
the QB has less time to talk with the
guys on offense. So this takes away
some of the leadership demands. To be
a leader you need to be commanding,
consistent and positive. Develop these
skills and you will develop a good
leader at any position.
Are audibles, considering the lack of
well-trained QBs in the British game
particularly, necessary?
I ran a very check heavy offense at
Millikin my last season there. The QBs
had to know the bad looks for every
run play and protection and would
change the play. The mentality was
only get us out of bad looks, we spent
many hours working these checks
every day. To be honest with only
two practices a week and the relative
simple nature of the offense I wouldn’t
even mess with full audibles.
You can use the CWM system, and
give the QB two different plays with
one defensive key to pick which play.
But for this you need accurate scouting
information. If you don’t swap film or
get to scout an opponent then again
this is tough to put into effect.
What key, basic blocking schemes are
necessary to an offense?
With the passing game I would start
with a basic pass protection that the
QB knew exactly who was accounted
for on the defense and who wasn’t. I
feel strongly this gives the QB a lot
more comfort in the pocket than if he
doesn’t know who is blocked. With
two backs against a 4-3 defense it can
be as simple as the OL take the 4 down
linemen and Middle Linebacker and
each RB has an outside linebacker. The
QB knows any safeties that blitz are
unblocked.
Against a 3-4 defense the 5 OL have
the 3 DL and the two inside LBs, the
RB have the two outside LBs once
again. This is relatively simple and
should give the QB some stability.
As long as the center identifies the
two different looks and adjusts the
protection there is nothing for the QB
to do, thus meaning he can concentrate
on his passing reads.
In the running game you should be
able to attack both the inside and
outside of the defense. I am a big fan
of zone blocking. This means that the
OL blocks a certain gap or area and
not necessarily a certain defender.
The running back reads one or two
defenders and that tells him which
gap to run in. This way the offense is
always running in the open holes.
The two common variations of zone
blocking are inside zone where the
running back is looking to either run
in the play-side A gap or cut it back if
the defense closes down front-side. Or
outside stretch zone where the back is
looking to gain width on the defense
and if there is a chance to cut up inside
take that seam instead.
Zone blocking is of great help when
you are not sure how the defense will
line up and play you. So you can go
into every game with minimal in game
adjustments as a result.
How important is blocking coaching
for receivers?
If you want an athlete to do
something on game-day then you
better practice it during the week.
JUNIOR FLAG
COACHING
Blocking for receivers comes down to
understanding angles and giving great
effort. I have been fortunate to coach
some very good blocking receivers.
We spent as much time on blocking as
we did on running routes.
If you are running the ball a lot then
I would work hard at blocking. Two
years ago we finishing 7th in the
nation passing and we never worked
on blocking in practice, we spent all
our time working routes and pass
drills. So with that regard it depends
on what you are doing offensively.
Should a full passing tree be exploited,
or keep plays to a limit of routes?
Our passing tree develops as our
passing concepts develop. We don’t
spend time working on a tree just
to run every route known to man.
We work hard on teaching certain
receivers certain routes. This cuts
down the amount of teaching for
everyone and we can just work certain
skills. For example a slot receiver will
rarely run a slant route in our offense
and an outside receiver will never run
a dig route. Once we work out what
passing concepts we like we work hard
to make sure that we teach each guy
the routes they need to run.
Breaking things down to this level
makes things a lot easier to learn
for offensive players. It also makes
teaching these skills a lot more
manageable.
As the majority of any British drive
is built on the run, how important is a
cadre of running backs?
Having a set of good backs is crucial to
any team. I would try to see what each
backs skills are. Every running back
has strengths and weaknesses. Some
are good at lead blocking, some are
excellent as pass protection and some
are fast outside runners and some are
excellent receivers out of the backfield.
I would attempt to assess what each of
their strengths are and I would work to
use their skills through the course of a
game.
If you intend to run the ball 40+ times
in a game then in my mind you need
at least two different guys to carry the
load. Very rarely do you find guys who
can carry the entire load by themselves
and still energy in the 4th quarter
to run the clock down. Keep them
rotating early and often and then you
can keep them fresh for the 4th.
me he becomes the other part of the
ball carrying equation. You can line up
in some pretty nasty formations for the
defense and get the numbers advantage
in the run. Even against cover 0 teams
who get as many guys in the box as
possible.
I would trade a running QB for a
bunch of running backs, it gives you
so much more ability to attack the
defense.
For more information on Coach Rich’s
achievements in the UK and America,
and on his team, head to http://football.
ic.edu
... Peter Barker
How much of a benefit is a running
QB?
A running QB is lethal if you know
how to use him. If you have an athletic
QB who can legitimately throw then
you are a very dangerous offense. To
British Junior Flag Champions
After Coventry Jets’ Flag Academy
Head Coach Andrew Gambrill
added the 2010 BAFACL Junior
Flag National Championship to an
already impressive CV, the European
Championship winning coach found
an entirely different challenge. With
no permanent home to show off the
new silverware, Gambrill was tasked
with finding an appropriate location to
show off the Jets’ spoils. Old Orleans,
the Skydome based restaurant and
corporate partner of the Jets, were
delighted to put the trophy on display.
”I had a good feeling about the team
early on in the season and that stayed
with me all year” Gambrill recollected,
continuing to recount the thrilling
32-24 victory over the London Blitz
“we got a good lead early on, but I’ve
seen bigger leads lost. That said, our
defence were playing incredibly well
and I had a lot of confidence in them.
They played with belief and were
mature enough to realise they couldn’t
let up.”
“It was amazing to win the National
Finals knowing that we had worked so
hard all year” stated Hannah Russell-
Yarde, who made telling contributions
on both sides of the ball “It was a very
tense game as although we got an early
lead London fought hard and made
it close, but I think that we played
very well as a team and got the win.”
Hannah is a product of Coventry’s
burgeoning flag academy having taken
up American Football at the age of
eight. The Coundon Court pupil has
gone on to represent the Jets in Italy
and together with team mate Tom
Clancy has played for Great Britain in
a tournament in Miami.
“I really enjoy the sport” beamed
Russell-Yarde “It’s different to
anything else that I’ve played and
the Academy has a great atmosphere.
Everyone there is very close to one
another and there’s a great team bond”.
Coach Gambrill concurred “It’s a great
sport and it was great to look around
and realise that you’ve just contributed
to one of the best days of a youngster’s
life, it’s a special feeling. The amount
of satisfaction I get from seeing
players progress in the sport and the
confidence it gives them in life is very
rewarding.”
One player who has exceeded
expectations and made the starting
line up in her rookie season is Tina
Nguyen. The 14 year old Foxford
student picked up the sport just nine
months ago but has already blossomed
into one the games premier pass
rushers “the coaches have worked
very hard” said Nguyen, in a typically
modest manner “we started the season
with a lot of rookies and we’ve all
come a long way under the guidance of
the coaching staff”.
“I’m a very competitive person and
that has driven me to take on extra
training with some of the other girls on
the squad that live near by” continued
the Foleshill native, pointing towards
the fact that Coventry has the highest
rate of female participation in the
sport in Great Britain. “I enjoy the
game so have fun as well as thriving
on the competitiveness. Winning the
Championship in my first season was
incredible and I can’t wait for next
season to start so that we can try to
retain it”.
BAFA action from
the summer as the
Milton Keynes
Pathfinders (white)
win their first
victory against
Watford Cheetahs
(ygold)
Photo © Garry
Neesam
2010 Junior Flag
British Champions the
Coventry Jets.
Photo courtesy of
Gillie Mepstead.
JUNIOR FLAG
COACHING
Blocking for receivers comes down to
understanding angles and giving great
effort. I have been fortunate to coach
some very good blocking receivers.
We spent as much time on blocking as
we did on running routes.
If you are running the ball a lot then
I would work hard at blocking. Two
years ago we finishing 7th in the
nation passing and we never worked
on blocking in practice, we spent all
our time working routes and pass
drills. So with that regard it depends
on what you are doing offensively.
Should a full passing tree be exploited,
or keep plays to a limit of routes?
Our passing tree develops as our
passing concepts develop. We don’t
spend time working on a tree just
to run every route known to man.
We work hard on teaching certain
receivers certain routes. This cuts
down the amount of teaching for
everyone and we can just work certain
skills. For example a slot receiver will
rarely run a slant route in our offense
and an outside receiver will never run
a dig route. Once we work out what
passing concepts we like we work hard
to make sure that we teach each guy
the routes they need to run.
Breaking things down to this level
makes things a lot easier to learn
for offensive players. It also makes
teaching these skills a lot more
manageable.
As the majority of any British drive
is built on the run, how important is a
cadre of running backs?
Having a set of good backs is crucial to
any team. I would try to see what each
backs skills are. Every running back
has strengths and weaknesses. Some
are good at lead blocking, some are
excellent as pass protection and some
are fast outside runners and some are
excellent receivers out of the backfield.
I would attempt to assess what each of
their strengths are and I would work to
use their skills through the course of a
game.
If you intend to run the ball 40+ times
in a game then in my mind you need
at least two different guys to carry the
load. Very rarely do you find guys who
can carry the entire load by themselves
and still energy in the 4th quarter
to run the clock down. Keep them
rotating early and often and then you
can keep them fresh for the 4th.
me he becomes the other part of the
ball carrying equation. You can line up
in some pretty nasty formations for the
defense and get the numbers advantage
in the run. Even against cover 0 teams
who get as many guys in the box as
possible.
I would trade a running QB for a
bunch of running backs, it gives you
so much more ability to attack the
defense.
For more information on Coach Rich’s
achievements in the UK and America,
and on his team, head to http://football.
ic.edu
... Peter Barker
How much of a benefit is a running
QB?
A running QB is lethal if you know
how to use him. If you have an athletic
QB who can legitimately throw then
you are a very dangerous offense. To
British Junior Flag Champions
After Coventry Jets’ Flag Academy
Head Coach Andrew Gambrill
added the 2010 BAFACL Junior
Flag National Championship to an
already impressive CV, the European
Championship winning coach found
an entirely different challenge. With
no permanent home to show off the
new silverware, Gambrill was tasked
with finding an appropriate location to
show off the Jets’ spoils. Old Orleans,
the Skydome based restaurant and
corporate partner of the Jets, were
delighted to put the trophy on display.
”I had a good feeling about the team
early on in the season and that stayed
with me all year” Gambrill recollected,
continuing to recount the thrilling
32-24 victory over the London Blitz
“we got a good lead early on, but I’ve
seen bigger leads lost. That said, our
defence were playing incredibly well
and I had a lot of confidence in them.
They played with belief and were
mature enough to realise they couldn’t
let up.”
“It was amazing to win the National
Finals knowing that we had worked so
hard all year” stated Hannah Russell-
Yarde, who made telling contributions
on both sides of the ball “It was a very
tense game as although we got an early
lead London fought hard and made
it close, but I think that we played
very well as a team and got the win.”
Hannah is a product of Coventry’s
burgeoning flag academy having taken
up American Football at the age of
eight. The Coundon Court pupil has
gone on to represent the Jets in Italy
and together with team mate Tom
Clancy has played for Great Britain in
a tournament in Miami.
“I really enjoy the sport” beamed
Russell-Yarde “It’s different to
anything else that I’ve played and
the Academy has a great atmosphere.
Everyone there is very close to one
another and there’s a great team bond”.
Coach Gambrill concurred “It’s a great
sport and it was great to look around
and realise that you’ve just contributed
to one of the best days of a youngster’s
life, it’s a special feeling. The amount
of satisfaction I get from seeing
players progress in the sport and the
confidence it gives them in life is very
rewarding.”
One player who has exceeded
expectations and made the starting
line up in her rookie season is Tina
Nguyen. The 14 year old Foxford
student picked up the sport just nine
months ago but has already blossomed
into one the games premier pass
rushers “the coaches have worked
very hard” said Nguyen, in a typically
modest manner “we started the season
with a lot of rookies and we’ve all
come a long way under the guidance of
the coaching staff”.
“I’m a very competitive person and
that has driven me to take on extra
training with some of the other girls on
the squad that live near by” continued
the Foleshill native, pointing towards
the fact that Coventry has the highest
rate of female participation in the
sport in Great Britain. “I enjoy the
game so have fun as well as thriving
on the competitiveness. Winning the
Championship in my first season was
incredible and I can’t wait for next
season to start so that we can try to
retain it”.
BAFA action from
the summer as the
Milton Keynes
Pathfinders (white)
win their first
victory against
Watford Cheetahs
(ygold)
Photo © Garry
Neesam
2010 Junior Flag
British Champions the
Coventry Jets.
Photo courtesy of
Gillie Mepstead.
JUNIOR FLAG
C o u ld y o u ta k e
C ontrol?
B e c o m e a n A m e r ic a n
F o o tb a ll O ff ic ia l
Visit www.bafra.org
or email [email protected]
May 2010 - Inside American Football 34
Hertfordshire Hurricanes’
Cheerleaders - the Sirens - in
action during the Hurricanes
- mariners game
JUNIOR FLAG
C o u ld y o u ta k e
C ontrol?
B e c o m e a n A m e r ic a n
F o o tb a ll O ff ic ia l
Visit www.bafra.org
or email [email protected]
May 2010 - Inside American Football 34
Hertfordshire Hurricanes’
Cheerleaders - the Sirens - in
action during the Hurricanes
- mariners game
BAFA
BAFA
The Chester Romans - Past, Present, Future
However they’re certainly on the right
road.
The Chester Romans train weekly
from the 14th November at Frodsham
Leisure Centre, Queensway, Frodsham,
Cheshire, between 12:30 and 4.
Prospective players and coaches or
anybody wanting to get into the game
are encouraged to go down and get
involved.
...Nathan Sharrocks
Nathan Sharrocks profiles the BAFA Division Two Central team
It was the week of Super Bowl XX,
January 1986. A crowd of around 100
American football enthusiasts had
packed into the library in Chester.
But it wasn’t the National Football
League that had brought them there,
they were all responding to a poster
advertisement.
This was the humble beginning of
the now-established Chester Romans
American Football Club. Gary Fuller
and Dave Hounsell turned up to the
library meeting ‘expecting to see a
dozen or so like-minded individuals,’
but the massive turnout meant a
training session was held just a week
later.
With little idea of the main skills, the
early days on Handbridge College
playing fields looked like a rugby
team wearing pads as they struggled
to get to grips with the tactics and
techniques.
However, with some very capable
players, such as Mike Rose (now
a Romans’ hall of famer), Darren
Jones, Andy Wright, Roger Small and
Roger Capper, as well as some big
personalities and characters in Acker
Mills, Mal Threadgold and Nigel
‘Pigpen’ Bithell, the team toiled into
the summer of ’86. By June they had
a fully kitted squad of 25 when Paul
Kissling joined as their first Head
Coach. Hailing from Chicago, Kissling
was the final piece to the Romans’
puzzle.
Their first game was a whitewash
as they shutout rival rookie team
the Oldham Phoenix, 57-0 but in
September of that year they played
their first experienced opposition in
the Rotherham Redskins, impressively
winning 38-25.
Those early days were hard work.
Fuller, who played quarterback and
tight end between ’86 and 2006 and
was Offensive Coordinator from
1996 to 2005, is the first to admit that
the Romans had massive help and
influence from a wide range of people.
As well as the American influence
from Kissling, and in 1987 from Harry
Lyons, Chester received guidance from
Steve Jessop, of the Halton Demons,
Micky Morgan, of the Thames
Valley Warriors, and Daryl and Gary
Mendoza of the Portsmouth Warriors.
The Romans were really made in the
late 80’s though, by the addition of
Mike Johnson to the coaching ranks.
Johnson, from San Diego, worked
with the USAF in Peterborough but
commuted every week to impart
‘his huge levels of knowledge and
expertise’ to the team. Fuller says that
Johnson turned the Romans ‘from
enthusiasts into winners’ and they were
rewarded with a wildcard appearance
in the ’89 playoffs. Johnson has long
since returned home but he remains a
life-long friend of both Fuller and the
club and although he misses the club
he says he will never miss the freezing
January training sessions.
As well as clocking up playoff
appearances in ’89, ’94 and ’96 (with
the help of record-holding running
back and Romans’ hall of famer
Gavin Woolgar) and 2006 the Romans
marched to the Bowl and the Division
2 title in 1999, where they were
considered massive underdogs. With
a disjointed team still gelling together,
after they acquired several players
from the St. Helens Cardinals, Chester
were given a portakabin in the car
park of the Saffron Lane Stadium as a
changing room with ‘more favoured
teams’ given all the other rooms. At the
final whistle the coaching staff and rest
of the team invaded the pitch, a 24-22
victory in the bag.
Twenty-five years on from the library
meeting and the Romans’ tactics have
massively evolved since those early
days of run-heavy games and like
many teams in the British leagues
Chester are now far more balanced on
offence. The off-field activities of the
Romans have developed somewhat
too.
“Back at the start, we just used to
meet in the pub every week and get
steadily drunk while talking about the
NFL,” Fuller muses. Now however,
as expected, there is a far more
sophisticated structure with regular
committee meetings and proper
promotional and financial roles.
30’ he’s one of the older players) they
hope to have a winning season this
year, it being the 25th year of Chester’s
American football club.
With a youth team now expected to
be admitted into the league under the
direction of former Roman quarterback
and tight end Mark Hamer, the future
certainly looks bright for the club but
Colin knows that the club needs to
work hard to get to the same level of
Manchester Titans, the dominating
team of the BAFA CL Division 2
Central for the last couple of years.
You can find more information on the
Chester Romans at their website of
Facebook page:
www.chesterromans.co.uk
www.facebook.com/chesterromans
All photos this item © Clint Heacock
With Richard Colin as General
Manager (he’s been voted in since
2005), Alan Winters at Head
Coach, Will Sergeant as Offensive
Coordinator and Jason Smith as
Defensive Coordinator the Romans
developed a 5 year plan to improve
year on year, something they have
been able to do. This past season they
came out with a .500 record but with a
youthful squad (Richard Colin admits
to it being ‘disturbing to know that at
BAFA
BAFA
The Chester Romans - Past, Present, Future
However they’re certainly on the right
road.
The Chester Romans train weekly
from the 14th November at Frodsham
Leisure Centre, Queensway, Frodsham,
Cheshire, between 12:30 and 4.
Prospective players and coaches or
anybody wanting to get into the game
are encouraged to go down and get
involved.
...Nathan Sharrocks
Nathan Sharrocks profiles the BAFA Division Two Central team
It was the week of Super Bowl XX,
January 1986. A crowd of around 100
American football enthusiasts had
packed into the library in Chester.
But it wasn’t the National Football
League that had brought them there,
they were all responding to a poster
advertisement.
This was the humble beginning of
the now-established Chester Romans
American Football Club. Gary Fuller
and Dave Hounsell turned up to the
library meeting ‘expecting to see a
dozen or so like-minded individuals,’
but the massive turnout meant a
training session was held just a week
later.
With little idea of the main skills, the
early days on Handbridge College
playing fields looked like a rugby
team wearing pads as they struggled
to get to grips with the tactics and
techniques.
However, with some very capable
players, such as Mike Rose (now
a Romans’ hall of famer), Darren
Jones, Andy Wright, Roger Small and
Roger Capper, as well as some big
personalities and characters in Acker
Mills, Mal Threadgold and Nigel
‘Pigpen’ Bithell, the team toiled into
the summer of ’86. By June they had
a fully kitted squad of 25 when Paul
Kissling joined as their first Head
Coach. Hailing from Chicago, Kissling
was the final piece to the Romans’
puzzle.
Their first game was a whitewash
as they shutout rival rookie team
the Oldham Phoenix, 57-0 but in
September of that year they played
their first experienced opposition in
the Rotherham Redskins, impressively
winning 38-25.
Those early days were hard work.
Fuller, who played quarterback and
tight end between ’86 and 2006 and
was Offensive Coordinator from
1996 to 2005, is the first to admit that
the Romans had massive help and
influence from a wide range of people.
As well as the American influence
from Kissling, and in 1987 from Harry
Lyons, Chester received guidance from
Steve Jessop, of the Halton Demons,
Micky Morgan, of the Thames
Valley Warriors, and Daryl and Gary
Mendoza of the Portsmouth Warriors.
The Romans were really made in the
late 80’s though, by the addition of
Mike Johnson to the coaching ranks.
Johnson, from San Diego, worked
with the USAF in Peterborough but
commuted every week to impart
‘his huge levels of knowledge and
expertise’ to the team. Fuller says that
Johnson turned the Romans ‘from
enthusiasts into winners’ and they were
rewarded with a wildcard appearance
in the ’89 playoffs. Johnson has long
since returned home but he remains a
life-long friend of both Fuller and the
club and although he misses the club
he says he will never miss the freezing
January training sessions.
As well as clocking up playoff
appearances in ’89, ’94 and ’96 (with
the help of record-holding running
back and Romans’ hall of famer
Gavin Woolgar) and 2006 the Romans
marched to the Bowl and the Division
2 title in 1999, where they were
considered massive underdogs. With
a disjointed team still gelling together,
after they acquired several players
from the St. Helens Cardinals, Chester
were given a portakabin in the car
park of the Saffron Lane Stadium as a
changing room with ‘more favoured
teams’ given all the other rooms. At the
final whistle the coaching staff and rest
of the team invaded the pitch, a 24-22
victory in the bag.
Twenty-five years on from the library
meeting and the Romans’ tactics have
massively evolved since those early
days of run-heavy games and like
many teams in the British leagues
Chester are now far more balanced on
offence. The off-field activities of the
Romans have developed somewhat
too.
“Back at the start, we just used to
meet in the pub every week and get
steadily drunk while talking about the
NFL,” Fuller muses. Now however,
as expected, there is a far more
sophisticated structure with regular
committee meetings and proper
promotional and financial roles.
30’ he’s one of the older players) they
hope to have a winning season this
year, it being the 25th year of Chester’s
American football club.
With a youth team now expected to
be admitted into the league under the
direction of former Roman quarterback
and tight end Mark Hamer, the future
certainly looks bright for the club but
Colin knows that the club needs to
work hard to get to the same level of
Manchester Titans, the dominating
team of the BAFA CL Division 2
Central for the last couple of years.
You can find more information on the
Chester Romans at their website of
Facebook page:
www.chesterromans.co.uk
All photos this item © Clint Heacock
With Richard Colin as General
Manager (he’s been voted in since
2005), Alan Winters at Head
Coach, Will Sergeant as Offensive
Coordinator and Jason Smith as
Defensive Coordinator the Romans
developed a 5 year plan to improve
year on year, something they have
been able to do. This past season they
came out with a .500 record but with a
youthful squad (Richard Colin admits
to it being ‘disturbing to know that at
BAFCA
BAFCA
BAFCA Announce Regional Coaching Clinic
Parking and Facilities
There is limited parking available on campus, as shown on the attached map.
It is recommended you enter from Holmfield Road entrance.
Further parking is available off campus within walking distance.
Public Transport
See http://www.ljmu.ac.uk/ECL/marsh/index.htm#parking for more
information on public transport to the campus.
Speakers:
• Mike Callan - London Blitz, GB Lions Youth, Greenwich Mariners
• Damian Anderson - London Blitz, GB Lions Youth
• Wayne Hill - Birmingham Lions
• Andy Mackintosh - EK Pirates, GB Lions Youth
• Paul Day - Lancashire Academy of American Football
• Pat Cullen - London Blitz
• BAFRA
IM Marsh Campus
Barkhill Road
Aigburth
Liverpool
L17 6BD
If you are travelling from Liverpool City Centre, the A561 is labelled on the
City Centre LJMU Map provided and leads directly to the IM Marsh Campus.
M57
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&
A523
A561
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A54
A54
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Police station
Shopping centre
M ARRI OTT
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Garston Docks
Freightliner Terminal
Leisure centre
Allerton
New Mersey
Shopping Park
Service areas
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Give Way 2006
TM
Tel: 0800 019 0027.
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Contact
Simon Purcell on si_purcell@
hotmail.com.
Halewood
Hale
Woolton
A562
City Centre (A5038)
Birkenhead
(Tunnels)
Wallasey
Liverpool Airport
A561 H
AV E
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Commerce
Park
Whiston
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A5
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LANE
' S Estuary
E VA
SPE
ARD
Southport
& Docks
M57
12m
IGH
AV E
Sudley
House
NEW
NE
W
ME
EY
M E RS
R SEY
S HOP
P ING
HOPPING
PAR
K
PARK
EDW
A5300
Cronton
A5080
Liverpool (S) &
A537
Macclesfield
M6
A54
Runcorn
& (M56)
Liverpool (S)
& (A561)
Widnes
A562
Runcorn
(A533)
M56
Stockport
A34
A537
18
Industrial Estate
M60
19
A49
Northwich
12
18
Manchester 23
Salford
24 M67
A56
9
10
M60
M60
10
21a
Warrington 21
D LANE
ND
W AY
A5275
BARFOR
WES
O
W
ASDA
LIVERPOOL SOUTH
SOU TH
PARKWAY
PA RKWAY STATION
DE
N
9
Widnes
15
A5
City centre
A V E (A5038)
62
T
O Birkenhead
(Tunnels)
L F O Wallasey
HIL
A561
New Mersey Shopping Park
OO
O
7
12
M56
A55
W
T
M61
A580
M6
M62
M62
2
R
N
O
O
IT
H
W
E
S
A58
Rochdale
Bury
15
A58 24
23
Runcorn
Ellesmere A577
11
Port
A41
62
N
D
R
5
Register
To register email Simon Purcell
at the email below or join the
Facebook event at: http://
www.facebook.com/event.
php?eid=162235130475114
A646
A664
Bolton
Helens
Runcorn & M56
M66
Wigan
Huyton
A5080
Liverpool
Liverpool Airport
Speke
Garston
Docks
A561
Liverpool (S) &
A5300
A56
A666
26
Liverpool (S)
&
A5300
A646
5
M65 4
2
A49
1 6
5 6
A55
LT
LA
RD
R
I.M. Marsh
A
B 5 17 1
O R
T
IG
B
U
R
R
S
R EY
D
A
LL
EE
R DN H I
GR
D
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G
M
G
J.M. University
2
A561
M53
A5
N
D
1 'S
6 Y
5 AR
OL
T
A
Aigburth
R IVER MERSEY
MER SEY
Liverpool
Birkenhead
D
AV E N
TH
M
H
K
R
A
B
R
E
D
5
Chester
Chester
R
E
N
G
TO
EH
RD
L
IL
COO P E R
8
05
D
A5
S
D
N
LA
D
O
O
W
M
R
B
SECTI ON DETAIL - IM Mar s h Campus
LO
S
R ESSINGTON
TON
C RESSING
STATION
M
AIG
A580St
6
M62
Huyton
A5080
Liverpool (S) &
Huyton
Cronton
A5080
0
RS
RD
L
H
4
0
A530
GA
RD
T
M58
0
D
FO
R
5
M57
1
STH
R
U
A59
Bootle
S
E
O
AV
U
LD
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H
LL
K
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R LA
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RD
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H D
URT
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0
18
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AIGB
URTH
STATION
B5
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A
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A
EF
RD
AV
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A
RD
TH
B
H
M
HOLMEFIELD
3
08
A5300
A5080
Southport
Prescot
M57
Jaguar &
Land Rover
M61
27
Aintree
A570
Kirkby
7
PER
EN
RD
E
D
A
IG
A59
A565
Liverpool
Bay
COO
AV
V
D
61
A5209
A5147
HILL RD
R
LL
HE
A
R
IE
Y
5
A570
TULLIMORE M A RTIN
RD
RD
ON
H ERT
NETR
D
A5
13m
Chorley
A59
(M6)
Southport, Prescot
& Docks
M57
30
D
M6
Southport
B RY NMOR
RD
M62
A5
R
MOSSLEY
Y
O
EMORE
R A N GD
R
E
MENT M
LE
AV
D
2
Blackburn
30
1
IE
U
M 6 2 TO
M 6 J CT 21 A ,
M A N C H EST E R
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M6
6
OD
S
0
Manchester
Warrington &
BR
H
RE
T
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KY RD
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IVERPOOL
POOL
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CR
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LL
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H
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TH
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S
OK
VE
B
H
HE
T
A
AT
S
D
BO
VE
AV
I.M. Marsh
Sudley
House
N
E
R
PER
J.M. University
MA R TI
RD
AV
RD
* SEE
*SE
E
SE
S E CT
C T ION
IO N
D ETAIL
E TA IL
COO
AIGBURTH
AI
GB U RTH
S
TATION
STATION
M
R A N G E MOR E
RD
TULLIMORE
IE
ME N T
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D
E
BR
R
D
L R
I
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5
61 U R
T
A5 61 TO
H
C I T Y CE N T R E ,
MERS EY TU N NE LS
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LE
HIL
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AV
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N
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H
A
A
MO
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MO
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N
RO
SU D LEY
SUDLEY
A
RT
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LLERY
L
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MOSSLEY
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HI LL
STATION
LL
ELMSWOO D
S
O
EY
SSL
MO
D
L R
HIL
R
80
I
Y H
MOSSLE
RD
I.M. Marsh
Sudley
House
B 51
J.M. University
S EFTO N
PARK
08
M62
Junction 6
M57 Prescot
A5300 Runcorn & (M56)
Preston
RD
M57
Junction 1
M 62 TO
LI V E R P O O L
If you are travelling on the City Line, you can join the Northern Line at
Liverpool South Parkway and take the train to Aigburth Station rather than
going into Lime Street to change.
SU DL
DLEY
EY
ART
A RT
GAL
L ERY
GALLERY
Whiston
A
A5
By Rail
The Northern Line - Turn left out of Lime Street Station, head towards Lewis's
and turn right down Ranelagh St - Central Station is on the left. Take the
Northern line towards Hunts Cross to Aigburth Station. Turn right when you
come out of the station. Cross the dual carriageway and walk up Barkhill Road
for the main entrance: IM Marsh Campus is on the right at the top of this road.
N
N
Y
By Bus
Route numbers 82 from the City Centre to Mersey Road. At the bus stop walk up
Barkhill Road. The entrance to the campus is 200 metres up this road on the
right.
Tel: +44 (0)151 231 5240
Fax: +44 (0)151 231 5357
M 57 TO
A I NT R E E ,
M 58
** Please note, topics and
schedule for day will be
confirmed at a later date**
O
Parking Information
Parking in the car park by the main entrance is by Permit only up until 4pm
(cars parked without parking permits will be wheel clamped). However, you may
park in the visitors' car park next to Holmefield House.
RD
Date
Saturday, January 29, 2011 • 9:00am - 5:00pm
Location
Liverpool John Moores University
IM Marsh Campus
Barkhill Road
Aigburth
Liverpool
L17 6BD
Please find attached campus map and campus location map.
The clinic is to be held in the ‘CETL Building’ with registration starting
from 9am. Signs and volunteers will be in place to direct you.
Cost
£5 to cover travel expenses of speakers.
R
Following the success of the 2010 clinic BAFCA are pleased
to announce the 2nd Annual North-West Coaching Clinic, in
association with EP Sports and Liverpool John Moores University.
2003.
BAFCA
BAFCA
BAFCA Announce Regional Coaching Clinic
Parking and Facilities
There is limited parking available on campus, as shown on the attached map.
It is recommended you enter from Holmfield Road entrance.
Further parking is available off campus within walking distance.
Public Transport
See http://www.ljmu.ac.uk/ECL/marsh/index.htm#parking for more
information on public transport to the campus.
Speakers:
• Mike Callan - London Blitz, GB Lions Youth, Greenwich Mariners
• Damian Anderson - London Blitz, GB Lions Youth
• Wayne Hill - Birmingham Lions
• Andy Mackintosh - EK Pirates, GB Lions Youth
• Paul Day - Lancashire Academy of American Football
• Pat Cullen - London Blitz
• BAFRA
IM Marsh Campus
Barkhill Road
Aigburth
Liverpool
L17 6BD
If you are travelling from Liverpool City Centre, the A561 is labelled on the
City Centre LJMU Map provided and leads directly to the IM Marsh Campus.
M57
RE
R AV E
NTH
RD
T
N
O
EM
S
RO
RD
BU
G
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S
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AV
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A
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ST
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M
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SE
ER
M
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B
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M62
A57
11
Altrincham
M56 6
19
WIND
Oldham
M60
5
A627
3
A6
Liverpool South
&
A523
A561
A34
A54
A54
A55
NS RD
L AV
EN
UE
Police station
Shopping centre
M ARRI OTT
HOTE L
E BO
U
HAL
Garston Docks
Freightliner Terminal
Leisure centre
Allerton
New Mersey
Shopping Park
Service areas
TO
LI V E R P O O L
A I R P O RT
RD
ER
SPE
A65
H
RD
IG
H
J AG
AGUA
UAR
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CAR
R
LAN
T
P
PL
ANT
SPEKE
BOUL
E VA
5
61
Liverpool (S)
(A561)
&
Halewood
ER
A562
Liverpool South
A561
RD
SPEKE
Give Way 2006
TM
Tel: 0800 019 0027.
OS data. PU 100040256. Crown
A 6 5 2 TO
W IDN ES ,
RU N COR N
2
A652
Hunts
Cross
&
Speke
KE
RD
A
L E VA
Halewood
A562
A562 (A561)
RD
A 5 61
SPEK
Contact
Simon Purcell on si_purcell@
hotmail.com.
Halewood
Hale
Woolton
A562
City Centre (A5038)
Birkenhead
(Tunnels)
Wallasey
Liverpool Airport
A561 H
AV E
R
Commerce
Park
Whiston
TERN
61
D
D
DOCKS
OCKS
A5
KE
LANE
' S Estuary
E VA
SPE
ARD
Southport
& Docks
M57
12m
IGH
AV E
Sudley
House
NEW
NE
W
ME
EY
M E RS
R SEY
S HOP
P ING
HOPPING
PAR
K
PARK
EDW
A5300
Cronton
A5080
Liverpool (S) &
A537
Macclesfield
M6
A54
Runcorn
& (M56)
Liverpool (S)
& (A561)
Widnes
A562
Runcorn
(A533)
M56
Stockport
A34
A537
18
Industrial Estate
M60
19
A49
Northwich
12
18
Manchester 23
Salford
24 M67
A56
9
10
M60
M60
10
21a
Warrington 21
D LANE
ND
W AY
A5275
BARFOR
WES
O
W
ASDA
LIVERPOOL SOUTH
SOU TH
PARKWAY
PA RKWAY STATION
DE
N
9
Widnes
15
A5
City centre
A V E (A5038)
62
T
O Birkenhead
(Tunnels)
L F O Wallasey
HIL
A561
New Mersey Shopping Park
OO
O
7
12
M56
A55
W
T
M61
A580
M6
M62
M62
2
R
N
O
O
IT
H
W
E
S
A58
Rochdale
Bury
15
A58 24
23
Runcorn
Ellesmere A577
11
Port
A41
62
N
D
R
5
Register
To register email Simon Purcell
at the email below or join the
Facebook event at: http://
www.facebook.com/event.
php?eid=162235130475114
A646
A664
Bolton
Helens
Runcorn & M56
M66
Wigan
Huyton
A5080
Liverpool
Liverpool Airport
Speke
Garston
Docks
A561
Liverpool (S) &
A5300
A56
A666
26
Liverpool (S)
&
A5300
A646
5
M65 4
2
A49
1 6
5 6
A55
LT
LA
RD
R
I.M. Marsh
A
B 5 17 1
O R
T
IG
B
U
R
R
S
R EY
D
A
LL
EE
R DN H I
GR
D
E
G
M
G
J.M. University
2
A561
M53
A5
N
D
1 'S
6 Y
5 AR
OL
T
A
Aigburth
R IVER MERSEY
MER SEY
Liverpool
Birkenhead
D
AV E N
TH
M
H
K
R
A
B
R
E
D
5
Chester
Chester
R
E
N
G
TO
EH
RD
L
IL
COO P E R
8
05
D
A5
S
D
N
LA
D
O
O
W
M
R
B
SECTI ON DETAIL - IM Mar s h Campus
LO
S
R ESSINGTON
TON
C RESSING
STATION
M
AIG
A580St
6
M62
Huyton
A5080
Liverpool (S) &
Huyton
Cronton
A5080
0
RS
RD
L
H
4
0
A530
GA
RD
T
M58
0
D
FO
R
5
M57
1
STH
R
U
A59
Bootle
S
E
O
AV
U
LD
T
I E OA
H
LL
K
S
R LA
HA
U
D N
D
LE
D
RD
Y
LL
R HA
H D
URT
E
Y
0
18
B
ES
AIGBURTH
AIGB
URTH
STATION
B5
R
A
IL
RD SH
A
EF
RD
AV
UE
A
RD
TH
B
H
M
HOLMEFIELD
3
08
A5300
A5080
Southport
Prescot
M57
Jaguar &
Land Rover
M61
27
Aintree
A570
Kirkby
7
PER
EN
RD
E
D
A
IG
A59
A565
Liverpool
Bay
COO
AV
V
D
61
A5209
A5147
HILL RD
R
LL
HE
A
R
IE
Y
5
A570
TULLIMORE M A RTIN
RD
RD
ON
H ERT
NETR
D
A5
13m
Chorley
A59
(M6)
Southport, Prescot
& Docks
M57
30
D
M6
Southport
B RY NMOR
RD
M62
A5
R
MOSSLEY
Y
O
EMORE
R A N GD
R
E
MENT M
LE
AV
D
2
Blackburn
30
1
IE
U
M 6 2 TO
M 6 J CT 21 A ,
M A N C H EST E R
C RO N TO N RD
M6
6
OD
S
0
Manchester
Warrington &
BR
H
RE
T
MO
LE
KY RD
R
D
D
LE
O
D
LIVER
IVERPOOL
POOL
L
CR
C R ICKET
IC K ET
C LU B
Aigburth
O
A
NH I
A
LL
R
U
A
GREE
HA
H
ER
W
WEST
EST
ALLERTON
STATION
TH
E S
S
OK
VE
B
H
HE
T
A
AT
S
D
BO
VE
AV
I.M. Marsh
Sudley
House
N
E
R
PER
J.M. University
MA R TI
RD
AV
RD
* SEE
*SE
E
SE
S E CT
C T ION
IO N
D ETAIL
E TA IL
COO
AIGBURTH
AI
GB U RTH
S
TATION
STATION
M
R A N G E MOR E
RD
TULLIMORE
IE
ME N T
OD
D
E
BR
R
D
L R
I
A GB
5
61 U R
T
A5 61 TO
H
C I T Y CE N T R E ,
MERS EY TU N NE LS
Y
RD
E
LE
HIL
D
E
AV
U
EY
S
N
RE
SSL
H
A
A
MO
T
MO
R
AD
LE
O
KY
N
RO
SU D LEY
SUDLEY
A
RT
ART
GA LL
ERY
LLERY
L
E
M
MOSSLEY
OS SLEY HILL
HI LL
STATION
LL
ELMSWOO D
S
O
EY
SSL
MO
D
L R
HIL
R
80
I
Y H
MOSSLE
RD
I.M. Marsh
Sudley
House
B 51
J.M. University
S EFTO N
PARK
08
M62
Junction 6
M57 Prescot
A5300 Runcorn & (M56)
Preston
RD
M57
Junction 1
M 62 TO
LI V E R P O O L
If you are travelling on the City Line, you can join the Northern Line at
Liverpool South Parkway and take the train to Aigburth Station rather than
going into Lime Street to change.
SU DL
DLEY
EY
ART
A RT
GAL
L ERY
GALLERY
Whiston
A
A5
By Rail
The Northern Line - Turn left out of Lime Street Station, head towards Lewis's
and turn right down Ranelagh St - Central Station is on the left. Take the
Northern line towards Hunts Cross to Aigburth Station. Turn right when you
come out of the station. Cross the dual carriageway and walk up Barkhill Road
for the main entrance: IM Marsh Campus is on the right at the top of this road.
N
N
Y
By Bus
Route numbers 82 from the City Centre to Mersey Road. At the bus stop walk up
Barkhill Road. The entrance to the campus is 200 metres up this road on the
right.
Tel: +44 (0)151 231 5240
Fax: +44 (0)151 231 5357
M 57 TO
A I NT R E E ,
M 58
** Please note, topics and
schedule for day will be
confirmed at a later date**
O
Parking Information
Parking in the car park by the main entrance is by Permit only up until 4pm
(cars parked without parking permits will be wheel clamped). However, you may
park in the visitors' car park next to Holmefield House.
RD
Date
Saturday, January 29, 2011 • 9:00am - 5:00pm
Location
Liverpool John Moores University
IM Marsh Campus
Barkhill Road
Aigburth
Liverpool
L17 6BD
Please find attached campus map and campus location map.
The clinic is to be held in the ‘CETL Building’ with registration starting
from 9am. Signs and volunteers will be in place to direct you.
Cost
£5 to cover travel expenses of speakers.
R
Following the success of the 2010 clinic BAFCA are pleased
to announce the 2nd Annual North-West Coaching Clinic, in
association with EP Sports and Liverpool John Moores University.
2003.
BAFRA
BAFRA
So you want to be a Ref?
Resident IAF expert, Steve Tonkinson, explains what happens when you want to don the black & whites
Anyone interested in becoming
an American Football official in
the UK will need to do so via the
British American Football Referees’
Association.
First contact is from the Director of
Recruitment. He will make the initial
contact with the prospect preferably
by phone to have an initial chat. If it is
during the season, he’ll suggest they
go along to a game, meet the crew, sit
in the pre-game with them, then watch
from the sideline, perhaps operating
as ball boy or down box, so they can
ask questions between plays, watch
more closely what the official is doing
etc. Out of season, he’ll suggest they
meet with an experienced ref (most
likely the guy who will eventually be
assigned as the mentor) to have an
initial chat about what is involved.
If they are still keen after that, then
the prospect will formally join up as
an Associate member and be passed
on to the Director of Training. He will
send out the rule book, mechanics
book etc and allocate the prospect
to a mentor who will perform the
induction training . The mentor then
makes contact and organises a training
schedule with him.
The induction training manual is
split into a number of modules. It is
not a formal training manual, rather
it is a collection of discussion topics
and bullet points to guide the mentor
through the areas that should be
covered. Whilst it naturally covers
some aspects of the rules, it is much
more about mechanics, officiating
philosophy and technique - what to
call, what not to call, how to deal with
players and coaches, how to run the
chain crew etc, etc.
In my own experience, it takes 6 or
7 sessions of perhaps three hours. In
addition the rookie needs to do self
study of the Rules and Mechanics
books. I usually add on an extra final
session of 3 hours or so to go through
some game film.
Depending on the time of year that the
training is taking place, there may be
scope for attending team scrimmages
for practical training. For example, the
Essex Area refs have a good working
relationship with Essex Uni. They
are happy for me to bring rookies
to their Wed night scrimmages so
I can do some one to one practical
training. They gain from it, I may spot
formation errors or individual player
mistakes. We gain from it, the rookie
gets to see some real snaps, move
about in response to the plays etc.
Prospective refs tend to join in dribs
and drabs. Only once have I had the
opportunity to train more than one at a
time. I was lucky that three guys joined
in my area at about the same time a
couple of years ago, so I was able to do
sessions with all three. The rest of the
guys I have trained have all been on a
one to one basis. That is quite labour
intensive. In the last year or so I would
guess I’ve personally spent 180+ hours
training rookies. But you risk losing
them if you keep them waiting till
you have a bunch, so there is really no
choice but to train them as they come
in one at a time.
Once the “book learning” is complete,
then the rookie takes a competency
exam. If they pass that, then they can
be assigned to their first game. They
will be buddied (usually by their
mentor) on that game. The mentor will
stand behind the rookie on the sideline
in full kit himself, he can flag anything
the rookie misses, ensure the rookie
moves up and down the field correctly,
and is doing what he should be doing.
When the rookie feels comfortable
(perhaps in the 3rd or 4th quarter) the
mentor can move off and let the rookie
start to work by himself.
Most areas can rustle up enough spare
kit to lend the rookie for his first
couple of games until he can sort out
getting his own.
All photos this article ©
Garry Neesam
BAFRA
BAFRA
So you want to be a Ref?
Resident IAF expert, Steve Tonkinson, explains what happens when you want to don the black & whites
Anyone interested in becoming
an American Football official in
the UK will need to do so via the
British American Football Referees’
Association.
First contact is from the Director of
Recruitment. He will make the initial
contact with the prospect preferably
by phone to have an initial chat. If it is
during the season, he’ll suggest they
go along to a game, meet the crew, sit
in the pre-game with them, then watch
from the sideline, perhaps operating
as ball boy or down box, so they can
ask questions between plays, watch
more closely what the official is doing
etc. Out of season, he’ll suggest they
meet with an experienced ref (most
likely the guy who will eventually be
assigned as the mentor) to have an
initial chat about what is involved.
If they are still keen after that, then
the prospect will formally join up as
an Associate member and be passed
on to the Director of Training. He will
send out the rule book, mechanics
book etc and allocate the prospect
to a mentor who will perform the
induction training . The mentor then
makes contact and organises a training
schedule with him.
The induction training manual is
split into a number of modules. It is
not a formal training manual, rather
it is a collection of discussion topics
and bullet points to guide the mentor
through the areas that should be
covered. Whilst it naturally covers
some aspects of the rules, it is much
more about mechanics, officiating
philosophy and technique - what to
call, what not to call, how to deal with
players and coaches, how to run the
chain crew etc, etc.
In my own experience, it takes 6 or
7 sessions of perhaps three hours. In
addition the rookie needs to do self
study of the Rules and Mechanics
books. I usually add on an extra final
session of 3 hours or so to go through
some game film.
Depending on the time of year that the
training is taking place, there may be
scope for attending team scrimmages
for practical training. For example, the
Essex Area refs have a good working
relationship with Essex Uni. They
are happy for me to bring rookies
to their Wed night scrimmages so
I can do some one to one practical
training. They gain from it, I may spot
formation errors or individual player
mistakes. We gain from it, the rookie
gets to see some real snaps, move
about in response to the plays etc.
Prospective refs tend to join in dribs
and drabs. Only once have I had the
opportunity to train more than one at a
time. I was lucky that three guys joined
in my area at about the same time a
couple of years ago, so I was able to do
sessions with all three. The rest of the
guys I have trained have all been on a
one to one basis. That is quite labour
intensive. In the last year or so I would
guess I’ve personally spent 180+ hours
training rookies. But you risk losing
them if you keep them waiting till
you have a bunch, so there is really no
choice but to train them as they come
in one at a time.
Once the “book learning” is complete,
then the rookie takes a competency
exam. If they pass that, then they can
be assigned to their first game. They
will be buddied (usually by their
mentor) on that game. The mentor will
stand behind the rookie on the sideline
in full kit himself, he can flag anything
the rookie misses, ensure the rookie
moves up and down the field correctly,
and is doing what he should be doing.
When the rookie feels comfortable
(perhaps in the 3rd or 4th quarter) the
mentor can move off and let the rookie
start to work by himself.
Most areas can rustle up enough spare
kit to lend the rookie for his first
couple of games until he can sort out
getting his own.
All photos this article ©
Garry Neesam
BAFRA
BAFRA
ASK THE REF - Rules Differences
with senior BAFRA Official Steve Tonkinson
We are well into the NFL season now.
So let’s talk about the differences
between the Rules we all see on TV
each week in the NFL and the Rules
that we actually use here in the UK.
The differences seem to confuse some
people when they play or watch a
British game.
First of all a question - how many
different sets of rules are there?
More than you thought would be
a good answer. Everyone in North
America seems to have their own –
the NFL use their own rules, all the
Colleges (plus High Schools in Texas
and Massachusetts) use the NCAA
rules. High Schools use the National
Federation of High Schools rulebook,
as do the kids football leagues (e.g.
Pop Warner). The kids leagues tend to
add on a whole host of weird rules for
when the score is lopsided such as the
losing team being able to bench the
five best players of the other side, etc,
etc.
Of course we should not forget
Canada. Canadian Rules football has
a much bigger field (10 yds longer
and 12 yds wider and the end zones
are 20yds deep), more players (each
team is allowed 12 men on the field),
multiple men in motion, etc. but on the
flip side they only get 3 downs to make
10 yards.
“If only it was like Soccer, everyone
plays to FIFA rules” you might say, but
you would be mistaken. Our American
cousins (bless ‘em!) have their own
slightly different rulebook for Soccer
in High Schools and yet another
different rulebook for College.
So what about the rest of the World?
Countries like Mexico (playing
football since the 1920’s) and
Japan (since the 1930’s) both use
NCAA rules. The NCAA version
of the rules has been adopted by
IFAF - International Federation of
American Football (think of them as
an equivalent to FIFA) and by EFAF
- European Federation of American
Football (think of them as UEFA)
so they are the de-facto standard
worldwide.
The Rules we use in the UK are the
BAFA Rules. These are the NCAA
Rules with a few tiny differences
for our domestic game such as 90yd
fields, no stadium clocks, etc. But the
actual playing rules are the same as
colleges use in the US. This has the
advantage that our players and teams
are not disadvantaged when they play
internationally in Europe and beyond.
It also means that our coaches and
referees can learn from experienced
US college coaches and referees. So
the rules that are being used this season
in US colleges, BAFA will adopt from
April 2011 for use in the UK. That
gives time to organise the printing of
the BAFA rulebook, write referees
exams etc.
So lets have a look at the most
common NFL / BAFA differences.
DEAD BALL
NFL – if you simply fall over then
the play is not dead, you need to be
touched by a defender as well.
BAFA – touch by a defender is not
needed. If you fall over, then it is no
different to if you had been actually
tackled.
PASS PLAYS
NFL - has a 5 yard bump rule – a
defender cannot make a block on an
offensive receiver more than 5 yds
downfield.
BAFA – no such rule. 9-3-4-c says that
“Defensive players may ward off or
legally block an eligible pass receiver
until that player occupies the same
yard line as the defender or until the
opponent could no longer possibly
block him. Continuous contact is
illegal”. So it is legal to block him,
provided that the pass is not yet in the
air and provided that you can keep that
receiver in front of you.
NFL - you need two feet inbounds to
make a catch
BAFA – only the first foot needs to be
inbounds.
NFL – all of the offense become
eligible to catch a pass once that pass
has touched a defender or touched an
eligible offensive receiver or touched
an official.
BAFA – touching an offensive eligible
receiver does not change the status of
the ineligible offensive players. It must
touch a defender or official.
NFL – on the first onside kick
attempt if the ball goes straight out
of bounds, then it is a 5yd penalty
and a re-kick. The receiving team
cannot decline the penalty to take
the ball but if it happens a second
time, then they can.
BAFA- no such rule, if it goes out of
bounds then the receivers can take
the ball.
P.A.T.
NFL – from the 2 yard line
BAFA – from the 3 yard line
NFL – a player with an ineligible
number (50-79) can “report in” to the
referee and become eligible to catch a
forward pass for that play.
BAFA – there is no concept of
“reporting in”. An ineligible number
(50-79) remains ineligible to catch a
forward pass until the ball touches a
defender or an official.
NFL – if the defense gets hold of
the ball, the try is over; they cannot
go to the other end of the field and
score
BAFA – the defense can take the
ball to the other end of the field and
score two points.
NFL – defensive pass interference is a
spot foul no matter how far downfield
the foul occurs.
BAFA- defensive pass interference is
a maximum of 15 yds. It is a spot foul
if the foul occurred less that 15yds
downfield.
NFL – its run like a “5th” quarter
and the first to score wins.
BAFA – each team gets one drive
starting from the opponent’s 25 yd
line. If the score is still tied after
each have had their drive, then
repeat the process.
OVERTIME
KICK PLAYS
NFL - has restrictions on who can go
downfield on a punt before the ball
is kicked - basically it is only the end
men on the line of scrimmage. That
is why you often see them double
covered by the punt return team.
BAFA – no such rule on punts. Anyone
can go downfield as soon as they like
after the snap.
NFL – after a fair catch you have the
option of trying for a field goal using a
free kick (i.e. a kick-off style kick).
BAFA – no option to free kick the ball
after a fair catch.
July
2010
- Inside
AmericanFootball
Football 43
43
December
2010
- Inside
American
BAFRA
BAFRA
ASK THE REF - Rules Differences
with senior BAFRA Official Steve Tonkinson
We are well into the NFL season now.
So let’s talk about the differences
between the Rules we all see on TV
each week in the NFL and the Rules
that we actually use here in the UK.
The differences seem to confuse some
people when they play or watch a
British game.
First of all a question - how many
different sets of rules are there?
More than you thought would be
a good answer. Everyone in North
America seems to have their own –
the NFL use their own rules, all the
Colleges (plus High Schools in Texas
and Massachusetts) use the NCAA
rules. High Schools use the National
Federation of High Schools rulebook,
as do the kids football leagues (e.g.
Pop Warner). The kids leagues tend to
add on a whole host of weird rules for
when the score is lopsided such as the
losing team being able to bench the
five best players of the other side, etc,
etc.
Of course we should not forget
Canada. Canadian Rules football has
a much bigger field (10 yds longer
and 12 yds wider and the end zones
are 20yds deep), more players (each
team is allowed 12 men on the field),
multiple men in motion, etc. but on the
flip side they only get 3 downs to make
10 yards.
“If only it was like Soccer, everyone
plays to FIFA rules” you might say, but
you would be mistaken. Our American
cousins (bless ‘em!) have their own
slightly different rulebook for Soccer
in High Schools and yet another
different rulebook for College.
So what about the rest of the World?
Countries like Mexico (playing
football since the 1920’s) and
Japan (since the 1930’s) both use
NCAA rules. The NCAA version
of the rules has been adopted by
IFAF - International Federation of
American Football (think of them as
an equivalent to FIFA) and by EFAF
- European Federation of American
Football (think of them as UEFA)
so they are the de-facto standard
worldwide.
The Rules we use in the UK are the
BAFA Rules. These are the NCAA
Rules with a few tiny differences
for our domestic game such as 90yd
fields, no stadium clocks, etc. But the
actual playing rules are the same as
colleges use in the US. This has the
advantage that our players and teams
are not disadvantaged when they play
internationally in Europe and beyond.
It also means that our coaches and
referees can learn from experienced
US college coaches and referees. So
the rules that are being used this season
in US colleges, BAFA will adopt from
April 2011 for use in the UK. That
gives time to organise the printing of
the BAFA rulebook, write referees
exams etc.
So lets have a look at the most
common NFL / BAFA differences.
DEAD BALL
NFL – if you simply fall over then
the play is not dead, you need to be
touched by a defender as well.
BAFA – touch by a defender is not
needed. If you fall over, then it is no
different to if you had been actually
tackled.
PASS PLAYS
NFL - has a 5 yard bump rule – a
defender cannot make a block on an
offensive receiver more than 5 yds
downfield.
BAFA – no such rule. 9-3-4-c says that
“Defensive players may ward off or
legally block an eligible pass receiver
until that player occupies the same
yard line as the defender or until the
opponent could no longer possibly
block him. Continuous contact is
illegal”. So it is legal to block him,
provided that the pass is not yet in the
air and provided that you can keep that
receiver in front of you.
NFL - you need two feet inbounds to
make a catch
BAFA – only the first foot needs to be
inbounds.
NFL – all of the offense become
eligible to catch a pass once that pass
has touched a defender or touched an
eligible offensive receiver or touched
an official.
BAFA – touching an offensive eligible
receiver does not change the status of
the ineligible offensive players. It must
touch a defender or official.
NFL – on the first onside kick
attempt if the ball goes straight out
of bounds, then it is a 5yd penalty
and a re-kick. The receiving team
cannot decline the penalty to take
the ball but if it happens a second
time, then they can.
BAFA- no such rule, if it goes out of
bounds then the receivers can take
the ball.
P.A.T.
NFL – from the 2 yard line
BAFA – from the 3 yard line
NFL – a player with an ineligible
number (50-79) can “report in” to the
referee and become eligible to catch a
forward pass for that play.
BAFA – there is no concept of
“reporting in”. An ineligible number
(50-79) remains ineligible to catch a
forward pass until the ball touches a
defender or an official.
NFL – if the defense gets hold of
the ball, the try is over; they cannot
go to the other end of the field and
score
BAFA – the defense can take the
ball to the other end of the field and
score two points.
NFL – defensive pass interference is a
spot foul no matter how far downfield
the foul occurs.
BAFA- defensive pass interference is
a maximum of 15 yds. It is a spot foul
if the foul occurred less that 15yds
downfield.
NFL – its run like a “5th” quarter
and the first to score wins.
BAFA – each team gets one drive
starting from the opponent’s 25 yd
line. If the score is still tied after
each have had their drive, then
repeat the process.
OVERTIME
KICK PLAYS
NFL - has restrictions on who can go
downfield on a punt before the ball
is kicked - basically it is only the end
men on the line of scrimmage. That
is why you often see them double
covered by the punt return team.
BAFA – no such rule on punts. Anyone
can go downfield as soon as they like
after the snap.
NFL – after a fair catch you have the
option of trying for a field goal using a
free kick (i.e. a kick-off style kick).
BAFA – no option to free kick the ball
after a fair catch.
July
2010
- Inside
AmericanFootball
Football 43
43
December
2010
- Inside
American
UFL
UFL
Welcome to the UFL
Florida Tuskers
Luke Hill introduces a lesser-known professional American football league in the States
Many of you will have been following
the NFL this season religiously,
watching into the early mornings and
spending hours managing your own
fantasy teams and screaming at IR lists
praying for your starting QB to recover
in time for next week’s game. Some of
you may not know about the UFL, the
United Football League, who kicked
off their second season this summer
and finished with their Championship
Game in December.
The birth of the UFL was the brain
child of AOL chairman Tim Armstrong
and William Hambrecht of Hambrecht
& co, who, after wondering why NFL
teams were moving out of places like
LA and Houston decided that the
country had room for more teams.
2009 saw the inaugural season for
the UFL with 4 teams, The California
Redwoods, Florida Tuskers, Las Vegas
Locomotives and New York Sentinels.
After the 2009 season New York
Sentinels moved to Hartford to become
the Colonials and The Redwoods
found themselves a permanent home in
Sacramento to become the Sacramento
Mountain Lions. This year Virginia is
putting the wheels in motion to bring
a team to the UFL for the 2011/12
season and the following season the
UFL are looking to bring the total
number of teams up to 8. During
the initial set up in 2008 the UFL
identified over 20 other areas in the
US that would be a sound investment
in terms of placing expansion teams
including (back when the UFL was
starting up) London and Mexico City
as international teams playing in the
league.
The current commissioner of the UFL
Michael Huyghue has said that the
UFL sees potential for up to 14 teams
to play in the league.
Part of the success of the UFL is
due to the fact that unlike the single
season XFL (2001) it was designed
to compliment the NFL rather than
compete against it. The aim of the UFL
was to provide affordable, professional
football in underserved areas. The UFL
makes a point of keeping ticket prices
down to $20 a game, a price which
no NFL team (other than the Vikings)
have matched.
So why should you watch the UFL?
Well it offers 11 on 11, full contact,
outside games; it has some of the
best NFL talent supporting the teams
including NFL hall of famers and head
coaches to make sure the quality of
football in the UFL is to the highest
standard. Many of the players from the
UFL eventually move on to the NFL
and some NFL players such as 4 time
Pro bowler Jeff Garcia and 3 time Pro
bowler Daunte Culpepper have come
to play in the UFL.
The games are on Friday or Saturday
night so as not to clash with the NFL
so you can easily enjoy both leagues
and the games are available to stream
live on the internet (UFL-football.
com).
The 2011 season kicks off next August
but you can catch online videos of the
2010 season on the UFL website.
Hartford Colonials
Virginia Destroyers
Las Vegas Locos
Omaha Night Hawks
The Virginia Destroyers will join the
UFL in August 2011 with two further
teams on 2012
UFL Websites
Sacramento Mountain Lions
Home Page:
www.ufl-football.com
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/UnitedFootballLeague
Twitter:
twitter.com/#!/theufl
UFL
UFL
Welcome to the UFL
Florida Tuskers
Luke Hill introduces a lesser-known professional American football league in the States
Many of you will have been following
the NFL this season religiously,
watching into the early mornings and
spending hours managing your own
fantasy teams and screaming at IR lists
praying for your starting QB to recover
in time for next week’s game. Some of
you may not know about the UFL, the
United Football League, who kicked
off their second season this summer
and finished with their Championship
Game in December.
The birth of the UFL was the brain
child of AOL chairman Tim Armstrong
and William Hambrecht of Hambrecht
& co, who, after wondering why NFL
teams were moving out of places like
LA and Houston decided that the
country had room for more teams.
2009 saw the inaugural season for
the UFL with 4 teams, The California
Redwoods, Florida Tuskers, Las Vegas
Locomotives and New York Sentinels.
After the 2009 season New York
Sentinels moved to Hartford to become
the Colonials and The Redwoods
found themselves a permanent home in
Sacramento to become the Sacramento
Mountain Lions. This year Virginia is
putting the wheels in motion to bring
a team to the UFL for the 2011/12
season and the following season the
UFL are looking to bring the total
number of teams up to 8. During
the initial set up in 2008 the UFL
identified over 20 other areas in the
US that would be a sound investment
in terms of placing expansion teams
including (back when the UFL was
starting up) London and Mexico City
as international teams playing in the
league.
The current commissioner of the UFL
Michael Huyghue has said that the
UFL sees potential for up to 14 teams
to play in the league.
Part of the success of the UFL is
due to the fact that unlike the single
season XFL (2001) it was designed
to compliment the NFL rather than
compete against it. The aim of the UFL
was to provide affordable, professional
football in underserved areas. The UFL
makes a point of keeping ticket prices
down to $20 a game, a price which
no NFL team (other than the Vikings)
have matched.
So why should you watch the UFL?
Well it offers 11 on 11, full contact,
outside games; it has some of the
best NFL talent supporting the teams
including NFL hall of famers and head
coaches to make sure the quality of
football in the UFL is to the highest
standard. Many of the players from the
UFL eventually move on to the NFL
and some NFL players such as 4 time
Pro bowler Jeff Garcia and 3 time Pro
bowler Daunte Culpepper have come
to play in the UFL.
The games are on Friday or Saturday
night so as not to clash with the NFL
so you can easily enjoy both leagues
and the games are available to stream
live on the internet (UFL-football.
com).
The 2011 season kicks off next August
but you can catch online videos of the
2010 season on the UFL website.
Hartford Colonials
Virginia Destroyers
Las Vegas Locos
Omaha Night Hawks
The Virginia Destroyers will join the
UFL in August 2011 with two further
teams on 2012
UFL Websites
Sacramento Mountain Lions
Home Page:
www.ufl-football.com
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/UnitedFootballLeague
Twitter:
twitter.com/#!/theufl
UFL
UFL
Rule Comparisons
RULE
1. LEGAL CLIPPING ZONE
2. TEAM AREA
3. INTERCEPTION, CATCH,
RECOVERY OF LOOSE BALL
4. STOPPAGE OF GAME
CLOCK ON FIRST DOWN
AWARDED
5. CONTACT BY DEFENSIVE
BACKS
6. EXTENSION OF A PERIOD
7. OVERTIME PERIOD
8. FIGHTING
9. FUMBLE ON A TRY
10. HURDLING
NFL
Legal from tackle to tackle and three yards on either side of line of
scrimmage if above the knee.
Six feet from sideline for coaches and situation substitution players and 12
feet from sideline for all other players and between 32-yard lines.
Legal if two feet inbounds or forced out by being carried out of bounds.
UFL
Same as NFL
Same as NFL
Six feet from sideline for coaches and 12 feet from sideline for all other
players and between the 25-yard lines.
Legal if one foot inbounds or forced out by being carried out of bounds.
Game clock doesn’t stop unless there is a change of possession.
Same as NFL
Game clock stops when either team is awarded a first down.
Only one chuck allowed by a defensive player within five yards of line of
scrimmage if quarterback is in the pocket.
A period may be extended on an accepted live ball penalty against the
defense.
Same as NFL
May ward off or legally block an eligible receiver until that player
occupies the same yard line as the defender or until the ball is thrown.
A period may be extended on an accepted penalty against either team.
Unless penalty includes loss of down.
Sudden death – First team that scores wins.
Preseason and regular season - Maximum (1) 15-minute period. If no score,
game tied. Post Season – Both teams must have opportunity to possess ball
unless team winning coin toss scores TD on opening possession. Unlimited
15-minute periods until a winner is declared.
Player disqualified from game. No carry over to next game.
Both teams have an opportunity to possess the football during
the 15-minute overtime/sudden-death period. Sudden-Death
rules apply after both teams have had an opportunity to
possess the football.
May be advanced only by fumbling player. If a defensive player recovers, try
is over.
Legal.
Same as NFL
Ball put in play at 25-yard line after toss.
Each team must have an opportunity to possess ball. Team who has the
most points after the overtime period wins.
Unlimited periods if tied until winner is decided. Untimed. After second
overtime period, team-scoring TD must attempt a 2-point try.
Disqualified:
First half - for game.
Second half - for game and first half of next game.
Substitutes and coaches - for game and next game.
Second fight - suspension for remainder of season.
May be advanced only by the fumbling player or any defensive player.
Same as NFL
Runner only may legally hurdle.
Same as NFL
NCAA
Legal in 10 yard by six-yard zone centred on middle offensive lineman.
Same as NFL
Same as NFL
UFL
UFL
Rule Comparisons
RULE
1. LEGAL CLIPPING ZONE
2. TEAM AREA
3. INTERCEPTION, CATCH,
RECOVERY OF LOOSE BALL
4. STOPPAGE OF GAME
CLOCK ON FIRST DOWN
AWARDED
5. CONTACT BY DEFENSIVE
BACKS
6. EXTENSION OF A PERIOD
7. OVERTIME PERIOD
8. FIGHTING
9. FUMBLE ON A TRY
10. HURDLING
NFL
Legal from tackle to tackle and three yards on either side of line of
scrimmage if above the knee.
Six feet from sideline for coaches and situation substitution players and 12
feet from sideline for all other players and between 32-yard lines.
Legal if two feet inbounds or forced out by being carried out of bounds.
UFL
Same as NFL
Same as NFL
Six feet from sideline for coaches and 12 feet from sideline for all other
players and between the 25-yard lines.
Legal if one foot inbounds or forced out by being carried out of bounds.
Game clock doesn’t stop unless there is a change of possession.
Same as NFL
Game clock stops when either team is awarded a first down.
Only one chuck allowed by a defensive player within five yards of line of
scrimmage if quarterback is in the pocket.
A period may be extended on an accepted live ball penalty against the
defense.
Same as NFL
May ward off or legally block an eligible receiver until that player
occupies the same yard line as the defender or until the ball is thrown.
A period may be extended on an accepted penalty against either team.
Unless penalty includes loss of down.
Sudden death – First team that scores wins.
Preseason and regular season - Maximum (1) 15-minute period. If no score,
game tied. Post Season – Both teams must have opportunity to possess ball
unless team winning coin toss scores TD on opening possession. Unlimited
15-minute periods until a winner is declared.
Player disqualified from game. No carry over to next game.
Both teams have an opportunity to possess the football during
the 15-minute overtime/sudden-death period. Sudden-Death
rules apply after both teams have had an opportunity to
possess the football.
May be advanced only by fumbling player. If a defensive player recovers, try
is over.
Legal.
Same as NFL
Ball put in play at 25-yard line after toss.
Each team must have an opportunity to possess ball. Team who has the
most points after the overtime period wins.
Unlimited periods if tied until winner is decided. Untimed. After second
overtime period, team-scoring TD must attempt a 2-point try.
Disqualified:
First half - for game.
Second half - for game and first half of next game.
Substitutes and coaches - for game and next game.
Second fight - suspension for remainder of season.
May be advanced only by the fumbling player or any defensive player.
Same as NFL
Runner only may legally hurdle.
Same as NFL
NCAA
Legal in 10 yard by six-yard zone centred on middle offensive lineman.
Same as NFL
Same as NFL
NFL
NFL
NFL Photo Comp Winner
Over the summer the NFL ran a photo competition where people could submit photos of any UK BAFA game. The prize was
a VIP trip to Wembley to photograph the San Francisco 49ers take on the Denver Broncos.
Mike Dean won the prize & this is how he got on...
It was quite a surprise to find out I had
won the BAFIA/NFL photography
competition earlier this year. I
remember looking at the images that
were being uploaded and admiring
the work that was going on out there.
I must admit I didn’t add my pictures
until about 4 days before the deadline,
last minute as ever and egged on to do
it by the guys in the team (Shropshire
Revolution for whom I am the team
tog). At that point I looked through the
entire set and thought there were about
5-6 stunning images, I also thought
some of mine were good but possibly
not the best.
The email from the NFL very much
came as a surprise, but was superb
news. It didn’t actually sink in as to
what I was going to be doing until we
began to work out the detail of the
actual day. My main worry was ‘is
my kit going to be able to cope under
floodlights?’ Normally I use my Nikon
D90 with a power grip, and a Sigma
50-500 f4-6.3, and it does struggle
a bit in low light situations. I would
have hated to get there and not be able
to bring away any pictures I thought
would be considered presentable.
It was the first time I had been to the
new Wembley stadium, and it is a very
spectacular venue. I was kindly ‘shown
the ropes’ on the day by Dan Aitch,
who allowed me to tag along with him
for all of the game build-up/tailgate
party. He also showed me around the
stadium and told me about the do’s and
dont’s so I didn’t look to much of an
amateur. I met one of the competition
judges, Sean Ryan NFL UK’s official
photographer, who also went over
some tips and tricks to help me with
the picture taking. He also allowed
me to use his 400mm f2.8 lens for the
pre game warm-ups! It was a cool bit
of kit that allowed me to see how the
other half live as it were, I want one!!
A friend had also leant me a Nikon
d300 body for the day (cheers Derek)
and that was useful giving me a faster
frame rate than my usual body allows.
The game itself was superb. I
unfortunately broke the cardinal sports
photographers rule and kept watching
the action rather than taking pictures of
it, and thus missed a couple of bits of
play.
Altogether it was an unforgettable day
and one that I feel very privileged to
have experienced, thanks to all the
people who were involved. I’m saving
like mad now so that I can return again
next year with all new equipment
and improve on the set of images I
obtained this time.
...Mike Dean
Mike Dean’s competitionwinning photo of Shropshire
Revolution’s Lee Kazim in
action against the Lancashire
Wolverines, April 2010
49’ers David Baas sets to snap the ball to Troy Smith
Demaryius Thomas returns a punt
Frank Gore heads for the gap
Denver Broncos’ Eddie Royal heads for a Touchdown
49
NFL
NFL
NFL Photo Comp Winner
Over the summer the NFL ran a photo competition where people could submit photos of any UK BAFA game. The prize was
a VIP trip to Wembley to photograph the San Francisco 49ers take on the Denver Broncos.
Mike Dean won the prize & this is how he got on...
It was quite a surprise to find out I had
won the BAFIA/NFL photography
competition earlier this year. I
remember looking at the images that
were being uploaded and admiring
the work that was going on out there.
I must admit I didn’t add my pictures
until about 4 days before the deadline,
last minute as ever and egged on to do
it by the guys in the team (Shropshire
Revolution for whom I am the team
tog). At that point I looked through the
entire set and thought there were about
5-6 stunning images, I also thought
some of mine were good but possibly
not the best.
The email from the NFL very much
came as a surprise, but was superb
news. It didn’t actually sink in as to
what I was going to be doing until we
began to work out the detail of the
actual day. My main worry was ‘is
my kit going to be able to cope under
floodlights?’ Normally I use my Nikon
D90 with a power grip, and a Sigma
50-500 f4-6.3, and it does struggle
a bit in low light situations. I would
have hated to get there and not be able
to bring away any pictures I thought
would be considered presentable.
It was the first time I had been to the
new Wembley stadium, and it is a very
spectacular venue. I was kindly ‘shown
the ropes’ on the day by Dan Aitch,
who allowed me to tag along with him
for all of the game build-up/tailgate
party. He also showed me around the
stadium and told me about the do’s and
dont’s so I didn’t look to much of an
amateur. I met one of the competition
judges, Sean Ryan NFL UK’s official
photographer, who also went over
some tips and tricks to help me with
the picture taking. He also allowed
me to use his 400mm f2.8 lens for the
pre game warm-ups! It was a cool bit
of kit that allowed me to see how the
other half live as it were, I want one!!
A friend had also leant me a Nikon
d300 body for the day (cheers Derek)
and that was useful giving me a faster
frame rate than my usual body allows.
The game itself was superb. I
unfortunately broke the cardinal sports
photographers rule and kept watching
the action rather than taking pictures of
it, and thus missed a couple of bits of
play.
Altogether it was an unforgettable day
and one that I feel very privileged to
have experienced, thanks to all the
people who were involved. I’m saving
like mad now so that I can return again
next year with all new equipment
and improve on the set of images I
obtained this time.
...Mike Dean
Mike Dean’s competitionwinning photo of Shropshire
Revolution’s Lee Kazim in
action against the Lancashire
Wolverines, April 2010
49’ers David Baas sets to snap the ball to Troy Smith
Demaryius Thomas returns a punt
Frank Gore heads for the gap
Denver Broncos’ Eddie Royal heads for a Touchdown
49
NFL
NFL
The Denver O-Line
San Francisco line up on 2nd & 6
Vernon Davis
Michael Crabtree scores a TD
© Mike Dean
Denver’s Kyle Orton
sets up for a pass
Manny Lawson sacks
the Denver QB,
Kyle Orton
51
NFL
NFL
The Denver O-Line
San Francisco line up on 2nd & 6
Vernon Davis
Michael Crabtree scores a TD
© Mike Dean
Denver’s Kyle Orton
sets up for a pass
Manny Lawson sacks
the Denver QB,
Kyle Orton
51
NFL
NFL
Two other people who attended Wembley were ex-Britball Photographer, Dan Aitch & Watford Cheetah’s QB, Martin
Brown.
IAF magazine asked Martin for his thoughts on the day, Dan provided the photos.
All I ask for is a competitive game, last
years match was a bit unfortunate in
that the Pats had the game won by the
end of the 1st quarter. This years was
a much better contest, the game hinged
on a couple of plays (one good and one
harsh call by the officials decided it)
both sides had opportunities to win the
game but seemed determined to make
hard work of it… Which for a neutral,
makes great viewing!
The uptake for the ‘Official Tailgate
Party’ was incredible, I popped along
before going up to the Green Man to
see what it was all about, having not
been before - to find literally thousands
of people queuing up to throw a ball
into a cut-out... I was there at least 3
hours before kick-off and the placed
was packed! It was good to see that
the NFL has offered the ‘punters’
the opportunity to try throwing and
kicking a football; something that
Britball may have wanted to jump on
the back of? Imagine if each Britball
team had one of those stands to run
and handed out flyers/cards etc to the
members of the public that wanted to
try to throw a ball, the potential players
they could attract?
I was a little surprised that the Green
Man tailgate event, which is excellently
organised, wasn’t a little better
supported by the Britball community.
I would have guessed that there were
less than half the people there than from
the year before. Maybe it was the extra
effort the NFL made with the ‘official
tailgate’ that attracted some of those
who would have gone to the Green
Man? The weather and subsequent mud
may have put people off? - although, if
they had have attended they could have
easily found room inside the pub. If
you were after a memento to take home,
I honestly thought that the selection
of merchandise at the Green Man was
better than that on offer at the ‘Official’
stalls.
Each year things seem to be getting a
little more refined, the transport, the
tailgate, meeting the commissioner, the
Saturday event, the merchandise and
hopefully each year Britball will get
more opportunities to promote itself at
the event.
...Martin Brown
All photos this article © Dan Aitch
NFL
NFL
Two other people who attended Wembley were ex-Britball Photographer, Dan Aitch & Watford Cheetah’s QB, Martin
Brown.
IAF magazine asked Martin for his thoughts on the day, Dan provided the photos.
All I ask for is a competitive game, last
years match was a bit unfortunate in
that the Pats had the game won by the
end of the 1st quarter. This years was
a much better contest, the game hinged
on a couple of plays (one good and one
harsh call by the officials decided it)
both sides had opportunities to win the
game but seemed determined to make
hard work of it… Which for a neutral,
makes great viewing!
The uptake for the ‘Official Tailgate
Party’ was incredible, I popped along
before going up to the Green Man to
see what it was all about, having not
been before - to find literally thousands
of people queuing up to throw a ball
into a cut-out... I was there at least 3
hours before kick-off and the placed
was packed! It was good to see that
the NFL has offered the ‘punters’
the opportunity to try throwing and
kicking a football; something that
Britball may have wanted to jump on
the back of? Imagine if each Britball
team had one of those stands to run
and handed out flyers/cards etc to the
members of the public that wanted to
try to throw a ball, the potential players
they could attract?
I was a little surprised that the Green
Man tailgate event, which is excellently
organised, wasn’t a little better
supported by the Britball community.
I would have guessed that there were
less than half the people there than from
the year before. Maybe it was the extra
effort the NFL made with the ‘official
tailgate’ that attracted some of those
who would have gone to the Green
Man? The weather and subsequent mud
may have put people off? - although, if
they had have attended they could have
easily found room inside the pub. If
you were after a memento to take home,
I honestly thought that the selection
of merchandise at the Green Man was
better than that on offer at the ‘Official’
stalls.
Each year things seem to be getting a
little more refined, the transport, the
tailgate, meeting the commissioner, the
Saturday event, the merchandise and
hopefully each year Britball will get
more opportunities to promote itself at
the event.
...Martin Brown
All photos this article © Dan Aitch
NFL
NFL
NFL
NFL
NFL / BAFRA
NFL / BAFRA
Working the chains at Wembley
Simon Ryan is an official with the British American Football Referee’s Association & was lucky enough to be chosen as part
of the chain crew for the recent NFL encounter at Wembley.
He was good enough to share his story with IAF...
For over 20 years there has hardly
been a weekend go by when I have
not done something connected with
American football. I’m sure there are
a few people reading this who are
smiling in agreement!
My first encounter with the game came
on holiday visiting my grandpa in San
Francisco in the 1970s. The Oakland
Raiders were the dominant team then,
but grandpa told me to be a 49ers fan.
And like family folklore “it came to
pass”.
Like the ever-increasing number of
BAFRA officials, I used to play the
game and also coached it. I moved into
officiating after my body said it could
not play anymore, and my job meant
that I could not devote the time needed
for coaching. Over the years my team
had occasionally not received “proper
refs” which meant that somebody
from the team had to try and officiate
the game. I was that volunteer and
the feedback I received was good. I
didn’t know if my buddies were being
truthful or trying to tell me something
about my ability as a player or coach!
So I listened to the compliments and
for some years now I’ve solely been an
official. It’s easier on the body, even if
you get yelled at occasionally.
Football is like a drug for me. I can
remember the moment I first put pads
on, the first big play I made, the first
interception I made (I played DB) and
you never forget your Touchdowns,
although nowadays you’d be
embarrassed about the celebrations you
did back then.
Being a “Ref” allows me to stay a part
of that. I’ve made friends that I still
see (yes it can happen to officials) but
being out there on the field is the best
seat in the house!
Over the years I knew that BAFRA
officials had worked as chain-crew for
the NFL games, from the American
Bowl pre-season games in the late
1980’s and early 1990’s, through the
WLAF and NFL Europe to the current
NFL International series. This year
I had the chance to be a part of the
chain-crew for the 49ers-Broncos
game. With “my team” playing this
year I was desperate to get on the crew.
In the BAFRA weekly News-flash,
the Director of Operations asked for
8 volunteers. I sent an E-mail within
seconds! Wherever possible the
NFL will use local help and over the
years the NFL has built up a great
relationship with BAFRA and many
other UK football volunteers. It’s a bit
of Britball get together on the weekend
of the game really.
I was lucky to get the phone-call from
the BAFRA Selection Committee
saying I was “on the game”. Man,
I so excited it made my weekend! I
was going to see my beloved 49ers up
close and personal. To be selected was
also recognition of what I had done
over the years. Being selected is not
about being the best official, as ANY
qualified official could have applied. It
is about being committed and reliable
and not letting down the organisation,
and (to an extent) the sport.
As the event neared, the NFL contacted
BAFRA about the arrangements. We
needed to supply hat sizes and chest
sizes for our game day uniforms.
Everything else, such as our shoes,
trousers and socks were our regular kit
when we officiate games in the UK.
In order for us to arrive promptly the
NFL put us up in a London hotel the
night before the game. This year we
were staying at the Landmark Hotel,
which was basically NFL HQ for the
weekend.
I arrived on Saturday afternoon and
met one of my BAFRA colleagues,
who had just been chatting to Roger
Goodell a few minutes before. That
was just the start of a weekend full of
celebrity spotting and name-dropping.
I checked in to my room and headed
to Trafalgar Square for the fan rally.
That was fun and it’s great to meet-up
with other fans, particularly other 49er
fans that come from the Bay Area. I’ve
been to the other Wembley games and
knew that a lot of “hometown fans”
made the trip. It was great to reminisce
with other 49er faithful.
As the Trafalgar Square rally died
down I headed back to the hotel. I
walked into the lobby and to my right
were my chain-crew colleagues, and
to my left was…. Jerry Rice! I greeted
my brethren but noticed that Jerry Rice
was looking at me. I was decked-out
in my 49ers jacket, cap and wearing
a #80 jersey, and Jerry Rice was feet
away. I was like a kid at Christmas.
I went over to the greatest player in
team history, and introduced myself.
He asked me if I was going to the
game, I said that I was on the chaincrew and that my buddies and I were
UK football officials who helped out
every year at the NFL game. Jerry
asked me if I had a Sharpie. I didn’t
but his assistant did and handed him
the pen. He signed my #80 jersey and I
shook his famous (and famously large)
hand. Despite being an official we’re
all fans deep down and to meet one of
my idols was as special as scoring my
first Touchdown.
That evening the crew had a few beers
and some food before getting an early
night. I couldn’t sleep and was just
buzzing. I had just met Jerry Rice!
Where were Roger Craig and the other
49ers greats staying?
I woke-up at 3am, having only just
got 3 hours sleep. It was indeed just
like Christmas. I eventually got a bit
more sleep before meeting the guys for
breakfast at 8am. We sat eating away,
but keeping an eye-out for the next
NFL celeb. We were to meet with the
NFL Officials at 10am, so made sure
we dressed in our customary BAFRA
black polo shirts.
Our 10am meeting was with Scott
Green, the NFL Referee, and his crew.
Some of us were on the chain-crew
for last year’s game so knew what to
expect, whereas the rest of us had a
good idea anyway. Scott went through
the weekly memo about standards and
procedures. Overall, the NFL was a
little disappointed with the standard
throughout the league thus far.
Collectively we watched the weekly
summary video of controversial calls
from the previous week. The Brits
were encouraged to join in and ask
questions throughout. The discussions
that were prompted were no different
from those that British refs have. Some
of us are lucky enough to meet-up
regularly, analyse video and discuss
interpretations of the games we do in
Britain.
When this meeting concluded, the 8
of us met with the Head Linesman,
Tom Stabile. He went through each of
our responsibilities. We drew straws
the previous night and I ended-up
with the worst job – Start of Drive
marker. Regardless of what it was, it
was going to be the best seat in the
stadium – watching my team 6 feet
from the edge of the field. As our chat
with Tom concluded he asked us if
anybody knew about an old British
official he knew. Tom broke into the
league via the WLAF in the 90s, as
did a lot of current NFL officials. I
was able to put him touch with his old
British colleague, recalled an old joke
about his friend and struck-up a good
rapport. I was to have a few drinks
with Tom and tell a few jokes later that
night, but that’s another story!
We were scheduled to assemble with
the NFL Officials at 1:30pm and to
be escorted to our own train headed
directly to Wembley stadium. We had
our own chaperone, Katie, who looked
after those of us who had game day
jobs, in addition to the NFL crew’s
families. After a short walk from the
station we could feel the atmosphere
building outside. It was about 2pm
now. We walked through the maze
of corridors underneath the stadium
to our changing room. This was next
door to Destiny’s Child star Michelle
Williams, who was to sing the US
national anthem, and right by the
players tunnel too!
As is customary at any game we
headed-out to look at the pitch or
“field” as it’s called in American
football. I walked-out and saw
the 49ers coach Jim Tomsula. He
recognised me too, as one of my
former team-mates played for him with
the Monarchs and Claymores. So we
chatted and I handed him my phone
for him to chat to my buddy for 10
minutes. It made my friends day and
Coach Tomsula was really thankful
too.
The access tunnel to the field was
getting busy now. The players were
starting to head out for warm-ups.
We had a job to do too, so we quickly
started to concentrate on our jobs.
We had a lot of time left which we
spent helping the equipment guys
from both teams. The NFL supplies
special, lighter kicking balls that need
to be scrubbed-down for the punters
and kickers. This killed time and the
banter soon flowed. It was just like
any other game really. With about 45
minutes to go our room was getting
BAFRA’s Mark Wilson, Mark Snow, Chris Jarvis, Larry Rigby
Photo © Martin Wilmott
NFL / BAFRA
NFL / BAFRA
Working the chains at Wembley
Simon Ryan is an official with the British American Football Referee’s Association & was lucky enough to be chosen as part
of the chain crew for the recent NFL encounter at Wembley.
He was good enough to share his story with IAF...
For over 20 years there has hardly
been a weekend go by when I have
not done something connected with
American football. I’m sure there are
a few people reading this who are
smiling in agreement!
My first encounter with the game came
on holiday visiting my grandpa in San
Francisco in the 1970s. The Oakland
Raiders were the dominant team then,
but grandpa told me to be a 49ers fan.
And like family folklore “it came to
pass”.
Like the ever-increasing number of
BAFRA officials, I used to play the
game and also coached it. I moved into
officiating after my body said it could
not play anymore, and my job meant
that I could not devote the time needed
for coaching. Over the years my team
had occasionally not received “proper
refs” which meant that somebody
from the team had to try and officiate
the game. I was that volunteer and
the feedback I received was good. I
didn’t know if my buddies were being
truthful or trying to tell me something
about my ability as a player or coach!
So I listened to the compliments and
for some years now I’ve solely been an
official. It’s easier on the body, even if
you get yelled at occasionally.
Football is like a drug for me. I can
remember the moment I first put pads
on, the first big play I made, the first
interception I made (I played DB) and
you never forget your Touchdowns,
although nowadays you’d be
embarrassed about the celebrations you
did back then.
Being a “Ref” allows me to stay a part
of that. I’ve made friends that I still
see (yes it can happen to officials) but
being out there on the field is the best
seat in the house!
Over the years I knew that BAFRA
officials had worked as chain-crew for
the NFL games, from the American
Bowl pre-season games in the late
1980’s and early 1990’s, through the
WLAF and NFL Europe to the current
NFL International series. This year
I had the chance to be a part of the
chain-crew for the 49ers-Broncos
game. With “my team” playing this
year I was desperate to get on the crew.
In the BAFRA weekly News-flash,
the Director of Operations asked for
8 volunteers. I sent an E-mail within
seconds! Wherever possible the
NFL will use local help and over the
years the NFL has built up a great
relationship with BAFRA and many
other UK football volunteers. It’s a bit
of Britball get together on the weekend
of the game really.
I was lucky to get the phone-call from
the BAFRA Selection Committee
saying I was “on the game”. Man,
I so excited it made my weekend! I
was going to see my beloved 49ers up
close and personal. To be selected was
also recognition of what I had done
over the years. Being selected is not
about being the best official, as ANY
qualified official could have applied. It
is about being committed and reliable
and not letting down the organisation,
and (to an extent) the sport.
As the event neared, the NFL contacted
BAFRA about the arrangements. We
needed to supply hat sizes and chest
sizes for our game day uniforms.
Everything else, such as our shoes,
trousers and socks were our regular kit
when we officiate games in the UK.
In order for us to arrive promptly the
NFL put us up in a London hotel the
night before the game. This year we
were staying at the Landmark Hotel,
which was basically NFL HQ for the
weekend.
I arrived on Saturday afternoon and
met one of my BAFRA colleagues,
who had just been chatting to Roger
Goodell a few minutes before. That
was just the start of a weekend full of
celebrity spotting and name-dropping.
I checked in to my room and headed
to Trafalgar Square for the fan rally.
That was fun and it’s great to meet-up
with other fans, particularly other 49er
fans that come from the Bay Area. I’ve
been to the other Wembley games and
knew that a lot of “hometown fans”
made the trip. It was great to reminisce
with other 49er faithful.
As the Trafalgar Square rally died
down I headed back to the hotel. I
walked into the lobby and to my right
were my chain-crew colleagues, and
to my left was…. Jerry Rice! I greeted
my brethren but noticed that Jerry Rice
was looking at me. I was decked-out
in my 49ers jacket, cap and wearing
a #80 jersey, and Jerry Rice was feet
away. I was like a kid at Christmas.
I went over to the greatest player in
team history, and introduced myself.
He asked me if I was going to the
game, I said that I was on the chaincrew and that my buddies and I were
UK football officials who helped out
every year at the NFL game. Jerry
asked me if I had a Sharpie. I didn’t
but his assistant did and handed him
the pen. He signed my #80 jersey and I
shook his famous (and famously large)
hand. Despite being an official we’re
all fans deep down and to meet one of
my idols was as special as scoring my
first Touchdown.
That evening the crew had a few beers
and some food before getting an early
night. I couldn’t sleep and was just
buzzing. I had just met Jerry Rice!
Where were Roger Craig and the other
49ers greats staying?
I woke-up at 3am, having only just
got 3 hours sleep. It was indeed just
like Christmas. I eventually got a bit
more sleep before meeting the guys for
breakfast at 8am. We sat eating away,
but keeping an eye-out for the next
NFL celeb. We were to meet with the
NFL Officials at 10am, so made sure
we dressed in our customary BAFRA
black polo shirts.
Our 10am meeting was with Scott
Green, the NFL Referee, and his crew.
Some of us were on the chain-crew
for last year’s game so knew what to
expect, whereas the rest of us had a
good idea anyway. Scott went through
the weekly memo about standards and
procedures. Overall, the NFL was a
little disappointed with the standard
throughout the league thus far.
Collectively we watched the weekly
summary video of controversial calls
from the previous week. The Brits
were encouraged to join in and ask
questions throughout. The discussions
that were prompted were no different
from those that British refs have. Some
of us are lucky enough to meet-up
regularly, analyse video and discuss
interpretations of the games we do in
Britain.
When this meeting concluded, the 8
of us met with the Head Linesman,
Tom Stabile. He went through each of
our responsibilities. We drew straws
the previous night and I ended-up
with the worst job – Start of Drive
marker. Regardless of what it was, it
was going to be the best seat in the
stadium – watching my team 6 feet
from the edge of the field. As our chat
with Tom concluded he asked us if
anybody knew about an old British
official he knew. Tom broke into the
league via the WLAF in the 90s, as
did a lot of current NFL officials. I
was able to put him touch with his old
British colleague, recalled an old joke
about his friend and struck-up a good
rapport. I was to have a few drinks
with Tom and tell a few jokes later that
night, but that’s another story!
We were scheduled to assemble with
the NFL Officials at 1:30pm and to
be escorted to our own train headed
directly to Wembley stadium. We had
our own chaperone, Katie, who looked
after those of us who had game day
jobs, in addition to the NFL crew’s
families. After a short walk from the
station we could feel the atmosphere
building outside. It was about 2pm
now. We walked through the maze
of corridors underneath the stadium
to our changing room. This was next
door to Destiny’s Child star Michelle
Williams, who was to sing the US
national anthem, and right by the
players tunnel too!
As is customary at any game we
headed-out to look at the pitch or
“field” as it’s called in American
football. I walked-out and saw
the 49ers coach Jim Tomsula. He
recognised me too, as one of my
former team-mates played for him with
the Monarchs and Claymores. So we
chatted and I handed him my phone
for him to chat to my buddy for 10
minutes. It made my friends day and
Coach Tomsula was really thankful
too.
The access tunnel to the field was
getting busy now. The players were
starting to head out for warm-ups.
We had a job to do too, so we quickly
started to concentrate on our jobs.
We had a lot of time left which we
spent helping the equipment guys
from both teams. The NFL supplies
special, lighter kicking balls that need
to be scrubbed-down for the punters
and kickers. This killed time and the
banter soon flowed. It was just like
any other game really. With about 45
minutes to go our room was getting
BAFRA’s Mark Wilson, Mark Snow, Chris Jarvis, Larry Rigby
NFL / BAFRA
NFL / BAFRA
stuffy, we were all eager to get outside
and soak-up the occasion. We checked
the chains were correct with Tom
Stabile and found time to chat to a few
photographers who we see around the
British leagues.
Then the atmosphere started to build
once the music started and the teams
ran out. I chatted to Merton Hanks, the
former 49er safety with the crazy neck,
and asked him about Troy Smith’s
game plan. More name dropping of
course.
Once the coin-toss was over we took
up our positions for the kick-off. In
NFL games the chains are on the
visiting team’s sideline for the first
half, and then swap to the home team
for the second half. So I was to spend
the first half on the 49ers sideline with
3 of my buddies, whilst the other 4
were on the Denver sideline. The 1st
half went without incident until one of
the Denver punt gunners ran into one
of our chain-crew and knocked him
over. Luckily, our guy was OK!
Down at pitch level the speed is the
difference. Every player can run and
plays that head to the side line get
there so much faster than we’re used
to from working British games. One
thing that did surprise me was that the
NFL players were not as big as I had
expected. I would even suggest that
NFL Europe players were probably a
little bigger.
At half time we went back into our
changing-room and had a snack. We
were quite business like in that we
reminded ourselves that things had
gone well but could still go wrong
and to be prepared. I was there to
do a job first and be a fan second, so
concentrated on doing my job.
The second-half began with a lot more
life from both teams. I enjoyed this
as it meant I was watching the game
from the edge or inside the Denver
team area most of the time. Standing
next to players like Champ Bailey
and thinking, “I’m taller than you and
you’re listed as 5’10”?” The Denver
QB Kyle Orton got hurt in the 3rd
quarter. I looked over my shoulder and
6 feet away was Tim Tebow warming
up with Brady Quinn. I checked his
QB mechanics and he’s definitely
worked on them since leaving the
University of Florida!
In the first-half I was Billy No-mates
being stuck down by the 20-yard line
most of the time. I wished I were on
the 49ers sideline, celebrating the
San Francisco touchdowns when
they happened. I had fun though and
was cracking jokes with the CBS
cameraman and his assistant.
The game finished and I was happy
as a fan. We dutifully put away our
chains and markers and walked back
to our changing room. The stadium
was already emptying. We got back to
the tunnel to see the 49ers owner John
York welcome every one of his players
back after the win. As a fan I knew the
team was under a lot of pressure to
“get the win”. The NFL guy in charge
of us was there to thank us and he was
genuinely pleased with the job that we
did. If the NFL comes back next year I
think it’s quite likely that the NFL will
be seeking BAFRA’s assistance again.
We changed and waited for the NFL
crew so we could all travel back under
Katie’s supervision. Luckily the rain
had stopped well before the kick-off so
we didn’t get wet waiting for the train
back to the hotel at Marylebone.
Back in the hotel it was a quick shower
and change, before heading down to
the party that the NFL provides for
those who worked on the game. The
food was sumptuous and the beers
flowed whilst the late games were on
TV. However, I didn’t watch much
football as I was chatting to the NFL
crew about things other than football.
The crew had the next week off to
explore Europe. It was just a fun
evening talking to so many different
people and the type of night that
business cards were being exchanged
and stories told.
One of my colleagues Ian had summed
the weekend up during the game –
after experiencing the game like this
you don’t want to go back up in the
“stands” again. I knew exactly what he
meant. I was like that when I stopped
playing and coaching, but officiating
keeps you on the field. As I said earlier
it’s the best seat in the house!
...Simon Ryan
The BAFRA Wembley Crew, L-R Tim Ockenden, Mark Snow, Ben Griffiths, Mark Wilson, Ian Wainwright, Larry Rigby,
Chris Jarvis, Simon Ryan. Photo courtesy of Simon Ryan
BAFRA’s Mark Wilson (Down Marker) & Ben Griffiths (with the kicking balls)
NFL / BAFRA
NFL / BAFRA
stuffy, we were all eager to get outside
and soak-up the occasion. We checked
the chains were correct with Tom
Stabile and found time to chat to a few
photographers who we see around the
British leagues.
Then the atmosphere started to build
once the music started and the teams
ran out. I chatted to Merton Hanks, the
former 49er safety with the crazy neck,
and asked him about Troy Smith’s
game plan. More name dropping of
course.
Once the coin-toss was over we took
up our positions for the kick-off. In
NFL games the chains are on the
visiting team’s sideline for the first
half, and then swap to the home team
for the second half. So I was to spend
the first half on the 49ers sideline with
3 of my buddies, whilst the other 4
were on the Denver sideline. The 1st
half went without incident until one of
the Denver punt gunners ran into one
of our chain-crew and knocked him
over. Luckily, our guy was OK!
Down at pitch level the speed is the
difference. Every player can run and
plays that head to the side line get
there so much faster than we’re used
to from working British games. One
thing that did surprise me was that the
NFL players were not as big as I had
expected. I would even suggest that
NFL Europe players were probably a
little bigger.
At half time we went back into our
changing-room and had a snack. We
were quite business like in that we
reminded ourselves that things had
gone well but could still go wrong
and to be prepared. I was there to
do a job first and be a fan second, so
concentrated on doing my job.
The second-half began with a lot more
life from both teams. I enjoyed this
as it meant I was watching the game
from the edge or inside the Denver
team area most of the time. Standing
next to players like Champ Bailey
and thinking, “I’m taller than you and
you’re listed as 5’10”?” The Denver
QB Kyle Orton got hurt in the 3rd
quarter. I looked over my shoulder and
6 feet away was Tim Tebow warming
up with Brady Quinn. I checked his
QB mechanics and he’s definitely
worked on them since leaving the
University of Florida!
In the first-half I was Billy No-mates
being stuck down by the 20-yard line
most of the time. I wished I were on
the 49ers sideline, celebrating the
San Francisco touchdowns when
they happened. I had fun though and
was cracking jokes with the CBS
cameraman and his assistant.
The game finished and I was happy
as a fan. We dutifully put away our
chains and markers and walked back
to our changing room. The stadium
was already emptying. We got back to
the tunnel to see the 49ers owner John
York welcome every one of his players
back after the win. As a fan I knew the
team was under a lot of pressure to
“get the win”. The NFL guy in charge
of us was there to thank us and he was
genuinely pleased with the job that we
did. If the NFL comes back next year I
think it’s quite likely that the NFL will
be seeking BAFRA’s assistance again.
We changed and waited for the NFL
crew so we could all travel back under
Katie’s supervision. Luckily the rain
had stopped well before the kick-off so
we didn’t get wet waiting for the train
back to the hotel at Marylebone.
Back in the hotel it was a quick shower
and change, before heading down to
the party that the NFL provides for
those who worked on the game. The
food was sumptuous and the beers
flowed whilst the late games were on
TV. However, I didn’t watch much
football as I was chatting to the NFL
crew about things other than football.
The crew had the next week off to
explore Europe. It was just a fun
evening talking to so many different
people and the type of night that
business cards were being exchanged
and stories told.
One of my colleagues Ian had summed
the weekend up during the game –
after experiencing the game like this
you don’t want to go back up in the
“stands” again. I knew exactly what he
meant. I was like that when I stopped
playing and coaching, but officiating
keeps you on the field. As I said earlier
it’s the best seat in the house!
...Simon Ryan
The BAFRA Wembley Crew, L-R Tim Ockenden, Mark Snow, Ben Griffiths, Mark Wilson, Ian Wainwright, Larry Rigby,
Chris Jarvis, Simon Ryan. Photo courtesy of Simon Ryan
BAFRA’s Mark Wilson (Down Marker) & Ben Griffiths (with the kicking balls)
NFL AT WEMBLEY
NFL AT WEMBLEY
Watford Cheetahs meet the San Francisco
49ers
BAFA CL Division Two’s Watford Cheetahs managed to get an invite to the San Francisco 49ers training camp at the Grove
Hotel in Watford as they prepared for the upcoming NFL match at Wembley. Watford Treasurer ‘Tish’ Pattni got the gig, it
was a tough job, but someone had to do it...
On Wednesday 27th October 2010
I had the pleasure of gaining access
to the 49ers training facilities at The
Grove in Watford courtesy of special
access granted by NFL UK. The day
started at 10am when the 49ers head
coach and legendary linebacker Mike
Singletary entered the room to deliver
a press conference that included a
shock announcement about a switch
at Quarterback following the shoulder
injury to Alex Smith. The thing that
most astounded me about the press
conference was the constant back and
forth between American journalists and
the Coach (who looks like he’s still in
shape to kit up).
Fellow Cheetah Cliff Moles (in his
capacity as the team’s official police
liaison) escorted Coach Singletary
back to training facilities and a short
while later the press and I were taken
around to join them with the team at
their specially constructed outdoor
training facilities and gridiron that
stood where the England Football team
usually trains. Here, on a pitch that
was a stone’s throw away from the
Watford Cheetahs very own gridiron
at Fullerians Rugby Club I was
amazed to see the 49ers go through
walkthroughs at such a high tempo,
play after play was called in quick
succession with every player focussed
and determined as they called out their
assignments and executed them.
The offense finished walkthroughs
first and immediately proceeded
to the weights room whilst a few
key players including Frank Gore
and Vernon Davis stayed behind to
answer questions; this was my first
chance to see the pro-bowl players
up close and personal. The biggest
difference I quickly noted between
these professionals and the athletes I’m
used to facing in BAFA CL was not
size but the intensity in their eyes. The
timing between the interviews ending
and the defence finishing walkthroughs
Watford Cheetahs’ Treasurer & player, Aatish Pattni Meets Channel 4’s Mike Carlson at the 49ers Training Camp
Photo courtesy of Aatish Pattni
was meticulously planned and again
as most hit the weights, Patrick Willis
and Takeo Spikes stayed behind for
interviews.
Standing next to Takeo was the first
time I noticed the size difference
between NFL and our UK leagues.
Whilst we were both the same height,
without pads Takeo looked similarly
sized to my 225lb frame with pads
on. Both he and Patrick Willis were
friendly with the press but it was
clear to see that this was a distraction
they would rather do without and
they quickly joined the rest of their
teammates in the weights room and
continued preparations for the game.
The press dispersed and prepared
for their next activities whilst Cliff
introduced me to Hall of Fame
Linebacker and 4 time Superbowl
winner Keena Turner who was happy
to spend time taking pictures with us
and very excited to learn about a team
so close to their training facilities.
Having spent some time with Keena
and after hearing some wonderful
anecdotes Cliff and I left Keena
to more important duties and then
bumped into Channel 4 presenter Mike
Carlson who as well as being a premier
analyst is a keen BAFA CL fan!
A short while later the two of us were
in the hotel lobby relaxing when we
saw many of the players then return
from their workouts to grab a quick
bite to eat before getting kitted up for
contact training. With the press out
of sight, the players and staff seemed
slightly more at ease. Most of them
were more than happy to exchange
pleasantries with us – they probably
assumed I was a colleague of Cliff’s
and therefore one of their own. I
left Cliff and the team to their busy
schedules. Throughout the week Cliff
continued to get to know the 49ers
and was a true ambassador of not only
the Cheetahs but the entire Britbowl
community.
Many of their players and staff
commented on how great if would
have been if they could have spent
some time with the Cheetahs and a
few players even expressed a desire
for us to train alongside them and
assist them in preparing for the
upcoming match. The week was
topped off by the 49ers donating
5 practice balls to the Cheetahs,
including one signed by the great
Tom Rathman himself. These
mementos of the occasion will
be given away in a raffle draw at
Watford Cheetahs annual Superbowl
party in February 2011.
...Aatish Pattni
NFL Legend & 4-time Superbowl winner, Keena Turner looks impressed to meet watford’s Tish Pattni
NFL AT WEMBLEY
NFL AT WEMBLEY
Watford Cheetahs meet the San Francisco
49ers
BAFA CL Division Two’s Watford Cheetahs managed to get an invite to the San Francisco 49ers training camp at the Grove
Hotel in Watford as they prepared for the upcoming NFL match at Wembley. Watford Treasurer ‘Tish’ Pattni got the gig, it
was a tough job, but someone had to do it...
On Wednesday 27th October 2010
I had the pleasure of gaining access
to the 49ers training facilities at The
Grove in Watford courtesy of special
access granted by NFL UK. The day
started at 10am when the 49ers head
coach and legendary linebacker Mike
Singletary entered the room to deliver
a press conference that included a
shock announcement about a switch
at Quarterback following the shoulder
injury to Alex Smith. The thing that
most astounded me about the press
conference was the constant back and
forth between American journalists and
the Coach (who looks like he’s still in
shape to kit up).
Fellow Cheetah Cliff Moles (in his
capacity as the team’s official police
liaison) escorted Coach Singletary
back to training facilities and a short
while later the press and I were taken
around to join them with the team at
their specially constructed outdoor
training facilities and gridiron that
stood where the England Football team
usually trains. Here, on a pitch that
was a stone’s throw away from the
Watford Cheetahs very own gridiron
at Fullerians Rugby Club I was
amazed to see the 49ers go through
walkthroughs at such a high tempo,
play after play was called in quick
succession with every player focussed
and determined as they called out their
assignments and executed them.
The offense finished walkthroughs
first and immediately proceeded
to the weights room whilst a few
key players including Frank Gore
and Vernon Davis stayed behind to
answer questions; this was my first
chance to see the pro-bowl players
up close and personal. The biggest
difference I quickly noted between
these professionals and the athletes I’m
used to facing in BAFA CL was not
size but the intensity in their eyes. The
timing between the interviews ending
and the defence finishing walkthroughs
Watford Cheetahs’ Treasurer & player, Aatish Pattni Meets Channel 4’s Mike Carlson at the 49ers Training Camp
was meticulously planned and again
as most hit the weights, Patrick Willis
and Takeo Spikes stayed behind for
interviews.
Standing next to Takeo was the first
time I noticed the size difference
between NFL and our UK leagues.
Whilst we were both the same height,
without pads Takeo looked similarly
sized to my 225lb frame with pads
on. Both he and Patrick Willis were
friendly with the press but it was
clear to see that this was a distraction
they would rather do without and
they quickly joined the rest of their
teammates in the weights room and
continued preparations for the game.
The press dispersed and prepared
for their next activities whilst Cliff
introduced me to Hall of Fame
Linebacker and 4 time Superbowl
winner Keena Turner who was happy
to spend time taking pictures with us
and very excited to learn about a team
so close to their training facilities.
Having spent some time with Keena
and after hearing some wonderful
anecdotes Cliff and I left Keena
to more important duties and then
bumped into Channel 4 presenter Mike
Carlson who as well as being a premier
analyst is a keen BAFA CL fan!
A short while later the two of us were
in the hotel lobby relaxing when we
saw many of the players then return
from their workouts to grab a quick
bite to eat before getting kitted up for
contact training. With the press out
of sight, the players and staff seemed
slightly more at ease. Most of them
were more than happy to exchange
pleasantries with us – they probably
assumed I was a colleague of Cliff’s
and therefore one of their own. I
left Cliff and the team to their busy
schedules. Throughout the week Cliff
continued to get to know the 49ers
and was a true ambassador of not only
the Cheetahs but the entire Britbowl
community.
Many of their players and staff
commented on how great if would
have been if they could have spent
some time with the Cheetahs and a
few players even expressed a desire
for us to train alongside them and
assist them in preparing for the
upcoming match. The week was
topped off by the 49ers donating
5 practice balls to the Cheetahs,
including one signed by the great
Tom Rathman himself. These
mementos of the occasion will
be given away in a raffle draw at
Watford Cheetahs annual Superbowl
party in February 2011.
...Aatish Pattni
NFL Legend & 4-time Superbowl winner, Keena Turner looks impressed to meet watford’s Tish Pattni
OFFICIATING
OFFICIATING
Officiating, a View from Down Under
Barbara Johnson is an American
football official in Australia. During
the summer of 2010 she was invited
to take part in the World Women’s
American Football finals in Sweden
after which she came to the UK and
made two guest appearances as an
official in two BAFACL games.
I took the opportunity to meet
Barbara at both games & she agreed
to be interviewed by Inside American
Football.
How long have you been involved in
refereeing?
I started in 1993 in Queensland,
Australia.
Do you have any other involvement
in any other sports, what about
before you were a ref? What do you
do non-football-wise?
I have been a touch rugby referee, I
passed the soccer referee exam and
am qualified as a personal trainer. As
a teacher, I have umpired/refereed a
range of sports such as basketball,
netball, swimming timing. As a player,
I was a softball catcher and umpire; I
played netball and umpired. Recently
I have started baseball umpiring. I am
a strength & conditioning coach as
well.
Non-football-wise I am a student
writing a research master’s thesis in IT.
I like to walk my German shepherd
dog and I do some supply teaching
from prep. to year 12.
What’s your history with AF, were
you a fan of the game, why did you
choose the sport? Did you face any
particular challenges as a female
joining a male dominated sport?
How long have you been involved?
I was doing a strength and conditioning
coaching course where they used
lots of examples from American
football because it was in the text
books. Soon after, an advertisement
appeared in “The Courier Mail” for
officials. I rang up and told them I was
a registered Fitness Leader and was
interested. They said I could come
along and I have been involved ever
since.
As a female I had problems asserting
my point of view. Fortunately with
football at least half of the players on
the field generally agree, even if the
other half don’t. This is my 18th year.
Tell us a little about the procedure to
become a ref, what courses/training
did you do, what is the system of
qualifications, what level to you
currently ref to, which leagues/
disciplines do you cover?
We have an AGM around May and
training around June each year. I do
the regular training with the other
officials. We start at Level 1, which is
now a nationally approved program.
This includes mechanics. We sit
an exam most years and the marks
give us an idea of how much work
we have put into learning the rules.
Our competition has juniors up to
19 years old and Seniors 19 yo and
above. Some players are 35+ yo. We
use NCAA rules with modified Junior
rules. Juniors are generally 9-a side.
Seniors are 11-a-side. Most of our
interpretations of rules are up to date
with College rules.
We do have some local rules and
interpretations.
Most people will know nothing
about AF in Australia, can you tell us
a bit about how it works, how many
teams/leagues, when do they play,
how long is the season?
AF started in 1984 in Melbourne and
spread other states soon after. Players
had no pads or helmets to start with.
The season is different lengths for each
State. Victoria has a separate Junior
and Senior season. In Queensland we
usually have about 9 senior teams and
8 to 10 Junior teams. The season is
from July to mid or late -November
with two competition byes. Last
season we started in early August and
went to early December. This year
the Queensland state finals will be at
the QE2 stadium for the first time.
Normally they are at a local field.
There would be about 50 senior teams
Australia wide, with Queensland, New
South Wales, Victoria, ACT, Western
Australia and a long time ago we had
Tasmania. Queensland has a North v
South competition with our Sunbowl
in November/December most years
as Townsville and Cairns usually have
some teams which they send down for
our finals.
Games are often held in the afternoon
and evenings in Summer to avoid the
mid-day heat, although in Queensland
the Juniors start at midday. However
our season finishes just as Summer
starts.
We all play NCAA rules and have
Senior Nationals every second year.
Junior nationals are the other years.
Last year Bill LeMonnier came out to
guest officiate at the Senior Nationals
and conduct officiating clinics. He
was also guest speaker at Gridiron
Australia’s gala dinner for the event.
Gridiron Australia runs the competition
and is the nationally recognised body
for the sport. The officials have our
own State-base organisations which
are affiliated with the State leagues for
insurance purposes.
National Presidents.
Are there teams you relish ref’ing &
likewise are there others you ‘enjoy
less’ & if so why (you don’t have to
name them!)
It has been awesome to referee all the
teams at all levels of the competition.
If there is a team that might prove
difficult to ref it is usually because
we stifle their game by being overly
officious.
Fortunately, this doesn’t happen much
because we are not really part of the
regular NCAA competition so there is
not so much pressure on the referees.
To some extent how I feel about the
games has more to do with whether I
am rested enough, have had enough
water in the days prior and know a bit
of the latest news from our State and
Can you describe a typical game day
as regards your preparation, travel
- typical distances, pre & post match
procedures?
I need to leave in time to arrive an
hour before the first Senior game. I
check the assignment for the day,
prepare some cold water, chocolate
flavoured milk, rice crackers with
peanut butter and jam and some soft
jelly sweets. These are packed with
a freezer block in an insulated carry
bag. I dress before I go and check my
pencil is sharp, the whistle is around
my neck and I have all my equipment.
I put on sunscreen. Generally, I take a
pair of runners and fresh socks for the
drive home and a warm fleecy top. I
drink plenty of water for the two days
Is there a specific standard of
football that you prefer above
others, if so why?
Having been to the WWC, I have to
say that was the best ever. However,
otherwise any of the levels is fine.
Barbara in action in the 2010 Women’s World
Championship Finals in Finland
Photos courtesy Barbara Johnson
Barbara deliberates with
her fellow officials
at the Bedfordshire
Blue Raiders - London
Olympians game
Photos © Garry Neesam
OFFICIATING
OFFICIATING
Officiating, a View from Down Under
Barbara Johnson is an American
football official in Australia. During
the summer of 2010 she was invited
to take part in the World Women’s
American Football finals in Sweden
after which she came to the UK and
made two guest appearances as an
official in two BAFACL games.
I took the opportunity to meet
Barbara at both games & she agreed
to be interviewed by Inside American
Football.
How long have you been involved in
refereeing?
I started in 1993 in Queensland,
Australia.
Do you have any other involvement
in any other sports, what about
before you were a ref? What do you
do non-football-wise?
I have been a touch rugby referee, I
passed the soccer referee exam and
am qualified as a personal trainer. As
a teacher, I have umpired/refereed a
range of sports such as basketball,
netball, swimming timing. As a player,
I was a softball catcher and umpire; I
played netball and umpired. Recently
I have started baseball umpiring. I am
a strength & conditioning coach as
well.
Non-football-wise I am a student
writing a research master’s thesis in IT.
I like to walk my German shepherd
dog and I do some supply teaching
from prep. to year 12.
What’s your history with AF, were
you a fan of the game, why did you
choose the sport? Did you face any
particular challenges as a female
joining a male dominated sport?
How long have you been involved?
I was doing a strength and conditioning
coaching course where they used
lots of examples from American
football because it was in the text
books. Soon after, an advertisement
appeared in “The Courier Mail” for
officials. I rang up and told them I was
a registered Fitness Leader and was
interested. They said I could come
along and I have been involved ever
since.
As a female I had problems asserting
my point of view. Fortunately with
football at least half of the players on
the field generally agree, even if the
other half don’t. This is my 18th year.
Tell us a little about the procedure to
become a ref, what courses/training
did you do, what is the system of
qualifications, what level to you
currently ref to, which leagues/
disciplines do you cover?
We have an AGM around May and
training around June each year. I do
the regular training with the other
officials. We start at Level 1, which is
now a nationally approved program.
This includes mechanics. We sit
an exam most years and the marks
give us an idea of how much work
we have put into learning the rules.
Our competition has juniors up to
19 years old and Seniors 19 yo and
above. Some players are 35+ yo. We
use NCAA rules with modified Junior
rules. Juniors are generally 9-a side.
Seniors are 11-a-side. Most of our
interpretations of rules are up to date
with College rules.
We do have some local rules and
interpretations.
Most people will know nothing
about AF in Australia, can you tell us
a bit about how it works, how many
teams/leagues, when do they play,
how long is the season?
AF started in 1984 in Melbourne and
spread other states soon after. Players
had no pads or helmets to start with.
The season is different lengths for each
State. Victoria has a separate Junior
and Senior season. In Queensland we
usually have about 9 senior teams and
8 to 10 Junior teams. The season is
from July to mid or late -November
with two competition byes. Last
season we started in early August and
went to early December. This year
the Queensland state finals will be at
the QE2 stadium for the first time.
Normally they are at a local field.
There would be about 50 senior teams
Australia wide, with Queensland, New
South Wales, Victoria, ACT, Western
Australia and a long time ago we had
Tasmania. Queensland has a North v
South competition with our Sunbowl
in November/December most years
as Townsville and Cairns usually have
some teams which they send down for
our finals.
Games are often held in the afternoon
and evenings in Summer to avoid the
mid-day heat, although in Queensland
the Juniors start at midday. However
our season finishes just as Summer
starts.
We all play NCAA rules and have
Senior Nationals every second year.
Junior nationals are the other years.
Last year Bill LeMonnier came out to
guest officiate at the Senior Nationals
and conduct officiating clinics. He
was also guest speaker at Gridiron
Australia’s gala dinner for the event.
Gridiron Australia runs the competition
and is the nationally recognised body
for the sport. The officials have our
own State-base organisations which
are affiliated with the State leagues for
insurance purposes.
National Presidents.
Are there teams you relish ref’ing &
likewise are there others you ‘enjoy
less’ & if so why (you don’t have to
name them!)
It has been awesome to referee all the
teams at all levels of the competition.
If there is a team that might prove
difficult to ref it is usually because
we stifle their game by being overly
officious.
Fortunately, this doesn’t happen much
because we are not really part of the
regular NCAA competition so there is
not so much pressure on the referees.
To some extent how I feel about the
games has more to do with whether I
am rested enough, have had enough
water in the days prior and know a bit
of the latest news from our State and
Can you describe a typical game day
as regards your preparation, travel
- typical distances, pre & post match
procedures?
I need to leave in time to arrive an
hour before the first Senior game. I
check the assignment for the day,
prepare some cold water, chocolate
flavoured milk, rice crackers with
peanut butter and jam and some soft
jelly sweets. These are packed with
a freezer block in an insulated carry
bag. I dress before I go and check my
pencil is sharp, the whistle is around
my neck and I have all my equipment.
I put on sunscreen. Generally, I take a
pair of runners and fresh socks for the
drive home and a warm fleecy top. I
drink plenty of water for the two days
Is there a specific standard of
football that you prefer above
others, if so why?
Having been to the WWC, I have to
say that was the best ever. However,
otherwise any of the levels is fine.
Barbara in action in the 2010 Women’s World
Championship Finals in Finland
Photos courtesy Barbara Johnson
Barbara deliberates with
her fellow officials
at the Bedfordshire
Blue Raiders - London
Olympians game
Photos © Garry Neesam
OFFICIATING
OFFICIATING
before a game and make sure I eat lots
of carbs that aren’t too sweet. Usually
I have coffee on game day and cereal
for breakfast. If it is a late start, I try
to take my protein 4 hours before I will
be refereeing.
The drive is generally 1 – 1 ½ hours
one way and I pick up other referees
who live on the way quite often. We
have a discussion about football and
other news in the car as it is a good
time to catch up.
At the field, I watch the rest of the
Junior games or help out on the field.
We have a pre-game at about half an
hour before starting time. After the
game we do a verbal evaluation but
generally do not fill in any forms.
Sometimes we stay for a chat, but
often we just drive home as most
Saturdays the games finish at 9 or
9:30pm. If I do the Junior games
as well, the games go from 12 noon
onwards.
What’s the setup in Australia for
referees? How are you assigned
games, presumably this is based on
your regional area & assigned by
an administrator or do you have a
list if games which people volunteer
for? How are expenses e.g. travelling
met?
We are trained by our State Officials’
Organisations, such as QGOA in
Queensland. I am webmaster for
QGOA and AGOA the Australian
Gridiron Officials Association. Our
President assigns us and telephones
to check each week prior to sending a
confirmatory e-mail. We are paid to
cover the cost of a meal and travel and
some petrol money is paid. Essentially
we are volunteers because if we
claimed true expenses on taxation we
would receive a bigger tax return!
not obvious at the time, players soon
see the reasoning behind my calls.
Coaches are generally supportive in
the same way that they are for players,
but of course the players come first.
People often ask about my decisions,
so I just tell them. They don’t expect
me to read their minds either.
How do you cope with particularly
vociferous coaching staff, what is
your relationship like with coaches?
I expect coaches to be loud because
they have to get through to the players
with all those pads and helmets
blocking their hearing. I just tell them
when I can what we require and repeat
as necessary. I try to keep things on
a professional level and don’t take
stuff personally. The coaches have a
difficult job so I try to respect that and
give them some space as well. It’s
about making everyone look good,
especially the players.
How would you describe the level of
respect you get by the players, how
do you think this compares to your
male colleagues, do you feel you get
treated equally by players/coaches,
is there a difference depending on
league standard. Have you seen
any sexism in the game in terms
of how females get on, do you get
questioned on your decisions/
knowledge because you’re a girl?
The respect from players is truly
awesome, in a quiet and business like
kind of way. They encourage me
to give my opinion on my calls and
express their surprise on a regular
basis if my flags are over-ruled. The
coaches go out of their way to listen
to my soft voice on the sidelines and
often surprise me by their courtesy.
I tend to ignore the language unless
it can be heard by others, especially
children in the stands. Fortunately,
the opportunity to make good calls
comes quite a lot in any football
game, so even if the intent of a call is
Is there much development in the
rules for the Australian game, how
do you keep on top of this
We use the internet to find updates
and the AGOA committee go to
international events as officials or link
up otherwise. We actively scan for
news and network as much as possible.
A lot of officials spend hours watching
the game on the television, including
the NFL. I personally do not get much
opportunity to watch games on the
television and I really much prefer
to officiate rather than spectate. I
started a discussion group on Facebook
which is “secret” . We have about 100
members who are from all levels of
football around the world, especially
the WWC referees and related people.
Is there anything you’d like to
achieve in the game which you
haven’t yet
I have a secret ambition. But I’m not
telling.
Shots from the Blue
Raiders -v- Olympians
game
Photos
© Garry Neesam
You came over to officiate in the
women’s kitted finals in Sweden,
I had no idea there was such a
competition for female players, can
you tell us about it, how widespread
it is, what is the standard like, what
were your experiences in Sweden?
How many other females were
involved in officiating (I have zero
knowledge on the girls’ sport)
We had fourteen female officials
in Sweden from around the world.
They included Finland, Serbia, Italy,
Germany, Canada, US and Australia.
Many have been officiating for several
years. One started in 1984 but had a
break for a few years. There are others
in those countries, except in Australia
where some have started but I am the
only female who kept going with it.
Currently we have another in Australia
who is a resident but comes from the
US.
When I went to my first UK game, the
coach came over and congratulated
me on the WWC officiating. He
said he saw the games and was
awestruck at how good the standard
of competition was. I agree. It was
amazing. Sweden is only starting out,
Germany has had women playing for a
few years, there are about 40 teams in
the US and in Australia we don’t have
any female teams, but some female
players in the men’s competition. At
present we have one Junior female
in Queensland and another hoping to
start. I heard that New Zealand has
a women’s competition and I expect
there are a few other places with some
teams. We met the managers from a
women’s team in the US in Sweden.
The competition in Sweden was
amazing. It was pretty similar
officiating the women as what I do
at home, which is always men’s
competition. The interesting part was
having other female officials. That
was so impressive. Also, the women
officials are very professional. We
supported each other really well
and did our best to fit in with the
rest. Our trainers, Fereed Aldus and
Frank Rasmussen from Sweden and
Denmark were also excellent. We
learned a lot from video analysis
and from on-field support. The
arrangements in Sweden were second
to none. We had great support from
the accommodation, travel and diet
On the sideline at the Watford Gloucester game
OFFICIATING
OFFICIATING
before a game and make sure I eat lots
of carbs that aren’t too sweet. Usually
I have coffee on game day and cereal
for breakfast. If it is a late start, I try
to take my protein 4 hours before I will
be refereeing.
The drive is generally 1 – 1 ½ hours
one way and I pick up other referees
who live on the way quite often. We
have a discussion about football and
other news in the car as it is a good
time to catch up.
At the field, I watch the rest of the
Junior games or help out on the field.
We have a pre-game at about half an
hour before starting time. After the
game we do a verbal evaluation but
generally do not fill in any forms.
Sometimes we stay for a chat, but
often we just drive home as most
Saturdays the games finish at 9 or
9:30pm. If I do the Junior games
as well, the games go from 12 noon
onwards.
What’s the setup in Australia for
referees? How are you assigned
games, presumably this is based on
your regional area & assigned by
an administrator or do you have a
list if games which people volunteer
for? How are expenses e.g. travelling
met?
We are trained by our State Officials’
Organisations, such as QGOA in
Queensland. I am webmaster for
QGOA and AGOA the Australian
Gridiron Officials Association. Our
President assigns us and telephones
to check each week prior to sending a
confirmatory e-mail. We are paid to
cover the cost of a meal and travel and
some petrol money is paid. Essentially
we are volunteers because if we
claimed true expenses on taxation we
would receive a bigger tax return!
not obvious at the time, players soon
see the reasoning behind my calls.
Coaches are generally supportive in
the same way that they are for players,
but of course the players come first.
People often ask about my decisions,
so I just tell them. They don’t expect
me to read their minds either.
How do you cope with particularly
vociferous coaching staff, what is
your relationship like with coaches?
I expect coaches to be loud because
they have to get through to the players
with all those pads and helmets
blocking their hearing. I just tell them
when I can what we require and repeat
as necessary. I try to keep things on
a professional level and don’t take
stuff personally. The coaches have a
difficult job so I try to respect that and
give them some space as well. It’s
about making everyone look good,
especially the players.
How would you describe the level of
respect you get by the players, how
do you think this compares to your
male colleagues, do you feel you get
treated equally by players/coaches,
is there a difference depending on
league standard. Have you seen
any sexism in the game in terms
of how females get on, do you get
questioned on your decisions/
knowledge because you’re a girl?
The respect from players is truly
awesome, in a quiet and business like
kind of way. They encourage me
to give my opinion on my calls and
express their surprise on a regular
basis if my flags are over-ruled. The
coaches go out of their way to listen
to my soft voice on the sidelines and
often surprise me by their courtesy.
I tend to ignore the language unless
it can be heard by others, especially
children in the stands. Fortunately,
the opportunity to make good calls
comes quite a lot in any football
game, so even if the intent of a call is
Is there much development in the
rules for the Australian game, how
do you keep on top of this
We use the internet to find updates
and the AGOA committee go to
international events as officials or link
up otherwise. We actively scan for
news and network as much as possible.
A lot of officials spend hours watching
the game on the television, including
the NFL. I personally do not get much
opportunity to watch games on the
television and I really much prefer
to officiate rather than spectate. I
started a discussion group on Facebook
which is “secret” . We have about 100
members who are from all levels of
football around the world, especially
the WWC referees and related people.
Is there anything you’d like to
achieve in the game which you
haven’t yet
I have a secret ambition. But I’m not
telling.
Shots from the Blue
Raiders -v- Olympians
game
Photos
© Garry Neesam
You came over to officiate in the
women’s kitted finals in Sweden,
I had no idea there was such a
competition for female players, can
you tell us about it, how widespread
it is, what is the standard like, what
were your experiences in Sweden?
How many other females were
involved in officiating (I have zero
knowledge on the girls’ sport)
We had fourteen female officials
in Sweden from around the world.
They included Finland, Serbia, Italy,
Germany, Canada, US and Australia.
Many have been officiating for several
years. One started in 1984 but had a
break for a few years. There are others
in those countries, except in Australia
where some have started but I am the
only female who kept going with it.
Currently we have another in Australia
who is a resident but comes from the
US.
When I went to my first UK game, the
coach came over and congratulated
me on the WWC officiating. He
said he saw the games and was
awestruck at how good the standard
of competition was. I agree. It was
amazing. Sweden is only starting out,
Germany has had women playing for a
few years, there are about 40 teams in
the US and in Australia we don’t have
any female teams, but some female
players in the men’s competition. At
present we have one Junior female
in Queensland and another hoping to
start. I heard that New Zealand has
a women’s competition and I expect
there are a few other places with some
teams. We met the managers from a
women’s team in the US in Sweden.
The competition in Sweden was
amazing. It was pretty similar
officiating the women as what I do
at home, which is always men’s
competition. The interesting part was
having other female officials. That
was so impressive. Also, the women
officials are very professional. We
supported each other really well
and did our best to fit in with the
rest. Our trainers, Fereed Aldus and
Frank Rasmussen from Sweden and
Denmark were also excellent. We
learned a lot from video analysis
and from on-field support. The
arrangements in Sweden were second
to none. We had great support from
the accommodation, travel and diet
On the sideline at the Watford Gloucester game
OFFICIATING
OFFICIATING
point of view with great facilities for
meetings and getting to know the
others.
How did you find officiating in the
UK, how many matches did you do?
How did the standard compare to
back home?
Officiating in the UK was different. I
had two games. The players listened
to me more and were more articulate,
I thought. Although football is not a
debating society, it is interesting to be
asked to explain things. We used to
get a lot of debates on the field when
I first started out in Australia. The
British officials came from miles to
pick me up and take me back after the
games. I had a few hours of training
from Steve Tonkinson, who also trains
the Brits, which helped a lot. He also
sent me his slides and lots of notes
which I used to present some training
in our pre-season sessions at home.
I really like the way the Brits organise
things. The paperwork, e-mail
newsletters, website, contacts, visits
from important officials, support,
feedback…. The whole thing was
really great.
I had heard that they wrote the
mechanics manual for the European
competition due to being good at the
English language side of things, and
now I can see why. Everything ran
very smoothly and the communication
with coaches and players was
excellent. It was a great experience
for me and I recommend it to other
visiting officials.
Linesman duties during the BAFACL
Watford - Gloucester game
You can find more info on the Australian Gridiron
Official’s Association at their website:
http://sites.google.com/site/
australiangridironofficials
Barbara in an off-duty moment during her recent
officiating trip to Europe
Photo courtesy Barbara Johnson
Lastly, why do you do it?
Why? I do it because it’s fun. The
guys are cool. The other officials
count me in. I like to think I help out.
It is a challenge and full of surprises.
Going to Sweden was the biggest
surprise! It also helped my thesis
because I did some research in the
Swedish national library in Stockholm
and the librarians there were very
good.
Typical action Barbara officiated in the Watford - Gloucester Match
OFFICIATING
OFFICIATING
point of view with great facilities for
meetings and getting to know the
others.
How did you find officiating in the
UK, how many matches did you do?
How did the standard compare to
back home?
Officiating in the UK was different. I
had two games. The players listened
to me more and were more articulate,
I thought. Although football is not a
debating society, it is interesting to be
asked to explain things. We used to
get a lot of debates on the field when
I first started out in Australia. The
British officials came from miles to
pick me up and take me back after the
games. I had a few hours of training
from Steve Tonkinson, who also trains
the Brits, which helped a lot. He also
sent me his slides and lots of notes
which I used to present some training
in our pre-season sessions at home.
I really like the way the Brits organise
things. The paperwork, e-mail
newsletters, website, contacts, visits
from important officials, support,
feedback…. The whole thing was
really great.
I had heard that they wrote the
mechanics manual for the European
competition due to being good at the
English language side of things, and
now I can see why. Everything ran
very smoothly and the communication
with coaches and players was
excellent. It was a great experience
for me and I recommend it to other
visiting officials.
Linesman duties during the BAFACL
Watford - Gloucester game
You can find more info on the Australian Gridiron
Official’s Association at their website:
http://sites.google.com/site/
australiangridironofficials
Barbara in an off-duty moment during her recent
officiating trip to Europe
Photo courtesy Barbara Johnson
Lastly, why do you do it?
Why? I do it because it’s fun. The
guys are cool. The other officials
count me in. I like to think I help out.
It is a challenge and full of surprises.
Going to Sweden was the biggest
surprise! It also helped my thesis
because I did some research in the
Swedish national library in Stockholm
and the librarians there were very
good.
Typical action Barbara officiated in the Watford - Gloucester Match
LEAGUE RESULTS
LEAGUE RESULTS
BUAFL League Results
Date
27/02/2011
27/02/2011
27/02/2011
27/02/2011
27/02/2011
20/02/2011
20/02/2011
20/02/2011
20/02/2011
13/02/2011
13/02/2011
13/02/2011
06/02/2011
30/01/2011
30/01/2011
30/01/2011
BORDER CONFERENCE
Home
Edinburgh Predators
Durham Saints
Stirling Clansmen
Newcastle Raiders
UCH Sharks
Stirling Clansmen
Edinburgh Napier
Knights
UWS Pyros
Northumbria Mustangs
Sunderland Spartans
Edinburgh Napier
Knights
Edinburgh Predators
Newcastle Raiders
Sunderland Spartans
Glasgow Tigers
Teeside Cougars
Durham Saints
Edinburgh Predators
Sunderland Spartans
Durham Saints
Edinburgh Predators
UWS Pyros
Glasgow Tigers
Teeside Cougars
Score
Away
UWS Pyros
Sunderland Spartans
Edinburgh Napier Knights
Glasgow Tigers
Teeside Cougars
Durham Saints
Teeside Cougars
Edinburgh Predators
York Centurions
Durham Saints
Glasgow Tigers
14 - 20
0-0
0-0
6 - 19
34 - 24
6 - 32
6 - 20
6 - 20
40 - 19
24 - 34
Stirling Clansmen
Durham Saints
Leeds Celtics
UWS Pyros
Teeside Cougars
Stirling Clansmen
Newcastle Raiders
Teeside Cougars
UWS Pyros
Newcastle Raiders
Stirling Clansmen
Date
27/02/2011
27/02/2011
27/02/2011
27/02/2011
27/02/2011
20/02/2011
20/02/2011
20/02/2011
20/02/2011
20/02/2011
13/02/2011
13/02/2011
13/02/2011
06/02/2011
06/02/2011
06/02/2011
06/02/2001
06/02/2011
30/01/2011
30/01/2011
NORTHERN CONFERENCE
Home
Sheffield Sabres
Leeds Celtics
York Centurions
Bangor MudDogs
UCH Sharks
UCH Sharks
Manchester Tyrants
Huddersfield Hawks
Lancaster Bombers
Manchester Tyrants
Bangor MudDogs
Sheffield Sabres
Sheffield Hallam Warriors
York Centurions
Manchester Tyrants
Leeds Carnegie
Huddersfield Hawks
Sunderland Spartans
Birmingham Lions
Bangor MudDogs
Leeds Celtics
Manchester Tyrants
Sheffield Sabres
Huddersfield Hawks
Leeds Celtics
Leeds Carnegie
Leeds Carnegie
Lancaster Bombers
Sheffield Sabres
UCH Sharks
Bangor MudDogs
Score
41 - 0
8 - 24
20 - 14
0-6
22 - 24
12 - 2
12 - 36
8 - 12
20 - 6
26 - 20
67 - 0
0 - 36
50 - 0
8 - 27
Away
Manchester Tyrants
Lancaster Bombers
Huddersfield Hawks
Teeside Cougars
NTU Renegades
Sheffield Sabres
Leeds Carnegie
York Centurions
UCH Sharks
York Centurions
Leeds Carnegie
Bangor MudDogs
Sheffield Sabres
Huddersfield Hawks
Liverpool Fury
Leeds Celtics
UCH Sharks
Leeds Celtics
Leeds Carnegie
Tarannau Aberystwyth
Sheffield Sabres
Lancaster Bombers
Lancaster Bombers
York Centurions
UCH Sharks
Manchester Tyrants
Leeds Celtics
Bangor MudDogs
Leeds Carnegie
Manchester Tyrants
Date
27/02/2011
27/02/2011
27/02/2011
27/02/2011
20/02/2011
20/02/2011
20/02/2011
20/02/2011
20/02/2011
13/02/2011
13/02/2011
13/02/2011
13/02/2011
13/02/2011
13/02/2011
06/02/2011
06/02/2001
06/02/2011
30/01/2011
30/01/2011
30/01/2011
30/01/2011
MIDLAND ATHLETIC CONFERENCE
Home
Coventry Jets
Derby Braves
Warwick Wolves
Leicester Longhorns
Loughborough Aces
UEA Pirates
Lincoln Colonials
Staffordshire Stallions
UCH Sharks
UEA Pirates
Warwick Wolves
Leicester Longhorns
Birmingham Lions
NTU Renegades
Coventry Jets
Nottingham Outlaws
Derby Braves
Leicester Longhorns
Lincoln Colonials
Derby Braves
Birmingham Lions
Birmingham Lions
Leicester Longhorns
Warwick Wolves
Lincoln Colonials
Loughborough Aces
Coventry Jets
NTU Renegades
Worcester Royals
Warwick Wolves
Nottingham Outlaws
Birmingham Lions
Coventry Jets
Loughborough Aces
Score
41 - 0
6 - 53
0 - 14
0 - 24
7 - 25
56 - 7
12- 7
0 - 30
9 - 25
13 - 6
7 - 11
53 - 0
0 - 16
0-0
35 - 0
Away
Loughborough Aces
NTU Renegades
Nottingham Outlaws
Birmingham Lions
Leicester Longhorns
Warwick Wolves
Coventry Jets
NTU Renegades
Lincoln Colonials
Nottingham Outlaws
Derby Braves
Worcester Royals
Loughborough Aces
Warwick Wolves
NTU Renegades
Lincoln Colonials
Worcester Royals
Loughborough Aces
Coventry Jets
Leeds Carnegie
Loughborough Aces
Nottingham Outlaws
Derby Braves
Nottingham Outlaws
Leicester Longhorns
Birmingham Lions
Gloucester Gladiators
Worcester Royals
Derby Braves
Leicester Longhorns
NTU Renegades
Derby Braves
LEAGUE RESULTS
LEAGUE RESULTS
BUAFL League Results
Date
27/02/2011
27/02/2011
27/02/2011
27/02/2011
27/02/2011
20/02/2011
20/02/2011
20/02/2011
20/02/2011
13/02/2011
13/02/2011
13/02/2011
06/02/2011
30/01/2011
30/01/2011
30/01/2011
BORDER CONFERENCE
Home
Edinburgh Predators
Durham Saints
Stirling Clansmen
Newcastle Raiders
UCH Sharks
Stirling Clansmen
Edinburgh Napier
Knights
UWS Pyros
Sunderland Spartans
Edinburgh Napier
Knights
Edinburgh Predators
Newcastle Raiders
Sunderland Spartans
Glasgow Tigers
Teeside Cougars
Durham Saints
Edinburgh Predators
Sunderland Spartans
Durham Saints
Edinburgh Predators
UWS Pyros
Glasgow Tigers
Teeside Cougars
Score
Away
UWS Pyros
Sunderland Spartans
Glasgow Tigers
Teeside Cougars
Durham Saints
Teeside Cougars
Edinburgh Predators
York Centurions
Durham Saints
Glasgow Tigers
14 - 20
0-0
0-0
6 - 19
34 - 24
6 - 32
6 - 20
6 - 20
40 - 19
24 - 34
Stirling Clansmen
Durham Saints
Leeds Celtics
UWS Pyros
Teeside Cougars
Stirling Clansmen
Newcastle Raiders
Teeside Cougars
UWS Pyros
Newcastle Raiders
Stirling Clansmen
Date
27/02/2011
27/02/2011
27/02/2011
27/02/2011
27/02/2011
20/02/2011
20/02/2011
20/02/2011
20/02/2011
20/02/2011
13/02/2011
13/02/2011
13/02/2011
06/02/2011
06/02/2011
06/02/2011
06/02/2001
06/02/2011
30/01/2011
30/01/2011
NORTHERN CONFERENCE
Home
Sheffield Sabres
Leeds Celtics
York Centurions
Bangor MudDogs
UCH Sharks
UCH Sharks
Manchester Tyrants
Huddersfield Hawks
Lancaster Bombers
Manchester Tyrants
Bangor MudDogs
Sheffield Sabres
York Centurions
Manchester Tyrants
Leeds Carnegie
Huddersfield Hawks
Sunderland Spartans
Birmingham Lions
Bangor MudDogs
Leeds Celtics
Manchester Tyrants
Sheffield Sabres
Huddersfield Hawks
Leeds Celtics
Leeds Carnegie
Leeds Carnegie
Lancaster Bombers
Sheffield Sabres
UCH Sharks
Bangor MudDogs
Score
41 - 0
8 - 24
20 - 14
0-6
22 - 24
12 - 2
12 - 36
8 - 12
20 - 6
26 - 20
67 - 0
0 - 36
50 - 0
8 - 27
Away
Manchester Tyrants
Lancaster Bombers
Huddersfield Hawks
Teeside Cougars
NTU Renegades
Sheffield Sabres
Leeds Carnegie
York Centurions
UCH Sharks
York Centurions
Leeds Carnegie
Bangor MudDogs
Sheffield Sabres
Huddersfield Hawks
Liverpool Fury
Leeds Celtics
UCH Sharks
Leeds Celtics
Leeds Carnegie
Sheffield Sabres
Lancaster Bombers
Lancaster Bombers
York Centurions
UCH Sharks
Manchester Tyrants
Leeds Celtics
Bangor MudDogs
Leeds Carnegie
Manchester Tyrants
Date
27/02/2011
27/02/2011
27/02/2011
27/02/2011
20/02/2011
20/02/2011
20/02/2011
20/02/2011
20/02/2011
13/02/2011
13/02/2011
13/02/2011
13/02/2011
13/02/2011
13/02/2011
06/02/2011
06/02/2001
06/02/2011
30/01/2011
30/01/2011
30/01/2011
30/01/2011
Home
Coventry Jets
Derby Braves
Warwick Wolves
Leicester Longhorns
Loughborough Aces
UEA Pirates
Lincoln Colonials
UCH Sharks
UEA Pirates
Warwick Wolves
Leicester Longhorns
Birmingham Lions
NTU Renegades
Coventry Jets
Nottingham Outlaws
Derby Braves
Leicester Longhorns
Lincoln Colonials
Derby Braves
Birmingham Lions
Birmingham Lions
Leicester Longhorns
Warwick Wolves
Lincoln Colonials
Loughborough Aces
Coventry Jets
NTU Renegades
Worcester Royals
Warwick Wolves
Nottingham Outlaws
Birmingham Lions
Coventry Jets
Loughborough Aces
Score
41 - 0
6 - 53
0 - 14
0 - 24
7 - 25
56 - 7
12- 7
0 - 30
9 - 25
13 - 6
7 - 11
53 - 0
0 - 16
0-0
35 - 0
Away
Loughborough Aces
NTU Renegades
Nottingham Outlaws
Birmingham Lions
Leicester Longhorns
Warwick Wolves
Coventry Jets
NTU Renegades
Lincoln Colonials
Nottingham Outlaws
Derby Braves
Worcester Royals
Loughborough Aces
Warwick Wolves
NTU Renegades
Lincoln Colonials
Worcester Royals
Loughborough Aces
Coventry Jets
Leeds Carnegie
Loughborough Aces
Nottingham Outlaws
Derby Braves
Nottingham Outlaws
Leicester Longhorns
Birmingham Lions
Worcester Royals
Derby Braves
Leicester Longhorns
NTU Renegades
Derby Braves
LEAGUE RESULTS
LEAGUE RESULTS
SOUTH WESTERN ATLANTIC CONFERENCE
Date
27/02/2011
27/02/2011
27/02/2011
27/02/2011
20/02/2011
20/02/2011
20/02/2011
20/02/2011
20/02/2011
13/02/2011
13/02/2011
13/02/2011
13/02/2011
13/02/2011
06/02/2011
30/01/2011
30/01/2011
30/01/2011
30/01/2011
Home
Bath Killer Bees
UWE Bullets
Cardiff Cobras
Plymouth Blitz
Swansea Titans
Bristol Barracuda
Bath Killer Bees
Exeter Demons
Cardiff Cobras
UWE Bullets
Exeter Demons
UWE Bullets
Bristol Barracuda
Cardiff Cobras
Bangor MudDogs
Plymouth Blitz
Bath Spa Bulldogs
Bristol Barracuda
Bath Killer Bees
Worcester Royals
Bristol Barracuda
Swansea Titans
Exeter Demons
Swansea Titans
Coventry Jets
Plymouth Blitz
Plymouth Blitz
Bath Spa Bulldogs
UWE Bullets
Score
8 - 24
20 - 34
0 - 28
27 - 0
42 - 0
9 - 25
84 - 8
12 - 21
32 - 8
26 - 25
0-0
6 - 12
0 - 27
2 - 12
0 - 43
34 - 0
Away
Swansea Titans
Bath Spa Bulldogs
Bristol Barracuda
Reading Knights
UWE Bullets
Bath Spa Bulldogs
Exeter Demons
Swansea Titans
Plymouth Blitz
Bath Spa Bulldogs
Bristol Barracuda
Plymouth Blitz
Bath Killer Bees
Exeter Demons
Plymouth Blitz
UWE Bullets
Exeter Demons
Cardiff Cobras
Swansea Titans
Bath Spa Bulldogs
UWE Bullets
Cardiff Cobras
Cardiff Cobras
Bristol Barracuda
Exeter Demons
Bath Killer Bees
Date
27/02/2011
27/02/2011
27/02/2011
27/02/2011
20/02/2011
20/02/2011
20/02/2011
13/02/2011
13/02/2011
13/02/2011
06/02/2011
06/02/2011
06/02/2011
06/02/2011
30/01/2011
30/01/2011
30/01/2001
30/01/2011
30/01/2011
THAMES VALLEY CONFERENCE
Home
Southampton Stags
Imperial Immortals
Brunel Burners
UWE Bullets
Reading Knights
Southampton Stags
BNU Buccaneers
Brunel Burners
OBU Panthers
Surrey Stingers
BNU Buccaneers
Imperial Immortals
Portsmouth Destroyers
OBU Panthers
Team Solent Redhawks
Greenwich mariners
Southampton Stags
Reading Knights
Royal Holloway Bears
Brighton Tsunami
Brunel Burners
BNU Buccaneers
Imperial Immortals
OBU Panthers
BNU Buccaneers
Surrey Stingers
Southampton Stags
OBU Panthers
Reading Knights
Imperial Immortals
LSBU Spartans
Reading Knights
Kings College Regents
Score
8 - 28
0 - 32
8-7
14 - 36
26 - 29
0 - 12
6 - 12
22 - 0
0 - 78
28 - 13
12 - 6
19 - 22
0 - 11
0 - 38
20 - 14
6 - 39
24 - 29
13 - 6
28 - 0
0 - 20
20 - 6
62 - 14
Away
LSBU Spartans
OBU Panthers
Reading Knights
Surrey Stingers
OBU Panthers
Brunel Burners
Reading Knights
Southampton Stags
Surrey Stingers
Imperial Immortals
Brunel Burners
BNU Buccaneers
OBU Panthers
Surrey Stingers
Imperial Immortals
Reading Knights
Brunel Burners
Brighton Tsunami
Brunel Burners
BNU Buccaneers
Southampton Stags
LSBU Spartans
Southampton Stags
BNU Buccaneers
Canterbury Chargers
OBU Panthers
Imperial Immortals
Reading Knights
BNU Buccaneers
Date
27/02/2011
27/02/2011
27/02/2011
27/02/2011
20/02/2011
20/02/2011
20/02/2011
20/02/2011
13/02/2011
13/02/2011
13/02/2011
13/02/2011
06/02/2011
06/02/2011
30/01/2011
30/01/2011
30/01/2011
30/01/2011
SOUTH EASTERN CONFERENCE
Home
Kent Falcons
Canterbury Chargers
Brighton Tsunami
Southampton Stags
Essex Blades
UEA Pirates
Kent Falcons
UEA Pirates
LSBU Spartans
Kent Flacons
Canterbury Chargers
Canterbury Chargers
Essex Blades
Brighton Tsunami
Greenwich Mariners
Brighton Tsunami
Brunel Burners
UEA Pirates
LSBU Spartans
Southampton Stags
Greenwich Mariners
UEA Pirates
LSBU Spartans
Canterbury Chargers
Imperial Immortals
Greenwich Mariners
Kent Falcons
LSBU Spartans
Reading Knights
Greenwich Mariners
Score
0 - 32
8-7
12 - 47
18 - 8
28 - 13
0 - 41
0 - 49
6 - 12
6-7
20 - 14
6 - 20
22 - 14
24 - 29
13 - 6
6 - 27
50 - 0
30 - 0
0 - 20
Away
Greenwich Mariners
UEA Pirates
LSBU Spartans
Greenwich Mariners
Kent Falcons
LSBU Spartans
Leicester Longhorns
Brighton Tsunami
Lincoln Colonials
Greenwich Mariners
Essex Blades
Essex Blades
Kent Falcons
UEA Pirates
Canterbury Chargers
Brighton Tsunami
Kent Falcons
Essex Blades
LSBU Spartans
UEA Pirates
Essex Blades
BNU Buccaneers
Canterbury Chargers
Brighton Tsunami
UEA Pirates
Kent Falcons
Imperial Immortals
LEAGUE RESULTS
LEAGUE RESULTS
Date
27/02/2011
27/02/2011
27/02/2011
27/02/2011
20/02/2011
20/02/2011
20/02/2011
20/02/2011
20/02/2011
13/02/2011
13/02/2011
13/02/2011
13/02/2011
13/02/2011
06/02/2011
30/01/2011
30/01/2011
30/01/2011
30/01/2011
Home
Bath Killer Bees
UWE Bullets
Cardiff Cobras
Plymouth Blitz
Swansea Titans
Bristol Barracuda
Bath Killer Bees
Exeter Demons
Cardiff Cobras
UWE Bullets
Exeter Demons
UWE Bullets
Bristol Barracuda
Cardiff Cobras
Bangor MudDogs
Plymouth Blitz
Bath Spa Bulldogs
Bristol Barracuda
Bath Killer Bees
Worcester Royals
Bristol Barracuda
Swansea Titans
Exeter Demons
Swansea Titans
Coventry Jets
Plymouth Blitz
Plymouth Blitz
Bath Spa Bulldogs
UWE Bullets
Score
8 - 24
20 - 34
0 - 28
27 - 0
42 - 0
9 - 25
84 - 8
12 - 21
32 - 8
26 - 25
0-0
6 - 12
0 - 27
2 - 12
0 - 43
34 - 0
Away
Swansea Titans
Bath Spa Bulldogs
Bristol Barracuda
Reading Knights
UWE Bullets
Bath Spa Bulldogs
Exeter Demons
Swansea Titans
Plymouth Blitz
Bath Spa Bulldogs
Bristol Barracuda
Plymouth Blitz
Bath Killer Bees
Exeter Demons
Plymouth Blitz
UWE Bullets
Exeter Demons
Cardiff Cobras
Swansea Titans
Bath Spa Bulldogs
UWE Bullets
Cardiff Cobras
Cardiff Cobras
Bristol Barracuda
Exeter Demons
Bath Killer Bees
Date
27/02/2011
27/02/2011
27/02/2011
27/02/2011
20/02/2011
20/02/2011
20/02/2011
13/02/2011
13/02/2011
13/02/2011
06/02/2011
06/02/2011
06/02/2011
06/02/2011
30/01/2011
30/01/2011
30/01/2001
30/01/2011
30/01/2011
Home
Southampton Stags
Imperial Immortals
Brunel Burners
UWE Bullets
Reading Knights
Southampton Stags
BNU Buccaneers
Brunel Burners
OBU Panthers
Surrey Stingers
BNU Buccaneers
Imperial Immortals
OBU Panthers
Greenwich mariners
Southampton Stags
Reading Knights
Brighton Tsunami
Brunel Burners
BNU Buccaneers
Imperial Immortals
OBU Panthers
BNU Buccaneers
Surrey Stingers
Southampton Stags
OBU Panthers
Reading Knights
Imperial Immortals
LSBU Spartans
Reading Knights
Score
8 - 28
0 - 32
8-7
14 - 36
26 - 29
0 - 12
6 - 12
22 - 0
0 - 78
28 - 13
12 - 6
19 - 22
0 - 11
0 - 38
20 - 14
6 - 39
24 - 29
13 - 6
28 - 0
0 - 20
20 - 6
62 - 14
Away
LSBU Spartans
OBU Panthers
Reading Knights
Surrey Stingers
OBU Panthers
Brunel Burners
Reading Knights
Southampton Stags
Surrey Stingers
Imperial Immortals
Brunel Burners
BNU Buccaneers
OBU Panthers
Surrey Stingers
Imperial Immortals
Reading Knights
Brunel Burners
Brighton Tsunami
Brunel Burners
BNU Buccaneers
Southampton Stags
LSBU Spartans
Southampton Stags
BNU Buccaneers
Canterbury Chargers
OBU Panthers
Imperial Immortals
Reading Knights
BNU Buccaneers
Date
27/02/2011
27/02/2011
27/02/2011
27/02/2011
20/02/2011
20/02/2011
20/02/2011
20/02/2011
13/02/2011
13/02/2011
13/02/2011
13/02/2011
06/02/2011
06/02/2011
30/01/2011
30/01/2011
30/01/2011
30/01/2011
Home
Kent Falcons
Canterbury Chargers
Brighton Tsunami
Southampton Stags
Essex Blades
UEA Pirates
Kent Falcons
UEA Pirates
LSBU Spartans
Kent Flacons
Canterbury Chargers
Canterbury Chargers
Essex Blades
Brighton Tsunami
Greenwich Mariners
Brighton Tsunami
Brunel Burners
UEA Pirates
LSBU Spartans
Southampton Stags
Greenwich Mariners
UEA Pirates
LSBU Spartans
Canterbury Chargers
Imperial Immortals
Greenwich Mariners
Kent Falcons
LSBU Spartans
Reading Knights
Greenwich Mariners
Score
0 - 32
8-7
12 - 47
18 - 8
28 - 13
0 - 41
0 - 49
6 - 12
6-7
20 - 14
6 - 20
22 - 14
24 - 29
13 - 6
6 - 27
50 - 0
30 - 0
0 - 20
Away
Greenwich Mariners
UEA Pirates
LSBU Spartans
Greenwich Mariners
Kent Falcons
LSBU Spartans
Leicester Longhorns
Brighton Tsunami
Lincoln Colonials
Greenwich Mariners
Essex Blades
Essex Blades
Kent Falcons
UEA Pirates
Canterbury Chargers
Brighton Tsunami
Kent Falcons
Essex Blades
LSBU Spartans
UEA Pirates
Essex Blades
BNU Buccaneers
Canterbury Chargers
Brighton Tsunami
UEA Pirates
Kent Falcons
Imperial Immortals
LEAGUE STANDINGS
LEAGUE STANDINGS
BUAFL League Standings
BORDER CONFERENCE
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
6th
7th
8th
9th
10th
Team
Newcastle Raiders
Stirling Clansmen
Glasgow Tigers
Teeside Cougars
Edinburgh Predators
Durham Saints
UWS Pyros
Sunderland Spartans
NORTHERN CONFERENCE
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
6th
7th
8th
9th
10th
Team
Lancaster Bombers
Huddersfield Hawk
UCH Sharks
Sheffield Sabres
Manchester Tyrants
Leeds Celtics
Leeds Carnegie
York Centurions
Bangor MudDogs
P
2
2
2
1
3
3
1
1
2
3
P
3
3
1
2
3
3
3
4
1
3
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
6th
7th
8th
9th
10th
11th
Team
Loughborough Aces
Birmingham Lions
Coventry Jets
Derby Braves
Nottingham Outlaws
NTU Renegades
Warwick Wolves
Lincoln Colonials
Worcester Royals
Leicester Longhorns
P
3
3
2
3
3
2
2
1
2
3
3
W
2
2
2
1
1
1
0
0
0
0
W
3
3
1
1
1
1
1
1
0
0
W
3
3
1
2
2
1
1
0
0
0
0
T
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
T
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
T
0
0
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
L
0
0
0
0
2
2
1
1
2
3
L
0
0
0
1
2
2
2
3
1
3
L
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
2
3
3
Pts F
62
56
40
40
57
39
6
6
8
32
Pts F
122
56
12
12
103
33
52
28
2
16
Pts F
144
124
12
35
46
16
13
7
15
7
13
Pts A
18
26
20
19
60
84
20
32
42
69
Pts A
12
42
2
44
44
34
76
109
12
118
Pts A
13
0
7
42
18
30
30
25
38
86
118
%age
1.000
1.000
1.000
1.000
0.333
0.333
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
%age
1.000
1.000
1.000
0.500
0.333
0.333
0.333
0.250
0.000
0.000
%age
1.000
1.000
0.750
0.667
0.666
0.500
0.500
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.00
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
6th
7th
8th
9th
10th
Team
Bristol Barracuda
Exeter Demons
UWE Bullets
Bath Killer Bees
Cardiff Cobras
Swansea Titans
Plymouth Blitz
Bath Spa Bulldogs
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
6th
7th
8th
9th
10th
Team
Southampton Stags
Imperial Immortals
Reading Knights
BNU Buccaneers
Surrey Stingers
Brunel Burners
OBU Panthers
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
6th
7th
8th
9th
Team
Kent Falcons
Essex Blades
LSBU Spartans
Brighton Tsunami
UEA Pirates
Canterbury Chargers
Greenwich Mariners
P
3
3
3
2
3
3
3
3
3
3
W
3
3
3
2
1
1
1
1
0
0
T
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
L
0
0
0
0
1
2
2
2
3
3
Pts F
138
72
89
85
33
37
30
38
22
8
Pts A
8
10
32
0
41
59
54
88
73
155
%age
1.000
1.000
1.000
1.000
0.667
0.333
0.333
0.333
0.000
0.000
P
5
3
4
3
3
5
2
3
4
4
W
5
3
3
2
2
3
1
1
1
1
T
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
L
0
0
1
1
1
2
1
2
3
3
Pts F
238
78
78
56
31
101
29
14
56
26
Pts A
14
19
43
31
32
141
104
41
70
85
%age
1.000
1.000
0.750
0.667
0.667
0.600
0.500
0.333
0.250
0.250
P
4
3
2
3
3
3
4
3
3
W
4
2
1
1
1
1
1
0
0
T
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
L
0
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
Pts F
168
71
21
48
19
40
22
20
12
Pts A
12
44
28
49
34
66
152
38
88
%age
1.000
0.666
0.500
0.333
0.333
0.333
0.250
0.000
0.000
League Standings are as of 24th December 2010
LEAGUE STANDINGS
LEAGUE STANDINGS
BUAFL League Standings
BORDER CONFERENCE
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
6th
7th
8th
9th
10th
Team
Newcastle Raiders
Stirling Clansmen
Glasgow Tigers
Teeside Cougars
Edinburgh Predators
Durham Saints
UWS Pyros
Sunderland Spartans
NORTHERN CONFERENCE
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
6th
7th
8th
9th
10th
Team
Lancaster Bombers
Huddersfield Hawk
UCH Sharks
Sheffield Sabres
Manchester Tyrants
Leeds Celtics
Leeds Carnegie
York Centurions
Bangor MudDogs
P
2
2
2
1
3
3
1
1
2
3
P
3
3
1
2
3
3
3
4
1
3
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
6th
7th
8th
9th
10th
11th
Team
Loughborough Aces
Birmingham Lions
Coventry Jets
Derby Braves
Nottingham Outlaws
NTU Renegades
Warwick Wolves
Lincoln Colonials
Worcester Royals
Leicester Longhorns
P
3
3
2
3
3
2
2
1
2
3
3
W
2
2
2
1
1
1
0
0
0
0
W
3
3
1
1
1
1
1
1
0
0
W
3
3
1
2
2
1
1
0
0
0
0
T
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
T
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
T
0
0
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
L
0
0
0
0
2
2
1
1
2
3
L
0
0
0
1
2
2
2
3
1
3
L
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
2
3
3
Pts F
62
56
40
40
57
39
6
6
8
32
Pts F
122
56
12
12
103
33
52
28
2
16
Pts F
144
124
12
35
46
16
13
7
15
7
13
Pts A
18
26
20
19
60
84
20
32
42
69
Pts A
12
42
2
44
44
34
76
109
12
118
Pts A
13
0
7
42
18
30
30
25
38
86
118
%age
1.000
1.000
1.000
1.000
0.333
0.333
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
%age
1.000
1.000
1.000
0.500
0.333
0.333
0.333
0.250
0.000
0.000
%age
1.000
1.000
0.750
0.667
0.666
0.500
0.500
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.00
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
6th
7th
8th
9th
10th
Team
Bristol Barracuda
Exeter Demons
UWE Bullets
Bath Killer Bees
Cardiff Cobras
Swansea Titans
Plymouth Blitz
Bath Spa Bulldogs
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
6th
7th
8th
9th
10th
Team
Southampton Stags
Imperial Immortals
Reading Knights
BNU Buccaneers
Surrey Stingers
Brunel Burners
OBU Panthers
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
6th
7th
8th
9th
Team
Kent Falcons
Essex Blades
LSBU Spartans
Brighton Tsunami
UEA Pirates
Canterbury Chargers
Greenwich Mariners
P
3
3
3
2
3
3
3
3
3
3
W
3
3
3
2
1
1
1
1
0
0
T
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
L
0
0
0
0
1
2
2
2
3
3
Pts F
138
72
89
85
33
37
30
38
22
8
Pts A
8
10
32
0
41
59
54
88
73
155
%age
1.000
1.000
1.000
1.000
0.667
0.333
0.333
0.333
0.000
0.000
P
5
3
4
3
3
5
2
3
4
4
W
5
3
3
2
2
3
1
1
1
1
T
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
L
0
0
1
1
1
2
1
2
3
3
Pts F
238
78
78
56
31
101
29
14
56
26
Pts A
14
19
43
31
32
141
104
41
70
85
%age
1.000
1.000
0.750
0.667
0.667
0.600
0.500
0.333
0.250
0.250
P
4
3
2
3
3
3
4
3
3
W
4
2
1
1
1
1
1
0
0
T
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
L
0
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
Pts F
168
71
21
48
19
40
22
20
12
Pts A
12
44
28
49
34
66
152
38
88
%age
1.000
0.666
0.500
0.333
0.333
0.333
0.250
0.000
0.000
League Standings are as of 24th December 2010
BUAFL
BUAFL
BUAFL Team Directory
South Western Conference
Southampton Stags
Bath Killer Bees
Surrey Stingers
www.bathstudent.com/organisation/6167
www.stags.org.uk/main.php
www.surreystingers.co.uk/Home.html
Bath Spa Bulldogs *
www.bathspasu.co.uk/americanfootball
www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=65390754760
Nottingham Outlaws
www.nottinghamoutlaws.org.uk
twitter.com/NOutlawsBUAFL
Nottingham Trent Renegades
www.nturenegades.com
twitter.com/NTURenegades
www.staffordshirestallions.com
twitter.com/StaffsStallions
Border Conference
Durham Saints
www.dur.ac.uk/American.football
Edinburgh Predators
predators.x10hosting.com/team_news.html
Glasgow Tigers
www.gutigers.com
South Eastern Conference
Warwick Wolves
Napier Mavericks
Bristol Barracuda
Anglia Ruskin Phantoms
Worcester Royals
Newcastle Raiders
Cardiff Cobras
Brighton Tsunami
www.cudafootball.com/home.htm
www.cardiffcobrasfootball.co.uk
Exeter Demons
exeterdemons01.sports.officelive.com/default.aspx
Gloucestershire Gladiators *
www.yourstudentsunion.com/American
www.angliaphantoms.co.uk
www.brightontsunami.com
twitter.com/BrightonTsunami
Canterbury Chargers
www.c4af.co.uk
Essex Blades
www.essexblades.com
Greenwich Mariners
Plymouth Blitz
Swansea Titans
Kent Falcons
www.tarannau.net
www.plymouthblitz.com
www.suau.co.uk/titans
UWE Bullets
www.bristolbullets.co.uk
Thames Valley Conference
BNU Buccaneers
www.greenwichmariners.co.uk
www.hurricanes.org.uk
en-gb.facebook.com/group.php?gid=149950118348797
twitter.com/kent_falcons
Imperial Immortals
immortals.phannon.net/Default.aspx
Oxford Brookes Panthers *
www.facebook.com/pages/OBU-Panthers-American-FootballTeam/349758531661
www.upsu.net/activities/sports/americanfootball
en-gb.facebook.com/pages/Portsmouth-United-Kingdom/
Portsmouth-Destroyers/429508529
Reading Knights
www.reading-knights.co.uk
twitter.com/ReadingKnights
www.rhulbearsfootball.co.uk/#/home/4531350832
Solent Redhawks
www.solent.ac.uk/sport/Team%20Solent/Clubs/American%20
Football.aspx
twitter.com/WorcesterRoyals
Northern Conference
Bangor MudDogs
www.undeb.bangor.ac.uk/bangormuddogs
Huddersfield Hawks
www.huddersfieldhawks.co.uk
twitter.com/UoHHawks
Lancaster Bombers
www.lancs.ac.uk/socs/bombers
twitter.com/LUBombers
Liverpool Fury
Midlands Conference
Manchester Tyrants
Birmingham Lions
Coventry University Jets *
Sheffield Sabres
Derby Braves
UCH Sharks
www.birminghamlions.co.uk
twitter.com/BirminghamLions
www.cusu.org/amercianfootball/content/49345/american_
football
www.derbybraves.com/Braves/Home.html
twitter.com/DerbyBraves
Leicester Longhorns
www.leicesterlonghorns.co.uk
twitter.com/UL_Longhorns
www.teamnorthumbria.com/home2/index.php?option=com_co
ntent&task=view&id=747&Itemid=1
Stirling Clansmen
www.stirlingclansmen.co.uk/main.htm
Sunderland Spartans
www.sunderlandspartans.co.uk
University of Teeside (UT) Cougars
www.utcougars.com
UWS Pyros
www.the-pyros.co.uk/index.html
www.carnegieamericanfootball.com/
UEA Pirates
www.ueapirates.com
www.societies.ncl.ac.uk/americanfootball
Leeds Carnegie
Leeds Celtics
www.kclregents.com
South Bank Spartans *
www.napierstudents.com/sports/american-football.php
King’s College Regents *
twitter.com/BNU_Buccaneer
Brunel Burners *
www.warwickwolves.co.uk
www.eteamz.com/leedsceltics
twitter.com/Leeds_Celtics
* First season in the league
www.liverpoolfury.org.uk/thefury.html
twitter.com/LiverpoolFury
www.manchestertyrants.com
twitter.com/McrTyrants
www.shuwarriors.net
twitter.com/shuwarriors
sabres.union.shef.ac.uk
twitter.com/SheffieldSabres
www.uchsharks.co.uk
York Centurions
www.york-centurions.co.uk
Lincoln Colonials
www.lincolncolonials.co.uk
Loughborough Aces
www.loughboroughaces.com
BUAFL
BUAFL
BUAFL Team Directory
South Western Conference
Southampton Stags
Bath Killer Bees
Surrey Stingers
www.bathstudent.com/organisation/6167
www.stags.org.uk/main.php
www.surreystingers.co.uk/Home.html
Bath Spa Bulldogs *
www.bathspasu.co.uk/americanfootball
Nottingham Outlaws
www.nottinghamoutlaws.org.uk
twitter.com/NOutlawsBUAFL
Nottingham Trent Renegades
www.nturenegades.com
twitter.com/NTURenegades
www.staffordshirestallions.com
twitter.com/StaffsStallions
Border Conference
Durham Saints
www.dur.ac.uk/American.football
Edinburgh Predators
predators.x10hosting.com/team_news.html
Glasgow Tigers
www.gutigers.com
South Eastern Conference
Warwick Wolves
Napier Mavericks
Bristol Barracuda
Anglia Ruskin Phantoms
Worcester Royals
Newcastle Raiders
Cardiff Cobras
Brighton Tsunami
www.cudafootball.com/home.htm
www.cardiffcobrasfootball.co.uk
Exeter Demons
exeterdemons01.sports.officelive.com/default.aspx
Gloucestershire Gladiators *
www.yourstudentsunion.com/American
www.angliaphantoms.co.uk
www.brightontsunami.com
twitter.com/BrightonTsunami
Canterbury Chargers
www.c4af.co.uk
Essex Blades
www.essexblades.com
Greenwich Mariners
Plymouth Blitz
Swansea Titans
Kent Falcons
www.tarannau.net
www.plymouthblitz.com
www.suau.co.uk/titans
UWE Bullets
www.bristolbullets.co.uk
Thames Valley Conference
BNU Buccaneers
www.greenwichmariners.co.uk
www.hurricanes.org.uk
en-gb.facebook.com/group.php?gid=149950118348797
twitter.com/kent_falcons
Imperial Immortals
immortals.phannon.net/Default.aspx
Oxford Brookes Panthers *
www.facebook.com/pages/OBU-Panthers-American-FootballTeam/349758531661
www.upsu.net/activities/sports/americanfootball
en-gb.facebook.com/pages/Portsmouth-United-Kingdom/
Portsmouth-Destroyers/429508529
Reading Knights
www.reading-knights.co.uk
twitter.com/ReadingKnights
www.rhulbearsfootball.co.uk/#/home/4531350832
Solent Redhawks
www.solent.ac.uk/sport/Team%20Solent/Clubs/American%20
Football.aspx
twitter.com/WorcesterRoyals
Northern Conference
Bangor MudDogs
www.undeb.bangor.ac.uk/bangormuddogs
Huddersfield Hawks
www.huddersfieldhawks.co.uk
twitter.com/UoHHawks
Lancaster Bombers
www.lancs.ac.uk/socs/bombers
twitter.com/LUBombers
Liverpool Fury
Midlands Conference
Manchester Tyrants
Birmingham Lions
Coventry University Jets *
Sheffield Sabres
Derby Braves
UCH Sharks
www.birminghamlions.co.uk
twitter.com/BirminghamLions
www.cusu.org/amercianfootball/content/49345/american_
football
www.derbybraves.com/Braves/Home.html
twitter.com/DerbyBraves
Leicester Longhorns
www.leicesterlonghorns.co.uk
twitter.com/UL_Longhorns
www.teamnorthumbria.com/home2/index.php?option=com_co
ntent&task=view&id=747&Itemid=1
Stirling Clansmen
www.stirlingclansmen.co.uk/main.htm
Sunderland Spartans
www.sunderlandspartans.co.uk
University of Teeside (UT) Cougars
www.utcougars.com
UWS Pyros
www.the-pyros.co.uk/index.html
www.carnegieamericanfootball.com/
UEA Pirates
www.ueapirates.com
www.societies.ncl.ac.uk/americanfootball
Leeds Carnegie
Leeds Celtics
www.kclregents.com
South Bank Spartans *
www.napierstudents.com/sports/american-football.php
King’s College Regents *
twitter.com/BNU_Buccaneer
Brunel Burners *
www.warwickwolves.co.uk
www.eteamz.com/leedsceltics
twitter.com/Leeds_Celtics
* First season in the league
www.liverpoolfury.org.uk/thefury.html
twitter.com/LiverpoolFury
www.manchestertyrants.com
twitter.com/McrTyrants
www.shuwarriors.net
twitter.com/shuwarriors
sabres.union.shef.ac.uk
twitter.com/SheffieldSabres
www.uchsharks.co.uk
York Centurions
www.york-centurions.co.uk
Lincoln Colonials
www.lincolncolonials.co.uk
Loughborough Aces
www.loughboroughaces.com
DIRECTORY
DIRECTORY
BAFA CL Team Directory
BAFA Premier
Bristol Aztecs
www.aztecsadult.co.uk
twitter.com/AztecsAdults
Filton WISE, New Road, Stoke Gifford, Bristol BS34 8LP
Coventry Jets
www.coventryjets.com
twitter.com/CoventryJets
Coventry RFC, Butts Park Arena, Butts Road, Coventry CV1
3GE
Farnham Knights
www.farnhamknights.com
Farnborough Rugby Club, Tilebarn Close, Cove, Farnborough,
GU14 8LS
London Blitz
www.londonblitz.com
twitter.com/londonblitz
Finsbury Park, Endymion Road,London
London Cobras
www.londonwarriorsafc.co.uk
twitter.com/londoncobras
Boston Manor Fields, Boston Gardens, Brentford, Middlesex
TW8 9LP
Sussex Thunder
www.sussexthunder.com
facebook.sussexthunder.com
twitter.com/SussexThunder
Thunder Stadium, Broadbridge Heath Leisure Centre, Wickhurst
Lane, Broadbridge Heath, Nr Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 3YS
www.thesaxons.co.uk
Stanground College, Peterborough Road, Stanground,
Peterborough, Cambridgeshire PE7 3BY
BAFA Division 1 South West
Birmingham Bulls
www.birminghambulls.org
Aston Old Edwardian’s Rugby Club, Sunnybank Avenue, Perry
Common, Birmingham, B44 OHP
Leicester Falcons
www.leicesterfalcons.co.uk
twitter.com/leicesterfalcon
Leicester Forest RFC, Hinckley Road, Leicester Forest East,
Leicester LE3 3PJ
Nottingham Caesars
www.nottinghamcaesars.co.uk
Harvey Hadden Stadium, Calveley Road, Nottingham NG8
Oxford Saints
www.oxfordsaints.com
twitter.com/oxfordsaints
Abingdon Rugby Club, Lambrick way, Preston Road, Abingdon,
Oxfordshire OX14 5TJ
South Wales Warriors
www.southwaleswarriors.co.uk
Llanharan RFC, Bridgend Road, Llanharan, Pontyclun CF72
9RD
Tamorth Phoenix
www.tamworthfootball.com
twitter.com/TamworthPhoenix
Lichfield Rugby Club, Tamworth Road, Lichfield WS14 9JE
BAFA Division 1 South East
BAFA Division 1 North
Cambridgeshire Cats
Doncaster Mustangs
www.cambridgeshirecats.com
Coldhams Common, Barnwell Road, Cambridge
Colchester Gladiators
www.colchestergladiators.org.uk
Wivenhoe Stadium, Wivenhoe Town F.C., Elmstead Road,
Wivenhoe, Essex, CO7 9HX
East Kent Mavericks
www.ekmavericks.co.uk
twitter.com/EKMavericks
Keynes College, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NP
Ipswich Cardinals
www.ipswichcardinals.co.uk
www.facebook.com/group.php?v=wall&ref=ts&g
id=89269243608#!/profile.php?id=1517657752&ref=mf
Northgate Sports Centre, Sidegate Lane West, Ipswich IP4
Kent Exiles
www.kentexiles.co.uk
Crockenhill FC, Wested Meadow Ground, Eynsford Rd,
Crockenhill, Kent BR8 8EH
Peterborough Saxons
www.doncastermustangs.com
Keepmoat Stadium, Stadium Way, Doncaster DN4 5JB
Dundee Hurricanes
www.dundeehurricanes.com
Dawson Park, Dundee
East Kilbride Pirates
www.piratesfootball.co.uk
www.facebook.com/piratesfootball
www.twitter.com/EKPirates
Whitecraigs Rugby Club, Aurs Road, Newton Mearns, G77 6BD
Gateshead Senators
www.gateshead-senators.co.uk
Gateshead International Stadium, Neilson Road, Gateshead
NE10 0EF
Merseyside Nighthawks
www.merseysidenighthawks.co.uk
Formby Football Club, Altcar Road, Formby
Yorkshire Rams
www.hometeamsonline.com/teams/?u=YORKSHIRERAMS&s
=football&t=c
Leeds Corinthians RUFC, Ring Road, Middleton, Leeds LS10
4AX
BAFA Division 2 East
Bedfordshire Blue Raiders
www.bedfordshireblueraiders.com
www.facebook.com/Bedfordshireblueraiders
twitter.com/BedsBlueRaiders
Bedford International Athletics Stadium, Barkers Lane, Bedford
MK41 9SH
Essex Spartans
www.essexspartans.co.uk
twitter.com/EssexSpartans
Hannakins Farm, Rosebay Avenue, Billericay, CM12 0SY
Lincolnshire Bombers
Clyde Valley Blackhawks
www.blackhawksfootball.co.uk
Beltane Playing Fields, Wishaw Sports Centre, Alexander Street,
Wishaw ML2 0HQ
Edinburgh Wolves
www.edinburghwolves.com
Meadowbank Stadium, London Road, Edinburgh EH7 6AE
Glasgow Tigers
www.tigersfootball.co.uk
www.facebook.com/pages/Glasgow-Tigers-AmericanFootball/112176064763?ref=nf
twitter.com/tigersafc
Lochinch Stadium, Pollock Country Park, Dumbreck Road,
Glasgow G41 4SN
Highland Wildcats
www.invernessblitz.co.uk
Bught Park, Bught Road, Inverness IV3 5SS
www.lincolnshirebombers.com
Sultan Qaboos Pavilion, RAF Cranwell, Sleaford, Lincolnshire,
NG34 8HB
West Coast Trojans
www.olympiansfootball.org
Crystal Palace National Sports Centre, Maberley Road, London
SE19 2JH
Division 2 Central
London Olympians
Maidstone Pumas
www.pumasafc.co.uk
New Line Learning Academy, Boughton Lane, Loose, Maidstone
ME15 9QL
Norwich Devils
www.norwichdevils.com
The Hewett School, Cecil Road, Norwich NR1
BAFA Division 2 West
Berkshire Renegades
www.renegadesafc.com
www.facebook.com/pages/Reading-United-Kingdom/BerkshireRenegades-American-Football-Club/97814424333
Palmer Park Stadium, Wokingham Road, Reading RG6 1LF
Cornish Sharks
www.west-coast-trojans.com
King George V Playing Fields, Dean Park Road, Renfrew PA4
Chester Romans
www.chesterromans.com
www.twitter.com/RomansFootball
Chester Rugby Club, Hares Lane, Vicars Cross, Chester CH3
7DB
Hull Hornets
www.hullhornets.webs.com
Brantingham Park, Brantingham Road, Elloughton, Brough
HU15 1HX
Lancashire Wolverines
www.wolverineden.com
Blackburn Rugby Club, Ramsgreave Drive, Blackburn BB1 8NB
Manchester Titans
www.manchester-titans.co.uk
twitter.com/manchestertitan
Broughton Park Rugby Club, 2 Houghend Crescent, Chorlton,
Manchester M21 7TA
www.cornishsharks.co.uk
Newquay Sports Centre, Yeoman Way, Newquay TR7 2SL
Sheffield Predators
www.gloucesterbanshees.com
Oxstalls Tennis Centre, Plock Court, Tewkesbury Road,
Gloucester GL2 9DW
Shropshire Revolution
Gloucester Banshees
Hampshire Thrashers
www.thrashers.org.uk
Winchester Rugby Club, North Walls Park, Winchester SO23
7EF
Milton Keynes City Pathfinders
www.mkcitypathfinders.co.uk
twitter.com/mkpathfinders
Bletchley Rugby Club, Manor Field, Bletchley, Milton Keynes
MK2 2HX
Watford Cheetahs
www.watfordcheetahs.com
Fullerians Rugby Club, Coningsby Drive, Watford WD17 3BD
www.sheffieldpredators.com
Westfield Sports Centre, Eckington Road, Sothall, Sheffield S20
1HQ
www.shropshirerevolution.co.uk
Oakengates Leisure Centre, New Road, Telford TF2 7AB
Staffordshire Surge
www.teamsurge.com
Longton Rugby Club, Stanley Matthews way, Trentham Lakes,
Stoke on Trent ST4 8GR
NATIONAL
GB Lions
twitter.com/GBLions
DIRECTORY
DIRECTORY
BAFA Premier
Bristol Aztecs
www.aztecsadult.co.uk
twitter.com/AztecsAdults
Filton WISE, New Road, Stoke Gifford, Bristol BS34 8LP
Coventry Jets
www.coventryjets.com
twitter.com/CoventryJets
Coventry RFC, Butts Park Arena, Butts Road, Coventry CV1
3GE
Farnham Knights
www.farnhamknights.com
Farnborough Rugby Club, Tilebarn Close, Cove, Farnborough,
GU14 8LS
London Blitz
www.londonblitz.com
twitter.com/londonblitz
Finsbury Park, Endymion Road,London
London Cobras
www.londonwarriorsafc.co.uk
twitter.com/londoncobras
Boston Manor Fields, Boston Gardens, Brentford, Middlesex
TW8 9LP
Sussex Thunder
www.sussexthunder.com
facebook.sussexthunder.com
twitter.com/SussexThunder
Thunder Stadium, Broadbridge Heath Leisure Centre, Wickhurst
Lane, Broadbridge Heath, Nr Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 3YS
www.thesaxons.co.uk
Stanground College, Peterborough Road, Stanground,
Peterborough, Cambridgeshire PE7 3BY
BAFA Division 1 South West
Birmingham Bulls
www.birminghambulls.org
Aston Old Edwardian’s Rugby Club, Sunnybank Avenue, Perry
Common, Birmingham, B44 OHP
Leicester Falcons
www.leicesterfalcons.co.uk
twitter.com/leicesterfalcon
Leicester Forest RFC, Hinckley Road, Leicester Forest East,
Leicester LE3 3PJ
Nottingham Caesars
www.nottinghamcaesars.co.uk
Harvey Hadden Stadium, Calveley Road, Nottingham NG8
Oxford Saints
www.oxfordsaints.com
twitter.com/oxfordsaints
Abingdon Rugby Club, Lambrick way, Preston Road, Abingdon,
Oxfordshire OX14 5TJ
www.southwaleswarriors.co.uk
Llanharan RFC, Bridgend Road, Llanharan, Pontyclun CF72
9RD
Tamorth Phoenix
www.tamworthfootball.com
twitter.com/TamworthPhoenix
Lichfield Rugby Club, Tamworth Road, Lichfield WS14 9JE
BAFA Division 1 South East
Cambridgeshire Cats
Doncaster Mustangs
www.cambridgeshirecats.com
Coldhams Common, Barnwell Road, Cambridge
www.colchestergladiators.org.uk
Wivenhoe Stadium, Wivenhoe Town F.C., Elmstead Road,
Wivenhoe, Essex, CO7 9HX
East Kent Mavericks
www.ekmavericks.co.uk
twitter.com/EKMavericks
Keynes College, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NP
Ipswich Cardinals
www.ipswichcardinals.co.uk
www.facebook.com/group.php?v=wall&ref=ts&g
id=89269243608#!/profile.php?id=1517657752&ref=mf
Northgate Sports Centre, Sidegate Lane West, Ipswich IP4
Kent Exiles
www.kentexiles.co.uk
Crockenhill FC, Wested Meadow Ground, Eynsford Rd,
Crockenhill, Kent BR8 8EH
Peterborough Saxons
www.doncastermustangs.com
Keepmoat Stadium, Stadium Way, Doncaster DN4 5JB
Dundee Hurricanes
www.dundeehurricanes.com
Dawson Park, Dundee
East Kilbride Pirates
www.piratesfootball.co.uk
www.facebook.com/piratesfootball
www.twitter.com/EKPirates
Whitecraigs Rugby Club, Aurs Road, Newton Mearns, G77 6BD
Gateshead Senators
www.gateshead-senators.co.uk
Gateshead International Stadium, Neilson Road, Gateshead
NE10 0EF
Merseyside Nighthawks
www.merseysidenighthawks.co.uk
Formby Football Club, Altcar Road, Formby
Yorkshire Rams
www.hometeamsonline.com/teams/?u=YORKSHIRERAMS&s
=football&t=c
Leeds Corinthians RUFC, Ring Road, Middleton, Leeds LS10
4AX
BAFA Division 2 East
Bedfordshire Blue Raiders
www.bedfordshireblueraiders.com
www.facebook.com/Bedfordshireblueraiders
twitter.com/BedsBlueRaiders
Bedford International Athletics Stadium, Barkers Lane, Bedford
MK41 9SH
Essex Spartans
www.essexspartans.co.uk
twitter.com/EssexSpartans
Hannakins Farm, Rosebay Avenue, Billericay, CM12 0SY
Lincolnshire Bombers
Clyde Valley Blackhawks
www.blackhawksfootball.co.uk
Beltane Playing Fields, Wishaw Sports Centre, Alexander Street,
Wishaw ML2 0HQ
Edinburgh Wolves
www.edinburghwolves.com
Meadowbank Stadium, London Road, Edinburgh EH7 6AE
Glasgow Tigers
www.tigersfootball.co.uk
www.facebook.com/pages/Glasgow-Tigers-AmericanFootball/112176064763?ref=nf
twitter.com/tigersafc
Lochinch Stadium, Pollock Country Park, Dumbreck Road,
Glasgow G41 4SN
Highland Wildcats
www.invernessblitz.co.uk
Bught Park, Bught Road, Inverness IV3 5SS
www.lincolnshirebombers.com
Sultan Qaboos Pavilion, RAF Cranwell, Sleaford, Lincolnshire,
NG34 8HB
West Coast Trojans
www.olympiansfootball.org
Crystal Palace National Sports Centre, Maberley Road, London
SE19 2JH
Division 2 Central
London Olympians
Maidstone Pumas
www.pumasafc.co.uk
New Line Learning Academy, Boughton Lane, Loose, Maidstone
ME15 9QL
Norwich Devils
www.norwichdevils.com
The Hewett School, Cecil Road, Norwich NR1
BAFA Division 2 West
Berkshire Renegades
www.renegadesafc.com
www.facebook.com/pages/Reading-United-Kingdom/BerkshireRenegades-American-Football-Club/97814424333
Palmer Park Stadium, Wokingham Road, Reading RG6 1LF
Cornish Sharks
www.west-coast-trojans.com
King George V Playing Fields, Dean Park Road, Renfrew PA4
Chester Romans
www.chesterromans.com
www.twitter.com/RomansFootball
Chester Rugby Club, Hares Lane, Vicars Cross, Chester CH3
7DB
Hull Hornets
www.hullhornets.webs.com
Brantingham Park, Brantingham Road, Elloughton, Brough
HU15 1HX
Lancashire Wolverines
www.wolverineden.com
Blackburn Rugby Club, Ramsgreave Drive, Blackburn BB1 8NB
Manchester Titans
www.manchester-titans.co.uk
twitter.com/manchestertitan
Broughton Park Rugby Club, 2 Houghend Crescent, Chorlton,
Manchester M21 7TA
www.cornishsharks.co.uk
Newquay Sports Centre, Yeoman Way, Newquay TR7 2SL
Sheffield Predators
www.gloucesterbanshees.com
Oxstalls Tennis Centre, Plock Court, Tewkesbury Road,
Gloucester GL2 9DW
Shropshire Revolution
Gloucester Banshees
Hampshire Thrashers
www.thrashers.org.uk
Winchester Rugby Club, North Walls Park, Winchester SO23
7EF
Milton Keynes City Pathfinders
www.mkcitypathfinders.co.uk
twitter.com/mkpathfinders
Bletchley Rugby Club, Manor Field, Bletchley, Milton Keynes
MK2 2HX
Watford Cheetahs
www.watfordcheetahs.com
Fullerians Rugby Club, Coningsby Drive, Watford WD17 3BD
www.sheffieldpredators.com
Westfield Sports Centre, Eckington Road, Sothall, Sheffield S20
1HQ
www.shropshirerevolution.co.uk
Oakengates Leisure Centre, New Road, Telford TF2 7AB
Staffordshire Surge
www.teamsurge.com
Longton Rugby Club, Stanley Matthews way, Trentham Lakes,
Stoke on Trent ST4 8GR
NATIONAL
GB Lions
twitter.com/GBLions
DIRECTORY
DIRECTORY
BAFA Kitted Youth
BAFA Adult Flag South
BAFA Youth & Cadet Flag
Birmingham Bulls
Basingstoke Zombie Horde
Coventry Jets Junior
Bolton Bulldogs
Bristol Aztecs
Chichester Sharks
www.birminghambulls.org/Pages/YouthTeamRoster.html
www.aztecsyouth.co.uk
Cambridgeshire Cats
Chester Romans
www.chesterromans.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task
=view&id=5&Itemid=12
www.rollhorde.co.uk
www.chichestersharks.co.uk
Coventry Jets
www.coventrygridiron.com
War Memorial Park, Coventry
Leicester Eagles
www.leicestereagles.co.uk
Knighton Park Bowl, Knighton Park, Brighton Close, Wigston,
Leicester LE18 1EF
Clyde Valley Hawks
East Kent Mavericks
London Rebels
Edinburgh Wolves
St Albans Kings
www.ekmavericks.co.uk/index.php/youth-team
www.edinburghwolves.com/junior.html
Farnham Knights
www.farnhamknights.com/youthteam.asp
Forth Valley Fusion
www.forthvalleyfootball.co.uk
Gateshead Senators
Glasgow Tigers
Highland Wildcats
Kent Exiles
www.kentexiles.co.uk/news.php?cat=Youth
Lancashire Wolverine Colts
www.wolverineden.com/index.php?option=com_content&view
=category&layout=blog&id=41&Itemid=72
Leeds Varsity Rams
London Blitz
www.londonblitz.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=ar
ticle&id=201&Itemid=61
London Warriors
Maidstone Pumas
Norwich Devils
Peterborough Saxons
Redditch Arrows
Sheffield Tomahawks
Staffordshire Surge
www.gallowtech.co.uk/TeamSurge/youth/youth.asp
Sussex Thunder
Tamworth Phoenix
www.tamworthfootball.com/Youth%2009.html
Yorkshire Rams
www.londonrebels.com
Wanstead Flats, Leytonstone, London
Westminster Lodge, Holywell Hill, St Albans
Woodham Warriors Black
www.woodhamwarriors.com
Woodham Community Technology College, Newton Aycliffe,
County Durham
Woodham Warriors White
Details as per Woodham Warriors Black
BAFA Adult Flag North
Aberdeen Oilcats
www.aberdeenoilcats.com
Carluke Cobras
www.carlukecobras.co.uk
Glasgow Hornets
www.glasgow-hornets.com
East End Healthy Living Centre, Crownpoint Road, Glasgow
Glasgow Tigers
www.glasgowtigers.org.uk/Web_Pages/Flag/flag_Home.htm
Grangemouth Broncos
www.gobroncos.co.uk
Inchyra Park, Inchyra Road, Grangemouth
Kircaldy Bulls
www.kirkcaldybulls.com
Beveridge Park, Kirkcaldy
Tayside Raptors
www.taysideraptors.co.uk
The North Inch, Perth
DIRECTORY
DIRECTORY
BAFA Kitted Youth
BAFA Adult Flag South
BAFA Youth & Cadet Flag
Birmingham Bulls
Basingstoke Zombie Horde
Coventry Jets Junior
Bolton Bulldogs
Bristol Aztecs
Chichester Sharks
www.birminghambulls.org/Pages/YouthTeamRoster.html
www.aztecsyouth.co.uk
Cambridgeshire Cats
Chester Romans
www.chesterromans.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task
=view&id=5&Itemid=12
www.rollhorde.co.uk
www.chichestersharks.co.uk
Coventry Jets
War Memorial Park, Coventry
Leicester Eagles
www.leicestereagles.co.uk
Knighton Park Bowl, Knighton Park, Brighton Close, Wigston,
Leicester LE18 1EF
Clyde Valley Hawks
East Kent Mavericks
London Rebels
Edinburgh Wolves
St Albans Kings
www.ekmavericks.co.uk/index.php/youth-team
www.edinburghwolves.com/junior.html
Farnham Knights
www.farnhamknights.com/youthteam.asp
Forth Valley Fusion
www.forthvalleyfootball.co.uk
Gateshead Senators
Glasgow Tigers
Highland Wildcats
Kent Exiles
www.kentexiles.co.uk/news.php?cat=Youth
Lancashire Wolverine Colts
www.wolverineden.com/index.php?option=com_content&view
=category&layout=blog&id=41&Itemid=72
Leeds Varsity Rams
London Blitz
www.londonblitz.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=ar
ticle&id=201&Itemid=61
London Warriors
Maidstone Pumas
Norwich Devils
Peterborough Saxons
Redditch Arrows
Sheffield Tomahawks
Staffordshire Surge
www.gallowtech.co.uk/TeamSurge/youth/youth.asp
Sussex Thunder
Tamworth Phoenix
www.tamworthfootball.com/Youth%2009.html
Yorkshire Rams
www.londonrebels.com
Wanstead Flats, Leytonstone, London
Westminster Lodge, Holywell Hill, St Albans
Woodham Warriors Black
www.woodhamwarriors.com
Woodham Community Technology College, Newton Aycliffe,
County Durham
Woodham Warriors White
Details as per Woodham Warriors Black
BAFA Adult Flag North
Aberdeen Oilcats
www.aberdeenoilcats.com
Carluke Cobras
www.carlukecobras.co.uk
Glasgow Hornets
www.glasgow-hornets.com
East End Healthy Living Centre, Crownpoint Road, Glasgow
Glasgow Tigers
www.glasgowtigers.org.uk/Web_Pages/Flag/flag_Home.htm
Grangemouth Broncos
www.gobroncos.co.uk
Inchyra Park, Inchyra Road, Grangemouth
Kircaldy Bulls
www.kirkcaldybulls.com
Beveridge Park, Kirkcaldy
Tayside Raptors
www.taysideraptors.co.uk
The North Inch, Perth
Thanks to our
contributing photographers
Please visit our photographers’ websites where you can see more stunning American
football shots plus lots of other stuff. While you’re there please leave a comment or sign
their guestbook, it only takes a few seconds but leaves a warm glow of appreciation of their
efforts.
Chris Evers (CEDigital)
Dan Aitch
www.photoboxgallery/danh_photos
Garry Neesam
www.glnphotography.com
www.neesam.com/photography/gallery-sport-index-1.html
Martin Wilmott
www.martinwilmottphotography.com
Mike Dean
mdimages.smugmug.com/Sports/American-Football
Rachel Graham
There are plenty of opportunities within the pages of “Inside American Football” for photographers to show their work;
whether it’s a whole feature on you as a photographer in ‘Photographers in Focus’ or team-specific articles, match reports,
full page spreads or specific requests for certain subjects.
We can’t pay for any contributions but we can get your work out to the whole British American Football community &
beyond. You should send ideas to the editor via email at [email protected] in the first instance.
Most of our contributing photographers are members of the American Football Imagery Association via our Facebook Group
which can be found at: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=38580203329. This is also a place where we put requests
out for magazine content. You can also see us at our online Discussion Forum:
http://www.insideamericanfootball.com/forum
Photo © John Singer
Thanks to our
contributing photographers
Please visit our photographers’ websites where you can see more stunning American
football shots plus lots of other stuff. While you’re there please leave a comment or sign
their guestbook, it only takes a few seconds but leaves a warm glow of appreciation of their
efforts.
Chris Evers (CEDigital)
Dan Aitch
www.photoboxgallery/danh_photos
Garry Neesam
www.glnphotography.com
www.neesam.com/photography/gallery-sport-index-1.html
Martin Wilmott
www.martinwilmottphotography.com
Mike Dean
mdimages.smugmug.com/Sports/American-Football
Rachel Graham
There are plenty of opportunities within the pages of “Inside American Football” for photographers to show their work;
whether it’s a whole feature on you as a photographer in ‘Photographers in Focus’ or team-specific articles, match reports,
full page spreads or specific requests for certain subjects.
We can’t pay for any contributions but we can get your work out to the whole British American Football community &
beyond. You should send ideas to the editor via email at [email protected] in the first instance.
Most of our contributing photographers are members of the American Football Imagery Association via our Facebook Group
which can be found at: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=38580203329. This is also a place where we put requests
out for magazine content. You can also see us at our online Discussion Forum:
http://www.insideamericanfootball.com/forum
Photo © John Singer
December 2010
www.InsideAmericanFootball.com

December 2010 - Inside American Football 1

Transcription

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