Alignments and playing schedules for the 2023 adult contact season are now confirmed and have been shared with teams.
We would like to thank BAFRA for their input and support with finalising this year’s contact schedule to help ensure that as many games as possible can be covered by officials.
Changes to alignments
A small number of adult contact teams who participated last season have been relegated, have chosen to step down to associate level for 2023, or missed entry requirements and deadlines. Those teams not included in 2023 alignments are Worcestershire Black Knights (relegated), South Lincolnshire Lightning, Dumfries Hunters (chosen to step out of league competition) and South East Squadron (missed entry deadlines). These teams will be supported to work through the associate process as appropriate.
What’s next?
Schedules will be uploaded to our League Republic results system over the coming weeks. A very small number of scheduling changes are still being made following further feedback or venue availability issues and any teams impacted are being engaged with directly to resolve.
U19 D1 alignments and schedules have also been confirmed to teams, and an update will be shared here and on our social media channels later this week. U16 and U19 D2 alignments and schedules are being finalised and draft schedules will be shared with teams soon. NWFL alignments and schedules were shared at the end of December.
Outcome of 2022 review of forfeits
Following a review of forfeited games during the 2022 season, some adult contact teams were also required to pay a £500 commitment bond to be eligible for inclusion in scheduling and participation in the 2023 BAFA National Leagues season. This will be refunded to teams who meet the conditions of their commitment bond, which include reaching minimum numbers for league entry, attending Club Matters workshops, and completion of their 2023 season fixtures, including any playoff or finals fixtures they become eligible for.
The bond fees paid have been ring-fenced within the accounts system of BAFA and will not be used for any other purpose whilst being held in anticipation of a full refund being made at the conclusion of the 2023 season. Any commitment bond fee not returned at the end of the 2023 season will continue to be ring-fenced and will form the basis of a grant that will be made available for U16 and U19 contact teams to apply for at the end of each year, ensuring any money retained is always used to grow the game.
The teams who have paid a commitment bond for 2023 league participation are: Clyde Valley Blackhawks, Cornwall Monarchs, Crewe Railroaders, DC Presidents, Doncaster Mustangs, Kent Exiles, London Olympians, Staffordshire Surge, Sussex Thunder, Swindon Storm and Wakefield District Raiders (formerly Knottingley Raiders).