Update on Flag Football Competition Management from Nichole McCulloch, Chair of BAFA Board of Directors
We understand that the Flag Football community is eager to learn about the next steps following the invitation to tender for managing our Flag Football competitions issued earlier this year. We recognise the process has taken some time, but as a volunteer board, took the view that the task of appointing Pete Ackerley’s successor should take precedence in our focus and decision making timeline.
After careful consideration, the board has decided not to appoint a management team for our Flag competitions. We received several tenders and appreciated everyone’s interest and effort. While some proposals demonstrated great passion and commitment, they were not suitable for our needs and would not have been pursued. All participants have received feedback on their submissions.
We extend our gratitude to Catalyst American Football for its continued support and professionalism in delivering the NFFL through the 2024 season.
Once incoming CEO, Chad Ehlertsen assumes his role next month, among his top priorities will be to review options for Flag competition delivery – including evaluating the submitted tenders and assessing our partnership with Catalyst, allowing him to actively participate in the decision-making process.
We feel it would have been unfair to make a multi-year commitment without the incoming CEO’s involvement in such a crucial decision, especially with ongoing discussions about future funding for Flag Football ahead of the LA 2028 Olympics. Nonetheless, we apologise for the delay in this process.
Women’s Flag Football League
In order to ensure that this deferment does not prolong uncertainty about the Women’s Flag Football League (WFFL) for this season, we have introduced an interim measure. The forthcoming 2024/2025 competition will be managed in-house and are pleased to announce that Alan Young has volunteered to oversee the upcoming season as Competition Manager.
Alan is well-known in the Flag community and is currently serving as the GB Men’s Flag Head Coach as well as working with Scottish Flag Football. We have appointed Alan to this role in a caretaker capacity in light of the pressing time constraints for the WFFL and his extensive experience in tournament planning and delivery within and outside of BAFA.
The competition will follow the timeline set by outgoing Flag football commissioner Kyle Taylor and agreed upon by the women’s Flag community. Teams will be contacted with next steps, and registration for WFFL teams and players will open in the coming weeks.
We appreciate the Flag community’s patience and understanding. Given the significant changes and the importance of this decision, we believe it is crucial to pause the process to ensure we make the right choices.
Nichole McCulloch
Chair of BAFA Board of Directors
