As the players, coaches and support staff of the GB Women’s squad complete final preparations ahead of travelling to the World Games Flag Football tournament in Chengdu, another British representative is readying to take a bow.
Jed Brookes-Lewis, is also set to be at the heart of the action having been selected to officiate at the Flag tournament, rubbing shoulders with the 4,000 athletes from over 100 countries across more than 30 sports who are gathering in the capital of China’s Sichuan Province.
Staffordshire-based Jed’s journey into the world of American Football and officiating is a story of passion, perseverance, and overcoming adversity. He balances a career in tech marketing with his commitment to officiating, which has seen him rise to Head of Flag Officiating at the British American Football Referees Association (BAFRA).
“It sometimes feels like I have two jobs!” he laughs. But for Jed, it’s all worth it. His week starts with film reviews and discussions with fellow officials around the world, before ramping up for the weekend’s games.
Jed’s path into officiating began after a serious injury curtailed his playing career. A broken ankle during university led him to reconsider his future in the sport, but his love for American football remained strong.
“Officiating felt like the logical next step,” he recalls, and it quickly became a growing passion. His dedication led him to officiate at numerous international tournaments, including the World Championship semi-final between Panama and Mexico in 2018.
Being selected to officiate at the World Games in Chengdu is the culmination of years of hard work. “I was more shocked than anyone else when I got the email,” Jed admits. “It’s everything. It’s a chance to prove myself on the biggest stage flag football has had so far, with the eyes of the world watching.” For Jed, this opportunity is not just a professional milestone, but a personal triumph, marking the validation of the long weekends and time away from family.
Jed’s role at the World Games is a testament to the growth and international recognition of Flag Football, a sport he believes has the potential to continue expanding, particularly with the 2028 LA Olympics on the horizon. “We need to start working towards making Flag Football a more professional product for spectators,” he says, pointing to the recent German National Finals as an example of what’s possible.
Jed’s advice for anyone considering a career in officiating is simple: “Just do it! It’s a great environment to challenge yourself, be a part of something growing, and build relationships with people across the sport.”
When are Great Britain’s games at The World Games?
Game One: Great Britain vs. Italy
Thursday 14 August – 11:20 CST / 04:20 BST
Game Two: Great Britain vs. Japan
Friday 15 August – 09:00 CST / 02:00 BST
Game Three: Great Britain vs. Mexico
Friday 15 August – 15:40 CST / 08:40 BST
The competition’s knockout games will take place on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 August. Find the full competition schedule here.
How can I watch Flag Football at The World Games?
The World Games will be broadcast live via The World Games Live at live.theworldgames.org (free signup required).
Make sure to also follow the action via our Instagram account (set those alarms!).
All games in the Group and Knockout stages will be available live and on-demand via The World Games Live.