BAFA is aware of a number of upcoming activities and events that have not been approved by the governing body. While we recognise the enthusiasm behind these initiatives, it is essential that all British American Football activity in Great Britain is delivered safely, protects participants, is well managed, and maintains the reputation of our sport.
This includes pre- and post-season friendly games, tournaments, tours, development and skills camps, and special games such as ‘old boys’ or charity matches. These requirements apply to both contact and flag football.
We welcome requests from clubs, teams and organisations to have events sanctioned, and we are keen to work with organisers to support safe and successful activity. Sanctioning confirms that an event meets the minimum standards expected of the sport. Events that do not meet these standards cannot be sanctioned. Activity not sanctioned by BAFA will not be officiated by BAFRA.
Teams should request sanction from Competition Management by contacting joe.walker@britishamericanfootball.org for any additional games, scrimmages, or camps they propose to run beyond official fixtures, whether against National League teams or other opponents.
To receive BAFA sanction, organisers must:
-
Follow all BAFA rules and regulations, including playing rules, disciplinary guidelines, medical requirements, and surface rules.
-
Meet established National Leagues minimum requirements for the number of players and coaches for the format and age group of football being played, and adhere to National Leagues age ranges unless given specific permission for a risk-managed exception.
-
Ensure all coaches hold the required qualifications.
-
Adhere to nationality and transfer regulations.
-
Have an event-specific risk assessment.
Non-member clubs and/or for-profit activities may be subject to a small sanctioning fee. By default, BAFA does not currently sanction or collaborate on third party scouting camps , combines or related activities due to the volume of requests. On request, for sanctioned events BAFA can extend insurance cover to unregistered individual participants who meet registration requirements for a small additional fee equivalent to our trial membership.
Please note that BAFA membership insurance does not apply to participation in unsanctioned events. Teams, coaches and players taking part in such events must ensure they have adequate insurance in place. Event organisers are also responsible for confirming that their insurance covers activities not sanctioned by the governing body of the sport. BAFA National Leagues clubs organising unsanctioned activity may also be subject to disciplinary action.
By requesting sanction, organisers help ensure that all events across Great Britain provide safe, positive experiences, protect participants, and strengthen the reputation of our sport.