Prior to the events detailed in the BAFA statement (full copy below) I had already explained at length to the Chair of BAFA the reason for late payment of membership was due to non payment from members which could be directly attributed to the failure of the Finance Director who had resigned by this time.

It was explained that as it was off season it would not be possible to collect outstanding funds immediately. Teams were all made aware of this situation at the pre-season meeting in September.

As a commitment of good faith and intent £12k (all that was available) was paid as soon as possible and a statement was prepared to be delivered and discussed at the BAFA board meeting to be held that weekend.

On the night before the BAFA meeting there was a ‘development meeting’ which could not be attended by representatives of BSAFA due to work commitments. I had requested of the BAFA chair that we could send an alternative (a member of a development group we were working with) this request was denied despite the fact that the meeting was specifically only for discussion on development matters.

It transpired by way of a phone call after 10pm that evening that the BAFA board members had decided to hold an impromptu meeting and issue the statement made on July 27th. We were told we could not come to the meeting and have no further involvement in the running of BAFA.

Since that time I have had absolutely no communication in any format from BAFA by way of inquiry or indeed, as would have hope for, by way of assistance from our sports national governing body.

The statement BAFA issued implied that there would be no detriment to the teams as a result of the financial issue and to that end I was pleased to receive directly from Wilson Sporting goods a form to complete with our requirements for footballs. This was sent to all BAFA members.

I completed the request and also requested that to avoid some of the problems that we could pay directly. Wilson said this was fine with them. After several delays with delivery dates I finally got a small number of readily available balls just before Christmas.

Immediately after the New Year I contact Wilson to confirm their projected delivery date of Jan 11th. At this point is was explained to me that due to their internal financial structure of bulk deals they would need to collect directly from BAFA and therefore could we pay them. This correspondence was copied to both Gary Marshall and Ken Walters.

I agreed to this reasonable request and subsequent paid the full amount for the footballs directly to BAFA. I confirmed this to the Wilson (again copied to GM & KW). On January 24th I spoke directly to Wilson who confirmed the full order would be with me by the 29th which would enable me to redistribute to teams prior to the commencement of the second part of the season.

On the morning of the 29th I called again to confirm delivery time and was told that they had been instructed by BAFA that they could not send the footballs that we had paid for, without explanation and that I should contact BAFA directly.

I have attempted to communicate with the Chair of BAFA on two occasions 29th and 30th and at this time have had no response. I can only assume that the statement issued today is the only response we will get.

The NMC have no issue with the suspension of voting rights as this is entirely acceptable as through a failure of administration we have been unable to pay when required.

Whether or not the use of the funds is appropriate and commensurate with the number of members and BSAFA’s development is in independant issue. There has clearly been a number of areas of dispute on spending and processes over the last few years, particularly the expensive registration process and the national programme.

Unfortunately I am not a legal specialist but I do not believe that the way in which this unfortunate situation was initiated at the Friday night meeting was not particularly productive and I am disappointed with the complete lack of support from BAFA in this matter.

To then block the distribution of footballs to our members without even the simple courtesy of communicate that to BSAFA is far from developmental and beneficial to no one.

I would much rather that co-operation, communication and development were the key items to focus on but the total lack of contact form BAFA means that we too will be forced to seek legal guidance at this time.

It is perhaps beneficially for all, that the BAFA board have chosen to have this conversation in public as I have been frustrated by the one sided reports of situations in the past . I am keen supporter of transparency and communication as has hopefully being demonstrated by this site.

I am, as I have been for nearly 25 years, fully committed to the development and growth of American football in all is forms in the UK. I have no disrespect or issue with any other code or faction but believe passionately in the collegiate league, its player, coaches and staff. The continued growth, enthusiasm and challenges of constant new blood give it strength and potential that we all can see.

I am also more than happy to meet, along with anyone who chooses to join me from BSAFA, with any representation from BAFA to try to resolve the issue amicably as soon as possible and ensure that the game is developed to it’s fullest capacity but that all members get equal representation and value for money!

Regards

Rich Handby
BSAFA President

Copy of BAFA statement issued on Jan 31st but not sent to any representative of BSAFA.

On 10 July 2006 a final demand was made by BAFA to BSAFA in the sum of £21,129.14 representing BAFA registration fees still outstanding for the 2005-06 Season and Wilson footballs. On the 26 July the sum of £12,000 cash was paid into the BAFA account leaving a residual debt of £9,129.14. On 27 July the BAFA Board of Directors suspended the voting rights of BSAFA due to the fact that a sum of £9,129.14 remained outstanding.
No further moneys were forthcoming and therefore on 13 October reminders were sent out again requesting immediate payment. With each BSAFA team having now paid a minimum of £250 BAFA registration fees to BSAFA in October 2006 the outstanding debt to BAFA has increased by a sum of £9,750.
Furthermore BAFA has an Official Ball Deal with Wilson Sporting Goods which means that associations can now obtain the official ball for as little as £33 each. The terms and conditions of this agreement means that all orders need to be placed via BAFA. Two attempts have been made by BSAFA to order footballs direct from Wilson in direct contradiction to the agreed process. The total amount of these orders amounts to £6,690.51 therefore the total amount now due to BAFA by BSAFA totals £25,569.65.
On 23 January 2007 a cheque for £6,690.51 was paid into the BAFA account leaving the outstanding balance of £18,879.14. This figure does not include registration fees collected over and above the initial amount covering 25 members per team.
With so much money still outstanding, the BAFA Board of Directors is presently taking legal advice and will issue a further statement shortly.