BSAFA statement on BAFA's remarks

Dateline: 25th July 2007

We are deeply saddened by today's press releases from BAFA regarding their inaccurate and dis-ingenious remarks about BSAFA. It is unfortunate that their approach of non-communication with BSAFA and their public statements are bringing the sport of American Football in the UK into disrepute. BSAFA have made all attempts to resolve any differences of opinion and settle an issue of debt for affiliation fees via the appropriate channels, but these have been ignored by BAFA.

In contrast to BAFA's misguided views, we wish to state the following realities for the benefit of our members:

* BSAFA is still the only student led, democratic organisation for American Football in the UK, and has been for the last 23 years.
* BSAFA are in a position to pay the outstanding affiliation fee debts to BAFA, but attempts to do so have been ignored.
* BSAFA have received no communications from BAFA related to their payment plans, queries over BAFA's actions, or any other matter (such as alleged, unspecific, other debts).
* BSAFA is deemed financially solvent, and its actions are considered to be above reasonable, as adjudged by legal experts in debt recovery. BAFA's actions have been deemed unreasonable.
* A letter is being circulated to all SU/AU's via the National Union of Students to counter the false claims sent unsolicited by BAFA. The NUS would like to remind all parties that it supports student led, democratic organisations, like BSAFA.
* BAFA have taken little interest in Student Football for many years and have refused to address BSAFA's reasonable concerns over BAFA's administration, finances, aims and management that have been repeatedly expressed over the last 5 years.
* BAFA have neither the right, nor the authority to interfere in the operations or running of BSAFA, though they have attempted to do so repeatedly over the last few months and are continuing to do so to the detriment of all.

Because of the non-communication and the publication of several erroneous and disingenuous comments about BSAFA and its members, we are having to take further action to try and resolve this matter for the benefit and protection of our members. This has recently meant the retention of legal aide and we are currently seeking further help and assistance in this matter from affected associations.

BSAFA remain committed to its membership and the NMC will uphold their duties to the membership as they were duly elected to do so. We would hope that Mr Fuller would consider using his time and expertise within BSAFA and would stand for election to the vacant Development Director's role within the NMC in time for the PSM, and work with us to heal the rifts that are developing within our sport.

If you have any questions or queries over the situation, please contact us directly, we are more than happy to answer your concerns and provide a more honest and complete picture of the situation than you may otherwise have heard.

We shall continue to update our members of our ongoing plans, as previously stated, throughout the coming days.

Thank you for your continued support.