BAFA (British American Football Association) is the national governing body for American football in the United Kingdom. It oversees and regulates the sport across all levels, from youth leagues to adult competitions, including both contact and flag football.
Why Registration is Important:
Anyone wanting to play American football in the UK should sign up to BAFA because:
- Insurance Coverage - BAFA membership provides essential personal accident insurance that covers players during matches and training sessions. American football is a contact sport with inherent risks, and this insurance protection is crucial.
- League Eligibility - You cannot play in official BAFA-sanctioned leagues and competitions without being a registered member. Teams require all players to have valid BAFA registration.
- Player Safety - Registration ensures players are covered by the organisation's safety protocols and standards, including concussion policies and medical guidelines.
- Legal Requirement - For organised competitive play, BAFA membership is mandatory. Teams and leagues won't allow unregistered players to participate due to insurance and liability reasons.
- Player Development - Membership connects you to the wider British American football community, including coaching resources, development programmes, and pathways to representative teams like the GB Lions.
In essence, BAFA registration is not optional if you want to play organised American football in the UK - it's a fundamental requirement that protects both you and your team whilst ensuring the sport is played within a properly regulated framework.