History of BFAF

Overview

In 1968 The Bahamas American Football Association (BAFA - unincorporated) was formed for the inaugural play of American Football in an organized fashion. The BAFA started with four teams and by 1972 had increased its membership to six. This union ended in 1978 and the Commonwealth American Football League (CAFL) continued the administration of American Football in the country until 2022.

The Administration is now under the management of the newly formed Bahamas Federation of American Football (BFAF).
During its tenure, The CAFL has averaged six to eight teams over the last 30 years. In 2004 and yet again in 2018-2021, the management of the CAFL required restructuring as the quality of all aspects of the game had declined. In this realization, CAFL's board agreed that a restructuring exercise was required and the task was set upon.

CAFL RESTRUCTUING

In 2021, like in 2004 the CAFL led by Michael Foster (soon to be inducted into The Bahamas American Football Hall of Fame) met to discuss the state of the League. It was agreed that the league review itself. Mirroring 2004, It was determined that the decline of the CAFL was affected by lack of sponsorship, funding, lack of player regeneration (primarily lack of youth development), complacency and a worldwide pandemic (Covid disease). The CAFL resolution were to start a fresh, commencing, with the enactment of its 2008 proposal to The Bahamas Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture to incorporate, i.e, to incorporate and implement The Bahamas Federation of American Football (BFAF). The Commonwealth American Football League remained officially the governing body for American Football until such time the BFAF was enacted. The Commonwealth American Football League CAFL without prejudice had placed itself as a single accepted member of the Federation without application where the CAFL adjudicated itself according to the Articles of the BFAF which was approved by the Regulatory Authority of the Relevant Institution of the Government of the Bahamas.

BFAF RATIFICATION

The BFAF having received the support of The CAFL, subsequently the approval from The Office of The Attorney General of The Bahamas and The Bahamas Registrar General ratifying BFAF as assuming governing body status of American Football in TheBahamas. The BFAF, as stated in its Articles and Memorandum will be lead by:

● President Mr. Obie Roberts – A businessman and The Executive Chairman of Nassau Flight Services and his executive team:
● Vice-President Tony Maycock – A businessman and former Banker;
● Secretary Sherwin Johnson – A Senior Banker in a major banking institution and
● Treasure Michael Wilson – An Accountant also in a major banking institution.

The BFAF will embark on a marketing plan with the intent of building interest and participants in development of American Football. The introduction theme will be "American Football United”. BFAF preferably will also recommend the participation of multiple government agencies: The Ministry of Education, The Ministry of Sports and The Ministry of Tourism sports,
this will be in regards to assisting its member, IAFA with the implementation of American football in the schools and among the youth programs. BFAF's primary target market to assist with execution of its program will be former players (alumni). We believe this is the group where immediate manpower (coaches, officials, trainers, medics) and resources will be obtained. Also among this group are alumni with much influence and we hope they will use such influence for support
(Resources and otherwise).

Social media platforms will be the primary vehicle that will be use to encourage and motivate the interest of the football alumni community. BFAF will initially, work closely with all its members in gathering financial support and other resources. Request will be made to the various public & private companies to allow the football alumni additional time off from work to assist in a “civic” act; i.e., assist with the training and mentoring students during their physical education periods.