Exclusion of the Perlesreut Bats: AFVBy makes a tough decision!

Exclusion of the Perlesreut Bats: AFVBy makes a tough decision!

The American Football Association of Bavaria (AFVBy) has excluded the Perlesreut Bats from the league due to a serious violation of the rules. The main reason for this drastic decision is the use of an ineligible player in the game against the second team of the Fürstenfeldbruck Razorbacks. Michael Döhla, President of the AFVBy, describes that the bats are accused of using the player despite clear information about his ineligibility to play. According to Döhla, the club was informed of the issue the week before the game and was told to wait for the player's final documents to arrive, which were not due to arrive until the following week. Despite the Bats' argument about an interrupted flow of information, the exclusion remains legal based on the recognized federal playing regulations.

Döhla made it clear that the club's contact person was informed by the league chairman on the match day about the serious consequences of a non-compliant game. The final decision to exclude was made after a careful review of the circumstances. Döhla expressed understanding for the existential concerns that the club has after the suspension and regretted the necessary but painful decision.

Violation of the rules and its consequences

The federal playing regulations, on the basis of which the exclusion took place, are discussed in detail in the AFVD regulations. Changes have reportedly become less expensive, and international transfers remain subject to ITC, but with a reduced fee of 50 euros. Furthermore, the federal playing regulations regulate that girls and women are allowed to play in men's leagues up to B-youth level, which is intended to increase the accessibility of the sport. There are no loopholes in the interpretation of the rules in this context, which illustrates the need for rule compliance in every league.

An important element in the regulation is also the handling of player substitutions. If you change before the start of the ELF season, the transfer ban does not apply, while quick fines may apply for club changes later in the season. This strictness in the application of the rules now has drastic consequences in the case of the Perlesreut Bats and sheds light on the challenges for clubs in complying with the regulations.

Implications for the future

Döhla emphasized that he sees the Bats as an important part of football in Bavaria and hopes that the club's existence is not threatened. In recent years, American football has gained popularity in Germany, and the rules and compliance with them are crucial to the prosperity of this sport. This decision also sends a clear message to other clubs: the rules must be followed and the association will not tolerate any exceptions.

The current situation of the Perlesreut Bats illustrates the challenges that arise from the strict regulations. The AFVD's federal rules will continue to be the focus, while the consequences of the exclusion now have to be seen. The challenges identified in youth tackle work and the need to establish youth tackle teams are further aspects that will present German American football with new tasks.

The exclusion of the Perlesreut Bats is a setback, but possibly also an opportunity to improve structures and communication within the clubs in order to avoid similar incidents in the future. The fate of the club remains uncertain, but looking at the regulations and implementing best practices will be crucial for the further development of American football in Germany.