The BAFA Board of Directors has today formally welcomed the selection of Martin Cockerill as the second representative from BAFRA to the BAFA Board of Directors.

Cockerill's appointment will mean that he sits alongside BAFRA President Davie Parsons as one of their two representatives.

BAFA Chairman Gary Marshall said of the appointment: 'Martin brings not only a tremendous knowledge of football to the Board but also a valuable skill set transferable from his career.'

Cockerill played football for 10 years at the Newmarket Hornets and has been an official since 1993. He has officiated at all levels of British football and at several national finals including this years Division 1 Final and the Flag finals.

He has also officiated international games for our College league as well as the University finals.

Having officiated flag football for 9 years Cockerill is a member of the BAFRA working party for flag football, working on the mechanics and rules for the BAFRA and EFAF and IFAF game. He has worked the European finals in Helsinki and in Sestola, Belfast as well as this years World finals in Ottowa. In addition he has also worked the European Schools Finals and World Youth Flag Finals in Dusseldorf, Frankfurt and Cologne.

On announcing his appointment Cockerill said I''m passionate about the game especially flag, and want to help it grow and become the sport of choice. I look forward to working with colleagues on the development of the sport, especially at this key time when we are looking to the future systems and structures which will underpin this.'

Cockerill added 'I would like to highlight that I am always approachable and happy to answer questions and help out where I can.'