The American Football Association announced today a reminder to all
semi-pro football leagues across the country that the traditional start
date for adult amateur teams involved in AFA fall season competition is
July 2nd.

While many semi-pro teams are already playing exhibition games and
organized scrimmages, league play for most member leagues won’t get
underway for a few weeks yet. Member teams are reminded that organized
scrimmages may be construed as an exhibition game if certain conditions
prevail. Teams should check with their league office for rulings on game
type scrimmages.

As part of the AFA’s “Game Plan 2005” and some timely decisions that came
out of last months national semi-pro football convention in Chicago
regarding the AFA’s postseason “National Tournament of Champions”, the AFA
will be working closely with their member leagues regarding postseason
Regional and National tournament participation.

Member leagues are those leagues that have 100% team membership
participation in the AFA national association. Among the benefits of
having all teams in a particular league join the AFA during a semi-pro
football season is having those teams qualify for the AFA’s weekly
“power-ratings”. At seasons end the league champions from each “official”
member league will have the opportunity to see their league “champion”
advance to the AFA regionals - then on to the annual AFA’s National
Championship and a shot at playing for the AFA’s coveted Arthur S. Arkush
Memorial Cup.

The 26th annual AFA National Championship Game is scheduled to take place
in Florida at seasons end. The name of each player on the annual National
Championship team is engraved on the Arkush Cup. Over the past 25 years
there have been 1277 players and coaches names engraved on the National
Championship trophy.

To qualify for “official league” membership - all teams registered to a
particular league must have paid their $100 (per team) AFA membership fees
prior to the start of their regular season. Full league membership
includes publicity via national press releases, newsletters, online league
logo merchandise store, free websites, All American recognition, media
guides, membership certificates, access to liability insurance through
Sadler & Co., and inclusion in the AFA’s weekly power ratings. Teams who
are members of leagues not registered as official AFA member leagues may
join the AFA as "associate” members. Associate members benefits are
limited to taking advantage of the AFA’s million-dollar spectator
liability insurance program needed by semi-pro teams to secure game and
practice venues.

Semi-pro teams and leagues wanting more information about the national
association’s liability insurance program can contact the AFA’s insurance
representative, Debbie Edelmayer, at Sadler & Company (800-622-7370).