Our Mission
The British Falcon Racing Association is responsible for the governance, administration and regulation of British Falcon Racing by standardising the race rules, certifying groups to organise races and events, publishing race results and encouraging national teams to participate at the international level. BFRA leads on the development and growth of racing, and prioritises the health and welfare of the sport’s participants.
Chair – Dr Nick Fox OBE
Vice Chair – Dave Whittingham
Secretary – Karl Robertson
Treasurer – Samantha Birch
Veterinarian – Dr Tom Dutton BVM&S CertAVP(ZooMed) DipECZM(avian) MRCVS Clinical Lead Exotics
Events Coordinator – Nick Roberton
Events Coordinator – Linda Turner (a.k.a Sharron)
Web Communications – Ben Kniveton
Committee Member – Helen Fox
What we do
- Keeping racing fair and clean – BFRA aims to maintain the integrity of Falcon Racing by supporting participants to comply with the rules and by dealing appropriately and effectively with rule breaches.
- Delivering competitive and compelling racing – BFRA aims to produce a fixture list and race programme that drives wider engagement in our sport.
- Supporting the conservation of wild raptors and their prey by promoting domestic-bred raptors.
- Avoiding any welfare issues for prey species so that the sport is acceptable at the international level.
- Supporting scientific research and methods in the breeding of raptors and promoting pedigrees.
- Supporting research on the nutrition and sports science of raptors.
- Securing long-term, sustainable funding for the sport – BFRA aims to represent and promote the best interests of racing with one clear voice.
- Promoting the sport in the media.
- Working with others to grow the sport – BFRA aims to ensure all participant groups benefit from growth in our sport.
- Leading on raptor health and welfare – BFRA aims to prioritise the health and welfare of raptors and sets standards to ensure they receive first-class care and attention.
- Looking after our people – BFRA aims to prioritise the well-being and development of racing’s people and supports others to make racing a great place to work.
- Supporting young people and new-comers to the sport.
Our Responsibilities:
- Certifying affiliated clubs, groups and teams
- Regulating race courses
- Rules compliance
- Fixture lists and race planning
- Racing administration
- Registering and ringing falcons
- Race day operations and regulation
- International race programme co-ordination
- Participant health and welfare
Our Values
- Integrity:
BFRA aims to do the right thing to uphold its reputation for fairness, and to maintain the trust of its stakeholders. - Accountability:
BFRA aims to take responsibility for its actions and strive to improve the health of international Falcon Racing. - Credibility:
BFRA aims to be open and honest about what it does, and treat everyone fairly and with respect. - Responsiveness:
BFRA aims to stay in-tune with the sport’s diverse stakeholders so that it can effectively meet agreed objectives and goals. - Progressive:
BFRA aims to promote a forward-thinking and collaborative culture while respecting the strong heritage of Falconry as a sport and an industry. - Inclusive: See Inclusivity Statement below
Inclusivity Statement –
The British Falcon Racing Association (BFRA) is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment where all individuals are valued, respected, and given equal opportunities to participate in the sport of falcon racing.
We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Every participant, regardless of background, has the right to engage, compete, and contribute to our community in a safe and supportive space.
BFRA actively promotes fairness, respect, and equal access to falcon racing and is dedicated to upholding the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage all members and participants to embrace these values, ensuring our sport remains open and welcoming to everyone.