Polish American Football League
Encyclopedia
The Polish American Football League or shortly PLFA is a structured system for the american football
competitions in Poland
founded in 2006
by Polish federation PZFA. Since 2008 season, PLFA is divided into two leagues (PLFA I and PLFA II) between which there is promotion and relegation
. The top four teams from the PLFA I regular season enter the playoffs and the winners meet in the championship game called PLFA I Final (more commonly known as the Polish Bowl
).
In the 2011 season
there were 22 teams (10 teams in the PLFA I and 12 teams in the PLFA II). PLFA II is divided into two divisions, for the geographical reason (North and South).
. The Polish American Football Association ( or shortly PZFA) was created in November of 2004, initiated by the first two American football teams: Warsaw Eagles
and 1. KFA Wielkopolska. Its founding, was a response to the dynamic growth of the American football movement in Poland.
The first game between Polish teams (still without professional equipment) was played in December of 2005 in Poznań
. The historic game, officiated by professionals, was played in March of 2006 – The Warsaw Eagles took on Czech
team Pardubice Stallions in a game played in Warsaw. From that moment on teams began to develop in different parts of the country.
Polish American Football League started in October 2006 with just 4 teams. There were 9 teams competing for the second championship in 2007. In 2008 the league split into two divisions - PLFA I (8 teams) and PLFA II (9 teams). There were 22 teams competing for the 2009 season and 21 for the 2010 season.
can not be played). After a regular season, the top four teams qualify for the play-offs (1st place against 4th place and 2nd against 3rd) and the Semi-Final winners meet in the championship game called PLFA I Final (more commonly known as the Polish Bowl
); there is no 3rd place game.
PLFA II is divided into two divisions, for the geographical reason (in 2011 season for North and South). The teams played five games against each team once and one bonus game with another division rival. After a regular season, top three teams in each division qualifies for the play-offs (2nd and 3rd placed team playing wildcard game; division winners and a wildcard winners played PLFA II Semi-Final games; and the winners meet in the PLFA II Final.
After the season, the PLFA II Champion is promoted to the PLFA I (last place PLFA I team is relegated to the PLFA II). PLFA I 9th place team and the PLFA II Runner-up play a promotion/relegation playoff game.
College football
with minor modifications, e.g.:
American football
American football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by...
competitions in Poland
Poland
Poland , officially the Republic of Poland , is a country in Central Europe bordered by Germany to the west; the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south; Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania to the east; and the Baltic Sea and Kaliningrad Oblast, a Russian exclave, to the north...
founded in 2006
2006 in sports
2006 in sports describes the year's events in world sport.-American football:* January 2, Fiesta Bowl – Ohio State 34-20 Notre Dame* January 2, Sugar Bowl – West Virginia 38-35 Georgia...
by Polish federation PZFA. Since 2008 season, PLFA is divided into two leagues (PLFA I and PLFA II) between which there is promotion and relegation
Promotion and relegation
In many sports leagues around the world, promotion and relegation is a process that takes place at the end of each season. Through it, teams are transferred between divisions based on their performance that season...
. The top four teams from the PLFA I regular season enter the playoffs and the winners meet in the championship game called PLFA I Final (more commonly known as the Polish Bowl
Polish Bowl
The SuperFinal PLFA is the championship game of the Polish American Football League . The first Polish Bowl played on November 12, 2006 in Warsaw at the Marymont stadium between top two teams in regular season...
).
In the 2011 season
2011 PLFA season
The 2011 season of the Polish American Football League was the 6th season played by the major american football league in Poland. First time the PLFA I was consist of ten teams. Regular season was took place between April 2 to June 19, 2011. The Polish champion was determined in the play-off final...
there were 22 teams (10 teams in the PLFA I and 12 teams in the PLFA II). PLFA II is divided into two divisions, for the geographical reason (North and South).
History
American football is arguably the fastest growing sport in Poland. American football, as a sport that is actually played, appeared in Poland in 1999, when a pioneer initiative was set in WarsawWarsaw
Warsaw is the capital and largest city of Poland. It is located on the Vistula River, roughly from the Baltic Sea and from the Carpathian Mountains. Its population in 2010 was estimated at 1,716,855 residents with a greater metropolitan area of 2,631,902 residents, making Warsaw the 10th most...
. The Polish American Football Association ( or shortly PZFA) was created in November of 2004, initiated by the first two American football teams: Warsaw Eagles
Warsaw Eagles
The Warsaw Eagles are an American football team in Warsaw, Poland. They play in the Polish American Football League.-History:The team was founded in June 1999 as the first American football team in Poland. In 2006 they won the first final of the Polish American Football League against Pomorze...
and 1. KFA Wielkopolska. Its founding, was a response to the dynamic growth of the American football movement in Poland.
The first game between Polish teams (still without professional equipment) was played in December of 2005 in Poznań
Poznan
Poznań is a city on the Warta river in west-central Poland, with a population of 556,022 in June 2009. It is among the oldest cities in Poland, and was one of the most important centres in the early Polish state, whose first rulers were buried at Poznań's cathedral. It is sometimes claimed to be...
. The historic game, officiated by professionals, was played in March of 2006 – The Warsaw Eagles took on Czech
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is a landlocked country in Central Europe. The country is bordered by Poland to the northeast, Slovakia to the east, Austria to the south, and Germany to the west and northwest....
team Pardubice Stallions in a game played in Warsaw. From that moment on teams began to develop in different parts of the country.
Polish American Football League started in October 2006 with just 4 teams. There were 9 teams competing for the second championship in 2007. In 2008 the league split into two divisions - PLFA I (8 teams) and PLFA II (9 teams). There were 22 teams competing for the 2009 season and 21 for the 2010 season.
Season structure
Regular season in the PLFA I (One) is started in March/April and ended in June/July. Each team plays nine games against each team once (4 or 5 home games and 5 or 4 away games). A team is awarded 2-points for a win, 1-point for a tie, and 0-points for a loss (tie only if the overtimeOvertime (sports)
Overtime or extra time is an additional period of play specified under the rules of a sport to bring a game to a decision and avoid declaring the match a tie or draw. In most sports, this extra period is only played if the game is required to have a clear winner, as in single-elimination...
can not be played). After a regular season, the top four teams qualify for the play-offs (1st place against 4th place and 2nd against 3rd) and the Semi-Final winners meet in the championship game called PLFA I Final (more commonly known as the Polish Bowl
Polish Bowl
The SuperFinal PLFA is the championship game of the Polish American Football League . The first Polish Bowl played on November 12, 2006 in Warsaw at the Marymont stadium between top two teams in regular season...
); there is no 3rd place game.
PLFA II is divided into two divisions, for the geographical reason (in 2011 season for North and South). The teams played five games against each team once and one bonus game with another division rival. After a regular season, top three teams in each division qualifies for the play-offs (2nd and 3rd placed team playing wildcard game; division winners and a wildcard winners played PLFA II Semi-Final games; and the winners meet in the PLFA II Final.
After the season, the PLFA II Champion is promoted to the PLFA I (last place PLFA I team is relegated to the PLFA II). PLFA I 9th place team and the PLFA II Runner-up play a promotion/relegation playoff game.
Game rules
Playing rules are based of those of the NCAANational Collegiate Athletic Association
The National Collegiate Athletic Association is a semi-voluntary association of 1,281 institutions, conferences, organizations and individuals that organizes the athletic programs of many colleges and universities in the United States...
College football
College football
College football refers to American football played by teams of student athletes fielded by American universities, colleges, and military academies, or Canadian football played by teams of student athletes fielded by Canadian universities...
with minor modifications, e.g.:
- 12-minutes quarter
- minimum field markings
- unsportsmanlike conductUnsportsmanlike conductUnsportsmanlike conduct is a foul or offense in many sports that is not necessarily a violation of the respective sport's rules of play, but violates the sport's generally accepted rules of sportsmanship and/or participant conduct...
for excessive celebrations after plays, more closer to the NFL rules - no Instant replay
Current
| League | Team | City | Joined |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Devils Wrocław Devils Wrocław The Devils Wrocław are an American football team based in Wrocław, Poland. They play in the Polish American Football League. Devil's American affiliate is Chattanooga Steam from Tennessee.-History:... |
Wrocław | 2007 |
| The Crew Wrocław The Crew Wrocław The Crew Wrocław are an American football team based in Wrocław, Poland. They play in the Polish American Football League.-History:The team was founded in 2005 as Wrocław Angels. In 2007 they won the final of the Polish American Football League against Silesia Miners. In 2008 the team makes his... |
Wrocław | 2006 | |
| Seahawks Gdynia | Gdynia Gdynia Gdynia is a city in the Pomeranian Voivodeship of Poland and an important seaport of Gdańsk Bay on the south coast of the Baltic Sea.Located in Kashubia in Eastern Pomerania, Gdynia is part of a conurbation with the spa town of Sopot, the city of Gdańsk and suburban communities, which together... |
2006 | |
| Warsaw Eagles Warsaw Eagles The Warsaw Eagles are an American football team in Warsaw, Poland. They play in the Polish American Football League.-History:The team was founded in June 1999 as the first American football team in Poland. In 2006 they won the first final of the Polish American Football League against Pomorze... |
Warsaw Warsaw Warsaw is the capital and largest city of Poland. It is located on the Vistula River, roughly from the Baltic Sea and from the Carpathian Mountains. Its population in 2010 was estimated at 1,716,855 residents with a greater metropolitan area of 2,631,902 residents, making Warsaw the 10th most... |
2006 | |
| Kozły Poznań Kozły Poznań The Kozły Poznań are an American football team based in Poznań, Poland, which currently competes in the PLFA I, the top division of Polish American Football League.- History :... |
Poznań Poznan Poznań is a city on the Warta river in west-central Poland, with a population of 556,022 in June 2009. It is among the oldest cities in Poland, and was one of the most important centres in the early Polish state, whose first rulers were buried at Poznań's cathedral. It is sometimes claimed to be... |
2007 | |
| Kraków Tigers Kraków Tigers The Kraków Tigers are an American football team based in Kraków, Poland founded in 2006. They play in the first division of the Polish American Football League.- Season-by-season records :- External links :*... |
Kraków Kraków Kraków also Krakow, or Cracow , is the second largest and one of the oldest cities in Poland. Situated on the Vistula River in the Lesser Poland region, the city dates back to the 7th century. Kraków has traditionally been one of the leading centres of Polish academic, cultural, and artistic life... |
2007 | |
| Silesia Miners Silesia Miners The Silesia Miners are an American football team in Katowice, Silesia, Poland. They play in the Polish American Football League.-History:The team was founded in April 2006. In 2009 they won the final of the Polish American Football League against The Crew Wrocław... |
Katowice Katowice Katowice is a city in Silesia in southern Poland, on the Kłodnica and Rawa rivers . Katowice is located in the Silesian Highlands, about north of the Silesian Beskids and about southeast of the Sudetes Mountains.It is the central district of the Upper Silesian Metropolis, with a population of 2... |
2007 | |
| Zagłębie Steelers | Będzin Bedzin Będzin is a city in Zagłębie Dąbrowskie in southern Poland. Located in the Silesian Highlands, on the Czarna Przemsza river , the city borders the Upper Silesian Metropolitan Union - a metro area with a population of about 2 million.It has been situated in the Silesian Voivodeship since its... |
2008 | |
| Bielawa Owls Bielawa Owls The Bielawa Owls are an American football team based in Bielawa, Poland. They play in the Polish American Football League.-History:The team was founded in January 2007. In 2010 they win the PLFA II championship and promoted to the PLFA I.... |
Bielawa Bielawa Bielawa is a town in south-western Poland with 31,988 inhabitants . It is situated in Dzierżoniów County, Lower Silesian Voivodeship ; previously it has been a part of the Wałbrzych Voivodeship .... |
2008 | |
| Lowlanders Białystok Lowlanders Białystok The Lowlanders Białystok is an American football team based in Białystok, Poland, which currently competes in the PLFA II, the second division of Polish American Football League.- History :... |
Białystok | 2008 | |
 |
Fireballs Wielkopolska Fireballs Wielkopolska The 1.KFA Fireballs Wielkopolska is a Polish American football club from Poznań, Greater Poland Voivodeship, which currently competes in the PLFA II, the second division of Polish American Football League... |
Poznań Poznan Poznań is a city on the Warta river in west-central Poland, with a population of 556,022 in June 2009. It is among the oldest cities in Poland, and was one of the most important centres in the early Polish state, whose first rulers were buried at Poznań's cathedral. It is sometimes claimed to be... |
2006 |
| Husaria Szczecin | Szczecin Szczecin Szczecin , is the capital city of the West Pomeranian Voivodeship in Poland. It is the country's seventh-largest city and the largest seaport in Poland on the Baltic Sea. As of June 2009 the population was 406,427.... |
2007 | |
| Mustangs Płock | Płock | 2008 | |
| Torpedy Łódź | Łódź | 2008 | |
| Warsaw Spartans | Warsaw Warsaw Warsaw is the capital and largest city of Poland. It is located on the Vistula River, roughly from the Baltic Sea and from the Carpathian Mountains. Its population in 2010 was estimated at 1,716,855 residents with a greater metropolitan area of 2,631,902 residents, making Warsaw the 10th most... |
2008 | |
| Warsaw Werewolves | Warsaw Warsaw Warsaw is the capital and largest city of Poland. It is located on the Vistula River, roughly from the Baltic Sea and from the Carpathian Mountains. Its population in 2010 was estimated at 1,716,855 residents with a greater metropolitan area of 2,631,902 residents, making Warsaw the 10th most... |
2011 | |
 |
Gliwice Lions | Gliwice Gliwice Gliwice is a city in Upper Silesia in southern Poland, near Katowice. Gliwice is the west district of the Upper Silesian Metropolitan Union – a metropolis with a population of 2 million... |
2009 |
| Radom Rocks | Radom Radom Radom is a city in central Poland with 223,397 inhabitants . It is located on the Mleczna River in the Masovian Voivodeship , having previously been the capital of Radom Voivodeship ; 100 km south of Poland's capital, Warsaw.It is home to the biennial Radom Air Show, the largest and... |
2009 | |
| Kraków Knights | Kraków Kraków Kraków also Krakow, or Cracow , is the second largest and one of the oldest cities in Poland. Situated on the Vistula River in the Lesser Poland region, the city dates back to the 7th century. Kraków has traditionally been one of the leading centres of Polish academic, cultural, and artistic life... |
2008 | |
| Saints Częstochowa | Częstochowa Czestochowa Częstochowa is a city in south Poland on the Warta River with 240,027 inhabitants . It has been situated in the Silesian Voivodeship since 1999, and was previously the capital of Częstochowa Voivodeship... |
2011 | |
| Tychy Falcons | Tychy Tychy Tychy is a city in Silesia, Poland, approximately south of Katowice. Situated on the southern edge of the Upper Silesian industrial district, the city borders Katowice to the north, Mikołów to the west, Bieruń to the east and Kobiór to the south... |
2011 | |
| Warriors Ruda Śląska | Ruda Śląska Ruda Slaska Ruda Śląska is a city in Silesia in southern Poland, near Katowice. It is a district in the Upper Silesian Metropolitan Union, a metropolis with a population of 2 million. It is located in the Silesian Highlands, on the Kłodnica river .... |
2009 | |
Former
| Team | City | Years active |
|---|---|---|
| Czerwone Byki Poznań | Poznań Poznan Poznań is a city on the Warta river in west-central Poland, with a population of 556,022 in June 2009. It is among the oldest cities in Poland, and was one of the most important centres in the early Polish state, whose first rulers were buried at Poznań's cathedral. It is sometimes claimed to be... |
2008-10 |
| Griffons Słupsk | Słupsk | 2009 |
| Scyzory Kielce | Kielce Kielce Kielce ) is a city in central Poland with 204,891 inhabitants . It is also the capital city of the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship since 1999, previously in Kielce Voivodeship... |
2009-10 |