American Football Association Issues National Statement on Integrity of Hall of Fame Recognition
Binghamton, NY [April 20, 2026] - The American Football Association (AFA), the nation’s longest-standing organization dedicated to semi-pro and minor league football, has issued an official statement reaffirming its commitment to preserving the integrity of Hall of Fame recognition amid growing concerns over misleading and pay-to-play operations within the industry.
Founded in 1980 by Ron Real, the AFA has served as the trusted authority for recognizing the achievements of players, coaches, and contributors at the semi-pro and minor league levels. In recent years, however, the organization has observed a rise in entities offering immediate or fee-based “Hall of Fame” inductions, often without a formal nomination or evaluation process.
“Recognition in the AFA Hall of Fame is earned - not purchased,” said Dave Burch, President of the American Football Association. “We are committed to ensuring that the legacy of this level of football is preserved with credibility, integrity, and respect for those who truly deserve it.”
The AFA Hall of Fame operates under a structured and selective process that includes:
Formal nomination by active alumni or members
Verification of career accomplishments
Peer-based evaluation
Strict adherence to merit-based standards
The organization emphasized that it is not affiliated with any third-party Hall of Fame programs that offer instant induction or require payment for recognition.
“We encourage all players, coaches, and families to carefully evaluate any organization offering recognition,” Burch added. “If there is no nomination process, no verification, and payment is required-it is not aligned with the standards we uphold.”
As part of its continued leadership, the AFA is introducing a broader Legitimacy Framework Initiative, designed to:
Establish clear standards for recognition
Educate the football community
Protect participants from misleading organizations
Strengthen the pathway for legitimate achievement recognition
The AFA remains committed to honoring the history and future of semi-pro football by ensuring that recognition at this level maintains the same level of respect and credibility found throughout the broader football landscape.
📣 About the American Football Association (AFA) The American Football Association is a national non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement and preservation of semi-pro and minor league football. Through its Hall of Fame, alumni programs, and national initiatives, the AFA ensures that the contributions of players, coaches, and contributors are remembered and honored.
Mark Your Calendar – AFA Hall of Fame Timeline:
July 31st Hall of Fame nomination ballot due
3rd Quarter: Hall of Fame selections announced
4th Quarter (October 25th-26th): Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Stay tuned for specific dates and further updates!
This season is all about renewal - and that includes your AFA Alumni Membership. Your membership can pay for itself. Certificates. Benefits. Legacy.
Collector’s Edition Now Available! Relive the excitement of our 43rd Annual AFA Hall of Fame Induction Dinner — now in print! This full-color, collector’s edition souvenir program features exclusive inductee profiles, event highlights, photos, and tributes that celebrate the proud tradition of semi-pro and minor league football.
A must-have for players, fans, and families who helped build the game. Limited copies available - order yours today!
Game Film & Scrapbook Scanning Services: Preserve your old 16mm, 8mm game film and scrapbooks by having them converted to digital for posterity. We have partnered with a group that has scanned a lot of vintage items for us at an affordable price. More information is available if interested; Email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Collector’s Edition Now Available! Relive the excitement of our 43rd Annual AFA Hall of Fame Induction Dinner — now in print! This full-color, collector’s edition souvenir program features exclusive inductee profiles, event highlights, photos, and tributes that celebrate the proud tradition of semi-pro and minor league football.
