Editorial ~ 2007 May
4-May-2007The time for action is now with the 2007 NBCA Annual Conference fast approaching; and look out - here comes Iwan..
NBCA Annual Conference
This years Annual Conference will be held in Brisbane on the weekend 22-24 June.
The people who attend this conference are the NBCA Executive (President, Vice President and Executive Officer) and the NBCA Councillors (one elected person from each State Affiliated Body).
At last years Annual Conference, amongst other things, a total of 24 motions were presented. States to put forward motions included New South Wales, Tasmania, Queensland, and Victoria. Of the 24 motions presented, 16 were carried and 8 were either lost, lapsed or withdrawn. All of QLD's motions were either lost or lapsed - this included the motion to remove the time limit restriction on all Own Choice Music. The motion was moved by Geoff Fry, and stated: "That the time limit for all Own Choice Music as defined in Regulation 2.1 at National Competitions be removed." The motion failed to receive a seconder. It is of popular opinion that had the motion specified a removal of the time limit for the Own Choice Test Selection only, the motion may have been received more favourably. Will QLD or maybe even another State re-present this motion, or similar this year? Lets hope so.
Whilst the NBCA as an association does not currently control the States registration, one of its stated objectives is to ensure that national band contests, marching contests and solo and party competitions are conducted under a common set of rules. This could mean many things. One is that, at the very least, the NBCA Executive should be pro-active in achieving this particular objective through the facilitation, guidance, and encouragement of discussion between the State councillors.
Each of the State Bodies need to be now considering motions to put forward at the forthcoming conference. The Australian National Championships recently highlighted the inconsistency of rules from one state to the next. Queensland are the most recent State to analyse and 'update' its set of by-laws and would be an ideal starting point for other States to consider adopting.
Time is fast running out if improvements are to be made in time for next years Nationals. If bands want change, then they should be contacting their State Associations now, with carefully considered, well thought out and well worded motions or arguments. The State bodies need time to consider these and decide whether or not to present them to the NBCA for inclusion at the National Conference.
What do you think?
Send an email to: du.omments@4barsrest.com
4BR heads downunder
4BR Directors Anthony Banwell and Iwan Fox have confirmed they will be attending this years New Zealand Nationals. This is a major plus for the site in terms of thoroughness and quality of coverage. The depth and wealth of experience these gentlemen have in terms contest reporting is enormous.
Those who thought things have been a bit harsh at times from a reporting perspective downunder - wait until Iwan Fox gets here!!
What do you think?
Send an email to: du.omments@4barsrest.com
