The Association of Brass Band Adjudicators has published the results of its almost year long 'self categorisation process', which Chairman Stan Lippeat states has provided its own Executive Committee with, 'much food for thought'.

Food for thought

The headline result that will perhaps give a great deal of ‘food for thought’ for bandsmen up and down the country however, is that following the process, over 80% of the existing members of ABBA, are ‘considered to be of sufficient ability and status to adjudicate at the highest levels of competition, that includes the Championship Sections at the annual Regional Qualifying Contests and the major Championship events in the UK and overseas.’

50 out of 59

According to the result given by ABBA, 50 of 59 current members as at 1st January 2010, have the ability and status to adjudicate at the European Championships, National Finals and British Open, as well as other major competitions all over the banding world.

Under 20%

However, of new members joining the Association since 1st January 2010, just under 20% meet the criteria, with just two applicants becoming 'Members'.

50 of 59 current members as at 1st January 2010, have the ability and status to adjudicate at the European Championships, National Finals and British Open, as well as other major competitions all over the banding world4BR

Rejected

It was revealed that 'several' current members were asked to confirm their recent adjudicating experience, whilst 'several applicants' were rejected 'for a range of reasons'.

The self categarisation system was devised by C. Brian Buckley under the auspices of an ABBA sub group of Alan Morrison, Kevin Wadsworth and Stan Lippeatt.

It was hoped to provide a transparent 'tiered' system to encourage new adjudicators, as well as encourage the continual improvement of adjudicating standards of its existing membership.

Levels

The system will now see three levels of ‘categorisation’.

1. Member: Who after self categorisation meets the criteria endorsed by the Executive Committee of ABBA to adjudicate up to and including the very highest level both in the UK and abroad.

2. Associate Member: Who after self categorisation meets the criteria endorsed by the Executive Committee of ABBA, to be capable of adjudicating at all levels of youth contesting and at all types of ‘local’ contests.

There are restriction placed on them in regard to National and Regional contests, although their categorisation status will be kept under review.

3. Trainee Adjudicators or Associate Member (Designate): A probationary category designed to help those with limited adjudication experience. Future development will be closely supported by current ‘Members’ through a series of up to 4 varied adjudicating assignments in an 18 month period.

Vital information

Speaking to 4BR, Stan also revealed that the process will now enable contest promoters to seek vital information on potential adjudicators directly from ABBA.

It is also hoped that the ABBA website will publish the categorisation of each member so that the information is made freely available to all of the movement.

Stan said: "This is a very positive move forward by ABBA, and one that I hope will encourage more young people to consider becoming adjudicators."

Flawed process

One leading conductor, who wised to remain anoymous, was initially less sure however that the self categorisation process was an appropriate way forward.

They told 4BR: "I’m not surprised that self categorisation has lead to over 80% of the current membership meeting the highest levels of competency. In my professional experience it is an exceptionally flawed process."

Nonsense

They added: "As for being able to state that they have the status and ability to adjudicate at contests abroad, over which they have no understanding of what criteria overseas organisations wish to employ in the appointment of their own adjudicators is simply nonsense."

Full transcript

The full transcript of ABBA new tiered system for adjudicators can be found on the Chairman's page at the Association of Adjudicators website at: http://www.abbadjudicators.org.uk/