Bands competing at this year’s British Open have been informed that they will be able to field one borrowed player at the contest.

Rule change

The change in the rules has been brought in by the organisers and was officially confirmed in writing to the competing bands by post on the weekend.

Until now borrowed players were not allowed at the contest, although many bands have for some years taken a liberal attitude to current registry rules in respect to using players from foreign bands.

Two at Grand Shield

Two borrowed players are currently allowed to play at the Grand Shield, Senior Cup and Senior Trophy competitions.

In the British Open a maximum of one borrowed player will be allowed. The player must not be a member of any band in the current British OpenRule 10

Rule 10

Rule 10 concerning borrowed players now states: "In the British Open a maximum of one borrowed player will be allowed. The player must not be a member of any band in the current British Open. A list of Bands within The British Open Championship will be provided prior to the contest.

An official Day Transfer form or a letter of consent must be obtained together with their Registration Card from the appropriate Registry, within the rules of The British Brass Band Registry in their most current form."

Not permanent

4BR has been informed that no decision will be made on whether to make the rule change permanent until after this year’s contest.