4BR has been informed that the Executive Committee of the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators has has reaffirmed their intention to continue to investigate complaints that are brought to their attention, regarding the performance and professionalism of their membership.

Statement:

In a statement released to 4BR buy the ABBA Executive Committee, they outline their procedures.

"Complainants should use the well established communication route, where, in the first instance, their written complaint is directed to the relevant contest organiser(s) who will, if considered appropriate, forward the complaint and any supporting evidence to the Secretary of ABBA for investigation and resolution."

Independent Panel

It continues: "The Constitution of ABBA includes a specific procedure for dealing with such complaints. This may involve the use of an Independent Panel as necessary. The outcome of such an investigation will be made public but after the complainant and the relevant contest organiser(s) have been notified and acknowledge receipt of notification."

Chat style

ABBA are clear however that they will not enter into public debate on the matters.

"The Executive Committee do not intend to enter into public discussion with individuals who publish allegations and comments on 'chat-style' websites.

It is disappointing to note that whilst adjudicators' identities are readily available to all and are openly used by contributors to these sites, many of these contributors are content to hide their own identity by resorting to the use of pseudonyms whilst publishing mischievous, often defamatory and reputationally damaging comments, masquerading as facts, without accepting any credible accountability for their words."

Whilst the Executive Committee will not enter into public discussions of this nature, they re-affirm their intention to privately challenge those individuals who persist in issuing comments that are published under the Freedom of Speech bannerABBA

Challenge

ABBA is also clear however that it will privately challenge those who they belive make unfounded accusations against members.

The statement concluded: "Whilst the Executive Committee will not enter into public discussions of this nature, they re-affirm their intention to privately challenge those individuals who persist in issuing comments that are published under the “Freedom of Speech” banner.

They need to be reminded that challenges from ABBA will also be made under the self same banner.

Constructive criticism will always be welcomed by ABBA!"