Scotland’s unilateral decision to implement changes to the way in which it will run its qualifying event for the National Finals at Glenrothes this year has been met with a constructive ‘olive branch’ response from Kapitol Promotions.

Pre-draw

SBBA’s move to implement a pre-draw for Sections 1 – 4 raised the possibility of a breach of National rules, and the potential for possible sanctions and exclusions from the National Finals themselves.

However, following communication with Kapitol Promotions, a constructive compromise has been reached, with Scotland allowed to implement its changes, although in return it will lose financial support and its representation on the Kapitol Forum which represents the various regional committees throughout the UK.

Olive branch

As one SBBA source told 4BR: "It’s a welcome olive branch which we have accepted to ensure we can work together in the future. We want to help our bands and we are sure Kapitol understood that too. It’s a constructive response to constructive proposal."

It’s a welcome olive branch which we have accepted to ensure we can work together in the future. We want to help our bands and we are sure Kapitol understood that too. It’s a constructive response to constructive proposalSBBA source

Written response

In a written response to SBBA, Philip Morris stated: "Thank you for your email notifying me that SBBA had gone ahead and held a pre draw for this year’s Scottish Championships and qualifying contest for the National Finals, contrary to the National Rules."

He added: "Because SBBA has never fully complied with the National Rules, I see this as an on-going issue.

Therefore Kapitol Promotions Ltd. will allow SBBA to operate outside the National Rules to select its bands for an invitation from Kapitol Promotions Ltd. to the National Finals."

Philip Morris went on to state: "As SBBA’s action takes its bands outside the National Rules operated by the other regions with respect to bands qualifying for an invitation to the National Finals, SBBA will no longer be invited to be represented on the Kapitol Forum, nor will it receive any further financial assistance from Kapitol Promotions Ltd."

He concluded: "Please also note that SBBA bands receiving an invitation to the Finals of the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain from Kapitol Promotions Ltd must comply with the ‘National Rules’."

Integrity

Phillip Morris told 4BR: "We have agreed to allow Scotland to operate with a degree of independence in matters regarding qualification for the National Championships.

We feel this is the best outcome for the future and we will be more than happy to continue to invite Scottish bands to the Finals as long as the integrity of the event is upheld."

Positive outcome

SBBA President George Burt added: "We feel this is a very positive outcome. Our recent decision to introduce a pre-draw at the Scottish Championships was taken entirley for the benefit of our member bands, by our member bands, and any further changes that we make in the years ahead will be decided on exactly the same basis."