The question of National registration rules raised its controversial head in Birmingham on the weekend, with the spectre of something of a domestic registration squabble now seemingly set to be played out in Scotland over the coming weeks.

Registration requirements

The Scottish Co-op Band took to the Symphony Hall stage with a percussion player in their ranks, who allegedly, had not met the requirements of the Scottish Brass Band Association Registration rules to play at the contest.

British Registry

However, as the organisers of the British Open run their contest on British Registry rules, the player was allowed to perform, even though they did not have a current Scottish Registry card to their name.

There’s going to be one heck of a stink over this when we get back, with people demanding to know what on earth has been going on. What rules apply for Scottish bands now?Disgruntled player

28 day rule

North of the border there is a 28 day waiting period any player must serve before they can play for a band at a contest, whilst this does not apply in England.

The Scottish rule was brought in a few years back, and as one angry player told 4BR, the decision could have serious repercussions for Scottish banding.

Mockery

"The rule was brought in a few years back and all Scottish bands know where they stand with the signing of players. Without any discussion it now looks as if that rule has been overturned. The Scottish Registry has become a laughing stock and so too has the Scottish Association."

Stink

They added: "A precedent has been set that makes a mockery of our rules, by people who should have known that they had no authority to do so. There’s going to be one heck of a stink over this when we get back, with people demanding to know what on earth has been going on. What rules apply for Scottish bands now?"

No objection

4BR understands that no official objection to the player playing on stage was made at the draw after Contest Contoller Frank Hodges explained the situation to the band representatives.

"The British Registry rules apply at the British Open and so there was no rule broken in our opinion. We made sure people were informed of the situation but there was no objection made."

What this now means for Scottish banding registration is unclear, although 4BR understands that the matter could well be addressed at the next meeting of the Association in October.