The British Open Championship has announced that its new online registry system is now up and running.

Direct access

The interactive system, which is available through the British Open website www.thebritishopen.net will enable competing bands at both the Spring Festival and British Open to have direct access to their player information, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Security

Speaking to 4BR, Registry Administrator Colin Johnson said that competing bands will have been e-mailed to enable them to log into the registry with ease and security.

"Details have been sent to the contacts we hold to enable each band to start their registry process.

It is hoped that by 2015 the system will eliminate the need for a hard copy registration sheet or for players to carry ID on the contest day."

Easy to follow

He added: "The process is easy to follow and manage, and we hope that bands will take the time to update player information with dates of birth and images to ensure that we have a robust and transparent registry system that is fit for purpose for these great contests."

Initially, for the 2014 events in Blackpool and Birmingham, hard copy registration sheets will still be issued to bands to ensure that the implementation can be crossed checked at its outset, but by 2015 it will become a totally paperless process.

Safeguards

British Open Contest Controller Frank Hodges is delighted that the new system will offer a free, fast and efficient approach with safeguards to ensure that any future registration issues can be dealt with in an equally open and transparent manner.

He told 4BR: "The competing bands will be able to access and control the information sent to Colin, who is highly respected as a registry administrator.

He will always be on hand to offer advice, support, help and guidance to the bands. There is also a user friendly guide that can be down loaded as well."

Open and fair

He added: "Any registry issues that may arise will be dealt with in an open and fair manner to maintain and enhance the reputation and respect of the British Open family of competitions."

Open champions log in

Reigning British Open champion Tredegar were one of the first bands to use the new system; accessing the website with their password protected details to upload images and dates of birth of 25 of their current players.

Band Secretary Mark Winstone told 4BR that the process was easy to use. "We had no problems whatsoever.

We took passport style images of our current players at rehearsal on Thursday evening and used the system to send them all together, crossed referenced to each player’s full name and date of birth."

Quick and efficient

He added: "We spoke directly with Colin Johnson on Friday afternoon to check and clarify any issues and that was that. It was quick, efficient and if we need to change anything in future we can do it with ease."

Further information

For further information on the new system go to: www.thebritishopen.net

or email Colin Johnson at: colinjohnson@thebritishopen.net