The Association of Brass Band Adjudicators has responded to the Scottish Brass Band Association's (SBBA), plans to implement their 'Passport to Adjudication' initiative by stating that they are 'extremely disappointed' at the lack of agreed joint consultation over the initiative.

Statement

In a statement to 4BR they say: "The Executive Officers of the Association (AoBBA) will consider these proposals once details and a full explanation of the scheme are revealed to us.

It must be clearly stated that AoBBA is not opposed to new initiatives. Indeed, we are shortly to launch a new trainee adjudicator programme, along with a raft of carefully devised innovations to commence in October this year.

AoBBA has held informal talks with members of the SBBA Executive in May this year, and agreed, in principle, that both organisations would work together to bring about constructive initiatives for the future development of the brass band movement.

However, AoBBA was extremely disappointed, when without prior knowledge, SBBA announced in the brass band media their decision to impose a number of far reaching and fundamental changes upon the adjudication process for the Scottish Championship without any consultation with AoBBA.

Feedback

AoBBA goes not on to say: "Having had sight of some of the SBBA proposals we have already received a great deal of feedback from our members, and will consult with them further."

AoBBA was extremely disappointed, when without prior knowledge, SBBA announced in the brass band media their decision to impose a number of far reaching and fundamental changes upon the adjudication processAoBBA

Meeting

4BR understands that a meeting between SBBA and the AoBBA will now occur prior to the National Finals in Cheltenham in September.

A spokesperson told 4BR: "We are grateful to be able to meet at this time when we hope we shall have the opportunity to discuss and digest the 'Passport to Adjudication' scheme in detail and offer an united way forward."