The Reg Vardy Band has issued a press release to 4BR which outlines its position and understanding of the chain of events that led to their disqualification from the 2018 North of England Regional contest.

They also confirm that they will be appealing against the decision.

Statement:

The statement sent by Contest Manager Les Palmer it states: "In light of the recent press release from the North of England Regional Committee, the Reg Vardy Band would like to clarify the chain of events that led up to the Regional Contest

We applied to the Brass Band Players Registry (National Rules, definitions) for Bands based in England, for a registration card for player X, covered under rule 16 of the Registry rules and submitted the documents listed in Appendix 3, 1b

We were duly issued with a registration card for player X on 23rd February 2018.

This was presented at the registration table at the North of England Regional Championships on Sunday 18th March 2018. It was checked against our registration printout by the officials and found to be in order.

On Tuesday 20th March we were advised by the Regional Secretary that an 'issue had come to light' regarding the registration validity of player X and that an investigation was underway.

We have asked where and when that 'issue' had come from, and also if the 'objection' had fully met the criteria outlined in rule 21a.

We have not yet received an answer to these questions.

The Reg Vardy Band can confirm that it will be appealing against its disqualification at the recent North of England Brass Band Championships4BR

Rule 21a states:

Any objection concerning any alleged breach of the National Rules, or an error in the results, must be submitted to the Contest Controller within FOURTEEN (14) days of the Contest, together with an fee of £50.00, which will be returned only if the objection is upheld. Objections must be in writing on the official headed paper of the band concerned and signed by an official.

On Friday 23rd March 2018, we received an e-mail (and subsequent copy in the post) advising us that we had been disqualified under rule 8a.

The Reg Vardy Band can confirm that it will be appealing against its disqualification at the recent North of England Brass Band Championships."