The Scottish Brass Band Association (SBBA) has issued clarification of its position in respect to the recent contest rule change proposed by Kapitol Promotions.

These would see bands in the Third and Fourth Section borrow players to compete in the 2025 regional qualifying contests for the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain.

However, SBBA has stated that this proposed rule change will not apply to bands participating in the forthcoming Scottish Championships.

The Scottish Registry rules and player registration requirements for the Scottish Championships are separate from those of the Brass Band Registry, operated by Kapitol Promotions.

Extensive discussions

In addressing the issue, SBBA resident Carrie Boax stated: "After extensive discussions by the SBBA trustees, events sub-committee and executive committee, it was unanimously agreed that the proposed rule changes were not in the best interests of Scottish Third and Fourth Section bands participating in the 2025 Scottish Championships, even though it is the qualifying competition for the National Finals.

We felt deeply that it would adversely affect the ongoing membership stability of competing bands in the lower sections."

We felt deeply that it would adversely affect the ongoing membership stability of competing bands in the lower sectionsSBBA

Status quo

Carrie Boax added: "While we are seeking clarification from Kapitol Promotions about the practical application of such rule changes, we shall be maintaining the status quo on the Scottish Registry rules and keeping a watching brief on how the trial works for bands south of the border.

It must be borne in mind that the proposed rule changes only apply for the qualifying contests and not the National Finals themselves, which could lead to a longer term conflict of membership interests."

Registry rules

For Scottish Registry rules visit: https://www.sbba.org.uk/administration/rules