BYBA members discuss open age issue
After two extremely successful Think Tank events where Members of Council met with Member Units to look at ways in which to shape the future of BYBA, one of the more sensitive subjects of open age received a thorough airing and was debated at length and with passion by all who attended.
A proposal will be put to the BYBA Membership at the up and coming AGM that will recommend embracing this new phenomena here in the UK but not at the detriment to sustaining BYBA's important stance on supporting the youth element. It was felt by all present that this should remain the driving force behind our activities and although the recommendation will be proposed in favour of allowing open aged bands or corps to compete, it will be actioned by way of an associate membership.
To this end, no recommendations for changes regarding ages will be proposed to the membership outside of those currently in existence for Divisions I, II, III or IV, and BYBA associate members will be invited to compete alongside the Division 1 bands and corps, making the spectacle for the spectator an extremely enjoyable one.
All scores and placements will then be announced separately for Division 1 entries, and for associate member entries, retaining the focus on our Division 1 as being the pinnacle of achievement within the current guidelines for youth competition in the UK, whilst at the same time also recognizing the achievements of those associate members who have elected to open up their membership to members who fall outside of the youth guidelines.
This process is seen as hugely 'inclusive' and is something that BYBA is known for adapting to for the benefit of all it's members, and if accepted, will be welcomed by all involved.
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