Hi,

Last week two members of what was the CMAS UWHC mentioned there might be Scottish teams at Durban, which was a small surprise for me. This may affect the teams I manage and I asked for a rule clarification, which came back as:

"I think there should be scope within any rules we create to accommodate UK players to mix in divisions where either of their respective countries could not field a full team. I do not see this as being difficult to define or police"

So in all likelihood in the near future that would look like

6 GB Teams (until Scotland are ready to act on this)

then in when Scotland do start to submit teams

6 GB Teams and 1 or 2 Scottish Teams (Elite Open and Ladies) The GB
Elite would then not include Scottish players, but the GB Masters and U19 might.

When Scotland do field teams there would probably still be GB to accomodate Welsh players who are farther from being able to field World Championship teams. Northern Ireland can in practice play for GB but I am unaware of this happening. Ireland (sometimes referred to as Southern Ireland) are completely separate.

This is an example of the more flexible rules that can exist outside of CMAS and where CMAS would consider the rules to contrary to their desires to be close to International Olympic Commitee rules.

This may have parallels for other countries, but I am not sure about that.

With regards to the BOA needing to make decisions for players, which was raised, I do not agree. The BOA have angered players in the past by not consulting them so the right balance has to be struck. The BOA needs to represent players as much as possible and sometimes needs to council their opinion to achieve that. To make the BARI decision the BOA commitee met with the National Squads managers. It was agreed the BOA thought poorly of BARI but would not prevent players from going if they wanted to - why should the BOA prevent players playing hockey? It might have been a good team practice or an opportunity for a Scottish squad to enter a tournament or a GB Development team, etc.

Incidentally, the BOA have introduced new rules and web tools to enable balloting the whole membership to vote on decisions.

With regards BOA leaving CMAS. Who has left CMAS officially? The BOA is as was suggested totally self funded so does not need CMAS for funds. However certain government recognition of the BOA is interdepndent with other organosations including indrectly CMAS. the BOA is a member of the British Underwater Sports Association which also represents Spearfishing and Finswimming. BUSA will stay a member of CMAS to support whichever sports remain affiliated to CMAS. The BOA will probably make a decision on CMAS when the times comes that this is necessary. I have asked the BOA to make a decision at their next meeting September 8th but I think they are going to ask the players again and that they feel under no time pressure to make such a decision.

I am to busy to keep upto date with all the posts on this great site, I drop in here mainly to find out about Durban - it is currently my best source of information. If you have any specific questions I will reply to emails at keith&dunkin&son@hotmail.com (remove the &).

Kind Regards



Keith

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GB National Squads Manager (also Open Master & Ladies Elite)

British Underwater Sports Association President