‘International’ RSPBA judges reinstated . . . or so they think
“It seems to me that, after the RSPBA had initially told us that being an RSPBA international adjudicator was exactly the same as an RSPBA adjudicator and be treated as such, there appears to be double standards,” said one the international judges. “[It’s] a real us-and-them mentality from both the RSPBA and the majority of the judging panel towards the international adjudicators.”
The RSPBA’s annual judges meeting in November 2009 addressed the matter, resulting in a contentious and often heated discussion. The association’s National Council was to have submitted a recommendation on the issue, and a source who was at the meeting told pipes|drums that there was enough disagreement over the issue that a walk-out by the non-international judges’ panel was not beyond the realm of possibilities.
Another of the international judges said about the RSPBA’s incommunicative style, “Nothing has changed since the 1960s. From this perspective, I really don’t require a computer, a fax or even a telephone.”
In 2004 the RSPBA indicated that it would strive to make the World Pipe Championships’ judging more international and representative of non-RSPBA organizations. The association took nominations from other pipe band associations, vetted them, and put through approved candidates. In addition to Dinsdale, Eller, Niven and Young, Jim McGillivray of Ontario and James Troy Sr. of British Columbia were added to the RSPBA’s panel. McGillivray and Troy are no longer active members of the panel due to their unavailability.
One of the international judges said that he still has not been paid the £63.50 remuneration for judging the 2008 World’s.
At the time of this article’s publication, the RSPBA’s judging assignments list was no longer accessible from its website.
Asked directly about the judges’ status
Wow – they get reinstated and people still complain….I get the part about not being informed (courtesy costs nothing) but why start getting all petty with that crowd”…they have been reinstated
What a shabby state of things this has been and helluva way to treat people. Shame.
Why aren’t these overseas judges doing what they should have done two years ago and told RSPBA to stick it?
Maybe it’s just me but I would want to get the word out about fixing this bizzarre situation to the biggest news source there is for the people who might be interested?? I agree–why would these judges want to still be involved with this crowd??
I agree with Daz. You should stop moaning, they’ve been reinstated, isn’t that you wanted? As to the RSPBA not answering this magazines questions, i’ll ask my question again – why should they? This magazine is meerely that – a magazine. It holds no authority in piping and therefore the RSPBA are not answerable to it! Member bands are allowed to ask the questions, this magazine is not!
Just to clarify, the point about the RSPBA not responding is only included to ensure that readers know that the organization was given the chance, several times, and always has the opportunity to have their perspective included. Certainly, if it chooses, it’s the association’s prerogative to say nothing.
Typical human behaviour. All about posturing. Not enough about just getting the job done…….
Sorry, I’d have to disagree – I’m struggling to see a way in which anyone can think the RSPBA authorities have acted sensibly here. I’m not talking about the reinstating of the judges – that’s good that they’ve resolved the issue there. But come on – you suspend someone and then don’t let them know they’ve been reinstated until they read that you’ve allocated them to a contest. Sorry but that’s just crap. I’m struggling to see how anyone could think otherwise.
The point that Daz and The Speaker fail to recognize is that these individuals have ‘supposedly’ been reinstated, but have not being informed of said reinstatement by the RSPBA. In my opinion, until the affected gentlemen receive notification AND an apology from the RSPBA, this issue is still very much a contentious one. By failing to respond to repeated requests by pipes|drums, the RSPBA further demonstrates that it has something to hide in regards to this issue. While they are certainly not obligated to provide a commentary on this, or any other subject, it seems highly suspiscious that the RSPBA NEVER comments on issues where its actions and decisions are called into question. In my opinion, if a body isn’t prepared or willing to comment publicly on a decision it has made, it is a good sign that said organization recognizes that such a decision is unfounded and/or poorly-made.
surely the fact that their names are posted in the allocation of judges is notification enough
So, your name gets posted. That’s enough? I don’t think so. Let’s assume you’re someone who likes to plan a just little bit ahead, especially when it comes to doling out over a thousand dollars in airfare. Normally—and I emphasize the word normally—most people begin thinking about arranging international trips more than 6 months ahead of time. Kinda makes me wonder. Forget the apology—that’s never going to happen— how about very a simple request for availability? I suppose that would’ve been too much….way over the top, bordering on groveling. Still, it’s good to see that at least they’ve been reinstated…begrudgingly, methinks.
right..so what your sayin is that this particular group of judges want to pick and choose where and when they judge..if they can’t afford it..or don’t have the time then they don’t have to judge..thats why the reserves are there
Gregor – I fully understand the point. That’s why I mentioned that courtesy costs nothing and they should have recieved a communication of some description. The point of my last post to say that people are still not happy – even with the reinstatement of these guys. The RSPBA are damned if they do and damned if they don’t…I never thought the original suspension was a good move and thought that the RSPBA were completely inflexible on the issue but i’m not in the echelons of power there so don’t know the full story. Let’s just be thankful that these guys are back judging over here. Regards Daz
That’s not what I said, cammy.. your spin, your schtick. It’s about common sense and common courtesy. Imagine having an employer call you back to work after a layoff, but doesn’t notify you about it other than posting something on the company bulletin board. Since you’re no longer ‘at work’ you don’t read the board. You get the message second or third hand. You get my point? But, they’re back on the job, fair enough.
Cammy, ALL judges get to pick and choose when they judge!
The judging allocation list is now back up, and it was down due to a network glitch – there was nothing intended or hidden” in this problem. “