Closing date looms ever closer
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THE closing date for responses to shinty's competition structure is fast approaching.
Completed questionnaires must be returned to the Camanachd Association by Friday 26th October at the latest.
As part of a strategic review of shinty’s governing body, a commitment was made this year to look at the league structure and cup competitions with any changes being put towards the association’s annual general meeting early next year with a view to them being implemented for the 2014 season.
A small group, led by competitions director Richard Gall, has been set up to undertake this task with several issues already being raised.
These include a feeling that the current 10-team Premiership set-up may be too large with a potential reduction to eight teams leaving more room for representative matches.
It is understood that the make-up of North Division One is still causing widespread debate.
At present, there are only seven teams which resulted in the clubs involved opting for a third round of matches — a concept that in practice did not prove entirely popular.
Other matters that are set to be addressed include reserve teams in South Division One having to be relegated if a team from the Premiership moves down. There is always a possibility that the same could happen in North Division One as well.
It has also been noted that only once in last four years has the league competitions been completed prior to the Shinty/Hurling international. Twice it has been the end of November and once it was the middle of December before it finished.
After the questionnaires have been read, the association will have a series of roadshows in various locations throughout the shinty playing areas next month to allow members to discuss the findings and consider any suggestions which have been made.
Any recommendations will then be put in front of the association’s board in December before then going on to the AGM at the beginning of next year.
Meanwhile, there are only two matches taking place tomorrow as the shinty season in the North begins to approach its conclusion.
In North Division One, Lochcarron welcome champions Lochaber, while Aberdeen University host Glenurquhart in North Division Two.
