Skye Camanachd Object To 2010 Midweek Cup Tie Plans. | |
05 January 2010 Skye Camanachd has written the Camanachd Association to record their objection to the plans for midweek cup ties during the 2010 shinty season. The plans announced by the Association mean that midweek cup ties will take place for the MacTavish Cup, Strathdearn Cup, Celtic Society Cup and Bullough competitions - except the finals – during the 2010 season. However, should a club be drawn against a team based more than 70 miles away, the tie will be played at a neutral venue. This rule effectively means that Skye Camanachd will be denied a home fixture in the MacTavish Cup and Strathdearn Cup unless they draw Kinlochshiel or Lochcarron. Therefore the Skye support will be unable to see these ties without travelling off the This rule change will also mean that Skye Camanachd will incur additional expense fulfilling such fixtures with Kirkton and Battery Park being likely neutral venues. Player availability will also be a problem for Skye with both first and second teams having several players based off the Skye Camanachd also relies on the income generated via pitch-side collections and in the Skye Camanachd Social Club from these cup games. Whilst this reason may be regarded as secondary, the reality is that Skye Camanachd has made a significant investment in both the pitch and facilities at Pairc nan Laoch, Portree and in doing so, has made associated financial commitments. Skye Camanachd prefers that where the cup tie is between teams based over 70 miles apart; the game should be played on a Saturday. Skye Camanachd is not against midweek fixtures in principle, and such an arrangement would indeed be suitable for league matches between clubs based close together. The MacTavish Cup, Strathdearn Cup, Celtic Society Cup and Bullough competitions will be played during alternate midweeks throughout the summer months. Lewis Camanachd and the Highlanders will continue to be allowed to play on a Saturday. This rule change is covered by byelaw 3 and can be ratified by the Camanachd Association board and they have already agreed to the change in principle. This rule change does not require AGM approval. Reserve team players will be allowed to take part in the senior competitions without affecting their eligibility for other reserve team competitions. |