For the second successive year, the West of Scotland Association has voted against making it compulsory for clubs to affiliate to the governing body. It is a severe blow for the Scottish Squash Association, although Vice-President Archie McCue insists: ''It's not enough to put us out of business.''
McCue was disappointed that a narrow vote 34-32 went against the SSA. ''It was much closer than last year, so that is encouraging,'' he said. ''I'm confident we'll get the vote back in our favour next year.''
He is also certain that the other three regions - Grampian, Lothian and Central will stay in the fold. ''It's disappointing that West have taken this stance again. It probably has lost us about 15% of our annual income. But there is a positive side. If their club doesn't affiliate, then players who wish to compete in any national events have to become individual members. The number of
players from the west in that category has rocketed.''
Another blow is that, after 10 years, the Bank of Scotland has pulled out of sponsoring the annual Scottish Junior Open Championships. Staged between Christmas and New Year, the tournament always attracts many of the world's leading juniors.
Canada's Jonathon Power and Egypt's Ahmed Barrada (both world top 10 players) are former winners. ''The Bank of Scotland has been a great supporter over the years, and, hopefully, will stay involved in sponsorship in some capacity. But we are now on the look-out for a new backer for the Junior Open,'' said McCue.
''There are various things in the pipeline and announcements should be made within the next few months.''
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