YBT clash

[Stodgetta]

I've just had this email over the weekend from one of my clubs top juniors:

Re YBT:
I am sorry but I will have to pull out of this one! As you know I have been asked by the GB Junior squad to join them in the Lakes for a training weekend next weekend and they are expecting me. Obviously I am very disappointed to miss the YB final but equally obviously I must choose the GB squad in preference.

I completely understand and support their decision, but what a daft clash! I wonder how many other juniors are facing a similar quandry?

[Nottinghamshire outlaw]

They have been told by the squad managemnet that it won't be held against them if they choose their club - some are doing just that. Our club squaddies of the past always ran the YBT but it's up to them. the YBT is a week later this year because of the National today and the fact that there just are now enough weekends in the year for everything.

[Tessa]

don't have a go at the squad for it. there was a choice between lakeside clash (where people were helping out i think) and december. people were asked their preference. december was decided. some of us are going up just for saturday, but equally, as mentioned it would not be held against you if you decided to run for your club. i thinks its an individual matter - do you want to develop your orienteering or do you help out your club? each person is in a different situation with clubs having more/less of a chance at the final. personally, i am lucky to be able to have many weekends a year in quality terrain so no matter what, i felt i was going to help out my club (who have been really supportive to me all the time) this weekend. others may be in different situations, everyones different, no decision is better or worse.

i wouldnt have a go at individuals here or squad management, its just everyone making their own choices. i hope there is no pressure from either club or squad to influence the decisions.

[Stodgetta]

I wasn't having a go at anybody. I just think it's a shame juniors have to make the decision. As I said, I will support any decision taken, and understand it completely.
I would also like a few more weekends to be slotted into the year to make space for everything I want to do, too!

[Tessa]

sorry i didnt mean my post to come out quite so angry! i just know that people have tried to make everyone happy sorting this so its a shame when people have to make these decisions, but I dont think it affects that many people really. As you say, there are never enough weekends to do everything.