Letter to the FRA Chairman

[MargC]

How about we start making representations to UKA to allow the FRA to control fellrunning in the UK under a single organization, bringing in WFRA and SHR (and NIMRA) under the umbrella. Work with the UKA rather than railing against them.

I am one of those members of the committee who did not want the FRA to stay affiliated to UKA. However, having had the ballot, we are where we are and must make the best we can of the situation within the UKA family. As Fixtures Sec. I just hope UKA haven't any more unwelcome impositions lined up for us similar to those in the last few years.

One thing the FRA committee and members have to accept is that as long as the FRA remains affiliated to UKA its sphere of influence is effectively limited to England. UKA manages its affairs within the framework of the four home countries effectively working autonomously through its constituent organisations, England Athletics, Northern Ireland Mountain Running Association (NIMRA), Scottish Athletics and Welsh Athletics. It is unrealistic to believe that the FRA can run fell running throughout the UK. The following should be borne in mind:

1. In recent years NIMRA, Scottish Athletics and Welsh Athletics have strongly defended their right to organise hill/mountain running in their countries. Bear in mind that these are the governing bodies for athletics in their countries. Similarly England Athletics is the governing body in England but in this case delegates its responsibilities to the FRA as "managing body".

2. WFRA is a relatively new organisation set up in Wales specifically to free mountain running from UKA control. So in my opinion the last thing it will want is a UKA affiliated FRA to run fell running throughout the UK. Similarly it seems unlikely that the independent SHR would welcome this either.

[XRunner]

One thing the FRA committee and members have to accept is that as long as the FRA remains affiliated to UKA its sphere of influence is effectively limited to England.

It is unrealistic to believe that the FRA can run fell running throughout the UK.

UKA represents all athletes in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

If the FRA is to represent only England then it would have to affiliate to England Athletics.

There is nothing within the constitutions of UKA or EA that would prevent the FRA representing the interests of all fell runners (similar to the Trail Running Association).

Is is possible that Scottish Athletics or Welsh Athletics may have wanted to control athletes in all disciplines and this is the real reason for the split.

[MargC]

UKA represents all athletes in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

If the FRA is to represent only England then it would have to affiliate to England Athletics.

There is nothing within the constitutions of UKA or EA that would prevent the FRA representing the interests of all fell runners (similar to the Trail Running Association).

Is is possible that Scottish Athletics or Welsh Athletics may have wanted to control athletes in all disciplines and this is the real reason for the split.

I believe you may have hit the nail on the head with your comment "Is is possible that Scottish Athletics or Welsh Athletics may have wanted to control athletes in all disciplines and this is the real reason for the split."

The FRA has affiliated to England Athletics, previously it was affiliated to NoEAA. Apart from anything else this is required for it to issue Permits on behalf of England Athletics only for fell races in England organised by FRA members. The permits are issued to the FRA as the affiliated organisation.

The FRA constitution itself states that the "FRA is recognised by UKA as the managing body of Fell-Running in England". No mention of Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales.

[XRunner]

The FRA constitution itself states that the "FRA is recognised by UKA as the managing body of Fell-Running in England". No mention of Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales.

The FRA controls its own constitution and can change it if necessary.

It does not require approval from UKA but it would need to inform UKA that it is a national governing body for all fell runners within the UK rather than a territorial body representing English athletes only.

Compare the UKA rules of competition clause 400 (5) for fell running with Rule 605 for trail running.

There is a clear precedent for one ruling organisation for the sport.

[Wheeze]

Then why did the FRA allow AAW (now WA) and SAL to take over in wales and scotland?

[XRunner]

I just hope UKA haven't any more unwelcome impositions lined up for us similar to those in the last few years.

Then why did the FRA allow AAW (now WA) and SAL to take over in wales and scotland?

I suspect that one word was and will be the cause of contention - registration.

Both WA and SA wanted the registration fees from all athletes in their country and could not tolerate a national organisation for fell runners that would be independant of their structures.

When England Athletics increase their registration fees for athletes and then try to impose their structure onto fell runners, the problem of disaffiliation will again be raised.

I'll start another thread about registration later rather than continue on this thread.

[luath]

It does not require approval from UKA but it would need to inform UKA that it is a national governing body for all fell runners within the UK rather than a territorial body representing English athletes only.

The FRA could change its constitution and declare itself the national governing body for all fell runners within the UK, but it would require a change in UKA rule 400 (5) before the FRA could actually become that body (at least as far as UKA are concerned).

I'm not sure that trail running is an appropriate precedent, it is not mentioned as a discipline of athletics in SAL articles of association. In fact, it is not mentioned as a discipline of athletics in the IAAF constitution either.

[dominion]

The Trail Running Association comparison has been intriguing me since it was first mentined - it does appear as if there is one rule for one discipline and one for the other.

Out of interest, do the Welsh / Scottish / NI fell running organisations and members wish to have a 'UKFRA' as the overall governing body for the UK?

*edit*
And if so, on what terms, ie as part of fellrunning friendly UKA, or independant of UKA regardless of UKA stance.

[XRunner]

I'm not sure that trail running is an appropriate precedent, it is not mentioned as a discipline of athletics in SAL articles of association. In fact, it is not mentioned as a discipline of athletics in the IAAF constitution either.

In America mountain running is a subset of their Trail Running Association

In Canada is is called the Trail and Mountain Running Association

In the UK we have a myriad of organisations for the sport!

[david]

In the UK we have a myriad of organisations for the sport!

Which sport? Trail running, mountain running and fell running are not the same thing.