THE REALITY OF PETANQUE IN LEICESTERSHIRE
(A personal view by Dave Cushman,
Secretary & Treasurer of
The 1990 Pétanque League. In reply to a
B.P.A. publication
in February 1993 by mike web)
Petanque is developing from strength to strength and if there is a
crossroads, then I have no doubts about the direction to follow!
I have played our game for the past 24 years and took part in the
formation of The Melton & District League, which later became the
L. P. A. .
When Pétanque was conducted under a single banner, only voices of a
certain pitch were ever heard. After six or more frustrating years of
trying to rationalise the system in a democratic manner. I and sixty
others of like minds and similar ideas decided to form the 1990
Pétanque League. This league is now in it's fourth season and has
grown considerably in size and popularity. This growth has been
achieved against a background of sniping comments and a campaign of
deliberate dissinformation.
There is no need to alter the status quo, market forces will ensure
that the people playing the game will get what they want in terms of
league organisation. It would not surprise me if in a couple of years
time the growth of The 1990 League had outstripped that of the
L. P. A..
I wonder what 'the established structure of the B. P. A.' will think
when our so called 'Rebel Cause' becomes the majority view.
As regards sponsorship, I see no need to seek financial assistance
unless it is to provide perks for committee members or subsidies for
'County' players. I have represented both my county and my country
at several different sports in the past. I have never expected or
desired any financial assistance. Indeed one should feel a sense of
pride in reaching such standards and flattery in being selected.
I see no need for licenses at all let alone a tiered system as is
proposed.
Pétanque is growing because people enjoy playing it, not due to the
activities of any national or regional organisations. Indeed I see
such bodies as 'straight jackets' limiting real growth.
PETANQUE IS A FAMILY SPORT AVAILABLE TO ALL!
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