Clubs call for BAM to review ‘exorbitant’ sanction fees

PETALING JAYA: Come on Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), be fair to the clubs!

The national body have imposed a new rule to prevent all clubs and private groups from organising Open tournaments without BAM’s permission.

While acknowledging that the clubs are important to strengthen the development programme, BAM decided that it was time to impose sanction fees on the clubs whenever they host Open tournaments.

All clubs are appealing to the national body to review the new regulation.

Rawang Badminton Club team manager Jeyaseelan Anthony said the new regulation would require clubs to pay a sanction fee of RM3,000 to organise a tournament where they are allowed to have foreign participation.

Jeyaseelan has sent an official appeal letter to BAM, stating that the fee is an exorbitant amount as tournaments are a source of income for the clubs.

“We would like to humbly request the BAM to review the tournament sanction fee to a token of RM100. We believe this fine gesture by BAM will be well received and appreciated by all especially the clubs,” said Jeyaseelan.

He added that club tournaments are an additional platform for technical officials and state players to improve themselves.

“Many newly qualified technical officials need officiating opportunities in tournaments to improve their technical abilities, likewise young state players require participation in tournaments to improve their skills and confidence.”

Jeyaseelan understands that the BAM want to safeguard the organiser and the participants by introducing the new regulation.

“But the new regulations must be seen to have the spirit of encouraging clubs and other organisations to assist BAM and State BAs to promote badminton at all levels to unearth new talents through the club’s initiatives.

“The new regulations must not be seen by stakeholders as an obstacle.”

He added that as BAM’s constitution only recognises State BAs and not clubs in Malaysia, they should not be charging clubs and other groups, which are non-existent according to their constitution.

“In Europe and many Asian countries, private badminton clubs are recognised and registered as affiliates of the respective national bodies.

“We strongly suggest that the BAM emulate these countries, as they have successfully produced world champions through the club system. We feel that BAM’s stringent regulation will impede the growth of badminton in Malaysia.”