Despite the fact we are going to Italy next week, 3 is being very optimistic! I would say only 1 pair has put in the effort that Catherine demanded beforehand (although, being fair to other squad members, a lot of them have been let down by their partners).

The SBU are unlikely to continue to fund these events unless things improve. I would also go as far as suggesting that the coaches who give up their time and put in all the effort will eventually pack it in out of frustration. There isn't a queue of people waiting in the wings to takeover should that happen.

Some solutions would therefore be very helpful.

I'm the first person in 2 and a half years to add something to this forum, so I don't know if there is still interest in this subject. I have heard the suggestions before - the Under 20s were going to be taught a "Standard System" but then it didn't happen. Reading through the forum, there were certainly interesting arguments from all sides and angles. I thought however I might add my views:

(a) There is a system called "Standard American", which is seemingly so called because every American plays it. Look where America is in the World Rankings!

( It is great to see the topic of "Not Acol" as the Standard system come up. When I was learning the game all classes taught Acol like there was nothing else, and I was so fortunate to escape that stigma by the fact my father taught me to play. I can actually play Standard American, because my Computer Game plays it (although I'm not sure about the "Yellow Card" bit)

© IF you are going to have a Standard system, it DOES need to be detailed. But you WILL encounter problems: Not everyone will like it, changes will constantly be suggested, there may be an issue of playing it with confidence, there is no perfect system and so on. Bottom line: It simply isn't feasible. It's good in theory, but impossible to impliment in practice.

(d) There definitely needs to be an emphasis on keeping partnerships and team spirit. My current partner and I now have a completely different system from the one we started with when we were put together. I haven't suffered the problems of partners quitting etc to the extent that others have, so I can't speak from experience. Also because I believe playing for your country is an honour and you should be committed to the cause - I know I would not back out at the last minute unless 100% forced.

(e) Competition for places is not really an issue. Those who are lazy always will be, those who are truly committed to the cause will fight for their place even if they are the only one fit to play in the team.