Athletics in the UK: The Rise and Fall of the BAF

9 THE BATTLE FOR BAF – THE FIRST STEPS The British Athletic League (BAL) had emerged as the flag carrier for reform but, in order to achieve its objectives, publicity and a wider support base were needed. It was also essential to demonstrate that its arguments were credible and did, indeed, command support within the club structure of the sport. Further research was needed and, in order to test opinion and to produce clear recommendations, the BAL conducted a survey of its member clubs. In February 1982, the BAL published the findings of its study and these included specific proposals for the creation of a single governing body. This report was circulated to all BAL clubs, to the AAA, the BAAB and their constituent associations and was also published in full in the 1 May 1982 issue of Athletics Weekly . After rehearsing the case for a single governing body, the BAL proposed a structure based on the existing regional associations (Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, North of England, Midlands and South of England) overseen by a UK Association. For practical reasons (mainly its already well developed corporate constitution) the BAL recommended that the AAA be converted into the new UK AAA (the word Amateur would be dropped when athletics became open) and that the BAAB be disbanded. Clubs would be full voting members of their regional associations and of the UK AAA and there would be no separate body for England as such. At all levels, separate men’s and women’s organisations should merge. Running magazine described the BAL report as “ the best argued and most constructive contribution to the debate in recent times ”. In its March 1982 issue, Running magazine had published a three page article by leading athletics journalist Neil Wilson headed w ho runs running? a title that said it all. Wilson analysed the labyrinthine organisation of athletics in the UK and concluded that “ if they did not get up to date, they would deserve their fate” . Encouraged by the positive responses to its proposals, the BAL decided to organise an open meeting on the topic. This was held on 16 May 1982, again at the Post House hotel, Heathrow, and was chaired by former British athletic team captain Menzies Campbell, QC (subsequently to become an MP and leader of the Liberal Democratic Party). This open