I can’t believe the amount of comment this subject has raised with little practical ideas of what should happen with One-Loft organisations. Surely the answers are quite simple – perhaps something along these lines:-
1. In the interests of economy both for the One-Loft and any convoying organisation willing to take them, it makes sense for both parties if the birds are convoyed by that organisation – cheaper racing for the convoying organisation and, at the end of the series, more prize money (because of less expenses) for the One-Loft winners.
2. All One-Loft birds to be liberated separately after those of the convoying organisation.
OR
Joint liberations perhaps to be allowed if the One-Loft entry is less than 10% of the total entry. (There are plenty of clubs where one fancier has 50% or more of the total entry).
3. In any event, One-Loft entries will not be eligible for inclusion in the results of the convoying organisation.
Clearly it would be ridiculous for any organisation to accept a huge amount of birds from a One-Loft organisation which would literally swamp those of their ‘normal’ members but is this likely to happen? I don’t think so. If it is felt likely then it would be a simple matter to introduce rules to stop it.
I am a member of the Severn Valley Federation which has convoyed the One-Loft yearling birds. I believe the most that have been sent is around 150 out of 2000+ other federation birds. They have been jointly liberated and it certainly hasn’t caused any upset in my own club – it is very little different to a small number of our other members sending 80-100 or more birds each – they are there to be beaten and often are.
Just my opinion.
