Bridging Organisations

This project focuses on the challenges and opportunities that bridge organisations face. In partnership with the Scottish Bridge Union, BAMSA has conducted research on National Bridge Organisations’ (NBO) experiences of training and developing international and junior players. The aim was to explore what works well, and the difficulties and solutions faced by different countries.  

Furthermore, drawing on interview data from top players, we complied a report on the roles of NPCs and coaches as well as advice for aspiring players. BAMSA has also carried out a player survey on their experiences of training and development. The series of reports are designed to enable NBOs and players to reflect on best practice in relation to the training, support and development of international players.

BAMSA, Scottish Bridge Union (SBU)

McCutcheon, A, and Punch, S. (2024) A Sociological Study on Promoting the Mindsport Bridge, BAMSA Report: University of Stirling.

•  Report summary

Toomey, C., Punch, S. and Morrison, P. (2023) Training, Support and Development: Perspectives of National Bridge Organisations (NBOs), BAMSA/SBU Report, Stirling: University of Stirling.

•  Report summary

Punch, S. and Toomey, C. (2023) NPCs, Coaches and Development: Top Player Perspectives, BAMSA Report, Stirling: University of Stirling. 

•  Report summary

Punch, S., Toomey, C., Morrison, P., Goodman, A. and Ash, M. (2023) Training and Development: NBO Implications for Practice, BAMSA/SBU Executive Summary.

Morrison, P., Punch, S. and Toomey, C. (2023) Bridge Training and Development: Player Perspectives, BAMSA/SBU Report

Punch, S. and Toomey, C. (2023) Training, Support and Development in Bridge: England Case Study, BAMSA Report.

Snellgrove, M. L. & Punch, S. (2020) Challenges, Issues and Solutions facing National Bridge Organisations in Europe, BAMSA Report for the European Bridge League, Stirling: University of Stirling

• Report summary

Barnet, C. and Punch, S. (2021) Bridge Data Sources, BAMSA Working Paper, March 2021

Punch, S. (2024) Empowering Women in Bridge: Gender Segregated Tournaments, EBL NBO Seminar, 2-3 February 2024, Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Punch, S. (2022) Building a more Inclusive Community, EBL NBO Seminar, 28-29 January 2022, Larnaca, Cyprus.

Snellgrove, M.L. and Punch, S. (2020) Bridge Issues Facing NBOs, European Bridge League (EBL) National Bridge Union (NBO) Seminar, Prague, 1-2 February 2020

Sensarma, J. (2022) Partnership Training at Top Level Bridge, Report for BAMSA, November 2022.

Adamson, A. and Cuthbertson, M. (2023) Scottish International Player Survey Analysis. SBU Report.

Morrison, P., Punch, S. and Rees, T. (2023) NBO International Bridge Development: Risks and Issues, BAMSA/SBU Report.