Bermuda will not have a track and field contingent at this year?s Island Games.

President of the Bermuda Track and Field Association (BTFA) Judy Simmons said the national athletics governing body has determined the Shetland Islands meet is a ?no-go? because of other commitments conflicting with its July 9-15 schedule.

?We have other commitments at the same time which we have to honour and the BTFA directors have therefore decided we will not be sending a team,? said Simmons, citing the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Senior Championships (July 8-11) and the World Youth Championships which start July 13.

Despite the fact that chairman of Bermuda Island Games Association (BIGA) Jon Beard had said exceptions could possibly be made to get athletes into the Island Games, Simmons pointed out that the deadline for entries had passed.

However, she maintained that, even if track and field competitors could be admitted, the BTFA would still not sanction their participation as BTFA never sends teams anywhere without accompanying officials.

Beard was ?disappointed? at the decision but noted the BTFA would have had to consider their finances.

?We felt it would be a good meet for our athletes and many of them wanted to come,? he said.

?I?ve had coaches and athletes saying that they want to go and I know they also contacted BTFA along the same lines. They want to be involved.?

Beard, who had held out hope that the BTFA would respond affirmatively, remained resolute though that no track and field participants could compete without the BTFA?s blessing.

?It has to be done through the national sport governing body,? he declared, ?otherwise there?s nothing we can do.?

Beard and officials from the International Island Games Association (IGA) recently pointed out that middle-distance runner Ashley Couper?s personal best in the 1,500 metres would have been good for gold in the previous two Island Games. The California-based competitor was among those supporting the Island Games at which she was hoping to represent her country.

Bermuda reaped 37 medals, including 15 golds, at the 2003 edition of this meet for nations with populations of less than 125,000.