Just 18 days before the Carifta Games begin, the participation of Mid-Island Striders' athletes remains in the balance.

Though members of that athletics club as well as the Bermuda Track and Field Association (BTFA) remained tight-lipped, sources have indicated Saturday's arbitration hearing ended in neither side's favour and was effectively determined a "draw".

What that means for the athletes who have so far been left out in the cold is likely to become clearer later this week when the Island's Carifta team is expected to be named.

While saying she was forbidden to comment on the matter at present, BTFA President Judy Simmons was optimistic the team would be unveiled by Friday. However, it cannot be named until the BTFA receive the arbitration panel's decision in writing which should be by tomorrow at the latest.

Mid-Island took their case to the Ministry of Sports' Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) council for arbitration after their athletes were prevented from joining the national training squad on March 1.

Bermuda's national athletics governing body ? the BTFA ? have firmly stuck to their view that Mid-Island contravened eligibility rules by not sending their prospective Carifta competitors to the national training squad by the December 15 deadline.

A three-man panel of chairman Reg Rawlins, Vaughn Mosher and Larry Scott heard arguments from both sides before ruling and requesting that no-one speak to the media.