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Winterguard Rules & Regulations

Winter Percussion Rules and Regulations

Drum Major Rules & Regulations

Winterguard, Winter Percussion and Drum Major Championships

Northern California Band Association

Winterguard Rules & Regulations

The purpose of NCBA Winterguard and Winter Percussion is to educate and encourage performance and musical excellence. To that means and to insure consistency, our philosophy is to establish perimeters that will allow for creativity while at the same time provide structure and limits that promote all band programs, regardless of size or funding, to have equal opportunity.

CLASSIFICATIONS:

1. Junior High School/Middle Schools – Guards who are in the 6-7-8-9 grades.

a. Novice – Guard programs with limited experience and rudimentary level of equipment facility.

b. Amateur - Guard programs with moderate experience and median level of equipment facility

c. Scholastic – Guard programs with advanced experience and advanced level of equipment facility

2. High School – Guards who are in the 9-10-11-12 grades.

a. Novice – High School Guard programs with limited experience and rudimentary level of equipment facility.

b. Intermediate – High School Guard programs with limited to moderate experience and a rudimentary to median level of facility.

c. Amateur – High School Guard programs with moderate experience and median level of equipment facility.

d. Scholastic – High School Guard programs with advanced experience and advanced level of equipment facility.

e. Open – High School Guard programs with sophisticated competitive units with complex equipment facility and body movement.

f. Exhibition – Guards who do not want to compete. Performing units have the option of being evaluated by the adjudication panel.

Note: Show hosts may combine categories if there are not enough entries for each category.

Each guard must contain a minimum of 5 performing members. There is no maximum number for membership in each guard.

CONTEST AREA:

1. Each show will provide an indoor facility with a 50’ X 74’ competition floor clearly marked by orange cones and white floor tape.

2. Guard members may start the show off of the 50’ X 74’ but all guard members must remain in the 50’ X 74’ competition area during the entire show once they have entered.

3. The 50’ X 74’ boundary will be marked on the floor by the Timing & Penalty judge. The front boundary line will be the only penalty line. The boundary lines are part of the competition area. Any guard member whose body or body parts (hands or feet) that are clearly observed to be over the boundary line shall be given a 0.1 penalty per infraction. Reaching over the boundary line to pick up equipment is NOT an infraction unless the hand is grounded for support. (6/03)

TIME LIMITATIONS:

Junior High: minimum 2 minutes/maximum 7-1/2 minutes

High School: minimum 4 minutes/maximum 7-1/2 minutes

The timing begins when the music starts or first movement. In the case of guards with no music, timing begins with the first movement. Timing ends with the obvious conclusion of the show. The equipment crew is not included in the timing of the show. All guards will have a total of 10 minutes to set up, perform and clear the floor.

EQUIPMENT:

1. Guards must perform with one of a combination of the following types of standard equipment.

a. Flag: 4-foot (minimum length) flag pole with at least 48 sq. inches of fabric and at least 6 inches attached to the pole.

b. Rifle

c. Saber

2. All equipment must have protection on each end to avoid damage to gym floors. Judges may stop the competition and disqualify any unit who has any equipment that may damage a contest floor.

3. Guards must perform with at least one member with Standard Equipment for at least three minutes of their total show time. Note: The definition of perform is: spatial changes with either the body, the equipment or both.

4. A minimum of one of the performers in each guard must follow rule #3 in this section to avoid penalties. It does not have to be the same performer throughout the show, but there has to be at least one of the guard using standard equipment for three minutes of the total show time. (6/03)

SOUND SYSTEM:

There will be a sound system monitor for cassettes or C.D provided by the contest host. All sound checks must be completed prior to the start of the contest. Sound checks are optional. A sound monitor will be at the sound table throughout the entire contest. Units are required to provide their own music on cassette tapes or C.D.s. All tapes and/or C.Ds are to be cued up for their performance.

LIVE MUSIC:

Live music may be used as part of the performance but the musicians will NOT be considered being part of the guard for individual, ensemble, and general effect areas. Whereas the music selected may be subject to comment, the music performance itself will not be judged. Musicians will be included in Timing and boundary adjudication guidelines.

1. Musicians must be within the boundaries of the competition floor as defined in these Rules under “CONTEST AREA”.
2. The number of musicians must be LESS than or equal to the number of performing guard members at all times during the performance. (Penalty-disqualification)
3. No electronic instruments will be allowed nor amplification of any kind using electronics or electricity.

FOOTWEAR:

Contest hosts have the option of specifying prior to the show date if boots or other hard-soled shoes need to be taped over before performing on their gym floor. Guards who perform without shoes must provide their own floor. Those who do perform with their own floor must enter and exit with shoes that cover the entire foot

Units who perform without shoes must wear shoes during the awards ceremony.

PERSONNEL:

All members of the competing unit must be enrolled at the school they are performing with. No non-performers may enter the competition floor while the unit is in competition and being adjudicated. Non-performers include parents, directors, instructors, and support personnel.

ENTRANCE

The Timing and Penalty judge may have a performing unit enter the floor to mid-court prior to their performance providing it does not hinder the exiting unit. Guards that go over the mid-court line with out the permission of the Timing and Penalty Judge will begin the timing of the 10-minute show time. The show host will provide each contestant with a diagram of the performing area with the entrance and exit. Performing units must follow these directions and if a guard has a performance floor it should be set to unfold for that site.

Be sure to check with the judge and wait for instruction to enter the rest of the floor. (6/03)

PENALTIES:

1. All timing penalties shall be 0.1 of a point per 5 seconds or fraction thereof. All boundary and standard equipment penalties shall be of 0.1 of a point per offense. All exit and entry penalties shall be 0.1 of a point per offense, up to a maximum of two (2) points. Any non-performer entering the competition area while the unit is still being adjudicated will cause the unit to receive a 1.0 penalty per infraction. The timing and penalty judge will indicate when the floor is clear.
2. Unprotected equipment = disqualification.
3. Guards without shoes will not be allowed to perform unless they provide their own floor.
4. Use of unauthorized personnel or non-performers = disqualification.
5. Any unit that has any performer who removes clothing during their performance on the competition floor, either in front of or behind the backdrops, to the point where it would violate State Education Code requirements or the requirements of a school dress code will have their performance terminated immediately and will be disqualified. Any school that is disqualified for this reason will have their school administration notified by the NCBA.
6. Any intentional violation of the American Flag Code will result in the immediate disqualification of the unit in competition.
7. Violated of the prohibited activities of the NCBA will result in disqualification of the unit in competition. These areas are:
1. Live animals (DQ)
2. Explosive devices of any kind (DQ)
3. Black out shows (DQ)
4. The release of lighter than air balloons of any size. (DQ)
5. Flying of floors. Must be waist high or lower. (5 Point Penalty)

ADJUDICATION: (for guard and percussion)

All contests will utilize approved score sheets and judges from the Northern California Band Association as follows:

Winterguard Winter Percussion

1 – Timing and Penalty judge 1 – Timing and penalty Judge

1 – Movement Judge 1 - Music analysis Judge

1 – Equipment Judge 1 - General Effect Judge

1 – General Effect Judge

1 - Drum Major Judge (If scheduled at event)

1 – Association tabulator (Host may at their option use their own Tab but must use the

Association’s summary and recap sheets.

All adjudication will be done using cassette tape recorders supplied by the judges. Timing judges must supply their own stopwatches. The Show Host will supply score sheets and tapes. One judge will be designated as Head Judge to act on behalf of the Association to answer any questions that should arise. The decision of the Head Judge will be final. The Head Judge will be the senior judge with the most NCBA judging experience and/or an Officer of the NCBA Board.

No judge will judge more than ten hours, including breaks, at a single contest. No judge will judge more than two hours at a time without a break (minimum 10 minutes).

All judges will judge for the entirety of each unit’s show. All judges will adjudicate until the last guard member exits the 50’ X 74’ competition area.

RECLASSIFICATION:

The first show of the season (for each unit including percussion) will be assigned for classification based on the average scores from the pervious year. Guards and percussion units will be notified prior to the start of the new season . Units will have the right to appeal this decision to the Winter Activities committee.

(1/2004) re: (2005)

Northern California Band Association

Winter Percussion Rules and Regulations

The purpose of NCBA Winter Guard and Winter Percussion is to educate and encourage performance and musical excellence. To that means and to insure consistency, our philosophy is to establish perimeters that will allow for creativity while at the same time provide structure and limits that promote all band programs, regardless of size or funding, to have equal opportunity.

CLASSIFICATIONS:

1. Junior High School/Middle school – Units who are in the 6-7 8-9 grades.
1. Novice – Percussion Programs with limited experience and rudimentary level of equipment facility.
2. Amateur – Middle Schools with moderate experience and level of equipment facility.
3. Scholastic – Percussion programs with advanced experience and advanced level of equipment facility.
2. High school
1. Standing – High school percussion programs that stand in position only. No mvt.
2. Novice – High School Percussion Programs with little experience and median level of equipment facility.
3. Amateur – High school percussion programs with moderate experience and moderate level of equipment facility
4. Scholastic – High School Percussion Programs with advanced experience and advanced level of equipment facility.
5. Open – High School Percussion Programs with sophisticated competitive units with complex facility and body movement.
6. Exhibition – Percussion units who do not want to compete. Performing units have the option of being evaluated by the adjudication panel.

Note: Show hosts may combine categories if there are not enough entries for each category. All units should be advised if there are not enough entries in the contest for separate divisions.

CONTEST AREA & BOUNDARY LINES

1. Each show will provide an indoor facility with a 50’ X 74’ competition floor clearly marked by orange cones and white floor tape. Only the front line will be the penalty line, but will continue unmarked for the remainder of the court. There will be no penalty for sidelines or backcourt line.
2. Unit members may start the show off of the 50’ X 74’ but all unit members must remain in the 50’ X 74’ competition area during the entire show once they have entered.
3. The Timing and Penalty Judge may have the unit enter to floor to mid-court if it does not hinder the exiting unit. Be sure to follow the directions of the Timing and Penalty Judge.
4. ENTRENCE: The T & P judge may bring the next performing unit onto the floor to mid-court if it does not interfere with the exiting unit. Mid-court can also be the length of the of the competition floor. The unit must not cross the mid-court line until indicated by the timing and penalty judge.
5. The show host will provide each contestant with a diagram of the performing area with the entrance for the unit and the exit. Performing units must follow these directions and if a guard has a performance floor it should be set to unfold for that site.

TIME LIMITATIONS:

Junior High: minimum 2 minutes/maximum 7-1/2 minutes

High School: minimum 3 minutes/maximum 7-1/2 minutes

The timing begins when the music starts or with the first movement. Timing ends with the obvious conclusion of the show. The equipment crew is not included in the timing of the show. All units will have a total of 10 minutes to set up perform and clear the floor.

FOOTWEAR:

Contest hosts have the option of specifying prior to the show date if boots or other hard-soled shoes need to be taped over before performing on their gym floor. Units who perform without shoes must provide their own floor. Those who do perform with their own floor must enter and exit with shoes that cover the entire foot while setting the floor and removing the floor. It is recommended that the shoes be placed next to the covered floor.)

Units who perform without shoes must wear shoes during the awards ceremony.

EQUIPMENT REQUIRMENTS:

1. Groups will supply all of their own instruments. Grounded equipment must have protection on any area that touches the contest floor. Judges may stop the competition and disqualify any unit who has any equipment that may damage a contest floor.
2. Drum Lines that perform without shoes must provide their own floor. Those who do perform with their own floor must enter and exit with shoes that cover the entire foot while setting and removing the floor. Units that perform without shoes must ware shoes during the awards ceremony.
3. There will be no wind or string instruments used. String instruments are defined as those typically used within an orchestral setting (string bass is excepted).
4. Taped music will not be allowed. Instrumentation is limited to those instruments typically utilized and recognized as part of a percussion section. Also allowed are electronic percussion equipment and those electronic instruments recognized as normal stage band rhythm section instruments. Wind controllers, wind instruments and/or string instruments (other than string bass) may not be used. No pre-recorded music or pre-recorded audio effects maybe used. A performing member must generate all electronically produced sounds in “real time”. The use of sequencers or any sequenced copyrighted material is not allowed. The generation of any electronic sound must be triggered by an implement of hand striking the key, instrument or pat (note to arrangers: the effects created by electronic can be unique, wonderful, and effective. However, if the intent is to disguise a particular sound or have the blend so uniform you cannot tell what the sound source is, credit by the adjudicators will not be received for achievement).

ADJUDICATION:

All contests will utilize approved score sheets and judges from the Northern California Band Association as follows:

1. All adjudication will be done using cassette tape recorders supplied by the judge. The Timing & Penalty judge is responsible for timing each group and assigning penalties. The show host will supply score sheets and cassette tapes for each unit to be judged

2. No judge will judge more than two hours at a time without a break. (minimum of 10 minutes).

3. Each panel will consist of 2 percussion judges and 1 timing and penalty judge. The senior judge with the most NCBA judging experience and/or and officer of the NCBA board will act on behalf of the association to answer any questions that should arise. The decision of that judge will be final.

PERSONNEL:

All members of the competing unit must be enrolled at the school they are performing with. No non-performers may enter the competition floor while the unit is in competition and being adjudicated. Non-performers include parents, directors, instructors, or other support personnel.

A performer is defined as a unit member who meets all of the criteria of using standard equipment and/or is visually available in the competition area for the purpose of adjudication.

PENALTIES:

1. There will be a 1-point penalty for each 30 seconds of overtime/undertime.

2. Unprotected equipment = disqualification.

3. Drum Lines without shoes will not be allowed to perform unless they provide their own floor

4. Use of unauthorized personnel or non-performers = disqualification.

5. Use of wind instruments, string instruments, or taped music = disqualification.

6. All boundary penalties shall be 0.1 of a point per offense; all exit and entry penalties shall be 0.1 of a point per offense, up to a maximum of two (2) points. Any non-performer entering the competition area while the unit is still being adjudicated will cause the unit to receive a 1 point penalty. The Timing and Penalty Judge will physically indicate when the floor is clear.

7. Any unit that has any performer who removes clothing during their performance on the

Competition floor, either in front or behind backdrops, to the point where it would violate State Education Code requirements or the requirements of a school dress code will have their performance terminated immediately and will be disqualified. Any school that is disqualified for this reason will have their school administration notified by the NCBA Board of Directors.

8. Any intentional violation of the American Flag Code will result in the disqualification of

The unit in competition.

A copy of the American Flag Code may be obtained from any NCBA Officer, Timing and Penalty Judge or the Contest Coordinator

9. Violation of the prohibited activities of the NCBA will result in disqualification of the

unit in competition. These areas are:

a. Live animals (DQ)

b. Explosive devices of any kind or fire batons. (DQ)

c. Black out shows (DQ)

d. The release of lighter than air balloons of any size (DQ)

e. Flying of Floors (recommended not to be any higher than waist high) (5 pt penalty)

RECLASSIFICATION:

The first show of the season (for each unit, including percussion) will be set into a classification based on the average scores from the pervious year. Guard and percussion units will be notified prior to the start of the new season. Units will have the right to appeal this decision to the Winter Activities Committee.

1/2004

Northern California Band Association

Drum Major Rules & Regulations

The purpose of NCBA’s solo Drum Major competitions will enable drum major students to practice, refine and maintain their drum major performing skills throughout the winter season. The competitions will represent and support the values and educational objectives of our fall and spring events. To that means and to insure consistency, our philosophy is to establish perimeters that will allow for creativity while at the same time provide structure and limits that promote all band programs regardless of size or funding, to have equal opportunity.

ACTIVITIES:

Solo “L” Pattern and Field Conducting will be offered in Mace, Military and Open.

CLASSIFICATIONS:

1. Junior high School/Middle Schools and Apprentice: to 7 months experience

2. Majors: 8 to 16 months experience

3. Masters: 17 or more months of experience

4. Field Conducting: Open Division

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO USE THE ABOVE GUIDELINES FOR CLASSIFICATIONS!

ELIGIBILITY: Drum Major must be currently enrolled in the band program at the school they are presenting.

All schools participating in the Drum Major competitions must be members of the NCBA. The director, instructor, or a booster can hold this membership. The membership fee is $45.00 annually. An application form may be found in the Membership Directory.

“L” PATTERN RULES

DRESS: Drum Major must wear a drum major uniform, band uniform, or tuxedo type uniform with appropriate headgear and shoes. The uniform must reflect the style in which the Drum Major performs.

MUSIC: Drum Major must provide his/her own music. Standard cassette tapes or CDs are the only format accepted. A volume check will be given before step off. Music must be at the beginning of the tape. Tape must be clearly labeled with the Drum Majors name and school. If entered in more than one classification, participant will rewind tapes between events. One point penalty for delay of competition per 15 seconds of delay.

INSPECTION: Standing inspection at competition line or an inspection area. Those entered in more than one classification will be inspected only once before their first performance. This score will be entered on all the “L” Pattern sheets for that individual.

ROUTINE: Competition area is an “L” shaped pattern, 150’at the long leg and 70’ at the short leg.

Commands will be executed in the following order:

1. Vocal commands requested by the judge

2. Forward march

3. Left Turn

4. Counter march

5. Right turn

6. Salute

7. Mark time/Halt

After the forward march and following each command up to the marktime signal, some type of beating of time must be shown. Creativity and originality to the chosen style will be part of the adjudication criteria TIMING: Timing begins at the first beat after the step off execution whistle/vocal and ends at the first beat after dismissal of the band. The time limit is 4 minutes. One point penalty of overtime.

FIELD CONDUCTING RULES

DRESS: There will be no separate inspection for conducting participants. Appearance is evaluated during the performance. Uniform or costume should be a band-type uniform, tuxedo or should promote the theme of the music.

MUSIC: Drum Major must provide his/her own music. Standard cassette tapes are the only format accepted. A volume check will be given before step off. Music must be at the beginning of the tape. Tape must be clearly labeled with the Drum Majors name and school. Delay of competition due to tape insufficiencies (not rewound, not clearly marked, etc.) will result in a 1-point penalty.

ROUTINE: Podium/table or raised area.

TIMING: There will be a minimum of 2 minutes and a maximum of 3 minutes. One point penalty for each 30 seconds over or under time.

INFORMATION FOR BOTH CATEGORIES

BASIS OF ADJUDICATION: Appearance, musical interpretation, directing patterns, variety of music/conducting, salute, showmanship, and musical choice.

All competitions will use approved score sheets and judges from the Northern California Band Association.

AWARDS: Show hosts may supply trophies, ribbons, plaques or medals at their discretion. One award will be given out of every 4 competitors in a category.

ENTRY FEES:

Entry fee for each contestant is $15.00 for the first entry and $10.00 for each additional classification (per each regular show). A late fee of $15.00 will be charged for each late entry per classification.

Entry fee for each contestant for the Championship show is $20.00 for the first entry and $15.00 for each additional classification. A late fee of $15.00 will be charged for each late entry per classification.

ASSISTANCE – DECIDING YOUR CLASSIFICATION

Figure your classification based on the following information as of January 1^st of the year that you are competing. You will remain eligible for your classification the entire solo season regardless of placing or awards after January 1^st.

Apprentice: Drum Major has not placed at any type of drum major event (parade, solo, “L” Pattern…)

Majors: Drum Major has never placed in the “L” Pattern MAJORS or MASTERS classification and has not placed first at any other drum major event (excluding an apprentice classification first place award).

Masters: Open division

The following questionnaire can help determine which classifications you should enter.

Check the boxes that apply to you:

Apprentice Classification

I have received a drum major award at a band review (parade competition) OR I have received an award in any classification of “L” Pattern competition (Apprentice, Majors, or Masters) prior to January 1^st of this year.

If the above is checked, you no longer qualify for the apprentice classification

Majors Classification

I have received and award in the majors or masters classification prior to January 1^st of this year.

I have received first place at a band review (parade competition) prior to January 1^st of this year.

If one or both of the above are checked, you no longer qualify for the major’s classification.

FIELD CONDUCTING

The following levels will be offered in the Field Conducting activity.

Level I: Drum Major has not placed in any form of field conducting competition (with band or solo).

Level II: Open classification including any drum major who has placed in some form of field conducting competition (with a band or solo).

Northern California Band Association

Winterguard, Winter Percussion and Drum Major

Championships

ELIGIBILITY:

To be eligible to receive the title of “Association Champion” in each classification, junior high schools/middle schools must compete in a minimum of two (2) NCBA contest. High Schools must compete in a minimum of three competitive (3) NCBA Contests.

Units must compete in the same classifications or higher at the Championship Show, as they did during the regular season.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

1. Applications for the Championship Contest must be received by the NCBA no later than the dead line specified on the current years application. There will be a $25.00 late fee per unit the same as the other host shows. There will be no refunds after the date specified on the winterguard application

2. Scheduling for the Championship Contest will be based on postmark date with the early postmarks going on last in their classification. Postmark dates will also be used in the event that more units apply for the competition than the contest can facilitate.

3. All applications must contain the appropriate entry fee(s) to be considered for the Championship Contest. If the entry fee is sent under separate cover, the postmark of the latest document will be used.

4. Entry fees for the Championship Contest will be $105.00 per unit for Winterguard and Winter Percussion.

5. Drum Major entry fees for the Championship Contest will be $20.00 for the first Drum Major classification and $15.00 for each classification thereafter per contestant.

6. NCBA shall receive 20% of the door receipts.

AWARDS:

1. An Association Champion will be named in each classification to the eligible unit that has the highest score for the Championship Contest.

2. Championship units are not eligible for classification placement awards.

CHAMPIONSHIP CONTEST LOCATION:

1. The NCBA Board of Directors will choose the site of the Championship location.

2. The Championship Show will follow the same rules and regulations used with a regular Winterguard/Winter Percussion Contest.

ADJUDICATION:

All judges for the Championship Contest will be fully certified judges of the Association and will be assigned by the Board of Officers of the Northern California Band Association. The Championship Contest will follow all rules and regulations of a regular NCBA event.

12/2001