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Winter Rules
Winter Rules
| 2010 TIA Rulebook |
General GuidelinesAll indoor activities are sanctioned by the Tournament of Bands Rules Congress, which is held biannually. The indoor guidelines are refined each year at a separate conference that addresses only indoor activities. Tournament Indoor is guided by the Tournament of Bands Bylaws. Tournament Indoor Association TIA) utilizes an adaptation of the Winter Guard International (WGI) scoring system and contest rules, however, when any contradictions occur between a Tournament Indoor Association rule and WGI, the TIA rule will take precedence. Recommendations for the TIA Rules Congress must be submitted to the Chapter Indoor Coordinator and the Indoor Director not later than May 15th. Proposals for new rules/bylaws or rule/bylaw changes will not be presented at the Indoor Congress unless a representative of the Chapter submitting the proposal is present. Aside from the specific rule difference that may apply to each activity, several general principles continue in force. MembershipMembership in Tournament Indoor Association includes a Scholastic and an Independent division. Scholastic division units are defined as a school unit (elementary, middle/junior high, senior high school, or college/university comprised of currently enrolled students of the schools in legally accredited school districts). Members of multiple high schools within same school district are permitted to be one scholastic indoor unit if school board policy AND IF each high school does NOT have its own marching band program. Districts with multiple high schools all having their own competitive marching band programs do NOT have this option. Independent units are defined as performers competing as a unit and units developed from various geographic areas who do not necessarily attend a single school or district (i.e. - performers from multiple schools or multiple districts). Tournament Indoor discourages Independent units from utilizing membership composed of any Scholastic students who are enrolled in a school with an active Scholastic program. Independent units are asked to secure a release from the Scholastic unit director before accepting a student from a school with an active Scholastic program. Dues and bonds submitted by Scholastic members to the home TOB Chapter are transferable for the indoor activity. Dues and bonds for Independent units should be submitted to the Indoor Chapter Coordinator. Chapter assignment is based on the Chapter boundaries outlined in the TOB Rule Book. Chapter Boundaries are governed by the TOB Rules Congress, which is held on a bi-annual basis. One $50.00 dues per school/organization per year is to be paid. One $50.00 performance bond per unit is to be held by the Chapter. All dues and bonds, plus any assessments as necessary and determined by the individual Chapters, must be paid by January 1st. Units not current with dues and/or bond payments are non-members and do not receive credit for contests attended. Members are required to supply the name(s) and contact information of people responsible for the indoor unit(s) for the purpose of directing communications to the proper person. AGE VERIFICATION: Each unit will submit a list to the Indoor Chapter Coordinator showing each member's grade and a letter signed by the Principal or Vice-Principal verifying that all students are enrolled in the school district (for Scholastic units). Independent units must submit a name and age list of all members. This information must be submitted to the Indoor Chapter Coordinator by the date of the unit's first competition, but no later than February 15th. Any changes/additions must be submitted to the Chapter Coordinator before the member can compete. The personnel size of a unit may not change after April 1st. In the event of injury or illness, a unit may replace a person by notifying the Chapter Coordinator and Indoor Director in writing. Organizations that elect to sponsor more than one unit may join as a group. Group membership carries the following conditions: If a new unit is formed as a split of an existing member unit during the competitive season and after January 1, they cannot be accepted as members until the next competitive season. Units must withdraw from performing at a competition at least two weeks prior to the date of the competition or will forfeit their performance bond. Units who forfeit a performance bond are required to post a second bond of $100.00 to the Chapter before competing in their next contest. Units who forfeit this second bond for absence will be disqualified from All-Chapter competition. The Indoor Coordinator and the Chapter Executive officers are responsible to provide mediation on this procedure. To maintain an active membership in TIA, all organizations must have their dues and bonds paid in full and compete in at least two (2) sanctioned competitions within the reclassification period. Units in classes where reclassification does not take place (Cadet/Elementary/Junior/Middle School/Senior/University), can meet their minimum show requirements at any time during the season. Meeting this requirement will allow that unit to compete in their Chapter Championship, but not in the All-Chapter Championships. To qualify for the All-Chapter Championships, a unit must compete in a minimum of four (4) sanctioned competitions (exhibitions do not count whether they are on the recap or not) and their Chapter Championship. Units that compete in a WGI-sanctioned Regional/Championship may use this experience for one TIA show credit. This may only be used once during the competition season regardless of the number of WGI contests attended and the unit must still compete in two TIA competitions within the classification period. It is the Unit Director's responsibility to notify the Indoor Director, in writing, that they wish to utilize a WGI contest as a contest credit. Please refer to the promotion section to verify the time period that these requirements must be completed. Please refer to the Contest Sponsor section regarding contest credit for the host unit(s). Any extenuating circumstances that would affect a unit from meeting all qualifications will be reviewed by the Indoor Director and a decision will be communicated to all Chapter Coordinators. EligibilityUnits will be composed of members not over 22 years of age as of 12:01 am of the date of their equivalent competitive class finals at WGI Championships shall be permitted to compete in contests sponsored by TIA for the remainder of the season. This age limit does not apply to the Independent Senior and Independent World Class Divisions in Color Guard, Twirlers and Dance Teams. No unit may compete with less than five (5) nor more than thirty (30) members on the floor of competition at the same time. The maximum of thirty (30) members does not apply to Percussion units. Junior H.S./Middle School students from the same feeder school system may compete with the Senior HS group in the Scholastic division. However, they may not compete with more than one unit in the same activity (guard, twirler, percussion or dance team). Therefore, you may not have the same student/member compete in two units of the same competitive genre in a single season (i.e. - 1 person may not compete in both the Middle School Guard and the High School Guard. This includes any unit members that stand behind props during the performance). You may use the same student/member to compete in two different competitive genres (i.e. - 1 person may compete in both guard and either twirler, percussion or dance team during the same competitive season). Please note, however, that due to the extensive scheduling of the contests during the All-Chapter Championships, and the utilization of more than one site, TIA cannot make schedule accommodations for units that have members in more than one unit.
SponsorsIndoor contest sponsors may not exclude competitive segments of a unit or divisions from the contest. While the specific awards to be offered are the choice of the sponsor; guard, twirler, percussion ensembles and dance teams (both Scholastic and Independent) must be made available at each sanctioned Tournament Indoor contest (non-member sponsors are also bound to offer these divisions as well). Judging tapes for all units are to be supplied by the contest sponsor. These can be made available via the Chapter Coordinator if the contest sponsor contacts the Chapter Coordinator at least two weeks in advance to arrange for this service. If twirler and/or percussion units are entered in a competition, this may require one or two technical judges to be assigned for each. Contest sponsors are required to submit their contest contract with a non-refundable $100.00 deposit to have their contest posted on the schedule. Contest sponsors must notify all participants in advance that they will be utilizing a floor covering/tarp for their entire competition. The floor covering/tarp must have a center line and the center circle marked on the floor. Failure of the contest sponsor to notify participants in advance will allow units to take themselves out of the competition without bond forfeiture. Contest sponsors should make every effort to send a tentative competition schedule to all participants at least two weeks in advance of the contest date. Divisions may be intermixed (i.e., guards, twirlers, dance) at the choice of the contest sponsor as long as like classes compete together. Breaks should be placed outside a competitive class of units. If a contest sponsor chooses to do this rather than the "traditional" schedule, participants must be notified of this in the contest invitation, or at the latest, two weeks prior to the competition date. It is the responsibility of the contest host to also notify the Chief Judge of this choice of scheduling at least two weeks prior to the contest date. Show host unit(s) may compete at their own competition and choose to decline any award placements. A show host that performs as part of their competitive class will receive show credit. A show host who does an exhibition outside of their class, whether judged or not judged, will not receive credit toward their competitive requirements. The sponsor must provide qualified medical aide at a contest site. ClassificationClassification for all indoor activities is based on competitive strata and opportunity for growth. Each activity uses a score point total of achievement to define class of an activity within a division. All units will select a division (Scholastic or Independent) and this may not change during the season. The unit may compete only in their selected division for the entire competitive season. Units will also select a class to compete in at the beginning of the season and notify their Chapter Coordinator no later than January 15, 2010 of the class that they intend to compete in. Any changes to this class declaration should be communicated to the Chapter Coordinator prior to the unit's first competition. Units that were Finalists in the 2009 All-Chapter Championships in Intermediate A or A Class, and were not promoted at the All-Chapter Championships, must begin the 2010 season is the same class or a higher class. Because all Open and World Class units are typically in Finals, these units may consider reclassification at the start of the 2010 season, if warranted. The Novice Class will be comprised of units that have not competed during the 2009 season, units that were in the Novice Class in 2009 and not promoted and units that have begun in Intermediate A or A Class, but have been reclassified by the judges. Units have the right to move up in class at any time during the promotion period by notifying their Chapter Coordinator and Indoor Director. Units may not choose to move up in class after the end of the promotion period. Units are encouraged to select realistic classes to start the season. Utilizing members that are over the age limit for the unit's class will result in the unit's DISQUALIFICATION from the contest. This includes, but is not limited to, utilizing over-aged persons to hold backdrops/props during the performance.
Class DescriptionsAvailable "Rating" Classes: Available "Competitive" Classes: NOVICE A (Scholastic or Independent) - Limited design and skills; repetitious; single effort design; performers still trying to achieve basic skills; short phrases; some variety in skills, but not extensive; occasional basic layering opportunities; little use of expression in performers. All Junior, Middle School and Novice A Classes will be adjudicated using the WGI Regional A criteria. INTERMEDIATE A (Scholastic or Independent) - Some skill variety; basic skills moderately understood by the performers; some longer phrases; developing use of layering; training process is developing; performers are more aware of basic stylistic responsibilities and use of expression; choreography provides an opportunity to develop a growing range (This class is not available in Twirler and Dance Teams.) A (Scholastic or Independent) - A range of basic skills and developing intermediate skills; broad and well-understood basic choreography; frequent layering of skills and some exploration of intermediate skills with layering; expressive qualities are being explored; performers have established a sound awareness of basic skills, developing intermediate skills and attention to stylistic responsibilities is evident; greater attention is paid to the range and gradation of expressive dynamics; greater opportunity for basic layering exists in the design. OPEN (Scholastic or Independent) - Units in this class have a greater experience level. Units will be challenged to broaden their design and performance skills. Designers/instructors will be challenged to expand their programming, creativity and instructional techniques. WORLD (Scholastic or Independent) - Highest level. The most advanced programs with the more mature performers -- a class where innovation and setting standards is the goal. This category is open to a unit with the membership talent, design and instructional staff and budget to place their unit in this challenging level to stimulate growth and development through World Class competition. NOTE: There are no age limitations for the Independent World Class Color Guards. UNIVERSITY (Scholastic) - All members must be students (full or part time) of a single college or university and not be over the age of 22. SENIOR (Independent) - All members must be 22 years of age and above. Percussion Classifications
Class Descriptions for Concert / Standstill
Concert Open Class is for those percussion sections who wish to concentrate on the percussive element only. Instrumentation must be oriented to the performance of concert percussion. The unit may not use any marching battery percussion instruments (marching snare drums, marching tenors, marching bass drums). If the unit chooses to use these instruments, they may be asked to reclassify to Standstill. Credit will be given for musical elements only. Movement will be permitted in order to allow performers to change equipment or to allow for better presentation of musical performance only. This is not a marching/visual class. Open Class ensembles have several members who understand the skills required to perform intermediate levels of playing. Standstill Junior/Middle School Class is for those percussion sections who wish to concentrate on the percussive element only. This class is for those units that utilize typical marching band style percussion instruments and arrangements (including pit percussion) and for one reason or another cannot, or choose not, to include the typical movement portion of the indoor percussion activity. If the unit chooses to use instrumentation only oriented toward the performance of concert percussion, the unit may be asked to reclassify. All instrumentation that is used in a marching percussion ensemble is permitted, however this is a non-visual class. Credit will be given for the musical elements only. Movement will be permitted in order to allow performers to change equipment or to allow for better presentation of musical performance only. Junior/Middle School ensembles are mostly comprised of beginner level students. These ensembles are training grounds for basic concepts. Emphasis should be placed on achievement using basic concepts and not necessarily on generating aesthetic appeal. Standstill A Class is for those percussion sections who wish to concentrate on the percussive element only. This class is for those units that utilize typical marching band style percussion instruments and arrangements (including pit percussion) and for one reason or another cannot, or choose not, to include the typical movement portion of the indoor percussion activity. If the unit chooses to use instrumentation only oriented toward the performance of concert percussion, the unit may be asked to reclassify. All instrumentation that is used in a marching percussion ensemble is permitted, however this is a non-visual class. Credit will be given for the musical elements only. Movement will be permitted in order to allow performers to change equipment or to allow for better presentation of musical performance only. A Class ensembles are the younger, less developed participants. Here is where the beginning student discovers the joy of performing and realizes the sense of achievement. Standstill Open Class is for those percussion sections who wish to concentrate on the percussive element only. This class is for those units that utilize typical marching band style percussion instruments and arrangements (including pit percussion) and for one reason or another cannot, or choose not, to include the typical movement portion of the indoor percussion activity. If the unit chooses to use instrumentation only oriented toward the performance of concert percussion, the unit may be asked to reclassify. All instrumentation that is used in a marching percussion ensemble is permitted, however this is a non-visual class. Credit will be given for musical elements only. Movement will be permitted in order to allow performers to change equipment or to allow for better presentation of musical performance only. Open Class ensembles have several members who understand the skills required to perform intermediate levels of playing.
Promotion CriteriaUnits will be promoted to the next class during the promotion period by choice or by achievement of the promotion score. Novice A Class, Intermediate A Class, A Class and Open Class Color Guard units and Novice Class, A Class and Open Class Twirlers and Dance Team units achieving a promotion score with at least three (3) judges on the panel issuing a caption score of equal or greater to the defined promotion score, automatically promotes the units to the next class. Units competing in Cadet/Elementary, Junior/Middle School and Senior/University are not part of the promotion process as age and/or grade levels are the controlling factors. All promotions or reclassifications will take place beginning with the start of the season and continuing through March 28, 2010 and also at the All-Chapter Championships to promote units for the following season. Units must compete in a minimum of two (2) of their required competitions during the reclassification period (except if competing in a class that does not reclassify such as Junior). If going on to the All-Chapter Championships, the remaining two (2) competitions may be any time prior to Chapter Championships. Units who fail to meet the minimum reclassification requirements will not be eligible for All-Chapter Championships. The following table represents the necessary scores by caption and the gross score total to achieve promotion for Color Guard and Twirlers/Dance Team units:
Color Guard/Twirler/Dance Team units who fail to achieve a gross score higher than 30.0 points below the promotion total score by a majority of judges (3) can request to move down in classification. A letter requesting the demotion must be submitted to the Indoor Director within 72 hours of receiving the demotion number. A significant portion of the program must be completed before a review will take place. The Indoor Director will notify all Chapter Coordinators of any approved demotions. For Percussion, the two (2) Percussion judges (excluding the visual judge) will determine the promotion. An ensemble scoring in Box 6 clearly indicates that the unit has met all of the criteria set forth in the class curriculum. Promotion of an ensemble will require that both Percussion Judges award scores in Box 6. Visual scoring and total scoring do not impact promotion. An ensemble consistently score in Box 2 with both Percussion Judges may initiate an appeal for reclassification. The unit shall submit a request to the Indoor Director. Consultation will occur between the Indoor Director, Caption Head and judges who have adjudicated that ensemble. A decision will be rendered from the Indoor Director. Units that change classification must have the opportunity to compete once in their new class prior to the Chapter Championships and they are encouraged to do so. Exhibition scores do not count towards competitive requirements. Floor Size
The contest sponsor will notify units in advance whether horizontal or vertical line will be used for entrance/exit timing. Contest sponsor will also notify all units in advance if the site will not be able to utilize the half-court timing. All units must then utilize the entrance and exit as planned by the contest sponsor. EntranceAll personnel, equipment and/or props shall enter at a place designated by the contest sponsor at the signal from the T&P Judge. The unit may utilize half of the floor (will receive prior notification whether horizontal or vertical) for any set-up prior to the start of the interval time. The T&P Judge will then signal for the unit to proceed with set-up under the interval time. When the unit is in position, the announcer will ask if the judges are ready and then if the unit is ready to enter competition. A unit officer(s) will acknowledge the unit is ready to enter competition. After acknowledgment, performance timing will begin with the first step or body movement, the first move of equipment and/or props or first note of music, whichever comes first. This does not include the officer(s) returning immediately and directly to the static position. At this time, the front sideline will become a restricted boundary. ExitAll personnel, equipment and/or props must be off of the contest floor, clear of the 50/50 line at the conclusion of the interval time. For purpose of timing, equipment and props are considered removed when they have been moved across a center line either horizontal or vertical depending on the contest site. After the equipment/props have crossed this line, they must be removed from the area immediately and taken to an area designated by the contest sponsor. This will include any residue left on the floor: by the use of confetti, small pieces of material or paper used to generate the effect of leaves, snow, etc. or any other materials used to generate an effect. Failure to remove equipment and props to the designated area in a timely manner is subject to a penalty at the discretion of the Chief Judge. TimingUnits will be scheduled to compete at the intervals defined below. This time interval will include set-up, entrance, performance, exit and removal of all equipment and props. The minimum and maximum times for units are defined below. (See Percussion section for time differences.)
Interval Time begins when the Timing and Penalty judge notifies the unit that they may begin their set-up and continues until the music is off and the last members and all equipment/props are off the floor. The Timing and Penalty judge will stop the watch (Interval Time) after the unit has set-up and has come to a halt if it is necessary to wait for the judges to start the Performance Time. After the unit's representative signals the unit is ready, the Interval Time will start again. Interval Time will continue to run until all performers and equipment/props are removed from the competition area. This will includes any residue left on the floor by the use of any matter, for example, confetti, small pieces of material or paper used to generate the effect of leaves, snow, etc. or any other materials used to generate an effect. In other words, the interval time will continue until the floor is left in the condition that it was at the start of the performance. . Performance Time will begin at the first step of the unit (excluding the captain's "salute") or at the first note of music after the captain has signaled to the Timing and Penalty Judge and the unit is informed that they may take the competing floor, will continue non-stop through the show, and the unit's exit off the floor or obvious conclusion. Judging will take place during the entire performance (from the first note of music or movement after the cue is given to begin to the unit's exit from the floor or obvious conclusion). RunnersTwo runners are allowed for each unit. They must be off the front of the floor and may only retrieve dropped equipment. If they do anything else, they are performing members and all timing and boundary rules apply. Runners who create any type of effect will be bound by equipment and boundary requirements.Any equipment or props, if used, should be retrieved by the competitor, student runner/staff member, if dropped. Non-Performing Members (Managers)
Tapes
Pre/Post Contest Meeting
Post-contest meetings (critiques) will be held at all Tournament Indoor Association contests, with the exception of the Chapter and All-Chapter Championships. Recaps may be distributed prior to the critique at the discretion of the Chief Judge; however, no discussion of numerical comparison will occur unless you and the judge have discussed your program first. Units will have dialog with the judges in the order of appearance (units traveling long distances shall be given consideration to critique early). Critiques will be conducted with 3 stations (IA, EA and GE). 3 units will enter critique and rotate in 3-minute spans allowing the next 3 units to enter. When a contest exceeds 20 units, this time span may be shortened. A timer will be used to limit each unit's critique. Hosts, whether competitive or exhibition, must critique last. Contest sponsors are responsible to provide sufficient time to allow a complete time frame for post-contest critiques and all considerations should be made to make the scheduled time a reasonable one to allow for travel. Greivance Procedure
Once a grievance has been filed and received by the Caption Supervisor, he/she must check validity and merit. After deciding on its merits, he/she must respond at once to the person making the grievance in writing. This reply should include the following: decision on the merit of the grievance, steps to be taken to correct any items of this nature in the future, action to be taken in correcting the judge involved. Any aggrieved party shall have a response within ten (10) days of the registering of the grievance. Any judge protested will not judge the unit which has protested him/her until final disposition of the grievance has been made. In the event the grievance was found justifiable, the judge will not judge that unit for the rest of the season on that or any other caption. Anyone who does not agree with the disposition of his/her grievance may appeal to the NJA Executive Board who may overrule or sustain the original grievance. The process for protesting a caption supervisor will be the same but will be referred to the NJA Executive Board via the NJA Director. All-Chapter ChampionshipsOnly units that have competed in their Chapter Championship and have met the Tournament Indoor requirements to qualify for championship competition may register for the All-Chapter Indoor Championships. Several Chapters may combine their members for a regional contest, however, only members of each Chapter may compete for their respective Chapter title. Earliest entry date for championship registration will be January 1 (units who register before January 1 will be entered with a postmark of January 1), and no entries will be accepted if postmarked after March 1. Housing and ticket information for the championship will be made available through the Weekend in Wildwood Convention Committee. Prelim positions will be in reverse order of date of unit's first contest (all events held in January will be considered equal in the positioning). Where equal, the date of registration will be used to determine order and if equal at that point, a drawing will be held. Finals position will be seeded by reverse order of prelim scores. Provided the unit qualifies for finals, the defending champion of any class may elect to compete last in finals competition. The Indoor Director must receive a request, in writing, by the defending champion to exercise this option prior to the All-Chapter Championship weekend; otherwise the request will not be honored. TIA may utilize rounds for preliminary competition with semi-finals and finals for any class where there are more than 20 entries. This will be determined once all entries have been received. If any class is over 20 entries and it is decided by the Indoor Director that "rounds" will be used, then the positioning of units in the preliminary competition will not be by the usual process (listed above). Units will be seeded by using the average of their last two scores the unit received prior to Chapter Championships. The seeding of units will be spread evenly over the number of "rounds". For example: the highest seeded unit will be in round 3, the second highest seeded unit in round 2, the third highest seeded unit in round 1, etc. A certain number of units from each round (to be determined at a later date) will advance to the semi-finals competition. Then, the top units in the semi-finals competition will advance to the finals competition. The same judging panel must judge all of the rounds in the preliminary competition. Unit Directors are reminded that retreat and awards ceremony demeanor is important. Units are expected to continue to project a professional look until the end of retreat and out of the view of the public. Instructor/Judges ClinicThere is a clinic held each year to which all instructors are invited to attend. The clinic is mandatory for judges. GeneralUnits will not be allowed to give an exhibition during the competitive portion of a contest. If a unit does a judged exhibition, other than their own contest, all scores will appear on the recap sheet, but will not be announced. Units contracted as competitors must compete, if present. Last minute judged exhibitions are not permitted. Units should be encouraged to have their members wear some sort of foot protection when they are not performing. Walking barefoot throughout the contest facility is dangerous and unsanitary. It is strongly recommended that competitions be scheduled by December 31st. Any event scheduled after that date, the Indoor Director MUST clear date for availability. When planning your schedule for the contest, please try to end the competition at a reasonable hour, so that participants and judges will not have to travel in the early morning hours. Contest hosts are to be sure that a judge's room is available at least one hour before the start of the contest and should not host an instructor hospitality area in the same room. All contest hosts are requested to have two sound systems (primary and back-up). A universal invitation/contract form is provided for use by host organizations. Chapter Coordinators will have additional copies if needed. PenaltiesTiming penalties will not be enforced from the start of the season until February 28th. A one-tenth (0.1) penalty will be assessed for:
A two-point (2.0) penalty will be assessed for:
Disqualification:
For the protection of the wooden competition floors, all equipment must be properly taped or otherwise be prepared to assure that damage to the floors will not occur. Inspections may occur by the contest host. Damage to the floor, such as may occur by dragging the tympani, wheels on carts locking, etc. will be the financial responsibility of the unit and is subject to a penalty of 0.1 to Disqualification at the discretion of the Chief Judge. Tap shoes and/or tap dancing will be allowed only on a hard surface provided by the participating unit. The hard surface will be properly padded (carpeting, foam, etc.) so as not to damage the floor. A canvas/vinyl floor alone is not proper padding. Penalty: 0.1 to Disqualification at the discretion of the Chief Judge. Competitive Flag CodePURPOSE: The purpose of the Code is to establish a set of rules and regulations for the display of the National Color of any country that uniformed groups may represent, hereinafter referred to as the National Color. The Code confines itself to consideration of the National Color and the items and/or incidents relative to flag etiquette and does not concern itself with the other captains such as analysis or effect, etc. Use of the Code shall not be the authority either expressed or implied, to violate any National, State or Provincial laws at variance with it. Any unit that is competing shall be subject to this Code. Violations of the Code may be noted by any assigned judge. However, only the Chief Judge may assess a penalty. Infraction of the competitive flag code shall be penalized 0.1 of a point per offense (16 steps or change of direction), however, a 1.0 penalty shall be assessed for dropping the National Color. Any number of National Colors may be carried by a unit provided they are properly guarded. In the case of the US Flag, any stars in the Union are permitted; however the most recent US Flag shall be carried in the point of honor. When a competitive unit is carrying a flag of another nation in addition to its own, then it shall be carried according to the UN Protocol, following in honor, the flag of the country from which the guard originates. The National Color must be at least 3 feet x 5 feet. No flag shall be larger than the National Color. Finial Pieces: All National Color flag poles must have a staff head or a finial piece. No National Color should bear any staff head other than a conical spear or those officially authorized by the Army (eagle, acorn, ball or spear) or by the Navy (gilt, star, gilt ball, and flat truck). Fringe on the National Color is permitted. No streamer, banner or other material may be attached to the pole or finial piece of the National Color. In the case of the US Flag, this does not preclude black crepe streamers when ordered by the President of the United States. When the National Color is carried by a unit, the maximum distance between the guard and the National Color will be three (3) thirty (30) inch paces. The direction of motion or the direction of facing of the National Color will be considered properly guarded regardless of the relative positions as long as the guard is within the allowable distance. At no time shall another piece of equipment pass between the Color and its guard unless that person qualifies as a guard. Authorized weapons are rifles, sabers, swords, either real or simulated. See rules for definitions on authorized equipment. Bayonets may not be used. Immediate Front: No other flag in the same unit shall at any time pass or be in the immediate front of the National Color without rendering the proper salute, that being dipping. (Dipping: any position that may be attained by a downward movement of the flag from the zero degree of arc carry, within the 180 degree front of the bearer). The immediate front is the infinite path through which the National Color can pass safely without contact. This pertains to the immediate front of the National Color and not the immediate front of the other flags. Trailing: There will be no flag to the 180 degree front of the National Color facing in the same banner direction. Flash trails and/or sweeps are allowed as long as they are one (1) count or less. This pertains to the movement of the National Color only. (Interpretation: If the trail is caused by a turn or movement of the National Color in one count or less, it is not a violation. Should the error be caused by a turn or movement of a flag other than the National Color, this is an immediate violation.) Point of Honor: No other flag in the same unit may be placed above the National Color. Placement of the US National Color: In case of the US Flag, there shall be no flag to the immediate right of the US Flag while facing the same direction. Placement of the Canadian National Color: When two (20 or more than three (3) flags are flown together, the Canadian Flag should be seen on the left as seen by the spectators in front of the flag. When three (3) flags are flown together, the Canadian Flag should be occupying the central position with the next ranking flag to the left and third ranking flag to the right as seen by the spectators. If a number of flags are flown together, the Canadian Flag may be flown at each end of the line of flags. The Canadian Flag is dipped to the ground upon the playing of the Royal Anthem or Vice-Regal Salute or as a salute it is dipped to the parallel position to the Sovereign, members of the Royal Family related in the first degree to the Sovereign or to one of the Sovereign Canadian representatives. The National Color shall, at all times, be carried aloft and free except during the posting ceremony. At no time, except for one back step in the act of retrieving colors, shall the National Color bearer back step, engage in theatrical steps or counter marches except when the National Color is posted. The National Color bearer shall not execute "to the rear march" or "about face". Interpretation: a turn of 180 degrees in two steps or less. The National Bearer shall not be armed while in possession of the National Color. The National Color shall never be permitted to touch the ground. Head gear is required as part of the uniform of the National Color Bearer. If the posting ceremony is done, the following Flag Code is in effect: The National Color and other flags may be posted simultaneously, if not the National Color must be posted last. The National Color and other flags may be retrieved simultaneously; if not, the National Color must be retrieved first. Timing for posting purposes will start with the posting of the first flag and end with retrieving of the last flag, if flags are not posted and retrieved simultaneously. Colors must not be posted for more than 60 seconds. Flags are deemed posted when neither hand is on the pole. Flags are deemed retrieved with either hand is on the pole. No human receptacle may be used in posting colors. During the ceremony of Post and Retrieve, two salutes are required - one immediately following post and the other immediately prior to retrieve. At any time a salute is required, it shall be rendered as a military salute as required by the recognized National military authority of the country of origin of the unit. These salutes must be rendered at least momentarily by all competing members. Other salutes may be rendered, provided they conform to the dignity and propriety of the National Color and its proper display. The guard with the National Color shall remain within the distance limitations during the posting ceremony, covering the National Color. A guard is not required while the National Color is in the posting receptacle. Additional Colorguard ItemsDEFINITIONS OF AUTHORIZED EQUIPMENT: Rifles/simulated rifles are defined as devices constructed so as to conform to the outward appearance of a military rifle past or present. Sights, slings, trigger, trigger housing, bolt and bolt levers are optional. Rifles must be at least twenty-four (24) inches in length. "Air Blades" are not considered authorized equipment. Sabers/swords are defined as those weapons which are designed to be hand-held for cutting, thrusting or slashing an enemy, with either a curved (saber) blade or a straight (sword) blade, which may be constructed of wood, plastic, metal or any other suitable material. A cutting edge is not required. Simulated saber/swords must have either a hand guard or a hilt and must be at least twenty-four (24) inches in length. Authorized equipment may be modified by the addition of visual items, however, attaching a flag, rifle or saber/sword does not make the prop a flag, rifle or saber/sword - it is still a prop. Timing and Penalty Judge has the prerogative to inspect and challenge guards for illegal or missing equipment either before or after the "maximum performance time" with permission of the Chief Judge. Authorized equipment must be IN HAND to be considered for accumulating authorized equipment time. In hand means equipment must be in hand ready to be used or being used. Example: A saber hung at the side with hand touching is not considered authorized equipment in hand. SCORING Junior/Middle School/Novice A will utilize the WGI Regional A Criteria. JUDGES/SCORING General Effect - 2 judges each with 20 points Additional Dance Team ItemsDANCE TEAM PHILOSOPHY CLASSIFICATION/SCORING MUSICAL ACCOMPANIMENT EQUIPMENT EQUIPMENT PLACEMENT AND RUNNERS JUDGES/SCORING
Additional Twirler ItemsPHILOSOPHYTournament Indoor rules and scoring promotes the use of twirling equipment during the performance of Twirler units. Emphasis on the Twirling Analysis sheet is on design quality and excellence of the program. CLASSIFICATION/SCORING MUSICAL ACCOMPANIMENT EQUIPMENT The following is legal twirling equipment and its use will be counted towards twirling/equipment time for competing Twirler teams: The use of the following equipment will result in the unit's disqualification: The following are considered props. They will be evaluated for effects they create in the program, but will not count towards twirling/equipment time: JUDGES/SCORING Additional Percussion ItemsTIMING
FLOOR SIZE SCORING/CLASSIFICATION PROMOTION For 2010, A Class Finalists will have the option to move to the Intermediate A Class as we restructure the classes to be more in line with the WGI standards. Because all Open and World Class units are typically in Finals, these units may consider reclassification at the start of the 2010 season, if warranted.
An ensemble that consistently scores in Box 2 with both Percussion Judges may initiate an appeal for reclassification. The unit shall submit a request to the Indoor Director. Consultation will occur between the Indoor Director, Caption Head and judges who have adjudicated that ensemble. A decision will be rendered from the Indoor Director. All promotions or reclassifications will take place beginning with the start of the season and continuing through March 28, 2010. Promotions will also occur at All-Chapter Championships. AUTHORIZED INSTRUMENTS AND EQUIPMENT Electrically amplified equipment may be used if it is manually struck in a percussive fashion. Synthesizers with touch keyboards are acceptable. All props will be considered as props only and not used in musical evaluations. No single, triggered electronic sound may produce rhythmic intent. Pre-programmed sounds must be generated by a keystroke or a performing member. Single tone, non-keyed horns (whistles, sirens, animal calls, etc.) may be used only if generating an effect, an may not be used in any melodic form. Use of visual equipment and/or props is optional. Any or all of the ensemble are permitted to use visual equipment. If equipment is used, it may be placed on the floor, or moved by students during the unit's performance. Students must be declared to the timing judge. These students may not cross the front line and must meet eligibility requirements. Equipment may also be placed on the floor prior to the unit's performance. If an electronic mixing board is used, only student personnel may operate it. No communication devices may be used in order to assist the mixing board operator. MISCELLANEOUS Units may enter with a "tap" prior to introduction. If a unit chooses to play during an entrance, it will be considered part of the performance time. JUDGES/SCORING CONCERT AND STANDSTILL PERCUSSION TIMING
JUDGES PENALTIES - specific to Percussion in addition to the general section: A two-point (2.0) penalty will be assessed for: |
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Size of the competing area will be 50 feet by 70 feet with a 5-foot working area around the floor (a standard basketball floor) with the outside lines marked. Front sideline out-of-bounds penalties will be assessed based on the floor marking on the GE side of the 50'x70' floor. Although there will be no boundary violations for stepping over the hoop side or back sidelines of the floor, the sponsor is only required to guarantee the 50'x70' floor for competitions. (Please note that this is different than WGI Rules.) The front sideline must be visible at all times. In gyms where space is tight, the unit shall be prepared to make adjustments to their floor to keep the front sideline visible. This is not negotiable.All Star Band Sponsors
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