FORMS
Contest Rules
Contest Rules of the Central California Pipe Band Cooperative
SECTION I: CCPBC Pipe Band Contest Rules
1. General Pipe Band Rules
1.1 All pipe bands within the Geographical region within the State of California described as North of the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains from the California-Arizona border West to the Los Angeles-Ventura County Line to include Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties to the South, and Stanislaus, San Joaquin, Tuolumme, Mariposa, and Mono Counties to the North and all other counites in Central California that are in between are automatically recognized as CCPBC Pipe Band Members.
1.2 Membership in the CCPBC IS NOT MANDATORY: Membership in the CCPBC IS VOLUNTARY. As such, pipe bands outside the above described geographical region of Central California may apply for membership in the CCPBC by sending a written request for membership to the CCPBC Board of Directors.
1.3 As stated above Membership in the CCPBC is Voluntary. As such, no membership dues are required however, donations from CCPBC Member Pipe Bands are highly encouraged and greatly appreciated. The suggested CCPBC Member Pipe Band annual donation is $100.00 or more. Donations received by the CCPBC are not refundable.
1.4 CCPBC Member Pipe Bands are not required to be members of other piping and drumming associations. CCPBC Member Pipe Bands may be members of other piping and drumming associations.
1.5 Pipe bands that are members of other piping and drumming associations that participate in CCPBC recognized pipe band contests are expected to abide by their other piping and drumming association rules regarding registration of musicians and grading. CCPBC member Pipe Bands are placed in an appropriate level, or grade by the CCPBC Board of Directors in accordance with the CCPBC Bylaws. CCPBC Member Pipe Bands should have a musician member roster available for review by the CCPBC Contest Sponsor and any member, or members of the CCPBC Board of Directors. Non-member pipe bands shall also have a musician member roster available for review by the CCPBC Contest Sponsor and any member, or members of the CCPBC Board of Directors. The purpose of this requirement is to discourage improper participation of musicians in pipe band performances at CCPBC pipe band contests. If any band participating in a CCPBC pipe band contest is found to have performed with musicians improperly listed on the musician member roster, that band may be disqualified for the contest, or contests participated in. Any band not participating in the appropriate level or grade without prior approval of the CCPBC Contest Sponsor and the CCPBC Board of Directors may be disqualified for the contest, or contests participated in. All bands participating in any recognized CCPBC pipe band contest that willfully violate a CCPBC Contest Rule and/or a CCPBC Standard of Behavior, as well as contest rules and standards of behavior of their own outside piping and drumming associations may be disqualified and may also be suspended from participation in CCPBC recognized contests for the remainder of the contest season.
1.6 CCPBC pipe bands and pipe bands participating that are members of other piping and drumming associations in CCPBC pipe band contests will be advised of the time, or times they are expected to be at the contest ready line and ready to compete by a CCPBC Contest Sponsor Member Representative. Times for bands, and the order of bands competing will be set by the CCPBC Contest Sponsor Member and posted at the CCPBC Contest Sponsor Table. All pipe bands competing at CCPBC recognized pipe band contests are expected to be on time to avoid delays in the pipe band contests. Any pipe band causing a more than a 10 minute delay between bands without a reasonable excuse may be disqualified from the contest, or contests by the CCPBC Contest Sponsor.
1.7 Pipe bands competing in CCPBC contests may submit protests for contest rule violations and/or Standards of Behavior only after such violations occur to the CCPBC Contest Sponsor and a least one member of the CCPBC Board of directors. Paragraphs 7.3 and/or 7.4 of the CCPBC Bylaws shall then become applicable to resolve any such protests. Pipe Band Contest result protests must be submitted to the CCPBC Contest Sponsor and at least one member off the CCPBC Board of Directors. Paragraphs 7.3 and/or 7.4 of the CCPBC Bylaws shall then become applicable to resolve any such protests.
1.8 Pipe bands competing at CCPBC pipe band contest shall commence their performances from the designated ready line and form a circle after about 16 marching paces. After the band has finished its competition sets it should immediately march off in any recognized acceptable manner from the competition area. Impromptu concerts before marching off are not allowed.
2. CCPBC Pipe Band Levels, Number and types of Musicians, and Tune or Set Requirements:
2.1 CCPBC Pipe Band Levels are equivalent to Grade Levels of other piping and drumming associations. CCPBC Pipe Band Levels are:
2.1.1 LEVEL 5 which is considered as a beginning band. 5 pipers, 2 snare drummers, and 1 bass drummer are required of Level 5 pipe bands competing in Level 5 CCPBC pipe band contests. More musicians than the above minimums are encouraged. Tune or Set requirements are a Quick March Medley suggested to be 3 to 5 minutes in length, and a Quick March-Slow Aire–Quick March Medley.
2.1.2 LEVEL 4 which is considered as a novice pipe band. 6 pipers, 2 snare drummers, and 1 bass drummer are required of Level 4 pipe bands competing in Level 4 CCPBC pipe band contests. More musicians than the above minimums are encouraged. Tune or Set requirements are a Quick March Medley suggested to be 3 to 5 minutes in length, and Free Choice Medley comprised of marches, slow aires, strathspeys, reels, jigs or hornpipes suggested to be 3 to 8 minutes in length.
2.1.3 LEVEL 3 which is considered as an amateur pipe band. 6 pipers, 2 snare drummers, 2 tenor drummers, and 1 bass drummer are required of Level 3 pipe bands competing in Level 3 CCPBC pipe band contests. More musicians than the above minimums are encouraged. Tune or set requirements are a March-Strathspey-Reel set with 4 part minimums, and a Free Choice Medley comprised of marches, slow aires, strathspeys, reels, jigs, and hornpipes suggested to be 5 to 8 minutes in length.
2.1.4 LEVEL 2 which is considered as an advanced amateur pipe band. 8 pipers, 3 snare drummers, 2 tenor drummers, and 1 bass drummer are required of Level 2 pipe bands competing in Level 2 CCPBC pipe band contests. More musicians than the above minimums are encouraged. Tune or set requirements are two 4 part minimum March-Strathspey-Reel sets and a Free Choice Medley 5 to 8 minutes in length. A Contest Sponsor Representative shall choose the MSR set to be performed and inform the Pipe Major of the chosen set while the Level 2 pipe band is at the ready line.
2.1.5 LEVEL 1 is equivalent to a Grade I Pipe Band. 8 pipers, 3 snare drummers, 2 tenor drummers, and 1 bass drummer are required of Level 1 pipe bands competing at Level 1 CCPBC pipe band contests. More musicians than the above minimums are encouraged. Tune or Set requirements are three MSR’s and Free Choice Medley 5 to 8 minutes in length. A Contest Sponsor Representative shall choose the MSR set to be performed and inform the Pipe Major of the chosen set while the Level 1 pipe band is at the ready line.
2.2 Pipe bands competing in CCPBC recognized pipe band contests are expected at all times to abide by the CCPBC Standards of Behavior, and any such standards of behavior or conduct of other pipe band associations they may be members of. All pipe bands competing in CCPBC recognized pipe band contests are expected to abide by the CCPBC Contest Rules, the CCPBC Bylaws where applicable, and by contest rules and bylaws of other pipe band associations they may be members of.
2.3 Pipe bands competing in CCPBC recognized pipe contests are expected to perform their contest sets while in appropriate traditional highland dress, and to appear at any massed band events in appropriate traditional highland dress.
3. CCPBC Board of Directors and Contest Sponsor Responsibilities for CCPBC Pipe Band Contests:
3.1 The CCPBC Board of Directors and the CCPBC Contest Sponsor are required to work together to assure that CCPBC pipe band contests are fair and open to all pipe bands that have entered, or desire to enter any CCPBC recognized pipe band contest, or contests.
3.1.1 A CCPBC Contest Sponsor Member should notify the CCPBC Board of Directors at least 30 days in advance of the date or dates, place, times, and level and types of pipe band contests to be offered. Travel and Participation awards d Prize Money, and Entry fees, if any, should be included in the notice. The CCPBC Board of Directors is expected to assist any CCPBC Contest Sponsor Member with these determinations.
3.1.2 A CCPBC Contest Sponsor Member should notify the CCPBC Board of Directors of the names of the adjudicators proposed for the pipe band contests for approval by the CCPBC Board of Directors. Proposed adjudicators may be from any other recognized piping and drumming association in the categories for which they have been designated. CCPBC Contest Sponsor Members may also choose adjudicators from the CCPBC approved Adjudicator Roster in the categories for which they have been designated. Pipers, drummers, and band ensemble persons with recognized credentials may also be proposed for review and approval by the CCPBC Board of Directors to adjudicate CCPBC pipe band contests in the categories for which they are known to have expertise. The CCPBC Board of Directors is expected to assist the CCPBC Contest Sponsor Member with these determinations.
3.1.3 The CCPBC Contest Sponsor Member is expected to work with the Executive Secretary of the CCPBC and/or the CCPBC webmaster to post a notice of the pipe band contest or contests along with an entry form for use of competitors entering the contests. A downloadable entry form or internet reply entry form for the contests is suggested. Pipe Band entry fees may be required by the CCPBC Contest Sponsor Member which may be paid in advance or at the CCPBC Contest Sponsor Member Table the day of, or days of pipe band contests. Any pipe band not paying the required entry fee, or fees to the CCPBC Contest Sponsor may be disqualified by the CCPBC Contest Sponsor Member.
3.1.4 The CCPBC Contest Sponsor Member is expected to designate an area large enough for the pipe bands competing to march from a designated ready line into a circle. The area should be large enough for the pipe band circle and for the adjudicators to move around the band and to keep the audience from interfering with the performances and adjudicators. The CCPBC Board of directors, or any members present thereof shall assist the CCPBC Contest Sponsor Member with these determinations.
3.1.5 The CCPBC Contest Sponsor is expected to have enough stewards or persons available to keep the pipe band contests running on time. Pipe bands that cause a delay of 10 minutes or more without a reasonable excuse, or that fail to follow directions and instructions of the stewards or persons running the contents on time may be disqualified by the CCPBC Contest Sponsor.
3.1.6 The CCPBC Adjudicators shall work together to evaluate the performances of each band after all the bands in each level have performed to determine the first, second, and third place winners of the pipe band contest, or contests. The adjudicators shall then hand over the performance evaluation forms and contest results to the CCPBC Contest sponsor. The CCPBC Contest Sponsor may hold the announcement of winners of pipe contests until and during massed band ceremonies. Contest Sponsor Members s should have copies of the performance evaluations, prize money if any, and participation and travel money awards available immediately after closing and massed band ceremonies for any band that competed. The CCPBC Contest Sponsor Member shall hand over, or send copies of pipe band evaluation forms and contest results to any member of the CCPBC Board of Directors in attendance at the contests the day of, or evening of the contests. The CCPBC Executive Secretary shall post the results of the pipe band contest, or contests on the CCPBC website within 5 days of the contest, or contests.
3.2 Electronic or Internet pipe band contests may be held and are encouraged. Any CCPBC Contest Sponsor Member should work with the CCPBC Board of Directors to devise rules and types of pipe band electronic or internet pipe band contests to assure such contests are fair and within recognized norms for pipe band contests. The CCPBC Contest Rules where applicable shall apply to any CCPBC electronic or internet pipe band contests recognized and sponsored by any member of the CCPBC.
4. Pipe Band Adjudicator Requirements:
4.1 All Adjudicators are expected to perform their duties in a professional manner and in appropriate highland dress.
4.2 At least one Adjudicator approved by the CCPBC Contest Sponsor and CCPBC Board of directors is required for CCPBC Level 5 and Level 4 pipe band contests. The one designated adjudicator is expected to evaluate the piping, drumming, and ensemble performances of the Level 5 or Level 4 pipe bands as they compete. If two adjudicators are used, one should be a piper to evaluate the pipe section and ensemble, and the other should be a drummer to evaluate the drum section and ensemble. It is highly recommended that three adjudicators be used to evaluate Level 5 and Level 4 pipe band contests: One should be a piper to evaluate the pipe section; one should be a drummer to evaluate the drum section; and the third one should evaluate the ensemble or overall band performance.
4.3 For CCPBC Levels 3, 2. and 1 pipe band contests there shall be two piping judges, one drumming judge, and one ensemble judge to evaluate the pipe band competition performances.
4.4 Adjudicators are required to utilize the CCPBC Pipe Band Evaluation Forms provided. CCPBC Pipe Band Evaluation Forms are a single sheet. After the forms have been turned in to the Contest Sponsor, two copies of the forms will be made: 1 copy for the Contest Sponsor’s records; 1 copy for the CCPBC records; and the original copy for the pipe band’s records. Adjudicators should write their comments legibly so that they may be easily read and understood. No derogatory, vulgar, or profane comments are allowed.
4.5 After the last pipe band in each level has competed, and the adjudicators have completed writing their comments on the evaluation forms, they shall meet and confer to determine which pipe bands in the level just completed placed first, second and third. The determinations will then be clearly marked on a summary sheet provided and the evaluation forms and summary sheet shall then be given to the Contest Sponsor. The Contest Sponsor may disclose the results of pipe band contests before or after massed band ceremonies. Pipe bands may collect their evaluation forms from the Contest Sponsor along with participation awards and prize money if offered when they are made available by the Contest Sponsor.
SECTION II: CCPBC Solo Competition Contest Rules
1. General Solo Competition Rules:
1.1 All solo competitors for solo competitions offered by the CCPBC within the geographical region within the State of California described as North of the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains from the California-Arizona border West to the Los Angeles-Ventura County Line to include Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties to the South and Stanislaus, San Joaquin, Tuolumme, Mariposa, and Mono Counties to the North and all other counties in Central California that are in between are automatically recognized as CCPBC Solo Competitor Members.
1.2 Membership in the CCPBC IS NOT MANDATORY: Membership in the CCPBC IS VOLUNTARY. As such, solo competitors outside the above described geographical region of Central California may apply for membership in the CCPBC by sending a written request for membership to the CCPBC Board of Directors.
1.3 As stated above membership in the CCPBC is voluntary. As such no membership dues are required however, donations are highly encouraged and are greatly appreciated. The suggested CCPBC Solo Competitor Member annual donation is $20.00 or more. Donations received by the CCPBC are not refundable.
1.4 CCPBC Solo Competitor Members are not required to be members of other piping and drumming association. CCPBC Solo Competitor Members may be members of other piping and drumming association.
1.5 All solo competitors that are members of other piping and drumming associations that participate in CCPBC recognized solo competitions are expected to abide by their other piping and drumming association rules regarding their grade levels. The CCPBC recognizes performance levels and tune and/or set requirements for solo competitions as follows:
1.5.1 Piping Levels
JUVENILE BEGINNER-PRACTICE CHANTER: Any Slow Aire. This level is open only to beginners who are 18 years of age or less.
ADULT BEGINNER-PRACTICE CHANTER: Any Slow Aire. This level is open only to beginners who are over the age of 18.
NOVICE PIPER: Contests offered may include a 4 part 2/4 March, any Slow Aire, and the first two parts of any Piobaireachd. The tunes to be performed on the Great Highland Bagpipe. This level in general corresponds to Grade 4 in other piping and drumming associations.
AMATEUR PIPER LEVEL 1: Contests offered may include a 4 part 2/4 March, a 4 part 6/8 March, 4 part Strathspey and Reel Set, and any full Piobaireachd. The tunes to be performed on the Great Highland Bagpipe. This level in general corresponds to Grade 3 in other piping and drumming associations.
AMATEUR PIPER LEVEL 2: Pipers must submit two 4 part or more March, Strathspey and Reel sets, two 4 part or more 6/8 Marches, two 4 part or more Hornpipe and Jig sets, and two full Piobaireachds. The Contests offered may include any or all of the above categories. Tunes or sets to be performed shall be chosen by the piping adjudicator and shall be performed on the Great Highland Bagpipe. This level in general corresponds to Grade 2 in other piping and drumming associations.
AMATEUR PIPER LEVEL 3: Pipers must submit three 4 part or more March, Strathspey and Reel sets, two 6/8 Marches to be performed as a 6/8 March set, three Hornpipe and Jig sets, and three full Piobaireachds. The contests offered may include any or all of the above categories. Tunes or sets to be performed shall be chosen by the piping adjudicator and shall be performed on the Great Highland Bagpipe. This level in general corresponds to Grade 1 in other piping and drumming associations.
OPEN-PROFESSIONAL PIPER: Pipers must submit four 4 part or more March, Strathspey and Reel sets, four 6/8 Marches two of which shall be performed as a 6/8 March set, four 4 part or more Hornpipe and Jig sets, and four full Piobaireachds. The contests offered may include any or all of the above categories. Tunes or sets to be performed shall be chosen by the piping adjudicator and shall be performed on the Great Highland Bagpipe.
1.5.2 Snare Drumming Levels
BEGINNER-PRACTICE PAD: Any 2 part 4/4 March. This level is open only to beginners not already performing with a drum section of a pipe band.
SNARE DRUMMER LEVEL 1: Any pipe band medley 3 to 5 minutes in length. The snare drummer solo competitor may have a piper, pipers, or even an entire pipe band accompany him, as well as use any audio recording of a piper, pipers, or pipe band during his performance. The snare drummer competitor to perform on a traditional Scottish snare drum. This level corresponds to Grades 4, 3, and 2 in other piping and drumming associations.
SNARE DRUMMER LEVEL 2: Any pipe band medley 3 to 8 minutes in length. The snare drummer competitor may have a piper, pipers, or even an entire pipe band accompany him, as well as use any audio recording of a piper, pipers, or pipe band during his performance. The snare drummer competitor to perform on a traditional Scottish snare drum. This level corresponds to Grades 1 and Open/Professional in other piping and drumming associations.
1.5.3 Tenor Drumming Levels
TENOR DRUMMER LEVEL 1: Any pipe band medley 3 to 5 minutes in length. The tenor drummer competitor may have a piper, pipers, or even an entire pipe band accompany him, as well as use any audio recording of a piper, pipers, or a pipe band during his performance. The tenor drummer competitor to perform with a traditional Scottish tenor drum. This level corresponds to Grades 4, 3, and 2 in other piping and drumming associations.
TENOR DRUMMER LEVEL 1: Any pipe band medley 3 to 8 minutes in length. The tenor drummer competitor may have a piper, pipers, or even an entire pipe band accompany him, as well as use any audio recording of a piper, pipers, or pipe band accompany him during his performance. The tenor drummer competitor to perform on a traditional Scottish tenor drum. This level corresponds to Grade 1 and Open/Professional in other piping and drumming associations.
1.5.4 BASS DRUM: No levels are recognized for this event by the CCPBC. The Bass Drummer Competitor should have his or her entire pipe band, or as many members of his or her pipe band accompany him during his performance. Audio recording of other pipe bands may also be used as accompaniment by the bass drummer competitor.
1.5.5 DRUM MAJOR: No levels are recognized for this event by the CCPBC. Drum Major solo contests shall follow established drum major contest requirements and rules established by other piping and drumming associations.
1.6 The CCPBC Contest sponsor may elect to have any one, all, or none of the above solo competition contests. The CCPBC Contest Sponsor may also cancel any solo competition contest or contests if there are not enough entries.
1.7 The CCPBC Contest Sponsor may require entry fees from solo competitors to solo contests in advance. The CCPBC recommends and encourages field entries when ever possible to encourage as much solo competitor participation as possible.
2. CCPBC Board of Directors and CCPBC Solo Contest Sponsor Responsibilities at CCPBC Recognized Solo Contests:
2.1 The CCPBC Board of directors and the CCPBC Contest Sponsor are required to work together to assure that CCPBC solo contests are fair and open to all solo competitors that have entered, or desire to enter CCPBC recognized solo competitions.
2.1.1 The CCPBC Contest Sponsor Member should notify the CCPBC Board of Directors of the names of the adjudicators proposed for the solo contests for approval by the CCPBC Board of Directors. Proposed adjudicators may be from any other recognized piping and drumming association in the categories for which they have been designated. CCPBC Contest Sponsors may also choose adjudicators from the approved CCPBC Adjudicator Roster in the categories for which they have been designated. Pipers and drummers with recognized credentials may also be proposed for review and approval by the CCPBC Board od Directors to adjudicate CCPBC solo contests in the categories for which they are known to have expertise. The CCPBC Board of Directors is expected to assist the CCPBC Contest Sponsor Member with these determinations.
2.1.3 The CCPBC Contest Sponsor Member is expected to work with the CCPBC Executive Secretary and/or CCPBC webmaster to post a notice of the solo contests offered along with an entry form for use of solo competitors entering the contests. A downloadable entry form or internet reply contest entry form is suggested. Solo competitor entry fees may be required by the CCPBC Contest Sponsor Member which may be paid in advance or at the CCPBC Contest Sponsor Member Table the day of, or days of the solo contest. Field entries for solo contests are recommended by the CCPBC to encourage as much participation as possible in solo contests. Solo competitors that have not paid entry fees if required may be disqualified by the CCPBC Contest Sponsor.
2.1.4 The CCPBC Contest Sponsor member is expected to designate areas large enough to accommodate the solo competitors and solo adjudicators for their competition performances. The designated areas should be designed to eliminate crowd interference with the solo competitor and the adjudicator. The CCPBC Board of Directors. Or any members present thereof shall assist the CCPBC Contest Sponsor member with these determinations.
2.1.5 Adjudicators at CCPBC shall make all decisions regarding the first, second, and third place winners of CCPBC recognized solo contests. All complete CCPBC solo contest evaluation forms shall be handed to the CCPBC Contest Sponsor upon completion of each solo event. The CCPBC Contest Sponsor upon receipt of the solo contest evaluation forms shall make two copies of each. One copy is for the Contest Sponsor’s records. One copy is for the CCPBC Executive Secretary. The last copy, or original copy, is for the solo competitor. The CCPBC Contest Sponsor shall make results of the solo competitions available the day of such contests. The CCPBC Executive Secretary shall post the results of the solo contests on the CCPBC website within 10 days of the solo contests.
2.1.6 The CCPBC Contest Sponsor is expected to have enough stewards or persons available to assist with keeping the solo contests running without significant delays. Solo competitors are expected to be punctual in the appearances to perform. Any solo competitor causing delays, or not cooperating with stewards or persons responsible for keeping contest running without delays may be disqualified by the CCPBC Contest Sponsor and/or the adjudicator.
2.2 Electronic or internet solo contests may be held and are encouraged. Any CCPBC Contest Sponsor Member should work with the CCPBC Board of Directors to devise rules and categories for solo electronic or internet contests to assure such contest are fair and within recognized norms for solo contests. The CCPBC Contest Rules where applicable shall apply to any CCPBC electronic or internet solo contests, or contests recognized and sponsored by any member of the CCPBC.
3. Solo Adjudicator Requirements:
3.1 All adjudicators are expected to perform their duties in a professional manner and in appropriate highland dress.
3.2 Adjudicators at CCPBC solo contest are required to utilize the CCPBC Solo Evaluation Forms provided. CCPBC Solo Evaluation Forms are a single sheet. After the forms have been turned into the CCPBC Contest Sponsor along with determinations of which competitors are first, second, and third, the CCPBC Contest Sponsor shall make two copies of the forms: 1 copy for the Contest Sponsor’s records; 1 copy for the CCPBC records; and the original form for the solo competitor. Adjudicators should write their comments legibly so that they may be easily read and understood. No derogatory, vulgar, or profane comments are allowed.
SECTION III: Massed Bands
1. General Requirements:
1.1 Massed Bands are an important feature of Highland Gatherings and Games. It is essential that all pipe bands participating in CCPBC recognized pipe band contests participate fully in Massed Bands. Bands participating in CCPBC Massed Bands events shall wear appropriate and traditional highland dress. Bands not in appropriate or traditional highland dress, not appearing with sufficient numbers of musicians, that appear late for formations, or otherwise disrupt Massed Bands may be disqualified by the CCPBC Contest Sponsor. Egregious misbehavior by pipe bands, or members thereof at Massed Bands may lead to suspensions from CCPBC recognized contests for the remainder of the contest season.
1.2 Tunes for Massed Bands at CCPBC are as follows:
Scotland the Brave, Rowan Tree, and No Awa Tae Bide Awa as a set
Highland Laddie
Amazing Grace
Green Hills of Tyrol and When the Battle is Over as a set
2. CCPBC Contest Sponsor and CCPBC Board of Directors Requirements:
2.1 The CCPBC Contest Sponsor shall designate the times and area for Massed Bands. The area designated shall be large enough for the pipe bands to assemble and line up, march onto, and to stand in formation. The CCPBC Board of Directors, and any members thereof at the CCPBC recognized contest shall assist the CCPBC Contest Sponsor with these determinations.
Adopted February 19, 2023