The Music Board, through the Format Group, have revisited the playing requirements for the 2022 season to take into account the feedback they have received.
The Music Board informed the Bands of the playing requirements for the 5 Major Championships to be held during 2022 in a News Item on the 10th of December. The Music Board have considered the impact that Covid-19 is having on the ability of Bands to practice and prepare for the season ahead, as the uncertainty surrounding player availability should they succumb to Covid-19.
- Some bands have yet to resume full practice, due to the availability of suitable accommodation. Different policies are being applied across local authority areas, and some bands are meeting in smaller groups without the ability to have a full band practice, although there seems to be a fragmented picture across the UK.
- Bands have expressed concerns that a positive Covid test amongst its Band Members, where they are close to the minimum playing requirements, could mean they are unable to compete at a given Championship(s) due to lower numbers during this watershed era.
British Championships playing requirements
For the first Major Championship only, the British Championships at Battery Park on Sat. 21st May.
Where the playing requirements require a draw on the line in Grade One and Two, the Bands are to be permitted to play the Medley or MSR Set of their choice. Bands will be required to submit two sets as normal in line with the playing requirements already published for the Grade. (It was noted that this already happens at some minor and Branch Championship Contests.)
Band Numbers at all 2022 Major Championships
The number of performers in any given Grade, for the 2022 Major Championships, will be permitted to be the same minimum level as used in Minor Competitions as documented in Section 5 of the Reference Information on Competition Format, Number of Performers.
This change does not affect all grades, however this small adjustment can make all the difference to those affected by numbers or who have a smaller compliment of competition performers due to Covid-19.
Having taken account of the feedback and concerns, the Music Board recommendations have been accepted by the Board of Directors at the Post AGM Board Meeting on the 12th March 2022.
Malcolm Brown-Scott
Convenor of the Music Board
Major Championships
• Grade 1 – 8 Pipers, 3 Snare Drummers, 1 Bass Drummer
• Grade 2 – 6 Pipers, 2 Snare Drummers, 1 Bass Drummer
• Grade 3A – 6 Pipers, 2 Snare Drummers, 1 Bass Drummer
• Grade 3B – 6 Pipers, 2 Snare Drummers, 1 Bass Drummer
• Juvenile – 6 Pipers, 2 Snare Drummers, 1 Bass Drummer
• Grade 4A – 6 Pipers, 2 Snare Drummers, 1 Bass Drummer
• Grade 4 B – 6 Pipers, 2 Snare Drummers, 1 Bass Drummer
• Novice Juvenile A – 6 Pipers, 2 Snare Drummers, 1 Bass Drummer
• Novice Juvenile B – 6 Pipers, 2 Snare Drummers, 1 Bass Drummer
Minor Competitions
• Grade 1 – 8 Pipers, 3 Snare Drummers, 1 Bass Drummer
• Grade 2 – 6 Pipers, 2 Snare Drummers, 1 Bass Drummer
• Grade 3 – 6 Pipers, 2 Snare Drummers, 1 Bass Drummer
• Juvenile – 6 Pipers, 2 Snare Drummers, 1 Bass Drummer
• Grade 4 – 6 Pipers, 2 Snare Drummers, 1 Bass Drummer
• Novice Juvenile – 6 Pipers, 2 Snare Drummers, 1 Bass Drummer
