Following feedback from the Membership, the RSPBA Board of Directors at the 15/04/2023 Board Meeting have approved the recommendation made by the Music Board to continue the 2022 easement in relation to player numbers only. https://rspba.org/2022/03/18/2022-competition-format-easement/
This extension to the easement is in relation to player numbers only, and will continue for the 2023 competition season, and will then be reviewed by the Music Board at the completion of the 2023 outdoor competition season.
The rationale for this extension to the easement is-
1. Some member bands continue to struggle for player numbers post pandemic.
2. There is an ongoing risk of individuals having to isolate if unwell, meaning bands having to withdraw at short notice, if below minimum player numbers.
Details
The number of performers in any given Grade, for the 2023 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 the Board of Directors recognise that this small adjustment can make all the difference to those bands affected by player numbers or who have a smaller complement of competition performers.
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
Paul McAndrew
Board of Director Representative to RSPBA Music Board
