Following feedback from the Membership, the RSPBA Board of 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 2024 competition season, this will then be reviewed by the Music Board on the completion of the 2024 outdoor competition season.
The rationale for this continued 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 2024 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 we 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 & Sharon Smith
Board of Director Representatives to RSPBA Music Board
