2018 TMA Policy Manual

 

 

Mission Statement

 

TriState Marching Arts is an organization that serves to educate and support indoor performing units. Member units of the circuit are from scholastic and independent groups in the Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia region. The organization is dedicated to providing performance opportunities to all interested units.

 

WE SEEK:

 

To foster positive experiences for all who participate, by promoting education, creativity and freedom of expression through the unification of pageantry and the performing arts.

 

 

1. Organizational and Administrative Structure

 

1-1 The administration of the Circuit will be vested in a Board of Directors elected by the general membership at the annual meeting and the Executive Director appointed by the Board of Directors.

 

1-2 The Board of Directors will be composed of a five member Executive Board and a ten member Advisory Board.

 

The Executive Board will consist of –

                       

Executive Director

                        President

                        Vice President

                        Treasurer

                        Secretary

 

The Advisory Board will consist of –

 

(2)       Scholastic Representatives

(2)       Independent Representatives

(2)       Percussion Representatives

(4)       At-large Representatives

                                               

The Scholastic, Independent and Percussion Representatives must be affiliated with a unit in their classification. These representatives will assist the Executive Director in making sure all units in their classification are compliant with all entry and championship eligibility policies.

 

The At-Large Representatives are not required to be affiliated with a specific unit. These representatives may be individuals who have a background in the pageantry arts, but they are not currently working with one specific unit.

 

 

 

2. Administrative Duties

 

Executive Director	The Executive Director will plan, direct and review the total activities and operations of the TriState Marching Arts.  With approval of the Board of Directors, the Executive Director may appoint staff to assist in any areas of support.
President	The President will preside at all meetings of the membership and the Board of Directors.  The President will call the regular meetings and special meetings of the organization. The President may hold the office of a separate administrative position.
Vice President	The Vice President will perform all duties of the President in case of absence or disability of the President. The Vice President may hold the office of a separate administrative position.
Secretary	The Secretary will keep minutes of all meetings of the general membership and the meetings of the Board of Directors. The Secretary may hold the office of a separate administrative position.
Treasurer	The Treasurer will assume responsibility for all funds and financial records of the organization.  The Treasurer will issue financial reports at the meetings of the general membership and of the Board of Directors.  The Treasurer may hold the office of a separate administrative position.
Education Director	A member of the Board will serve as the Education Director and will be responsible for organizing and planning all educational activities and materials for the circuit.  The Education Director will work closely with the Education Director of the Judges Association to plan activities for circumstances where color guards and adjudicators may interact. This position is available to any member of the Board of Directors.
Task Force Committee	The Task Force Committee will consist of two members of the Board of Directors. The Task Force will reside in all judges’ reviews to represent the membership to ensure a fair and reasonable result.  The Task Force will carry out any other related duties deemed necessary by the Board of Directors.

 

3. Meeting and Elections

 

3-1 Voting Privileges      Each member unit has one vote.  A delegate may represent only one unit.  Therefore, units may assign a voting delegate when they have multiple units.  Multiple units must consist of different performing members. 

 

All members of the Board of Directors have one vote whether they are connected with a unit or not. The President will only vote in event of a tie.

 

3-2 Elections                        The Executive Board shall be elected from the current season board members prior to the general spring meeting. A board member can be elected to the Executive Board without being present at the meeting as long as they accept the nomination.

 

                                                The full membership will elect the Board of Directors at the annual spring meeting. 

 

For any member to run for the Board of Directors, copies of a resume stating experience and intent must be available to the full membership at the annual meeting.

 

3-3 Meetings                        3-3.1 A general membership meeting will be held once a year after TMA Championships.  This will be the forum for:

 

• Election of the Board of Directors
• Amendments to the Bylaws
• Reports from the Board
• Proposals for show sponsorship
• Other new business

 

3-3.2 The Board of Directors will meet prior to or following the general membership meeting. This will be the forum for:

 

• Election of the Executive Board of Directors
• New projects
• Budget for the following year
• Reports from the WGI Board Meeting
• Contest Calendar
• Contract with the judges’ association
• New business
• Goals and objectives

 

3-3.3 In the fall of each year, prior to November 30, the Board of Directors will meet.  This will be the forum for:

 

• Confirmation of the contest calendar
• Reports
• New business

 

 

 

3-4 Advisory Board           The advisory board to the TriState Marching Arts will be comprised of the Guard, Percussion & Winds Representatives. This advisory board would consist of all class medalists at Circuit Championships.  The advisory board would meet prior to the spring general membership meeting to discuss the past season in order to communicate with their representatives. This would help streamline related proposals for the general meeting as well as allowing TMA Guard, Percussion & Winds Representatives an opportunity to speak firsthand with the top directors in the circuit.

 

 

4. Judges Association and Assignments

                       

                                               

4-1 The Tri-State Judges Association will adjudicate all TMA contests, until the Board of Directors deems replacement is necessary. All judging panels will be decided and controlled solely by the President of the Judges Association.   If issues arise concerning assignments, the President of the Judges Association should be notified and all input will be taken into consideration.

 

4-2 Any unit may request judges outside the Tri-State Judges Association. This written request should be given to the President of the Judges Association for consideration. Once the request is filed, issues of availability, cost to the sponsor, and current assignments will be taken into account.

 

 

5. Review Boards and Appeal Process

 

 

Policy for Appeals             In the event a unit director / representative wishes to file an appeal of circuit policy they must formally write the President of the circuit. Forms may be available for some routine appeals but a letter indicating the policy and reason for appeal may also be sufficient.  Appeals must indicate the extenuating circumstances prohibiting policy compliance so a situation can be properly assessed and a sound decision can be made that benefit all the stakeholders of the organization.  The circuit wishes to be fair in all policing and processing of policy.

 

Penalties                               Should a unit director / representative wish to file a formal protest regarding penalties; the process is as follows:

 

1. Verbally notify the contest director immediately of this intent.

 

1. Write a formal letter of protest to the President of TriState and the unit director / representative will have the opportunity of appearing before the Task Force Committee and a representative of the appropriate Judges Association.

 

6. Adjudication

 

Should a unit director / representative wish to file a formal protest concerning a particular judge, the process is as follows:

 

1. The instructor’s critique sheet and the judge’s commentary must be turned into the contest director or directly to the Judge’s Association within one week of the contest date.

 

1. Upon receiving two formal complaints, from two different units, a review committee will be convened.

 

1. This committee will consist of the President of the Judges Association, Education Director of the Judges Association, Caption Chairperson and the Task Force Committee.

 

1. Action taken at the review may range from discussion at the review board with no additional action taken, to removal of the judge from that particular class until adequate additional education is completed

 

1. If a member of the committee is the adjudicator of concern, another Board Member of the Judges Association for this review will replace the adjudicator.

 

1. If the unit director / representative filing the complaint is a Task Force Committee member, a replacement of the Board of Directors will be called to serve on the review board.

 

 

 

7. Contest Procedures

                       

7-1 Membership fees

Early Registration	For All Classes
Base membership  without championships	$600
Base membership with championships	$800
Late Registration	After December 31st
For all Classes
Base membership without Championships:	$700
Base membership with Championships	$900
Guest unit – Regular Season   Guest unit – Championships	$80 per show (limit 2 shows)   $200 (limited number available)
ALL Entry fees are non-refundable

 

7-2 Surety Bond          All member units must have a surety bond ($50) on deposit in order to compete

 

7-2.1 Any member unit that withdraws from a contest within 14 days will forfeit their surety bond to TMA.

 

                                                          7-2.2 Units that fail to appear at contest for which they are scheduled will be required to forfeit the $50 Surety Bond.  A new Surety Bond must be posted prior to their next competition.  If a unit chooses to not pay the Bond after missing a scheduled competition it will be placed on probation until the matter is resolved.

 

7-2.3 Missed contests due to severe weather and/or the decision by the School Corporation to not allow the unit to compete are exempt from this procedure. Verification must be presented to the TMA Executive Board by the building principal. 

 

7-2.4 All fines fees or bills of any kind due to the TMA must be paid in advance of participation in the TMA Championship competition.  Fines can only be waived by a vote of the TMA Executive Board.

 

7-2.5 Surety Bonds for active member units are carried over from year to year.  Surety bonds are refundable if a unit is not competing for one year.  The unit must make a written request prior to the next competing season.   If the surety bond isn’t requested the unit will forfeit the bond to TMA.

 

7-3 Show Entries

The TriState Marching Arts Office will send an email once contests and sites have been posted on the website. The deadline for committing to contest entries each season is determined by the Executive Board and announced at the fall meeting. Members are responsible for staying informed of deadlines and important circuit dates.

 

1. Late fees for membership start with payments made on or after January 1^st.

 

1. All entries can be made after payment has been received and as soon as possible to allow show sponsors to plan for the contest, based on the number of units scheduled to attend.

 

 

1. The entry deadline is three weeks prior to the show date.  Late entries are assessed a $30 additional fee to be paid prior to show date which will be dedicated to the scholarship fund.

 

1. You will receive information about the show that you have entered a week prior to the contest.

 

1. Order of appearance at each show is done by a random draw based on the order of postmark. Entries with fees received prior to the December 31^st deadline will be placed in the first draw. Performance order will be set for all shows. Entries received after December 31^st will not be eligible for a draw and will be scheduled first in their class.

 

1. All units will draw a performance number and be placed in the appropriate class according to that number. Any movement between classes the unit will be slotted according to the performance number rather than being slotted first because of a class change.

 

1. For all classes and all shows, including championships, when a class has 10 or more units competing in a class the class will be divided into two rounds according to the units draw number for regular season shows or their seeding for Championships.

 

1. No entries will be accepted after noon 14 days prior to the contest

 

1. One show a season, the Junior Class performances will be moved to right before the morning awards. Show to be determined by the Executive Director

 

1. Deadline for entry to Championships –January 15

 

7-4 Contest Site

7-4.1

Guard -For the purpose of interpretation, the “competition area” shall measure a minimum of sixty by ninety (60’ x 90’) feet and does not include entry ramps, hallways, bleachers or seating area. Units are permitted to utilize the entire competition area for their performance. Units may not use “floors” (tarps) larger than sixty by ninety (60’ x 90’) feet. All props must be in the designated competition area. There can be no equipment choreography outside the competition area. All performers must begin within the designated competition area.

 

Percussion - For the purpose of interpretation, the “competition area” shall measure a minimum of sixty by ninety (60’ x 90’) feet and does not include entry ramps, hallways, nor any bleachers or seating area. Ensembles are permitted to utilize the entire designated competition area for their performance. Ensembles may not use “floors” (tarps) larger than sixty by ninety (60’ x 90’) feet. All props must be in the designated competition area. There can be no choreography outside the competition area. All performers must begin within the designated competition area.

 

Winds - For the purpose of interpretation, the “competition area” shall measure a minimum of sixty by ninety (60’ x 90’) feet and does not include entry ramps, hallways, nor any bleachers or seating area. Ensembles are permitted to utilize the entire designated competition area for their performance. Ensembles may not use “floors” (tarps) larger than sixty by ninety (60’ x 90’) feet. All props must be in the designated competition area. There can be no choreography outside the competition area. All performers must begin within the designated competition area.

 

 

7-4.2 Upon arrival at a contest, unit directors or representatives are to immediately sign in at the registration desk. Unit directors / representatives should turn in your music at this time. The unit director or representative must also confirm their number of performing members at this time. The number of performers that a unit director or representative confirms at unit check in will be verified by the T&P judge on the performance floor. If a discrepancy is found, it will be investigated and the unit could lose their surety bond.

 

7-4.3 All performing members and ten (10) additional staff members will be admitted at check-in.  Each staff person will receive a wristband for admittance.  This must be done as a group admission.  Units will also receive 2 director/staff name badges per unit.

 

7-4.4 All equipment is taken to the assigned area.  The contest sponsor will assign dressing rooms or hall space.  Units are to make sure to keep your equipment neat and organized in the room or hallway provided.  Neither the TriState Marching Arts nor the contest sponsor is responsible for items left in the rooms or hallway.

 

7-4.5 There is absolutely no cooking or smoking in any of the buildings.

 

7-4.6 The circuit provides a tarp for all contests. Tarp size is at least 60’ x 90’.

 

7-5 Music

Show music may be provided on a CD or thumb/flash drive.  Directors/Staff are to bring a backup copy of your music to all contests.  If you are using any other type of equipment, MP3 player, Ipods etc. you must bring it and hook it into the TMA sound system. TMA will not be responsible for the operation of your equipment.

 

TMA will download your soundtrack onto Apple notebook and keep your music on file. It will be the units’ responsibility to maintain a current soundtrack with the TMA staff.  **There should be no more than a 15-second time lapse between when the CD starts and the music begins.**

 

Current TMA Sound Equipment -

Laptop CD Player

Amp: Mackie 400 Watt 6 Channel Mixer Amplifier

Speakers: 4 Fender Speakers

Apple notebook for soundtrack playback

 

++Winds and Percussion Units will have a designated area for Audio Engineers in the upper level somewhere toward the upstairs judges, possibly between the Effect and Music Judges.  This area will be marked off by the TMA staff prior to the start of the event.

 

 

 

7-6 Eligibility               

                                      7-6.1 Color Guards, Wind units & Percussion lines must be composed of members not more than 22 years of age as of the date of the Winter Guard International Championships.  Independent Open Guard may be composed of members not more than 23 years of age. Each unit appearing at any TMA Contest must be prepared to prove all members’ ages. (Birth certificates need to be shown if requested). Independent World guards have no age restrictions.

 

                                      7-6.2 Scholastic units must have their total membership from the same schools or feeder schools.  Be prepared to show proof of enrollment if requested.

 

                                      7-6.3 Independent color guards may only use members of a high school if no current color guard at that high school exists or with written permission from the Director of the program.

 

                                      7-6.4 No member can compete in more than one color guard at the same contest.  No color guard member can compete with any line unit.

 

                                      7-6.5 No guard may compete with less than five or more than 30 members on the floor of competition at one time.  World guards may compete with a maximum of 40 members.  Percussion lines must have at least six competing members and marching Wind ensembles must have a minimum of ten (10) members on the floor at any time including the student conductor.

 

7-7 Critique                    

                                        At the close of a contest, a critique may occur at the discretion of the Contest Director or President of the Judges Association.

 

                                        A unit’s entire staff may attend the critique with the judges only after the director/staff have listened to their judges comments. Recaps will be distributed to the unit representatives at the tabulation table.  The critique will start at a designated time as per the TMA contest schedule or the conclusion of the competition as determined by the contest director and/or the Chief Judge of each contest.

 

                                        An email will be sent to units two weeks prior to the scheduled contest and units must sign up for critique.  Units who wish to attend critique must respond to the email by the deadline with their intent to attend critique and will be assigned a specific critique time based on their performance order.  If you are not present at the critique area entrance at your assigned time and your name is called then you will go to the end of the list. Critiques could last up to 20 minutes with no more than 5 minutes with each of the judges or group of judges.

 

7-8 Equipment Regulations            

There must be proper protective covering of all contest equipment so to avoid floor damage at competitive sites.  The following regulations will be strictly enforced at all circuit contests.  All contest equipment, including footwear will be inspected before a unit enters the contest area.  Any unit not adhering to the following regulations may be disqualified.

 

7-8.1 Footwear - All footwear must have a light (white, tan or clear) crepe rubberized bottom.  It is also recommended that competition footwear not be worn outdoors between contests. The soles may pick up stones and gravel which could cause injury or floor damage.  Check all soles before going to the inspection area. (Gym shoes, gymnastic and ballet slippers are exempt from this rule.)  Dance shoes are recommended.

 

7-8.2 Equipment - All equipment, rifles, flag poles, and sabers must be covered with synthetic crepe or foam. All sabers’ tips must be padded and taped.  Hand guards and top of the handle should be padded and taped.

 

7-8.3 Flag Poles - Good condition crutch tips or something similar will be required on the top and bottom of every working flag pole.

 

7-8.4 Props - Props must be padded so as not to scar or cause damage to the contest floor. All carts and percussion equipment with wheels must be clean of debris and be freewheeling.  Do not drag timpani pedals across the floor.

 

Exercise Caution by Padding Anything That Might Cause Damage to the Contest Floor.

 

 

7-9 Tabulation and Judges

Unit directors, representatives, parents or staff are not to consult judges at anytime before or during a contest. Questions relating to the actual contest are directed to the Contest Director.  No one, other than the official contest personnel, will be allowed in the tabulating area.

 

7-10 Copyright                  

TriState Marching Arts (TMA) requires all participating groups to comply with copyright laws regarding performance. This includes the use of arrangements of copyrighted music and visual images; furthermore, it also includes other materials such as: the use of copyrighted audio, spoken text as well as the display of copyrighted words and images.  If copyright violation is found to exist disqualification may occur. 

 

Due to copyright regulations, video tapping of unit performances are strictly prohibited. TMA will not provide performance DVDs to any unit nor provide a video pass. Units competing in TMA events take full responsibility for any copyright violations involving the video recording and sharing of their competition performance.

 

For additional resources on copyrights, please see the WGI manual for your division – color guard, percussion or winds.

 

 

8. Unit Classifications

 

 

Color Guards

 

8-1 Classification 

8-1.1 A Junior class will exist ONLY for Middle School programs.

 

8-1.2 Scholastic Regional A-2 class exists for high school guards wishing to compete on the Regional A sheet.

 

8-1.3 The Junior Class, Scholastic Regional A-2 and Scholastic Regional A class will compete on the Regional A sheets.

 

8-1.4 The A class will be divided into 2 section – Scholastic A, Scholastic A-2, all competing on the A class sheet.

 

8-1.5 Scholastic A class will be comprised of any guard that scored an 80 or above at the previous year’s TMA Championship competition.

 

8-1.6 Scholastic A-2 class will be comprised of any unit in A class that scored between 79.9 and 70 at the previous year’s TMA Championship competition.  Any Scholastic Regional A class will be promoted to Scholastic A-2 if they score an 80 or above at the previous year’s TMA Championship competition or if they medaled in Scholastic Regional A class in the previous year’s TMA Championship competition.

 

8-1.7 Scholastic Regional A class is comprised of any Regional A class unit that scored between 79.9 and 70 at the previous year’s TMA Championship competition and all Scholastic Regional A-2 class medalists from the previous year’s TMA Championship competition.

 

8-1.8 All units must declare their classification on or before the date specified by TMA in mailings and web site announcements. Members are responsible for staying informed of deadlines and important circuit dates.

 

8-1.9 Units that have scored below the minimum standard score in their classification have the option to remain in that class or move down. This is at the unit Director’s discretion.

Scholastic Classes:

 

8-2.1 Junior Class (JC)   

Members must be in the 8^th grade and below. Members are enrolled in the same Middle School or an elementary school that feeds directly into the middle school. The emphasis of this class is introductory skills with a focus on training. Evaluation will be on WGI Regional A sheet with Regional A timing guidelines.

 

8-2.2 Scholastic Regional A-2 (SRA-2) 

This class is for the very inexperienced performers who are just entering the performance arena for the first time.  Show concept, equipment and movement skill are at an introductory level. Emphasis is on training. Evaluation will be on WGI Regional A sheet with Regional A timing guidelines. The intent of this class is a starting point for a unit.

 

8-2.3 Scholastic Regional A (SRA) 

This class is for performers with beginning vocabulary and achievement skills that can progress beyond the introductory level. Evaluation will be on WGI regional A criteria with Class Regional A timing guidelines.  If a unit is promoted from SRA to SA-2, minimum equipment and performance will be waived.

 

8-2.4 Scholastic A-2 (SA-2)

This class should have beginning vocabulary, program concept, and achievement levels and are ready to incorporate intermediate levels. Evaluation will be on WGI A criteria with Class A timing guidelines

 

8-2.5 Scholastic A (SA)

This class is for units that does or could compete nationally. The performers accomplish beginning vocabulary, programs, and achievement levels consistently and are ready to incorporate intermediate levels. Evaluation will be on WGI A criteria with Class A timing guidelines

 

8-2.6 Scholastic Open (SO)

This class should have intermediate vocabulary, programs, and achievement levels and ready to incorporate advanced levels.  Evaluation will be on WGI Open class criteria with Open class timing guidelines

 

 

8-2.7 Scholastic World (SW)

This class incorporates advanced vocabulary, program concepts, and achievement levels. This is the highest level of competition.  Evaluation will be on WGI World class criteria with World class timing guidelines

 

Independent Classes:

8-2.8 Independent Regional A (IRA).

This class is for the very inexperienced performers who are just entering the performance arena for the first time.  Show concept, equipment and movement skill are at an introductory level.  Emphasis is on training.  Evaluation will be on WGI Regional A sheet with Regional A timing guidelines.  The intent of this class is a starting point for a unit.

 

8-2.9 Independent A (IA).

This class should have beginning vocabulary, program concept, and achievement levels and ready to incorporate intermediate levels.  Evaluation will be on WGI A criteria with Class A timing guidelines.

 

8-2.10 Independent Open (IO)

This class should have intermediate vocabulary, programs, and achievement levels and ready to incorporate advanced levels.  Evaluation will be on WGI Open class criteria with Open class timing guidelines

 

8-2.11 Independent World (IW)

This class incorporates advanced vocabulary, program concepts, and achievement levels. It is the highest level of competition.  Evaluation will be on WGI World class criteria with World class timing guidelines

 

                8-3 Promotion             

 

                                                        8-3.1 Units will be promoted to the next appropriate classification by a series of numerical triggers. If the unit receives a gross score that is equal to or higher than the promotion score for that weekend, they will be promoted.  The unit must receive a promotion score from three of the five adjudicators with representation from the downstairs and the upstairs captions.  Units will only be promoted one classification per weekend. Upon achieving promotion scores, a meeting with the judges and directors will take place to review the decision on site as overseen by the contest directors.

 

8-3.2 The unit may be scheduled into their next show in the new class.

 

8-3.3* Promotions are viable through January and February unless it is a one of the unit’s first shows.  Starting in March, there will be no groups promoted and groups that have been promoted will have to compete in their new class at least one time in order to receive the correct seeding for finals

 

8-3.4 Recognition of the unit’s accomplishment will be made at circuit championships

 

8-3.5 Task Force committee will review unit’s performances after championships to determine if any units are ready to join the next higher classification.

 

	Week 1	Week 2	Week 3	Week 4	Week 5	Week 6	Week 7	Week 8
SRA to SA-2	82	84	86	88	90	92* - NP	NP	NP
SA -2 to SA SRA-2 to SRA	66	68	70	72	74	76* - NP	NP	NP
SA to Open	82	84	86	88	90	92* - NP	NP	NP
Block Score	76	78	80	82	83.5	85* - NP	86.5	88

*See rule 8-3-3

8-3.6 A unit must declare their classification at the beginning of the season with the option of switching classification once until February 15. After February 15, units wishing to move can only go up a class with the approval Review Board committee.

 

8-3.7 This decision can be appealed to the Review board committee prior to February 15 of the following year.

 

8-3.8 Any unit misclassified will be reclassified by the decision of the TriState Marching Arts Board of Directors.

 

8-3.9 Any unit may submit a request to the Board of Directors to move down a class if they score 20 points below the promotion number for that weekend with exception of the last three weekends prior to championships unless it is the unit’s 1^st show.

 

                8-4 Unit Timing Overview Guards

Class	Max. performance time	Min. performance time	Interval time	Equipment time
World	7.5 Minutes	4 Minutes	10 Minutes	3.5 Minutes
Open	6.5	4	9	3.5
A,  A-2	5.5	4	8	3.5
SRA, SRA-2, IRA	4.5	3	7	3
Junior	4.5	3	7	3

 

 

8-5 Percussion Lines

 

There are basically two types of percussion lines; scholastic and independent units.  They are divided into separate classes based on the abilities of the percussion lines.  Exhibition performances do not count towards championship requirements.

 

8-5.1 Percussion Adjudication       

The Percussion Focus show and Championships will have a double panel assigned to these shows.

 

1. Percussion lines will be allowed to compete from the first competitive weekend of the season.
2. The amount of adjudicators for percussion will be determined by the amount of lines attending.
3. If there are one or two lines, one judge will be utilized on PA (visual and GE will be covered by guard judges).   If percussion is on first, critique will begin ½ hour after last line is on.  It will be an ”Open Critique”, where members will be allowed to attend if the director allows.  Normal rules apply if percussion is on last.
4. If there are three - five percussion lines, one judge will be utilized on PA (visual and GE will be covered by guard judges).  “Open Critique” will be offered as in the previous step.
5. If there are six or more total percussion lines (moving + concert), two percussion judges will be used, one on PA and the other GE.  If three are LESS than six moving lines, VIS will be supplied by an attending guard judge (i.e. – 4 moving lines, two concert lines? VIS judge comes from guard panel).  If there are six or more moving lines, a separate visual judge will be provided and will be available for the full percussion critique.
6. If the number of lines at a show is borderline to one of the boundaries, the judges association would like to maintain the ability to negotiate with the organization to adjust the scale depending on the quality of lines at the show, guard judge availability, or some other reason. 
7. Any percussion unit promoted during the season will automatically be placed at the start of a class during Circuit Championships IF less than 2 contests were attended in that class. Otherwise, the promoted class scores will be put through the seeding process and the unit’s start time will reflect this. All scores received in the old class will be withdrawn, so as not to effect the new seeding.

 

Scholastic Classes:                

8-5.2 Marching World Class

This class demonstrates a high degree of physical development with all the performers contributing a high level of performance skills.  Standards of excellence are at the highest level or potential for the highest level. These programs are unique, innovative and are trendsetters.

 

8-5.3 Marching Open Class

This is an intermediate level of performers and skills.  Students explore new challenges through performance and learn more complex skills as the season progresses. Design is moderately advanced, emphasizing advanced performance skills. Visual design and presentation may not yet be at the world level.

 

8-5.4 Marching A Class

Ensembles are the younger intermediate developed performers.  Performance and design skills are at the intermediate or moderately advanced level. Design is geared to develop the maximum performance level of the performers. Visual design is of the moderate level.

 

                8-5.5 Marching A2 Class

Ensembles are the younger less developed performers. Performance and design skills are at the basic to intermediate level. Performers exhibit intermediate to moderate skills. Design is at the fundamental to intermediate level

.

8-5.6 Marching B Class

This is a beginning level line with basic skills not competing on the National level. Strictly for novice type lines. Performance and design skills are at the basic to fundamental level.

Three solid backdrops allowed (one on back sideline, one on each side of the
floor). Each backdrop must be one piece. Cannot be moved once show starts.

No tarps or floor draping allowed. Only items specific to helping set positions,
such as cones, will be allowed on the floor.

 

8-5.7 Concert Class - for A, Open and World classes

This class is for those scholastic percussion groups through the 12th grade that wish to concentrate on concert literature, using the above guidelines for class criteria.  Instrumentation must be oriented to the performance of concert style literature.  This is not a marching class.  Movement will be permitted only when performers change equipment or to allow for better presentation of the musical performance.  

 

Independent Classes:           

 

8-5.8       Marching World Class – uses the same criteria for Scholastic World Class

 

8-5.9       Marching Open Class – uses the same criteria for Scholastic Open Class

 

8-5.10    Marching A Class – uses the same criteria for Scholastic A Class

 

8-5.11                                    Concert Class –    This class is for those independent units who wish to concentrate on concert literature.  Instrumentation must be oriented to the performance of concert style literature. This is not a marching class.

 

8-6 Unit Timing Overview Percussion

Class	Max. performance time	Min. performance time	Interval time
World	8 Minutes	4 Minutes	11 Minutes
Open	7	4	10
A, A2	6	4	9
B	5	4	8

 

 

 

8-7 Winds               

There are basically two types of winds units; scholastic and independent units.  They are divided into separate classes based on the abilities of the winds unit.  Exhibition performances do not count towards championship requirements.

 

8-7.1 Winds Equipment and Instrumentation

 For the protection of wooden competition floors, all equipment must be properly taped or otherwise be prepared to assure that damage to the floors will not occur. Inspection will occur at all contests. Any damage to the floor that may occur (dragging timpani, wheels on carts locking, etc.), will be the responsibility of the marching winds group and is subject to penalty.

 

8-7.2       Definitions of authorized equipment:

1. Instruments typically utilized and recognized as part of a band or orchestra, including electronic instruments, are allowed.
2. Marching winds groups may manipulate their soundboard by using a remote-controlled wireless device through a self-supplied wireless network. WGI will provide an area in or near the upstairs judging area for one designated staff member to adjust the mix using wireless technology. The soundboard must remain in the competition area. A performer in the competition area must control all lighting.
3. Marching winds groups may use any electrical device within their program deemed safe by the Contest Administrator. The Contest Administrator has the ultimate decision regarding safety of any device in consultation with the Director of Winds and/or Executive Director. Groups should consult with the Director of Winds prior to using any equipment not specifically defined in these rules. Group will assume any liability for issues arising out of the use of said electrical devices.
4. Battery operated devices using common off-the-shelf flashlight batteries (AA, AAA, AAAA, C, D, N, 9V and button cells) are allowed. Devices using dry-cell secondary “rechargeable batteries”, including cell phones, cameras, MP3 players and computers are also allowed. 
5. Car and/or truck batteries are not permitted.

 

8-7.3 Definitions of prohibited equipment:

1. No pyrotechnics, discharge of arms, pressurized canisters, dangerous materials, flammable liquids or gas will be permitted in or around the competition area. Smoke machines and/or compressed air apparatuses will not be permitted.
2. Gasoline, electric or manual powered generators will not be allowed.
3. Use of lasers and flashcubes (electrical and chemical) will not be permitted.
4. Use of live animals is not permitted.
5. Use of powder, dirt or any other substance that lingers in the competition area past the interval time of the marching wind group shall be strictly prohibited.
6. Use of helium, including helium-filled balloons, shall be strictly prohibited.
7. No motorized vehicles will be allowed except for motorized wheelchairs used by disabled performers.

 

8-7.4 Props

Props built and/or used, including drum major podiums, that measure over six feet (6’) high and are used in such a way that result in a participant whose feet are more than six feet (6’) above the competition area must have appropriate safety railings in place. Participants are prohibited from jumping or leaping off any prop that exceeds six feet (6’) in height unless protective padding is in place or other adequate safety precautions are taken.

 

 

Scholastic Classes:                

 

8-7.5 World Class

This class demonstrates a high degree of physical development with all the performers contributing a high level of performance skills.  Standards of excellence are at the highest level or potential for the highest level. These programs are unique, innovative and are trendsetters.

 

8-7.6 Open Class

This is an intermediate level of performers and skills.  Students explore new challenges through performance and learn more complex skills as the season progresses. Design is moderately advanced, emphasizing advanced performance skills. Visual design and presentation may not yet be at the world level.

 

8-7.7 A Class

Ensembles are the younger intermediate developed performers.  Performance and design skills are at the intermediate or moderately advanced level. Design is geared to develop the maximum performance level of the performers. Visual design is of the moderate level.

                 

Independent Classes:           

 

8-7.8       World Class – uses the same criteria for Scholastic World Class

 

8-7.9       Open Class – uses the same criteria for Scholastic Open Class

 

8-7.10    A Class – uses the same criteria for Scholastic A Class

 

 

8-8 Unit Timing Overview Percussion

Class	Max. performance time	Min. performance time	Interval time
World	8 Minutes	4 Minutes	11 Minutes
Open	7	4	10
A	6	4	9

 

 

8-9 Festival                       These units are limited to the discretion of the Executive Director and the Board members.  These units must follow the same guidelines as guards. Exhibition units pay fees as all other units

 

Units performing as a festival/exhibition unit will receive verbal commentary only (no scores) from the judging panel during the standard circuit season. These festival/exhibition units will perform at the start of their respective classes during the normal season. These units may also perform at circuit championships; however, they will not receive verbal commentary or scores. Units that participate in the circuit throughout the season will perform prior to the morning/first awards. Visiting units will perform prior to the evening/second awards.

Deadline to register for circuit Championships is January 15

 

 

 

 

9. Scholarship Guidelines:

 

9-1 The TriState Marching Arts offers a scholarship program that awards three (3) $500.00 scholarships, to deserving pageantry participants. The scholarships will be awarded to candidates based upon a 500-word essay, the content of which will be judged by a panel selected by the present TMA Board of Directors.

 

9-2 The following guidelines will be used to determine scholarship eligibility:

• Scholarships granted will be paid by check and written to the candidate and their school.
• Scholarships granted will not be less than 500.00 per candidate.
• Unless otherwise negated below, there will be one scholarship awarded to each the following groups:
  • Scholastic Guards
  • Independent Guards 
  • Percussion Units
• There will be a minimum of two scholarships awarded each season.
• There must be a minimum of 2 independent guard applicants before a separate Independent Guard Scholarship can be awarded.  Less than this and the Independent Guard applicants will be included with the Scholastic Guard Scholarship.
• There must be a minimum of 15 percussion units participating in the Circuit Championships to award a separate Percussion Scholarship.  Less than this will result in the loss of this scholarship and the inclusion of the applicants into the other two scholarships.
• A committee consisting of members representing the TriState Board, whose decisions will be final, will make selections.
• Scholarships will be granted for one year only. 
• Candidates may re-apply the following year, if all the guidelines are met.
• Scholarship winners will be announced at TMA Championships Finals.
• The candidate’s unit must be an active member of the TriState Marching Arts.
• The candidate's unit must attend the TMA Championships contest.
• Units are not limited to the number of candidate applications.
• Candidates must be high school seniors or already attending a college, university or technical school.
• Candidates must be active, marching members of a TMA unit.
• Candidates must submit a completed TMA Scholarship Application within a predefined time limit. *

Scholarship applications must all be original works by the candidates.  Misrepresentation, plagiarism, duplication or equivocating of applications will be considered fraud and will result in no less than disqualification of the applicant, revocation of awarded scholarships and up to criminal prosecution.

 

*Deadline dates will vary each year, and are based upon the circuit championships. Refer to the Scholarship Application for the current year's deadline date. Scholarship questions should be directed to the Circuit Treasurer or the Executive Director.

 

 

 

 

10. Circuit Championships

 

 

Deadline for entry to Championships –January 15

 

All Classes except World Class

Each color guard unit must compete in three TMA Circuit sponsored contests during the season in order to qualify for championships. The preview show, if offered, is not included as a competition. Color guard units that attend a WGI Regional event may count one WGI Regional event as a TMA show in order to meet the 3 show requirement for championships. The unit would therefore attend two regular TMA shows and one WGI Regional to meet their three show requirement in order to qualify for championships. In order to qualify for TMA championships units wishing to use the WGI regional must provide proof of WGI registration to the TMA Executive Director by January 15^th. Please note that the unit’s seeding for TMA Championships would be based only on the TMA events attended per our normal seeding process; WGI Regional scores would not impact a unit’s seeding for TMA.

 

All color guard units must attend one of the first three competitive shows of the season in order to be eligible for championships.

 

Percussion Units competing in WGI recognized classes are required to perform at two TMA Circuit sponsored events.

 

World Class only

Independent (IW) and Scholastic (SW) Winterguard and Independent Marching World (PIW), Scholastic Marching World (PSW) and Scholastic Concert World (PSCW) Championship qualification criteria: each Unit must perform at three (3) TriState venues, which can include Preview Show, if offered.

 

10-1 Circuit Championships will be a finals only event. Order of appearance will be based on a seeding process. The unit’s top 2 “add on” scores from regular season competitions will be used. An average of the unit’s scores from the same competitive weekend (Saturday/Sunday) will be used to create a single score. The two (or more) shows could still be used to fulfill the unit’s show requirements obviously, but only a single average score would count towards championship seeding. A “raw” score is defined as your score achieved before penalties.  To determine order of appearance at championships, those scores will be given a “ranking” based on a formula that attempts to fairly compare scores from different weeks from the season.

10-2 The season is comprised up to 9 or 8 weeks of competition. The weeks are numbered from 1 to 9 (the first weekend of contests is week number 1)

 

9 Week Season	Week 1	Week 2	Week 3	Week 4	Week 5	Week 6	Week 7	Week 8	Week 9
Points to be added to raw score	12	10.5	9	7.5	6	4.5	3	1.5	0
8 Week Season	Week 1	Week 2	Week 3	Week 4	Week 5	Week 6	Week 7	Week 8
	10.5	9	7.5	6	4.5	3	1.5	0

 

10-3 The formula is    Highest add on score =A

                                        Second highest add on score = B

                                        A+B = the ranking score

The resulting ranking list will be used to assign units to their order of appearance at championships. A comparison of the units’ single highest raw score will break any ties. If the tie still exists, a representative of the board will flip a coin to break the tie.

10-4 Championship Scheduling

The first championship weekend would be for the guard Scholastic Regional A-2, Scholastic Regional A, and Juniors.  The second championship weekend would be an all day event at one location for Guard Class SA-2 and all WGI recognized classes for Guard, and all Percussion Division and Winds Division classes. The gold medalists from the SRA and SRA-2 classes would be given an opportunity to perform, if time permits.

10-5 At Championships, if there are 10 or more units per classifications, they will be pulled into rounds based on the seeding splitting on odd numbers and even numbers to each round. Each round will have a bronze, silver and gold medal winner with the highest scoring guard in the class being recognized as the Grand Champion of the class. 

All polices and rules are subject to change at the Board of Director’s discretion.

Units will be notified of any changes through e-mail.