D-1. Membership and Band Rosters
↑ Top
D-1.1 Membership. All bands must list all player names on a band roster and submit the roster to the PPBSO administrator. Only players on the submitted roster may compete with the band. All band members must be current members of The Pipers' and Pipe Band Society of Ontario or an officially recognized Affiliated Organization. An exemption of up to two Competitions (one time only) may be allowed for a band that has never been registered with the Society for competition, and in this case a band roster must accompany the entry form.

D-1.2 Receipt of Memberships and Rosters. Band rosters must be received by February 1st in any year. Any member who fails to renew his or her membership by May 1st in any year will be ineligible to compete with the band until after the first Champion Supreme games of that year. Juvenile band rosters must provide date of birth for juvenile age players. Proof of age may be requested. A player on a lower-grade band roster that is also designated “developmental” on a higher-grade band roster may be allowed to compete up to three designated contests with the higher-grade band, only as set out in Appendix 2. [1991, 2007, 2009 Executive; 2000, 2008 AGM]

D-1.3 Grade Structure. Pipe Bands shall be divided into the following grades:

(a) Grade 1;

(b) Grade2;

(c) Grade 3;

(d) Grade 4; and

(e) Grade 5. [2001 AGM]

(f) Juvenile    [2006 AGM]

D-1.4 Pipe Band Grading.

(a) Based on the pipe Band rosters received in accordance with D-1.2, the Executive, as advised by the Music Board, shall notify any improperly graded pipe band of its proper grade by April 1st of that year.

(b) The notified pipe band shall be allowed four weeks to submit opposing arguments in writing to the Executive.

(c) A final decision shall be made by the Executive and provided in writing to the affected pipe band by June 1st of that year. [2000 AGM]

D-1.5 Grading Pipe Bands from Other Jurisdictions.

(a) Pipe bands from other jurisdictions shall play in the same grades in which they play in their own jurisdictions. [2000 AGM]

D-2. Transfers of Players Between Bands
↑ Top
D-2.1 Transfer Form. Players transferring from one band to another must use the Society transfer form and obtain the signatures of both Pipe Majors unless specifically exempted by the Executive. Developmental players listed on two band rosters, subject to D-1.2 and Appendix 2, are not considered to be transferring bands.

D-2.2 Transfers Prohibited. A player may not transfer into a band where he or she has already competed with another band at a PPBSO-sanctioned contest during that competition season. However, a new member having no previous association with a band during that season can join in mid-season.

D-2.3 Juvenile Bands.  Registered players may also join a juvenile band without having to transfer from the non-juvenile band, but then D-2.1 and D-2.2 apply to both bands. [2007 Executive]

D-2.4 Amending Band Rosters. Amended band rosters must be signed and dated by the Pipe Major or Band Manager and submitted to the PPBSO administrator. When a player has transferred from another band, D-2.1 applies and the transfer form must accompany the amended band roster. Players of eligible juvenile age on the roster of a Juvenile band may be on the roster of one non Juvenile band. [Executive 2007, 2009] 

D-2.5 Refusal to Release. If a band refuses to release a member, the member may take his or her complaint to the Executive. The Executive may allow the member to transfer when satisfied that equipment disputes have been resolved. Disputes related to owed sums of money are not within the authority of the Executive to resolve. [Executive, 1991, 1996]

D-3. Band Passes and Entries
↑ Top
D-3.1 Delivered in Advance. In agreement with the Games Committee, band passes for each games entered shall be sent or delivered to the bands at least two weeks in advance of the event. [1991 AGM]

D-3.2 Penalty for Withdrawal without Notice. Bands that have entered to play at a contest and wish to withdraw must notify the Society at least 48 hours prior to the contest. Failure to do so, subject to discretion by the Executive, will result in a fine levied by the Society of $200.00 and the band will not be permitted to compete again until the fine is paid in full. [2001 AGM]

D-4. Competition Draws and Playing Times
↑ Top
D-4.1 Registration Before Draw.

(a) Each band must register with the PPBSO Office on the day of the Competition prior to or at the time of the 11:00 a.m. meeting. Failure to do so prohibits the band from playing. In special circumstances, the Chief Steward may, at his or her discretion, allow such a band to play first in the Competition, provided that the order of play or the playing times of the other bands are not changed from those drawn.

(b) Bands requesting to play first in any contest must request to do so prior to the 11:00 a.m. meeting and will be considered subject to the discretion of the Executive, otherwise rule D-4.1 (a) applies. [2001 AGM]

D-4.2 Draw for Position and Playing Time. Draw for position and approximate playing time will normally take place at the PPBSO Office approximately one week before the games and will be announced at 11:00 a.m. on the day of the games. The draw for position and approximate playing time for Champion Supreme Games shall be made at least two weeks prior to the Contest and be announced at 11:00 a.m.. For Contests where bands play twice, the draw for each Contest shall be the same, and shall be drawn at least two weeks in advance of the Contest, andbe posted on the PPBSO website. [1988, 1994, 2001, 2004 AGMs]

D-4.3 Competition Start Time. Competitions usually start around 1:30 p.m., immediately after the first massed bands. Champion Supreme Competitions usually start one half hour after the first massed bands.

D-4.4 Competition Order. At all games, unless otherwise requested by the games committee, the order of competitions in each competition circle will be from the lowest grade band to the highest grade band in that circle. [2001 AGM]

D-5. Massed Bands
↑ Top
D-5.1 Requirement to Play in Massed Bands. As a condition for receiving expense money, all bands must take part in both massed band performances at approximately 1:00 p.m. and at the conclusion of the Competitions, unless exempted as specified below.

D-5.2 Exemption. The first two bands to play in each competition circle will normally be excused by the Society from the first massed bands. At designated Champion Supreme Contests, the first three bands will normally be excused by the Society from the first massed bands. [1994, 1996]

D-5.3 Minimum Number of Players. For first massed bands only, each band is required to field at least the minimum numbers of players required to compete within their particular grade. [1993 AGM]

D-5.4 Massed Band Drum Majors. Drum majors responsible for massed bands at PPBSO sanctioned Games must be pre-qualified by the PPBSO. [2004]

D-6. Minimum Numbers of Players
↑ Top
D-6.1 Minimums. At pipe band Competitions, each band must meet the minimum player requirements as listed below.

D-6.2 Grade 1:

Minimums for Grade 1 are 8 pipers, 3 side drummers, 1 bass and 2 tenors.  [2007 AGM]

D-6.3 Grade 2:

1. Minimums for Grade 2 are 6 pipers, 2 side drummers, and 1 bass 
2. Grade 2 pipe bands may add a higher grade piper as their Pipe Major only, in addition to the minimum 6 other pipers, provided that he or she is registered as their piping instructor
3. Grade 2 pipe bands may add a higher grade drummer as their lead drummer only, in addition to the minimum 2 other side drummers, providing that he or she is registered as their drumming instructor.
4. Grade 2 pipe bands may add a higher-grade drummer as their lead tenor drummer only, providing that he or she is registered as their tenor-drumming instructor. The band must also field at least two other tenor drummers. [1995, 2001, 2007, 2008 AGM]

D-6.4 Grade 3:

1. Minimums for Grade 3 are 5 pipers, 2 side drummers, 1 bass
2. Grade 3 pipe bands my add a higher grade piper as their Pipe Major only, in addition to the minimum 5 other pipers, provided that he or she is registered as their piping instructor
3. Grade 3 pipe bands may add a higher grade drummer as their lead drummer only, in addition to the minimum 2 other side drummers, providing that he or she is registered as their drumming instructor
4. Grade 3 pipe bands may add a higher-grade tenor drummer as their lead tenor drummer only, providing the player is registered as their tenor-drumming instructor. The band must also field at least one other tenor drummer. [1992, 2008 AGM]

D-6.5 Grade 4:

1. Minimums for Grade 4 are 5 pipes, 2 side drummers, 1 bass. Grade 4 pipe bands may add a higher grade piper as their Pipe Major, or Pipe Sergeant only, in addition to the minimum 5 other pipers, provided that he or she is registered as their piping instructor.
2. Grade 4 pipe bands may add a higher grade drummer as their lead drummer only, in addition to the minimum 2 other side drummers, providing that he or she is registered as their drumming instructor. 
3. Grade 4 pipe bands may add a higher grade tenor drummer as their lead tenor drummer only, providing the player is registered as their tenor-drumming instructor. The band must also field at least one other tenor drummer.[1992, 2006, 2008 AGM]

D-6.6 Grade 5:

1. Minimums for Grade 5 are 5 pipes, 2 side drummers, 1 bass
2. Grade 5 pipe bands may add a higher grade piper as their Pipe Major, or Pipe Sergeant only, in addition to the minimum 5 other pipers, provided that he or she is registered as their piping instructor
3. Grade 5 pipe bands may add a higher grade drummer as their lead drummer only, in addition to the minimum 2 other side drummers, providing that he or she is registered as their drumming instructor 
4. Grade 5 pipe bands may add a higher grade tenor drummer as their lead tenor drummer only, providing that the player is registered as their tenor drumming instructor. The band must also field at least one other tenor drummer.[2002 Executive, 2006, 2008 AGM]

D-6.7 Juvenile:

1. Minimum for Juvenile grade are 5 pipers, 2 side drummers, 1 bass, all of eligible juvenile age
2. Juvenile bands may add a non-juvenile piper as Pipe Major in addition to the minimum 5 juvenile age pipers
3. Juvenile bands may add a non-juvenile drummer as their lead drummer in addition to the minimum 2 juvenile age side drummers.  [2006 AGM]

D-7. Substitute Bass Drummer
↑ Top
D-7.1 Procedure for Selection. In the event of a bass drummer being unable to compete with their band a temporary replacement can be found using the following guidelines in order:

(a)  A player from within that band, and on the roster, can play the bass drum, provided the minimum numbers in rule D-6 are satisfied.

(b) A bass drummer from the same organization, but in a lower grade, may replace the registered bass drummer.

(c) the names of all bass drummers in the same grade shall be submitted to a ballot, if they are so willing, and the bass drummer whose name is drawn must play in the place of the one being unable to compete. [2007 AGM]

D-8. Runners
↑ Top
D-8.1 Runners Required. Each band must provide someone to co-ordinate their prompt arrival on the contest field.

D-9. Final Tuning
↑ Top
D-9.1 Final Tuning Area. The PPBSO shall establish a final tuning area which is clearly marked and supervised by a steward.

D-9.2 Mandatory Use. All bands are required to move through the final tuning area before moving to the competition area.

D-9.3 Penalty For Breach. Any band which competes without first moving all competitive players through the final tuning area shall be subject to the penalty of playing first at the next Contest in which it competes. [1996, 2002 AGM]

D-10. Contest Performance
↑ Top
D-10.1 The first band to compete will be advised as to the time it must be at the starting line in the Contest Arena; thereafter, it is the duty of each succeeding Band to move forward as directed by the Stewards, in accordance with the playing time provided.

D-10.2 Stewards may be provided as an aid to Bands, but they carry no responsibility for the non-attendance of any band in the contest arena.

D-10.3 The final responsibility rests with each Band to be at the starting line as and when required and any Band failing to do so and not complying with official instructions, is subject to immediate disqualification.

D-10.4 Bands will arrive at the starting line properly dressed, including headdress and come to a halt.

D-10.5 After halting at the start line, no Bandsperson will be allowed to withdraw. [2004 AGM]

D-10.6 On a signal from the Ensemble Adjudicator, the Band will commence its performance on the command of the Pipe Major. [2002 AGM]

D-10.7 It will be the duty of the Adjudicator giving the signal to the Band, to ensure that the other Adjudicators are ready.

D-10.8 The playing field is marked with 3 concentric circles. The inner circle sets out the band position. The second circle defines the distance the judges stay back from the bands. The third circle defines the closest approach by spectators. Where physically possible, the band competition inner circle radius is to be 16 feet, and the next circle is to have a 6 foot larger radius, and the outside circle radius is have an 8 foot larger radius. [2001, 2008 AGM]

D-11. Lateness
↑ Top
D-11.1 Requirement to Arrive On Time. Bands must arrive at the starting line for their Competition ready to play by their scheduled time, or their adjusted time as advised by Society Officials. [1994]

D-11.2 Up to Three Minutes. A band that is up to three minutes late shall be penalized by having to play first at the next Contest in which it competes.

D-11.3 More Than Three Minutes. A band more than three minutes late may be disqualified.

D-11.4 Time of Disqualification. Any disqualification for lateness must be imposed before a band begins their performance. [2001 AGM]

D-12. Tune Requirements
↑ Top
D-12.1 Grade 1. Grade 1 bands shall submit 2 sets, and 2 medleys of 5 to 8 minutes duration. [2008 AGM]

D-12.2 Grade 2. Grade 2 bands shall submit 2 sets, and 1 medley of 4 to 7 minutes duration. [2008 AGM]

D-12.3 Grade 3. Grade 3 bands shall submit 1 set, and 1 medley of 3 to 6 minutes duration. [2009 AGM]

D-12.4 Grade 4. Grade 4 bands shall submit 1 medley of tunes of 3 to 5 minutes duration, and 1 march medley of tunes, played in quick time, of 2 minutes 45 seconds to 4 minutes 30 seconds duration. [2000 AGM]

D-12.5 Grade 5. Grade 5 bands shall submit 1 march medley of tunes, played in quick time, of 2 minutes 45 seconds to 4 minutes 30 seconds duration. [2002 Executive]

D-12.6 Open Slow March and 6/8. At designated games, an open slow march and 6/8 march contest may be offered. The minimum requirements are 2 parts slow march and 4 parts 6/8 march.

D-12.7 Juvenile. At designated games, a Juvenile contest may be offered. Players in a Juvenile band must be 18 years of age or younger (born in 1988 or later) except for the lead drummer and pipe major. Bands shall have a minimum of 5 pipers, 2 side drummers, 1 bass and submit 1 march medley of tunes, played in quick time, of 2 minutes 45 seconds to 4 minutes 30 seconds duration. [2005 AGM, 2006 Executive]

D-12.8 Definition of Sets. Each set shall consist of a 2/4 march, a strathspey and a reel. Each tune submitted in a set must be a minimum of four parts.

D-12.9 Definition of Medleys.

(a) A medley for Grade 3, 2 and 1 bands shall be defined as a minimum of four tune categories in the tunes comprising the selection of tunes. [1992 AGM]

(b) A march medley of tunes for Grade 4 and 5 bands shall be defined as any number of tunes that by tradition are considered marches, (such as written in time signatures 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 6/8, 9/8 and 12/8) played in quick time, and subject to the time duration defined in D-12.4. [Executive, 2000]

D-12.10 Tune List. A list of all tunes comprising all sets and medleys must be submitted to the PPBSO Office prior to the draw. This list should include the name of each tune, its time signature and type, its composer and its publisher. Any change in the submitted tunes must be re-submitted to the PPBSO Office prior to the draw for playing position and time (11:00 a.m.) on the day of the contest.

D-12.11 Medley Time Limits. Bands playing medleys of time duration other than listed may be disqualified. [1994]

D-12.12 Choice of Set or Medley Played. Where a band is required to submit more than one set or medley, the choice of the set or medley to be played will be determined by draw at the starting line on the contest field.

D-12.13 No Duplication of Tunes. Where a band is required to submit more than one set or medley, there shall be no duplication of tunes between or within the sets or medleys. [1992 AGM]

D-13. Medley Contest Requirements
↑ Top
D-13.1 Starting Position. Except as pre-approved by the PPBSO, for medley Contests, excluding the march medley Contest for Grade 4 and 5 bands, bands are not required to begin their performance at the starting line and may assume their final position before starting the Contest. [2000, 2004 AGM]

D-13.2 Music Director. Each band may designate one member to act as Music Director during medley Contests. The designated Music Director shall perform no other function during the Contest.

D-14. Leaving the Field after Competition
↑ Top
< D-14.1 Required to Leave Field. Bands must leave the Contest field immediately upon completing their Contest selection and are prohibited from further playing on the Contest field until all Contests are completed, unless requested otherwise by the Chief Steward.

D-15. Duty Band
↑ Top
D-15.1 Draw. The duty band for bass, tenor and drum major Contests will be drawn from all participating Grade 1 and 2 bands in rotation. [1994]

D-16. Method of Determining Winning Positions in Contests
↑ Top
D-16.1 Ranking Method. Winning positions at all competitions shall be determined by a ranking method as follows:
(i) Each Judge's preference will be ranked in order (1, 2, 3, 4 etc.);
(ii) The lowest total of all the ranking positions from piping, drumming and ensemble wins first place, second lowest wins second place, third lowest wins third, and so on. [2001, 2008 AGM]

D-16.2 More than One Performance. When a competition is based on more than one performance, the point system will be used as in D-16.1 above, and winning positions will be based on the lowest total of ranking points from all performances. Ties are broken by lowest aggregate ensemble total. If a tie remains, it is broken by set ensemble. [2001 AGM, Executive 2002]

D-16.3 Ties. All band ties are broken by ensemble. If a tie remains, it is broken by piping. [1994, 2001 AGMs]

D-16.4 Errors. Where an error is made in the calculation of prizes, the Society shall ensure that all legitimately won prize monies are paid within 14 days of the event and seek to recover prizes and monies awarded in error. [1990 AGM, 1996]

D-17. Best Pipe Section
↑ Top
D-17.1 Award. The best Pipe Section in each grade or category shall be determined by the combined scoring of the Piping Judges and be announced. [2004 AGM]

D-18. Best Drum Corps
↑ Top
D-18.1 Award. The best Drum Corps in each grade or category shall be determined by the Drumming Judge and be announced. [1996, 2001 AGMs]<

D-19. Best Bass Section
↑ Top
D-19.1 Award. The best Bass Section in each grade shall be determined by collaboration between the Ensemble and Drumming Judges and be announced at each games. [1994, 2004 AGM]

D-20. March and Deportment
↑ Top
D-20.1 Judged. Each competing band will be judged on dress, marching and general behaviour during the time that they are on the Contest field. When prizes have been provided by the Highland Games Committee, an announcement and an award shall be made. [1996]

D-21. Prizes and Travelling Expenses
↑ Top
D-21.1 Information. The amount of prize money and travel money negotiated by the PPBSO may vary from games to games. Information and travel directions are available upon request from the PPBSO Games Secretary. [1996]

D-22. Band Champion Supreme Awards
↑ Top
D-22.1 Contest Titles. The PPBSO will assign Championship titles including the North American, All Ontario, Canadian, and two other titles to five Champion Supreme Contests. [1996 AGM]

D-22.2 Award. The Band Champion Supreme Award is given to the band in each grade or category with the highest average of Champion Supreme points as calculated in accordance with the Rules below. [1996 AGM, 2009 Executive]

D-22.3 Points.

D-22.4 Ties. In the event of a tie for the highest total of Champion Supreme points, the band which has placed ahead of the other bands involved in the tie more often at Contests shall win the Award. If a tie remains, the band placing higher at the North American Championships shall win the Award.

D-22.5 Standings. Band Champion Supreme standings shall be posted at each Highland Games. [1995 AGM]

D-22.6 Eligibility – Only PPBSO registered bands, whose rosters are comprised of PPBSO members, will be awarded points for placing in events. To be eligible, a registered band must enter and compete at a minimum of 50% of PPBSO sanctioned Highland Games at which events for the applicable grade are offered. [2003 AGM, 2009 Executive]