Competition Rules

Name of the Society

The name of this body is the R U Brown Piobaireachd Society of South Australia Incorporated and it shall hereinafter be referred to as the "Society".

1.  Entries and Grading:

a)   Entry to competitions is open to any player of the Great Highland Bagpipe. However, the Society reserves the right to refuse entry for any legitimate reason.

b)   If requested, competitors must be prepared to provide evidence of a recent solo grading by their local association.

c)    Competitors must enter their principal grade per their respective association (solo) grading.

d)   At the Society’s discretion, competitors may be permitted to compete in the next higher-graded event. The same tune(s) will not be allowed to be played in both events.

e)   Entries must be received by the due date. The Society reserves the right to refuse late entries, or charge a penalty fee for late submissions.

f)    There must be more competitors than prizes, or part of the prizes may be withdrawn. 

2.  Judging and Performance:

a)   Judges will be selected by the relevant officials of the Society.

b)   Judges must declare any conflict of interest to an official of the Society, or fellow panel members prior to the event commencing.

c)    Competitors will be awarded a placing in each event. The competitors will be notified of only the prize-winning places.

d)   Judges will not award tied results.

e)   In the event of a tied result in aggregate events, the winner will be decided by the higher result in the most senior event, in the following order: (1) Piobaireachd, (2) MSR, or Marches.

f)    Competitors must present to play at their scheduled time.

g)   Tuning must be conducted efficiently. Judges may instruct the competitor to proceed if tuning exceeds a reasonable time.

h)   All competitors must wear highland dress, including a glengarry or balmoral. Ladies will be permitted to wear traditional ladies' dress. The same must be worn for the presentation of prizes.

i)     All tunes must be played in their entirety, as published.

j)     By entering, competitors agree to allow their performances to be recorded, or photographed and published by the Society.

k)   If requested, competitors must be prepared to provide a copy of the manuscript for any tune not appearing in the Piobaireachd Society Collection, or Kilberry Book.

l)     A competitor, judge or official may lodge a formal complaint regarding any action, decision, conduct or the integrity of any competitor, judge or official with the President of the Society.

3.  Code of Conduct:

a)   Competitors, judges, officials and guests should be treated with respect at all times.

b)   Judging decisions are final and should be accepted with grace.

c)    Competitors, judges and officials should refrain from making negative, or disparaging remarks about fellow competitors, judges and officials.

d)   Derogatory comments made on social media regarding competitors, judges or officials will not be tolerated and will be referred to the Society Executive for action.

e)   Competitors, judges, officials and guests shall not bully, intimidate or harass anyone involved in Society activities either physically, mentally, or sexually.

f)    A breach of this code may result in Society membership cancellation, referral to relevant authorities and any other disciplinary actions.

g)   Competitors, judges and officials wishing to make a formal complaint regarding the conduct of another individual involved in Society activities should contact the President of the Society.