Solo Piping and Drumming Competition Rules

Adopted 19 December 2024

Name of the Association The official name of the organization is the Lower Clarence Scottish Association Incorporated, referred to as "the Association."

1. Entries and Grading:

a) Competitions are open to players of the Great Highland Bagpipe, snare, tenor, and bass drums. The Association can refuse entry for valid reasons.
b) Competitors may need to provide proof of their latest solo grading from their local association, if requested.
c) Competitors must enter their primary grade based on their association's solo grading.
d) Competitors cannot enter a higher-grade event unless specifically invited by the Association.
e) Entries must be submitted by the deadline. The Association may refuse late entries.
f) There must be more competitors than prizes, or some prizes may not be awarded.

2. Adjudicators:

a) Adjudicators will be chosen by the relevant officials of the Association.
b) Adjudicators must disclose any conflicts of interest to the Association officials or other panel members before the event starts.
c) Adjudicators will not award tied results.

3. Performances:

a) Competitors will receive a ranking in each event, but only the prize-winning places will be announced.
b) In case of a tie in aggregate events, the winner will be determined by the higher result in the most senior event, in this order: (1) Piobaireachd, (2) MSR, (3) Marches.
c) Competitors must be ready to perform at their scheduled time.
d) Tuning must be done efficiently. If tuning takes too long, adjudicators may ask competitors to proceed.
e) Competitors must wear Highland dress, including a glengarry or balmoral. Ladies may wear traditional women's dress. This dress must be worn for prize presentations.
f) All tunes must be played in full, as published.
g) By entering, competitors agree to allow their performances to be recorded or photographed and published by the Association.
h) If requested, competitors in Piobaireachd events must provide a manuscript for any tune not in the Piobaireachd Association Collection or Kilberry Book.
i) Complaints about actions, decisions, or conduct of any competitor, judge, or official can be submitted to the Association Secretary.

4. Code of Conduct:

a) All participants (competitors, adjudicators, officials, and guests) must treat each other with respect at all times.
b) Judging decisions are final and should be accepted gracefully.
c) Negative or disparaging remarks about others, including competitors, adjudicators, or officials, should be avoided.
d) Derogatory comments on social media about anyone involved in the competition will be referred to the Association Executive for action.
e) Bullying, intimidation, or harassment (physical, mental, or sexual) of anyone involved in the Association’s activities is not allowed.
f) Violations of this code may lead to cancellation of membership, referral to authorities, and other disciplinary actions.
g) If someone wants to make a formal complaint about another individual’s conduct, they should contact the Association Secretary at secretary@macleanhighlandgathering.com.au