Recommended Rules & Procedures 2022
6 Minute Min to 10 Minute Max for 2022
6 Minute Min to 10 Minute Max for 2022
Bands will be classified according to school size, determined by average grade enrollment (total high school enrollment divided by four for 9 -12 schools or by three for 10 -12 schools).
Bands are permitted to move from their qualifying class to a class with higher enrollment, by their own choosing. If a band moves UP in classification, which they can do anytime during the season, then they MUST REMAIN IN THAT CLASS for the remainder of the season.
Bands can request to move down in class via the host director who will have the ability to allow the request based on information provided to the host director. Bands must make requests for each contest they attend. Based on their achievement at that contest the band can be promoted back to their original classification at remaining contest.
When a class has a large number of bands, the host has the option of splitting the class by school size into two segments, (example - 10 Class B entrants could be split into 5 in Class B and 5 in Class BB).
Classification Average Grade Enrollment
AA 400 & over
A 250-399
B 150-249
C 90-149
D 0 – 89
COMMENTS ONLY CLASSIFICATION
This classification is for bands choosing not to be competitive for this marching band invitational. A few of the reasons to enter the SMB invitational for comments only include: Bands that are apprehensive about the competition aspect (entering a SMB competition for the first time), bands with new directors, bands with limited funds for equipment and staff, bands working to improve their instrumentation and skills, etc.
Bands will perform in their school size classification, but will not be competing for trophies and awards.
Bands will receive comments and judges sheets without the final score or numbers in the sub caption boxes. The judges may use plus signs on the sheets to indicate strong performance areas and minus signs to identify areas needing improvement.
The judging sheets and DVR files will be collected and sealed in a large envelope upon completion of the performance. Since the sheets will not be presented for tabulation, only the director will be able to share the comments with the band.
Bands performing in this classification will still receive a very nice participation plaque, just like all of the other bands.
AWARDS
1. Each band will receive a participation plaque.
2. Caption trophies will be awarded for:
BEST OVERALL MUSIC PERFORMANCE,
BEST OVERALL MARCHING PERFORMANCE
BEST OVERALL PERCUSSION PERFORMANCE
BEST OVERALL AUXILIARY PERFORMANCE
BEST OVERALL GENERAL EFFECT (Optional)
3. Placement trophies will be awarded to all classes for first, second and third places in all classes. A Grand Champion trophy is optional.
4.Awards of Achievement may be provided in the areas of Music, Marching, Percussion and Auxiliary at the discretion of the host school. The awards are announced during the awards ceremony.
JUDGING
All judging will take place in, on, or around the Press Box (no field judging). Open press box windows or areas are recommended espcially for music judges.
Judges will use the following point system:
MUSIC PERFORMANCE - 30 points
MUSIC EFFECT - 30 points
MARCHING PERFORMANCE - 20 points
VISUAL EFFECT - 20 points
TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE = 100
The PERCUSSION and AUXILIARY score (200 Points) will not be a part of the final score, but their score will determine Caption Trophy winners and Achievement of Excellence Awards for their respective areas.
ADDITIONAL OFFICIALS
1. There will be a timer in the press box. This official will use a stopwatch for timing the length of show. Official judging of the show will begin with the first note played or movement taken by the band proper, and conclude with the last note played or the last movement performed. There is SIX -minute minimum and an 10-minute maximum show length. (See optional penalties)
2. There will be an official announcer in the press box, with duties to include:
A. Keep the invitational on schedule.
B. As the band enters the field, announce each school, their staff, and the musical selections to be performed.
C. When the band has finished warm-up (if used) and appears ready to start, the announcer will ask: “Are the judges ready?” (Pause for response from head judge). The announcer will then say: “[Name of Command Personnel], is your band ready?” (Command Personnel will salute). Then announcer will say: “You may take the field in competition.”
D. Announce the band’s recent accomplishments as the band exits field.
E. Make any other important announcements requested by the host chairperson.
F. Note: If bands use their own stadium announcer as part of the show, this person
takes over after the official announcer says: “You may take the field in competition”.
3. The invitational host will be responsible for all decisions pertaining to the administration of the invitational.
PENALTIES
1. There are no penalties for field violations, warm up time, and entrance and exit times.
2. A show length that is under the SIX-minute minimum or over the TEN-minute maximum will be assessed a two tenths (.2) deduction for every ten (10) second increment. This is at the discretion of the show host.
PERFORMANCE AREA
The Invitational will be held on a regulation size high school football field (300’ x 160’), with peripheral sidelines, end zones, yard lines every five yards, and inserts, which divide the field into thirds—each 53’4”. The boundaries of the performing area will include an area on the press box side of the field from the 0 yard line to the 0 yard line, 20 – 30 feet deep which includes the track, for use by command personnel, section features, auxiliary equipment, soloists, and grounded percussion. Yard markers will be placed on both sides of the field and placed about two feet off the sidelines to allow for auxiliary movement and set up.
The performance must be within the confines of the playing field, which includes the areas designated as end zones and the 20 - 30 feet in front of the front boundary line. Soloists and percussion members who play on the field part time and in the expanded front area part time may cross the front sideline, but cannot cross the expanded area boundary line. After the performance begins, only command personnel and equipment members of the band should be allowed outside of this area.
ENTRANCE AND EXIT
Bands may enter and exit the field from any point and may begin the show from any point on or off the field. Entrance from the back sideline or from the end zones is typical.
The music “warm up” is optional. Make sure the previous band has completed their exit before playing your warm up. The warm up can be played either on or off the field.
RECOMMENDED FIELD PROCEDURES
The host school should have indoor and outdoor warm up areas available for participating bands.
Competition participants are expected to conform to rules of good conduct, observe care of property, display proper behavior, and adhere to all rules. While sitting in the bleachers, please keep noise to a minimum, especially when another band is performing. Directors should also instruct music boosters and fans to promote good behavior and conduct in the stands at all times.
Groups compete on the field only, not in the stands. Please be complimentary and applaud for all band performances.
RECOMMENDED TIMINGS
MINIMUM TIMING IS 7 MINUTES MAX TO 10 MINUTES.
1. Field Entry and Warm up, 2 – 3 minutes
2. Show length, 6 – 10 minutes
3. Field Exit, 1 – 2 minutes
4. Maximum total time allowed per band, 15 minutes
ORDER OF APPEARANCE
Bands are arranged by classification by the host school. Exception can be made if requested by the host.
BREAKING OF A TIE
In the event of a tie in the final score within a class, the following priority will determine placements:
1. The combined Music Performance and Music Effect scores shall determine the higher ranking.
2. If a tie still exists, the combined Marching Performance and Visual Effect scores shall determine the higher ranking.
3. If still unsettled and a tie exists, the higher Music Performance shall determine the higher ranking.
4. Note: Judges are instructed to avoid giving any two groups in the same class an identical score.
PROCEDURE FOR INCLEMENT WEATHER
In the case of inclement weather, the host staff and contest officials will meet one hour prior to the beginning of the Invitational to determine if such conditions (such as rain, snow, poor field conditions, etc.) dictate the necessity for holding a standstill contest on the track of the stadium, or inside the school gymnasium. If during the Invitational, weather conditions change, the competition may be moved inside to the gymnasium or become a standstill on the track, preferably between band classifications.
STANDSTILL PERFORMANCE PROCEDURES
Enter the performance area using rim shots or cadences to form your performance position.
Your auxiliary may be in the back of the marching band or off to one side or not used at all.
The percussion and grounded percussion may be placed at any location.
The announcer will introduce the band as you enter. Warm up is optional. The announcer will ask: “Are the judges ready?” (Pause for response from head judge). Then the announcer will say: “[Name of Command Personnel], is your band ready?” (Command Personnel will salute). The announcer will then say: “You may perform your show in competition.”
Bands may stand still or mark time. All horn moves are optional. Soloists may move to any location in the performance area.
Bands should leave by cadence or rim shots.
JUDGING AT A STANDSTILL PERFORMANCE
Judging at a standstill performance will be as follows:
Music Performance – judged as usual.
Music Effect – Judged as usual.
Marching Performance – No score will be given. The judge will make comments only and talk about items in the “Individual Accuracy” box on the marching sheet. In addition, the judge can provide music comments.
Visual Effect – No score will be given. The judge will make comments only and will talk about items in the “Performance” and “Repertoire” boxes on the visual effect sheet. In addition, the judge can provide music comments.
Percussion – Judged as usual.
Auxiliary – No score will be given. The judge will make comments only.
AWARDS FOR STANDSTILL PERFORMANCE
1. Each band will receive a participation plaque.
2. Caption trophies and Achievement of Excellence Awards will be awarded for Music Performance and Percussion.
A. If the General Effect Caption Trophy is used, the Music Effect score will determine the winner.
B. No caption trophies or Achievement of Excellence Awards will be awarded for Marching Performance and Auxiliary.
3. Placement trophies will be awarded to all classes for first, second and third places.
The final score determines the placement, which is the total of the Music Performance score and the Music Effect score.
OTHER
American Flag
If a show includes the use of the American flag, bands must adhere to the guidelines for its use, as stated in American Legion Flag Code. "7. Position and manner of display" The flag, when carried in a procession with another flag or flags, should be either on the marching right; that is, the flag's own right, or, if there is a line of other flags, in front of the center of that line.
(a) The flag should not be displayed on a float in a parade except from a staff, or as provided in subsection (i) of this section.
(b) The flag should not be draped over the hood, top, sides, or back of a vehicle or of a railroad train or a boat. When the flag is displayed on a motorcar, the staff shall be fixed firmly to the chassis or clamped to the right fender.
(c) No other flag or pennant should be placed above or, if on the same level, to the right of the flag of the United States of America, except during church services conducted by naval chaplains at sea, when the church pennant may be flown above the flag during church services for the personnel of the Navy. No person shall display the flag of the United Nations or any other national or international flag equal, above, or in a position of superior prominence or honor to, or in place of, the flag of the United States at any place within the United States or any Territory or possession thereof: Provided, That nothing in this section shall make unlawful the continuance of the practice heretofore followed of displaying the flag of the United Nations in a position of superior prominence or honor, and other national flags in positions of equal prominence or honor, with that of the flag of the United States at the headquarters of the United Nations.”
A penalty of 2 points will be assessed for any single or multiple infractions. Any adjudicator or host upon seeing and indicating when the infraction occurred may assess this penalty, which will be noted as to how and what infraction occurred on the tabulation sheet and deducted from the total score
Equipment
The use of motorized vehicles for performance, lights-out routines, animals, or pyrotechnics of any kind (including fireworks and discharge of firearms) shall not be permitted. Disqualification from the contest shall be assessed for any violation.
A motorized vehicle for the moving or hauling of equipment or props is allowed for transport from warm-up to field. The host must approve motorized vehicles for prop set on the performance field up
Electrical Power
A power source (electrical or generator) will be provided at the host school's discretion. The host school assumes no liability if a visiting band chooses to use said power source. Bands are encouraged to have their own power source. Gas powered generators need prior approval from each host.
PROPS / Backdrops
Staging (props, backdrops screens, or similar objects) built and/or used shall be limited to a maximum total height of twelve feet, including wheels, platforms, safety railings, other equipment, or other props placed upon the field or sidelines. Soft props, which use air to create an effect, (i.e. streamers, fabric, inflatables, or similar material) are permitted up to a height of twenty-five feet. Materials such as wood, metal, plastic, PVC pipe, aluminum or other rigid properties that might be used as a support are not permitted above the twelve feet limit and must have safety rails if over 6' in height, including podiums.
Drones or any remote-controlled helicopter, aircraft or similar items are not permitted.
Revised 2015
Bands are permitted to move from their qualifying class to a class with higher enrollment, by their own choosing. If a band moves UP in classification, which they can do anytime during the season, then they MUST REMAIN IN THAT CLASS for the remainder of the season.
Bands can request to move down in class via the host director who will have the ability to allow the request based on information provided to the host director. Bands must make requests for each contest they attend. Based on their achievement at that contest the band can be promoted back to their original classification at remaining contest.
When a class has a large number of bands, the host has the option of splitting the class by school size into two segments, (example - 10 Class B entrants could be split into 5 in Class B and 5 in Class BB).
Classification Average Grade Enrollment
AA 400 & over
A 250-399
B 150-249
C 90-149
D 0 – 89
COMMENTS ONLY CLASSIFICATION
This classification is for bands choosing not to be competitive for this marching band invitational. A few of the reasons to enter the SMB invitational for comments only include: Bands that are apprehensive about the competition aspect (entering a SMB competition for the first time), bands with new directors, bands with limited funds for equipment and staff, bands working to improve their instrumentation and skills, etc.
Bands will perform in their school size classification, but will not be competing for trophies and awards.
Bands will receive comments and judges sheets without the final score or numbers in the sub caption boxes. The judges may use plus signs on the sheets to indicate strong performance areas and minus signs to identify areas needing improvement.
The judging sheets and DVR files will be collected and sealed in a large envelope upon completion of the performance. Since the sheets will not be presented for tabulation, only the director will be able to share the comments with the band.
Bands performing in this classification will still receive a very nice participation plaque, just like all of the other bands.
AWARDS
1. Each band will receive a participation plaque.
2. Caption trophies will be awarded for:
BEST OVERALL MUSIC PERFORMANCE,
BEST OVERALL MARCHING PERFORMANCE
BEST OVERALL PERCUSSION PERFORMANCE
BEST OVERALL AUXILIARY PERFORMANCE
BEST OVERALL GENERAL EFFECT (Optional)
3. Placement trophies will be awarded to all classes for first, second and third places in all classes. A Grand Champion trophy is optional.
4.Awards of Achievement may be provided in the areas of Music, Marching, Percussion and Auxiliary at the discretion of the host school. The awards are announced during the awards ceremony.
JUDGING
All judging will take place in, on, or around the Press Box (no field judging). Open press box windows or areas are recommended espcially for music judges.
Judges will use the following point system:
MUSIC PERFORMANCE - 30 points
MUSIC EFFECT - 30 points
MARCHING PERFORMANCE - 20 points
VISUAL EFFECT - 20 points
TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE = 100
The PERCUSSION and AUXILIARY score (200 Points) will not be a part of the final score, but their score will determine Caption Trophy winners and Achievement of Excellence Awards for their respective areas.
ADDITIONAL OFFICIALS
1. There will be a timer in the press box. This official will use a stopwatch for timing the length of show. Official judging of the show will begin with the first note played or movement taken by the band proper, and conclude with the last note played or the last movement performed. There is SIX -minute minimum and an 10-minute maximum show length. (See optional penalties)
2. There will be an official announcer in the press box, with duties to include:
A. Keep the invitational on schedule.
B. As the band enters the field, announce each school, their staff, and the musical selections to be performed.
C. When the band has finished warm-up (if used) and appears ready to start, the announcer will ask: “Are the judges ready?” (Pause for response from head judge). The announcer will then say: “[Name of Command Personnel], is your band ready?” (Command Personnel will salute). Then announcer will say: “You may take the field in competition.”
D. Announce the band’s recent accomplishments as the band exits field.
E. Make any other important announcements requested by the host chairperson.
F. Note: If bands use their own stadium announcer as part of the show, this person
takes over after the official announcer says: “You may take the field in competition”.
3. The invitational host will be responsible for all decisions pertaining to the administration of the invitational.
PENALTIES
1. There are no penalties for field violations, warm up time, and entrance and exit times.
2. A show length that is under the SIX-minute minimum or over the TEN-minute maximum will be assessed a two tenths (.2) deduction for every ten (10) second increment. This is at the discretion of the show host.
PERFORMANCE AREA
The Invitational will be held on a regulation size high school football field (300’ x 160’), with peripheral sidelines, end zones, yard lines every five yards, and inserts, which divide the field into thirds—each 53’4”. The boundaries of the performing area will include an area on the press box side of the field from the 0 yard line to the 0 yard line, 20 – 30 feet deep which includes the track, for use by command personnel, section features, auxiliary equipment, soloists, and grounded percussion. Yard markers will be placed on both sides of the field and placed about two feet off the sidelines to allow for auxiliary movement and set up.
The performance must be within the confines of the playing field, which includes the areas designated as end zones and the 20 - 30 feet in front of the front boundary line. Soloists and percussion members who play on the field part time and in the expanded front area part time may cross the front sideline, but cannot cross the expanded area boundary line. After the performance begins, only command personnel and equipment members of the band should be allowed outside of this area.
ENTRANCE AND EXIT
Bands may enter and exit the field from any point and may begin the show from any point on or off the field. Entrance from the back sideline or from the end zones is typical.
The music “warm up” is optional. Make sure the previous band has completed their exit before playing your warm up. The warm up can be played either on or off the field.
RECOMMENDED FIELD PROCEDURES
The host school should have indoor and outdoor warm up areas available for participating bands.
Competition participants are expected to conform to rules of good conduct, observe care of property, display proper behavior, and adhere to all rules. While sitting in the bleachers, please keep noise to a minimum, especially when another band is performing. Directors should also instruct music boosters and fans to promote good behavior and conduct in the stands at all times.
Groups compete on the field only, not in the stands. Please be complimentary and applaud for all band performances.
RECOMMENDED TIMINGS
MINIMUM TIMING IS 7 MINUTES MAX TO 10 MINUTES.
1. Field Entry and Warm up, 2 – 3 minutes
2. Show length, 6 – 10 minutes
3. Field Exit, 1 – 2 minutes
4. Maximum total time allowed per band, 15 minutes
ORDER OF APPEARANCE
Bands are arranged by classification by the host school. Exception can be made if requested by the host.
BREAKING OF A TIE
In the event of a tie in the final score within a class, the following priority will determine placements:
1. The combined Music Performance and Music Effect scores shall determine the higher ranking.
2. If a tie still exists, the combined Marching Performance and Visual Effect scores shall determine the higher ranking.
3. If still unsettled and a tie exists, the higher Music Performance shall determine the higher ranking.
4. Note: Judges are instructed to avoid giving any two groups in the same class an identical score.
PROCEDURE FOR INCLEMENT WEATHER
In the case of inclement weather, the host staff and contest officials will meet one hour prior to the beginning of the Invitational to determine if such conditions (such as rain, snow, poor field conditions, etc.) dictate the necessity for holding a standstill contest on the track of the stadium, or inside the school gymnasium. If during the Invitational, weather conditions change, the competition may be moved inside to the gymnasium or become a standstill on the track, preferably between band classifications.
STANDSTILL PERFORMANCE PROCEDURES
Enter the performance area using rim shots or cadences to form your performance position.
Your auxiliary may be in the back of the marching band or off to one side or not used at all.
The percussion and grounded percussion may be placed at any location.
The announcer will introduce the band as you enter. Warm up is optional. The announcer will ask: “Are the judges ready?” (Pause for response from head judge). Then the announcer will say: “[Name of Command Personnel], is your band ready?” (Command Personnel will salute). The announcer will then say: “You may perform your show in competition.”
Bands may stand still or mark time. All horn moves are optional. Soloists may move to any location in the performance area.
Bands should leave by cadence or rim shots.
JUDGING AT A STANDSTILL PERFORMANCE
Judging at a standstill performance will be as follows:
Music Performance – judged as usual.
Music Effect – Judged as usual.
Marching Performance – No score will be given. The judge will make comments only and talk about items in the “Individual Accuracy” box on the marching sheet. In addition, the judge can provide music comments.
Visual Effect – No score will be given. The judge will make comments only and will talk about items in the “Performance” and “Repertoire” boxes on the visual effect sheet. In addition, the judge can provide music comments.
Percussion – Judged as usual.
Auxiliary – No score will be given. The judge will make comments only.
AWARDS FOR STANDSTILL PERFORMANCE
1. Each band will receive a participation plaque.
2. Caption trophies and Achievement of Excellence Awards will be awarded for Music Performance and Percussion.
A. If the General Effect Caption Trophy is used, the Music Effect score will determine the winner.
B. No caption trophies or Achievement of Excellence Awards will be awarded for Marching Performance and Auxiliary.
3. Placement trophies will be awarded to all classes for first, second and third places.
The final score determines the placement, which is the total of the Music Performance score and the Music Effect score.
OTHER
American Flag
If a show includes the use of the American flag, bands must adhere to the guidelines for its use, as stated in American Legion Flag Code. "7. Position and manner of display" The flag, when carried in a procession with another flag or flags, should be either on the marching right; that is, the flag's own right, or, if there is a line of other flags, in front of the center of that line.
(a) The flag should not be displayed on a float in a parade except from a staff, or as provided in subsection (i) of this section.
(b) The flag should not be draped over the hood, top, sides, or back of a vehicle or of a railroad train or a boat. When the flag is displayed on a motorcar, the staff shall be fixed firmly to the chassis or clamped to the right fender.
(c) No other flag or pennant should be placed above or, if on the same level, to the right of the flag of the United States of America, except during church services conducted by naval chaplains at sea, when the church pennant may be flown above the flag during church services for the personnel of the Navy. No person shall display the flag of the United Nations or any other national or international flag equal, above, or in a position of superior prominence or honor to, or in place of, the flag of the United States at any place within the United States or any Territory or possession thereof: Provided, That nothing in this section shall make unlawful the continuance of the practice heretofore followed of displaying the flag of the United Nations in a position of superior prominence or honor, and other national flags in positions of equal prominence or honor, with that of the flag of the United States at the headquarters of the United Nations.”
A penalty of 2 points will be assessed for any single or multiple infractions. Any adjudicator or host upon seeing and indicating when the infraction occurred may assess this penalty, which will be noted as to how and what infraction occurred on the tabulation sheet and deducted from the total score
Equipment
The use of motorized vehicles for performance, lights-out routines, animals, or pyrotechnics of any kind (including fireworks and discharge of firearms) shall not be permitted. Disqualification from the contest shall be assessed for any violation.
A motorized vehicle for the moving or hauling of equipment or props is allowed for transport from warm-up to field. The host must approve motorized vehicles for prop set on the performance field up
Electrical Power
A power source (electrical or generator) will be provided at the host school's discretion. The host school assumes no liability if a visiting band chooses to use said power source. Bands are encouraged to have their own power source. Gas powered generators need prior approval from each host.
PROPS / Backdrops
Staging (props, backdrops screens, or similar objects) built and/or used shall be limited to a maximum total height of twelve feet, including wheels, platforms, safety railings, other equipment, or other props placed upon the field or sidelines. Soft props, which use air to create an effect, (i.e. streamers, fabric, inflatables, or similar material) are permitted up to a height of twenty-five feet. Materials such as wood, metal, plastic, PVC pipe, aluminum or other rigid properties that might be used as a support are not permitted above the twelve feet limit and must have safety rails if over 6' in height, including podiums.
Drones or any remote-controlled helicopter, aircraft or similar items are not permitted.
Revised 2015
