Competition Rules

Organised by: The Blue Stone Pipes & Drums
Judge: Stuart Liddell MBE
Date: 25th September 2027
Location: Silly, Belgium

1. General

1.1. The 1st Walloon Pipe Band Championship is organised by The Blue Stone Pipes & Drums.

1.2. The competition is open to quartets representing established pipe bands, subject to the eligibility requirements set out in these rules.

1.3. The competition aims to provide pipers with a friendly and competitive environment while promoting the development and appreciation of Scottish pipe band music.

1.4. By registering, the participating pipe band and its members agree to respect these competition rules.

2. Quartet Composition and Band Eligibility

2.1. Each competing quartet must consist of exactly four pipers and compete under the name of its parent pipe band.

2.2. A pipe band may enter a maximum of three quartets in total, regardless of the categories entered.

2.3. Each quartet constitutes a separate competition entry, with its own performance and entry fee.

2.4. A quartet may compete in the grade corresponding to its parent band, one grade above, or in the Open Grade, subject to the player eligibility rules below.

2.5. A quartet may compete in more than one category. Each participation in a different category constitutes a separate entry, performance and entry fee.

2.6. The competition is limited to a maximum of quartet entries. Entries are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Once the maximum is reached, a waiting list may be opened.

3. Player Eligibility

3.1. Within the same category, a player may compete in only one quartet representing the same pipe band.

3.2. A player which competes in Grade 5 will not be allowed to compete in another grade.

3.3. The registered Pipe Major of a pipe band is exempt from both restrictions above.

3.4. Except for the exception described below, a player may only compete for the pipe band with which they are registered or officially affiliated.

3.5. A Grade 5 or 4 Pipe Major may compete as a player in a quartet representing another pipe band competing in a higher grade.

3.6. Except where specifically permitted above, a quartet may not include a player who is currently registered with, or actively competing for, a pipe band competing in a higher grade than the category entered.

3.7. Participants are expected to ensure that their quartet complies with these eligibility requirements. The organisers may request clarification where necessary.

4. Competition Categories

The following categories are offered:

• Grade 5
• Grade 4 - Marches
• Grade 4 - MSR
• Grade 3
• Open Grade

4.1. A pipe band may enter a quartet in its own grade, one grade above, or the Open Grade.

4.2. The Open Grade is open to eligible quartets regardless of the grade of their parent pipe band.

5. Playing Requirements

5.1. Grade 5: A selection of any marches, between 4 to 6 parts.

5.2. Grade 4 - Marches: A selection of 2/4 marches, totalling exactly 8 parts.

5.3. Grade 4 - MSR: A March, Strathspey and Reel (MSR), with a minimum of 2 parts of each tune.

5.4. Grade 3: A March, Strathspey and Reel (MSR), with a minimum of 4 parts of each tune.

5.5. Open Grade: A medley of 4 to 6 minutes.

5.6. Competitors are free to choose their own tunes while ensuring that its programme complies with the requirements of its chosen category.

6. Tuning and Stage Procedure

6.1. Three tuning rooms will be available to competitors before their performance.

6.2. Competitors are responsible for managing their own tuning time and for being ready when called by the competition volunteers.

6.3. Final tuning is permitted on stage immediately before the performance, with a maximum of 3 minutes.

6.4. The three-minute period begins when the quartet enters the performance area or when instructed by a member of the organising team.

6.5. Once the three-minute limit has elapsed, the quartet must begin its performance.

6.6. Competitors are asked to cooperate with the organising team to help the competition run according to schedule.

7. Registration and Entry Fee

7.1. Registration

7.1.1. Registration will be carried out through the following registration form.   1st Walloon Pipe Band Championship - Quartet Competition :  Registration Form

7.1.2. The form will collect the necessary information, including at minimum the contact person's details, Pipe Band name, Pipe Major name, number of competing quartets and categories entered.

7.1.3. A pipe band entering more than one quartet will indicate the categories entered for each quartet on the registration form.

7.1.4. By submitting the form, the registered contact person confirms that the information provided is accurate and that the entered quartets comply with the competition rules.

7.2. Entry Fee

7.2.1. The entry fee is €20 per each performance on stage. Each performance constitutes a separate competition entry and is therefore subject to a separate entry fee.

7.2.3. Payment instructions will be provided by the organisers following registration.

7.2.4. The entry fee must be paid in advance for the entry to be confirmed.

7.2.5. Entry fees are non-refundable in the event of cancellation by the participating quartet or pipe band.

8. Running Order and Competition Procedure

8.1. The running order will be determined by the organisers and communicated to participating pipe bands in advance, but timings may be adjusted if necessary.

8.2. Where reasonably possible, quartets from the same pipe band will not be scheduled consecutively.

8.3. Competitors should follow the reasonable instructions of the competition volunteers and organising team.

9. Judging

9.1. The official judge will be Stuart Liddell MBE, multiple World Solo Piping Champion & World Pipe Band Champion with Inveraray & District Pipe Band. 

9.2. Each quartet will be judged according to the requirements of its category.

9.3. The judge's decision is final.

10. Disqualification

A quartet may be disqualified in the event of any serious breach of the competition rules, including:

10.1. Participation of an ineligible player.

10.2. Failure to comply with the required quartet composition or playing requirements.

10.3. Knowingly providing false information during registration.

10.4. Deliberately exceeding the permitted three-minute stage tuning period.

10.5. Serious disruption of the competition or inappropriate behaviour towards competitors, organisers, volunteers, the judge or the public.

11. Conduct

11.1. All participants are expected to contribute to a friendly, respectful and sporting atmosphere throughout the event.

11.2. The Pipe Major or designated band representative is responsible for ensuring that members of their pipe band respect the competition rules and the reasonable instructions of the organising team.

12. Final Provisions

12.1. The organisers may make reasonable adjustments to the schedule or competition procedure where necessary for the smooth running of the event.

12.2. Any situation not specifically covered by these rules will be decided by the organisers.

12.3. By registering for the competition, participants confirm that they have read and accepted these rules.

The Blue Stone Pipes & Drums
1st Walloon Pipe Band Championship — Quartet Competition
25th September 2027 — Silly, Belgium