Pipe Bands Australia reminds all member bands that the 2025 Ballot of Bands remains open for voting.
The annual ballot is a core part of our governance framework and ensures that all financial bands have the opportunity to contribute to proposed amendments to the Contest Regulations. Feedback received through this process informs the agenda for the upcoming Pipe Bands Australia, National Conference, where items will be discussed prior to any formal decisions being made.
What This Year’s Ballot Covers
The 2025 ballot includes a range of proposed updates across several areas of the Contest Regulations. These include:
- Amendments relating to the engagement and accreditation of judges
- Adjustments to the band grading structure, including the introduction of new grades
- Consideration of a new National Grading Committee structure
- Clarifications to grading review processes
- Formalisation of tutor eligibility and dual-registration rules
- Updated requirements for judges at Branch Championships
- Optional march-in procedures for Novice Juvenile B bands
- Provision for audio accompaniment in certain solo events
- A new definition for aggregate contests
- Two alternative proposals for solo scoring systems: points-based or place-based
If Your Band Has Not Received the Ballot
All band secretaries should now have received the ballot pack distributed by the National Secretary.
If your band:
- has not yet received the documentation,
- requires clarification on any item, or
- needs replacement material,
please contact the National Secretary, secretary@pipebandsaustralia.com.au directly.
Who Can Vote
Only financial bands are eligible to submit a ballot. Bands may lodge their response using the instructions provided in the official documentation.
Pipe Bands Australia thanks all bands for participating in this important annual process and for contributing to the continued development of our national framework.
Voting Closes: 6PM Saturday, 6 December 2025.
