Implemented 28 August 2025
Following a request from the NSW Branch, the National Management Committee has approved the introduction of a new Trial Rule.
The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (RSPBA) recently introduced a change to how Novice Juvenile B bands commence their contest performances. Under this approach, bands no longer march into the circle playing under adjudication. Instead, they enter the circle area and begin their performance from the halt.
To allow local bands in this grade to become familiar with the process, the NMC has approved its use at local (non-championship) events. Any band wishing to use the Trial Rule will need to liaise with contest promoters to ensure it can be implemented.
The full Trial Rule is outlined below and effective immediately.
Chapter 3 – The March Strathspey & Reel/ Selection of Marches
B.3.05 For Branch contests other than the Branch State Championship, upon application from a
contest promoter, a Branch may approve the following variation to the performance of
the contest element. The variation will apply only to the Novice Juvenile B grade. Bands
in the event will have the option to exercise the Trial Rule provision as described below
or commence their performance in the manner described at B.3.03.
B.3.05.01 The band will assemble in band formation with the front rank on the line AA as shown in
the diagram appended in the PBA Contest Regulations 2025.
The Contest Supervisor or piping Judge when satisfied that all Judges are ready will
direct the Drum Major, or if there be no Drum Major, the Pipe Major, to proceed.
Except for a contest where Regulation B.3.04 applies, the band will come to attention,
and march into the circle with instruments at rest, adopt its own choice of formation on
or within the circles and halt.
B.3.05.02 There will be concentric circles of 10 and 14 metres in diameter marked on the with a
line drawn through the centre parallel to the line between flags AA as in the appended
diagram.
B.3.05.03 The Drum Major, or if there be no Drum Major, the Pipe Major, will then direct the band
to commence playing in the manner used by the band at practices.
B.3.05.04 The music will be played through without stopping in the order set out in Regulation
B.3.01.
B.3.05.05 Judging of the performance will commence on the playing by the band of the first note.
Chapter 4 – The Medley Trial Rule
B.4.06 For Branch contests other than the Branch State Championship, upon application from a
contest promoter, a Branch may approve the following variation to the performance of
the contest element. The variation will apply only to the Novice Juvenile B grade. Bands
in the event will have the option to exercise the Trial Rule provision as described below
or commence their performance in the manner described at B.4.03.
B.4.06.01 The band will assemble in band formation with the front rank on the line AA as shown in
the diagram appended in the PBA Contest Regulations 2025.
The Contest Supervisor or piping Judge when satisfied that all Judges are ready will
direct the Drum Major, or if there be no Drum Major, the Pipe Major, to proceed.
The band will come to attention, and march into the circle with instruments at rest,
adopt its own choice of formation on or within the circles and halt.
B.4.06.02 There will be concentric circles of 10 and 14 metres in diameter marked on the with a
line drawn through the centre parallel to the line between flags AA as in the appended
diagram.
B.4.06.03 The Drum Major, or if there be no Drum Major, the Pipe Major, will then direct the band
to commence playing in the manner used by the band at practices.
B.4.06.04 The music will be played through without stopping in the order set out in Regulation
B.4.01.
B.4.06.05 Judging of the performance will commence on the playing by the band of the first note.
