Pipe Band Numbers in Competition

[EquusRacer]

Originally Posted by CalumII

I can understand a proposal to regrade bands that are hibernating (or hiding...) in order to preserve their grading if they aren't able to compete; I wonder how many registered grade 2 and 3 bands there are around the world who haven't competed since receiving their current grade. I certainly know of a few.

Indeed. I also know of a band that was upgraded to Gr 3, but appealed to stay in Gr 4, citing that the move up would be too stressful for them!

[pancelticpiper]

Originally Posted by EquusRacer

BCPA sent letters out to bands in certain grades that had not been placing, suggesting that they drop down a grade.

If by "placing" is meant 1st, 2nd, or 3rd it follows that a band would be required to be among the top three of its Grade or be demoted.

That is, if the Grade has the usual thing of some bands being at the top of the Grade and regularly placing.

I suppose there could be a Grade where all the bands are the same level and trade places at each competition. Other than that, you will always have bands that are regularly out of the top three.

[pancelticpiper]

Originally Posted by EquusRacer

I know of a band that was upgraded to Gr 3, but appealed to stay in Gr 4, citing that the move up would be too stressful for them!

I know of two bands that were regularly winning Grade 3 but when upgraded to Grade 2 the wheels came off.

[EquusRacer]

Originally Posted by pancelticpiper

I know of two bands that were regularly winning Grade 3 but when upgraded to Grade 2 the wheels came off.

I played with one of those! Given the dynamics of 'competition' bands, I should not have been surprised. But it was disappointing.

[pancelticpiper]

Originally Posted by EquusRacer

I played with one of those! Given the dynamics of 'competition' bands, I should not have been surprised. But it was disappointing.

I played in a band like that too! Yes disappointing, but more or less inevitable given our local "dynamics" as you so well put it.