Check Up On Upcoming Rule Changes For WGI

Check Up On Upcoming Rule Changes For WGI

With the rule change proposals coming out for DCI, we wanted to revisit the rule changes coming soon to WGI 2018!

Dec 14, 2017 by Andy Schamma
Check Up On Upcoming Rule Changes For WGI

As drum corps camps move past the audition phase and fall marching band shifts over to holiday concert music, we get closer and closer to the next exciting season of marching arts: Winter Guard International!

Earlier this year, WGI hosted the 2017 Advisory Board Meetings in Las Vegas. Representatives from each of the three branches (Winds, Percussion, Guard) voted on the rules and policies that govern WGI and also elected the organization's board of directors. 

Within the branches, each Independent World and Scholastic World finalist as well as the top five ensembles from all classes are allowed one representative to make up the branch's Advisory Board.

Here's our "simplified" version of what the Advisory Boards determined for the upcoming 2018 season!

Note: If you would like to read the exact language of each rule change, please visit the following pages for Winds, Color Guard, and Percussion, respectively.


Winds

MODIFIED: There was a rule modified/added to all branches of WGI in order to protect facilities that host events. Groups can be penalized two points per piece of "improperly prepared equipment and/or prop." The specifics of this rule are limited to those who own the official 2018 WGI Winds Adjudication Manual and Rulebook.

MODIFIED: An existing rule regarding electronically generated sounds was modified to specify that "all electronic sounds are permitted except the direct and simultaneous duplication of wind parts that exist within the group's wind score by similar electronic voices."

ADDED: Another all-encompassing rule was added to each branch of WGI to reinforce the safety guidelines involved in the construction, transportation, and use of any prop at a WGI event.


Color Guard

MODIFIED: There was a rule modified/added to all branches of WGI in order to protect facilities that host events. Groups can be penalized two points per piece of "improperly prepared equipment and/or prop." The specifics of this rule are limited to those who own the official 2018 WGI Color Guard Adjudication Manual and Rulebook.

ADDED: Another all-encompassing rule was added to each branch of WGI to reinforce the safety guidelines involved in the construction, transportation and use of any prop at a WGI event.

MODIFIED: A rule was modified to specify that a rifle is defined as "devices with the outward appearance influenced by a rifle."

ADDED: Color guards have the ability for one staff member to control a soundboard remotely from a designated area. A and Open Class guards are limited to battery-powered devices. 

MODIFIED: A rule regarding performance times was modified to specify that performance times can vary 15-20 minutes from the initially published time. Participating groups will be notified via text message following preliminary competition.

MODIFIED: A rule regarding props was modified to read that "all props must fit through a standard size double door with the center bar removed."

POLICY CHANGE: Non-finalist tickets for A Class finals and Open Class finals at WGI World Championships are no longer necessary. The wristbands performers receive a group check-in will operate as entry passes at no charge.

POLICY CHANGE: "A Class finalists at Regional events will be a maximum of 50 percent of participating groups from preliminaries, based on scores, time permitting."


Percussion

MODIFIED: There was a rule modified/added to all branches of WGI in order to protect facilities that host events. Groups can be penalized two points per piece of "improperly prepared equipment and/or prop." The specifics of this rule are limited to those who own the official 2018 WGI Percussion Adjudication Manual and Rulebook.

ADDED: Another all-encompassing rule was added to each branch of WGI to reinforce the safety guidelines involved in the construction, transportation and use of any prop at a WGI event.

DELETED: A rule dictating that instrumentation must be limited to traditional "instruments typically utilized and recognized as part of a percussion section." The rule goes on to describe "normal stage and band rhythm section instruments" are allowed, while other conventional wind or string instruments may not be used. 

MODIFIED: A rule regarding the remote control of a soundboard was modified to add "staff members may also communicate through a text-based messaging tool to a designated performer in the event the soundboard need adjustment."

ADDED: A rule was added stating that lights and robotic devices be controlled by a performer in the competition area. The above modification also applies to adjusting lighting/robotics via text message.

DELETED: A rule was deleted allowing ensembles to play an entrance as "part of the performance following introduction."

POLICY CHANGE: Percussion Scholastic A Class will now be offered at the WGI World Championships.