Get the minutes of the 2010 annual general metting here.
A list of the members of the PBAS committee and other office holders can be found here.
The constitution as adopted by the annual general meeting on friday 13 February, 1998, can be found on line here. Download the consitution as a PDF file here.
The new competition rules gaining force from 1 January, 1999, can be found here. Download the rules as a PDF file here and the accompanying appendix of judges' sheets here.
The PBAS is an affiliated member of the RSPBA. This means that member bands of the PBAS who whish to be members of the RSPBA only pay half membership fee to the RSPBA.
Note that, in order to compete in Scotland, a band must be a member of the RSPBA.
Adopted by the AGM 13 February 1998.
Including amendments of the AGM 19 February, 1999 and 18 February 2000,
16 February 2001, 15 February 2002, 13 February 2004 and 18 February 2005.
These thoroughly amended and revised competition rules, based on previous issues of the PBAS competition rules, were accepted and agreed upon by the Pipe Band Association of Scandinavia at its annual general meeting on Friday 13 February 1998. The rules will gain full force from 1 January 1999.
The rules are to regulate the terms and conditions for competitors, judges, organisers (promoters) at Scandinavian piping and drumming contests. They are based on the rules of The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (RSPBA), with alterations according to Scandinavian conditions and competition traditions.
The rules are to make sure that the competitors are being judged on equal terms, that the competitions can be run without unnecessary interruptions and that the event runs smoothly for the competitors, the adjudicators, the organisers as well as the audience.
1.3.1 These rules are recommended for Scandinavian pipe band and soloist contests. The competitions must be open to pipe bands, drum majors, piping and drumming ensembles and solo competitors rooted in Scottish Highland piping and pipe band drumming, no matter of nationality.
1.3.2 It must be clearly stated on application forms or invitations that the competition is run by the "PBAS Rules", if referred to in connection with any competition.
1.3.3 If the PBAS Rules are being used, they must be carried out to their full extent on the disciplines for which they apply.
1.3.4 The organiser may publish extracts from these rules. Single rules may be left out only for disciplines that do not take place. The quotation must be literal.
1.3.5 In case of any misunderstanding of these Rules, or in doubt of their interpretation, the matter should be decided upon by the committee of the PBAS or the person(s) appointed by the PBAS.
1.3.6 Organisers and competitors can only expect support from the PBAS in cases where the PBAS agreed to grant support in any way.
1.4.1 The organising Committee must make sure that it has economical guarantees and a sufficient organisation to carry out the competition once it is set afoot. It must be clearly stated whom among the organisers that bears the economical responsibility for the competition. Under no circumstances must the competitors be made responsible for any financial losses. The PBAS can take no economical responsibility for the event.
1.4.2 In order to get a well functioning and interesting competition, information and entry forms should be sent out in good time (not less than two months prior to the competition).
1.4.3 The organising Committee must be represented by at least two executive officials (preferably not competing) on the day of the competition. Before the day of the event these officials must have been granted the authority to make any decision, that is induced by these rules or otherwise necessary to carry out the competition should changes or unexpected problems occur. Judges, stewards, and preferably band representatives must be informed about who these officials are.
1.4.4 It is recommended that an official PBAS-representative is present at major contests in order to assist the executive officials on any principal matter.
1.4.5 All adjudicators must be assigned when the lot takes place. They should preferably be well recommended adjudicators. Scandinavian adjudicators may be assigned at the discretion of the organising committee.
1.4.6 No official competitions may be held after the actual serious competition day is ended, such as during an after the games party. Competitions held as less serious "party events" should be clearly declared as such on the entry form.
1.4.7 Information about the event, including the PBAS point system, guidelines, and samples of score sheets, should be sent out to each adjudicator no less than two weeks prior to the event.
1.4.8 The prize giving ceremony should preferably be held immediately after all the competitions and results of the day are completed, and should not be postponed to an after the games party or later occasion.
1.4.9 The adjudicators' sheets are to be handed out as soon as possible after the distribution of the prizes. The original sheet should be given to the competitor. A duplicate must be kept by an executive officer until no formal protests can be made. Challenge trophies should be signed for by the receivers.
1.4.10 As soon after an event as possible the organising committee should compile a summary of the results and make the results available to the competitors, preferably on the last day of the event, but no later than one week after the event has finished.
1.4.11 When the event is the Scandinavian Championships all duplicates of adjudicators' sheets and a copy of the summaries together with receipts for challenge cups etc. must then be passed on to the PBAS for filing.
1.4.12 If a massed bands parade is held in connection with a band competition, the bands, and preferably also the soloists taking part in the competitions, are obliged to take part in the parade. A band wishing to obtain a permission to be excluded from the parade should apply to the PBAS Committee or the body appointed according to § 2.2 before the day of the parade. It is the responsibility of the organising committee to limit the duration of the parade to between 30 and 45 minutes. The marching route must not exceed three kilometres. Immediately after the massed bands parade is finished, it is the responsibility of the organising committee that there at least is fresh drinking water (or preferably free soft drinks and beer) available to all those who have played in the parade. The organising committee must inform the bands about how to get to the competition arena after the parade is finished. The committee should also take into consideration how instruments and cases are transported to and from the parade and where cases are stored during the parade. After the parade and transport to the competition arena the bands must be allowed at least one hour of recreation/tuning up time before the first competition starts.
2.1 Definitions
2.2 In extraordinary situations it is possible for a competitor to apply for a dispensation from these competition rules. Applications for dispensation should always be in writing.
Dispensations that have to be solved before the day of the event should be addressed to the committee of the PBAS or a body appointed by the PBAS Committee. This possibility should be considered in extreme cases only. For instance, if a newly formed band wants to compete without Highland dress because they have not yet had time to acquire Highland dress. The committee may decide to have the matter solved by the bandleader meeting at the event.
General questions of dispensation should be addressed to the initial bandleader meeting held on the day of the event according to 2.4. For instance, if a band wants to play with five pipers because one of the pipers has been taken ill shortly before the competition.
All questions regarding dispensations in connection with The Copenhagen Winter Competition should be addressed to and solved by the CWC Committee.
2.3 The order of playing is decided by lot, made beforehand by the competition committee. Before the start of the event competitors should receive information about the preliminary starting hours.
For band/group contests, the drawing can take place with or without band representatives. Where more than 25 competitors are entered for any contest the competitors may be divided into qualifying sections (heats). A minimum of four competitors from each heat will then play for final placing.
If there are less than five entries in a solo competition the organising committee may decide to cancel that particular competition. In case a competition is cancelled, those who have entered should be offered to take part in another competition, if possible.
2.4 Every major event (with exception for solo competitions and The Copenhagen Winter Competition) should be commenced by a short pipe bandleader meeting where brief information about the event can be shared and where questions of dispensation according to §2.2 should be settled. Apart from the band representatives, there should be representatives from the organising committee, the PBAS (committee and/or rule interpreters) and the adjudicators. Chairman of the meeting should be one of the PBAS representatives, preferably a person who is not taking part in the competitions of the day. Each competing band (or group if it is not a band contest) is given two votes. In case of an even vote the chairman has the casting vote.
2.5 All competitors must be ready for final tuning at the times given by officials/stewards. Competitors who do not keep their given stand-by and starting hours will be disqualified at the discretion of the organising committee.
2.6 All competitors and adjudicators should be dressed in Highland Dress when competing or adjudicating as well as when taking part in a massed bands parade. Exceptions can be made according to § 2.2. Preferably Highland dress should also be worn during the prize giving.
2.7 Any competitor failing to follow these rules may be disqualified at the discretion of the organising committee or the PBAS representatives of the day.
2.8 Disqualification, matters of dispute, or complaints related to the competition will be settled and decided upon by the executive officials, together with the judges and the PBAS representatives of the day.
2.9 Possible protests concerning competitions already held must be presented in writing to the competition committee no later than two hours after the publication of the relevant competition results.
2.10 Always contact the organising committee beforehand, if in any doubt about the rules.
2.11 No person except officiating adjudicators, PBAS representatives of the day, and competitors when competing shall be allowed inside the contest arena.
2.12 Each adjudicator will be provided with score sheets according to these rules, suitably printed, for the allocation of place, points and remarks. (See examples of judges' sheets in appendix to these rules.) Placing (or points where asked for) should be given in all competitions. The sheets must be completed in duplicate and passed on to the Steward at the end of each performance before the next competitor begins. The allocation of place or points should be explained by means of in constructive criticism in the space provided. Adjudicators are allowed to make additional comments on the sheets after the entire competition is finished, but not after the prize giving ceremony has started. Adjudicators shall not approach nearer than three metres to any competitor, nor shall they discuss the competition during the entire contest discipline, except when explicitly asked by the committee to judge by joint decision.
2.13 Competitors failing to return trophies before the start of the first competition, or later on agreement with the organising committee, shall be fined a sum as determined by the PBAS, and shall be suspended until the fine has been paid to the PBAS and the trophy returned to the PBAS, or otherwise acceptably replaced if lost.
for groups smaller than bands see section 4 below.)
3.1.1 Bands will be assigned tuning areas and must keep these positions when tuning, unless other instructions are given by officials.
3.1.2 The band competitions are open to pipe bands and drum majors of all nationalities. Competitions open to Scandinavians only may be held simultaneously, within the same competition, with competitions open to all nationalities.
A Scandinavian pipe band should:
Prizes may be awarded both to the three best placed competitors and to the three best placed Scandinavian bands.
The title "Scandinavian Champion Grade Four" is given to the best Scandinavian pipe band in grade four (closed).
The title "Scandinavian Champion of Champions" is given to the Scandinavian band with the best placing in both the Open Grade - March, Strathspey and Reel and the Open Grade - Medley competitions. In case of a tie, preference is given to the band with the best place in the March, Strathspey and Reel competition.
Prizes may be awarded both to the three competitors with the highest number of points, and to the three best placed Scandinavian bands.
The title "Scandinavian Champion Grade Four" is given to the best Scandinavian pipe band in grade four (closed).
The title "Scandinavian Champion of Champions" is given to the Scandinavian band with the best placing in both the Open Grade - March, Strathspey and Reel and the Open Grade - Medley competitions. In case of a tie, preference is given to the band with the best place in the March, Strathspey and Reel competition.
3.1.3 Band members are not allowed to play the same type of instrument in the same competition with different bands. Band members of a higher graded band may not play in a lower graded band. An exception to this rule is when the pipe-major or leader of a drum corps of a lower graded band also plays with a higher graded band. Also members of a higher graded band may play with a lower graded band in open grade competitions, provided that they play in one band only per competition.
3.1.4 Bands will arrive at the starting line properly dressed, including headdress and come to the halt. After halting at the starting line, no member of the band will be allowed to withdraw.
3.1.5 The performance will commence from the "at ease" position with pipes down. On the signal from the ensemble adjudicator the band will commence its performance on the appropriate and correctly-given command by the pipe major (or drum major in Marching & Discipline), i.e. (a) Band Attention, (b) Get Ready, © Ready, (d) By the Right, Quick March. All commands may be preceded by the caution "Band" or "Pipes and Drums". It will be the said adjudicator's duty to ensure that other adjudicators are ready.
3.1.6 Except for Marching and Discipline bands shall form a circle. The band circle should preferably be marked out on the ground by the organisers. The centre of the band circle shall be 14 metres from the start line and it shall have a diameter of 13 metres. Adjudicators must not enter the band circle.
3.1.7 In forming the circle, the Pipe Major and Leading Drummer may take up any position to ensure the best performance from the band. The band circle is intended as a guide to bands.
3.1.8 The musical performance will be adjudicated from the first beat of the introduction rolls and cease after all instruments have stopped sounding.
3.1.9 Adjudication will be carried out by four adjudicators, each to rank the bands so that the best band is given first place, the second best second place and so on. All bands taking part in a competition should be ranked. There should be:
The result for each competition shall be determined by the addition of the band placing from all adjudicators in each musical discipline.
NOTE! The best bass- and tenor section competition is a separate competition and should not be counted in the overall band competition. It should be judged by a specially assigned judge who is not judging any other part of the band competitions, the marching and discipline and drum salute contests excepted.
3.1.10 In event of a tie the decision shall be reached as follows:
3.1.11 Adjudication should be carried out using score sheets, divided into sections as follows. Points for introduction and tone should be given as assessments only.
| Band Piping | Ensemble | Drumming |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction 10 Tone 15 |
Introduction 15 Tone 15 |
Introduction 20 Tone 10 |
| PLACE | PLACE | PLACE |
| Best Bass- & Tenor Section |
|---|
| Tone & tuning 10 |
| Musical performance 50 Visual/artistic performance 50 |
| Total 100 |
NOTE! Special sheets are provided for the Best Bass- and Tenor Section Competition.
| Drum Majors' Contest |
|---|
| Dress 20 Marching and discipline 40 Flourishing 40 |
| Total 100 |
NOTE! Special sheets are provided for the Drum Majors' Contest.
3.2.1 This competition is open to bands of grade 4 standard only.
3.2.2 Each band shall play at least eight measures of Quick March.
3.2.3 Each band must comprise at least six pipers, two side drummers, one bass drummer and one tenor drummer.
3.3.1 This competition is open to all bands of grade 4 and grade 3 standard.
3.3.2 Each band shall play a medley selection of 4–6 minutes duration.
3.3.3 Each band must comprise at least six pipers, two side drummers, one bass drummer, and one tenor drummer.
(Vacant)
(Vacant)
3.6.1 This competition is open to all bands, no matter of grade.
3.6.2 Each band shall play a march, strathspey and reel, each of a minimum of four measures.
3.6.3 Each band must comprise at least six pipers, two side drummers, one bass drummer, and one tenor drummer.
3.7.1 This competition is open to all bands, no matter of grade.
3.7.2 Each band shall play a Medley selection of 3–7 minutes duration.
3.7.3 Each band must comprise at least six pipers, two side drummers, one bass drummer, and one tenor drummer.
3.8.1 The bass- and tenor sections of all bands entering the pipe band competitions, irrespectively of grade, are automatically participating in this event. The marching and discipline competition, however, is not qualifying. Bands not wishing to participate should notify the committee before the first competition of the band events starts. No extra fee should be paid by the participants for this event.
3.8.2 The prize is to be given to the bass- and tenor section with the best rhythmical co-operation and visual/artistic performance, consisting of feathering and flourishing. Drum tone and tuning should also be taken into consideration. The winning section is that which scores the highest points irrespectively of grade. If a band participates in more than one qualifying contest, that band should still be judged in the best bass- and tenor competition in each contest, and only the sheet with the highest number of points is to be valid. If two bass- and tenor sections should get an equal sum of total points, preference should be given to the section with the highest number of points for rhythmical performance.
3.8.3 A bass- and tenor section must consist of a minimum of one bass drummer and one tenor drummer.
3.9.1 This competition is open to all bands, no matter of musical grade.
3.9.2 The adjudicators will attach importance to exactness in marching as well as correctness in the composition and wear of uniform, according to Scottish tradition. The programme must include marching, piping, and drumming but the musical performance will not be judged.
3.9.3 Each band must comprise at least six pipers, two side drummers, one bass drummer, and one tenor drummer.
3.9.4 Adjudicators should rank the bands so that the best band is given first place, the second best second place and so on. All bands taking part in a competition should be ranked.
3.10 All Grades - Drum Salute
3.10.1 Each Drum Corps must consist of at least four drummers, of which two must be playing the side drum, one must be playing the bass drum, and one must be playing the tenor drum.
3.10.2 The Drum Salute shall be of 2–6 minutes duration.
3.10.3 Adjudicators should rank the drum corps so that the best corps is given first place, the second best second place and so on. All corps taking part in a competition should be ranked.
3.11 Drum Majors Contest
3.11.1 This competition will be carried out in heats with a maximum of six competitors in each heat.
3.11.2 Dress will be judged separately from marching, discipline, and flourishing. The dress worn in all sections of the competition must in no way vary. Neatness, cleanliness, and how the dress is worn are to be the determining factors.
3.11.3 Points shall be awarded as follows: marching & discipline 40 points; flourishing 40 points; dress 20 points.
3.11.4 Points awarded for dress in the heats shall be carried forward into the final.
3.11.5 The finalists shall be the competitors with the highest number of points (not necessary heat winners).
3.11.6 In case of a tie first preference is given to marching & discipline and second preference to flourishing (if still a tie, the prize may be shared).
(for pipe bands see section 3 above.)
4.1.1 Competitors must keep inside the tuning area and must follow instructions given by officials.
4.1.2 Groups must make sure that they can be found by the stewards and keep informed about changes in the time schedule.
4.1.3 The competitions are open to pipers and drummers of all nationalities. Competitions open to Scandinavians only may be held simultaneously, within the same competition, with competitions open to all nationalities.
A Scandinavian group should:
Prizes may be awarded both to the three best placed competitors, and to the three best placed Scandinavian groups.
4.1.4 Group members are not allowed to compete in more than one group in the same discipline and on the same type of instrument. Note that when there are different levels of group competitions every level should be regarded as a separate discipline. For instance if there is one "beginners quintets competition" and one "experienced quintet competition" they constitute two different disciplines.
4.1.5 The judgement will start on the first beat of the music and cease after all instruments have stopped sounding.
4.1.6 Adjudication will be carried out by four or five adjudicators, each to rank the groups so that the best group is given first place, the second best second place and so on. All groups taking part in a competition should be ranked. There should be:
The result for each competition shall be determined by the addition of the group placing from all adjudicators in each musical discipline. Should there be one piping adjudicator only or one ensemble adjudicator only the "place-point" given by that single judge should be multiplied by two. (This means that the lowest possible sum of points is always five, although the winners might have a higher sum of place-points depending on the outcome of the individual placing made by each adjudicator.)
4.1.7 In the event of a tie the decision shall be reached as follows:
4.1.8 Adjudication should be carried out using score sheets, divided into sections as follows. The separate points for introduction and tone are assessments only and should not be added to the points of the total performance.
Group Competitions (determined by placing)
| Piping | Ensemble | Drumming |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction 10 Tone 15 |
Introduction 15 Tone 15 |
Introduction 20 Tone 10 |
| Place | Place | Place |
4.2.1 Each quintet must comprise 3 pipers, 1 side drummer, and 1 bass/tenor drummer
4.2.2 Each quintet in grade four must play a selection of 3–7 minutes duration.
4.2.3 Each quintet in open grade must play a selection of 4–7 minutes duration.
4.3.1 Each trio must play a selection of 2–7 minutes duration.
4.3.2 Each trio must comprise two pipers and one side drummer.
5.1.1 Competitors can only enter competitions within the same level at the same event (e.g. during one particular Highland games) according to the rules below. Competitors at any level may participate in the unlevelled competitions if not excluded by a specific rule.
5.1.2 Competitors may change between levels at different events according to the following rules:
Piping:
With the exception of the unlevelled competitions and the Advanced and Former Winners levels, competitors may never enter a competition, which he or she has previously won.
Side Drumming:
5.1.3 To qualify for the Former Winners level a competitor must have won a first place in the M/S/R competition in the level below Former Winners and a first place in the Hornpipe/Jig competition in the level below Former Winners at either the Scandinavian Championships or the CWC during the same season. This means that there are two possible ways to qualify. The first possibility is that a competitor wins both competitions at the same event. The other possibility is that one competition is won at the Scandinavian Championships and the other at the immediately following Copenhagen Winter Competition or vice versa. Note that a competitor who has qualified to play at the Former Winners level is not compelled to change from the level below Former Winners until he or she has qualified twice in the time span of two seasons.
Competitors who have reached a high standard of playing, and have competed successfully outside of Scandinavia may apply to the organising committee to compete at the Former Winners' level.
Competitors on the Former Winners' or in drumming Open level may apply to the committee of the PBAS if they wish to compete at a lower level again.
5.1.4 Competitors must keep inside the tuning area and must follow instructions given by the officials. Competitors must keep informed of any changes in the time schedule and must make sure that they can be found by the Stewards.
5.1.5 The competitions are open to pipers and drummers of all nationalities. Competitions open to Scandinavians only may be held simultaneously, within the same competition, with competitions open to all nationalities.
Competitors who have been resident in Scandinavia for at least one month prior to the competitions are regarded as Scandinavians
Prizes may be awarded both to the three best placed competitors, and to the three best placed Scandinavians.
The title "Scandinavian Champion" will be assigned to the competitor at the Scandinavian Championships who has got the lowest sum of placing in the following competitions:
In case of a tie in piping, the competitor with the best place in Piobaireachd should be awarded the title.
In case of a tie in piping, the competitor with the best place in Piobaireachd should be awarded the title. In case of a tie in drumming, the competitor with the best place in March/Strathspey/Reel should be awarded the title.
The title "Scandinavian Champion of Champion (of Solo Piping or of Solo Drumming)" will be awarded at the Copenhagen Winter Competition to the Scandinavian competitors in the Former Winners' best placed at the previous Scandinavian Championships and the current CWC, according to the following:
Competitors are given points according to how they have been placed in the competitions below. A first place renders one point, second place two points etc. The competitor with the lowest sum of place-points in all competitions at both events wins the title.
In case of a tie in piping, the competitor with the best place in Piobaireachd should be awarded the title. If still a tie, a preference is given to the person with best placing in Piobaireachd and March/Strathspey/Reel.
In case of a tie in drumming, the competitor with the best place in March/Strathspey/Reel should be awarded the title. If still a tie, a preference is given to the person with best placing in March/Strathspey /Reel and Hornpipe/Jig.
Only competitors who have participated fully in all, without breaking down in any of the competitions (piping six, drumming six), at the two events can win the award.
5.1.6 Pipers must play on the Great Highland Bagpipe.
5.1.7 Side drummers must play on a pipe band snare drum.
5.1.8 Tenor drummers must play on a pipe band tenor drum.
5.1.9 It is strongly recommended that solo drummers should be accompanied by 1–3 pipers.
5.1.10 Rules that exclude competitors from taking part in any competition because they have won previous contests do not apply if there were less than five competitors in the event they won.
5.1.11 In the solo piping competitions all competitors should be ranked from the winner and downwards, although competitors who break down should not be ranked. Adjudication should be carried out using score sheets, divided into sections. Constructive criticism should be provided in the space provided on the judges' sheets. Separate assessment for tone (maximum 15 points) should be made.
5.1.12 In the solo drumming competitions all competitors should be ranked from the winner and downwards, although competitors who break down should not be ranked. Adjudication should be carried out using score sheets, divided into sections. Constructive criticism should be provided in the space provided on the judges' sheets. Separate assessment for tone (maximum 10 points) and introduction (maximum 20 points) should be made.
| Level | Competition a | Competition b | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Slow Air | March (any time signature) | ||
|
Slow Air/Jig | 2/4 competition type march | ||
|
Hornpipe/Jig | March/Strathspey/Reel | ||
|
Hornpipe/Jig (2 stated sets) | March/Strathspey/Reel (2 stated sets) | ||
|
Hornpipe/Jig (3 + 3 tunes) | March/Strathspey/Reel (3 + 3 + 3 tunes) |
|
Scandinavian Tune | ||
|
Piobaireachd (Urlar only) | ||
|
Piobaireachd | ||
|
Piobaireachd Advanced | ||
|
6/8 March |
| Level | Competition a | Competition b | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
March (any time signature) | - | ||
|
Hornpipe/Jig | March/Strathspey/Reel | ||
|
Hornpipe/Jig | March/Strathspey/Reel (2 stated marches) | ||
|
|
6/8 or 9/8 or 12/8 March | - |
A selection of 2-6 minutes duration to be played. Each competitor must be accompanied by 1–2 pipers and an optional side drummer. All competitors should be ranked from the winner and downwards, although competitors who break down should not be ranked. The adjudication should be carried out by two judges, one primarily judging the musical performance and the other primarily judging the visual performance (flourishing, feathering and posture). Preferably the adjudicators should be in agreement over the placing of the competitors. In case of a tie preference should be given to musical performance. Constructive criticism should be provided in the spaces provided on the judges’ sheets on both the musical and visual aspects of the performance. Tone and introduction should be assessed separately (maximum 10 points for tone and 20 points for introduction). The selection should be started by two by three beats as in traditional pipe band introductory rolls.
These constitutions and rules were adopted by the annual general meeting on Friday 13th February, 1998.
The organisation shall be called The Pipe Band Association of Scandinavia, abbreviated "PBAS".
The aims of the PBAS is to promote the co-operation between pipe bands in Scandinavia, to co-ordinate mutual activities and otherwise to solve issues in common. Wherever the word Scandinavia is used in these rules it refers to Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden. The main functions of the association are:
As a non-profit organisation, the PBAS shall support and assist any pipe band in Scandinavia, including newly formed pipe bands, in improving its standard. The PBAS shall also be of assistance to people who want to form a pipe band. In case this means splitting from an existing band, the PBAS must act in a way that does not interfere with obvious internal affairs. In case of disputes and other difficult situations the PBAS shall act in a way that best serves the interest of piping in Scandinavia, if possible avoiding inflicting damages to any single member band. The PBAS may settle disputes between members, provided that all parties involved agree on this.
The PBAS shall promote good relations between Scandinavian pipe bands and pipe bands in Scotland and all over the World. The PBAS shall work to make it possible for Scandinavian pipe bands to take part in contests both in Scotland and elsewhere - and vice versa. The PBAS should therefore be affiliated to The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, RSPBA. Scandinavian competition rules should also be co-ordinated with the rules of the RSPBA as far as possible, taking Scandinavian conditions into consideration.
The PBAS shall preferably and in majority consist of Scandinavian pipe bands. Any Scandinavian pipe band that shares the interests of this society and that is prepared to abide by its Constitution is eligible for Membership. Scandinavian organisations and groups, other than pipe bands, may also become members on the same conditions if they can be expected to contribute to the activities of the PBAS and to the development of piping and drumming in general in Scandinavia. Individual persons may become members only in exceptional cases, such as persons appointed honorary members of the association. Individual membership can not be combined with representing member organisations.
Application for membership should be in writing and forwarded to the committee, which is empowered to make a decision thereon. The application should, apart from name of the applicant also contain names and addresses to official representatives.
The annual membership fee should be confirmed at the annual general meeting, and should be paid before the end of June each year. Under special circumstances, the committee may grant a reduction of membership fees. Honorary members do not pay any membership fee.
Members of the PBAS shall be observant of situations in which the PBAS can be of help and shall inform about the existence of the PBAS and its functions. Members shall pay special attention to their relations to other members of the association.
Members wishing to resign from the PBAS should present their decision in writing to the committee. The membership fee cannot be reclaimed. Any member who, in spite of two reminders, has not paid its membership fee for the current year shall be deemed to have resigned from the association. Unless having registered reservations in the minutes, members and ex-members are financially responsible for all major economical undertakings, decided upon by the association up until the moment they possibly notify their resignation.
At a general meeting the decision may be taken to exclude a member from the association, should there be any special reason for doing so. Such a decision can be taken provided that two thirds of all the members present at the meeting are in agreement with the decision.
The PBAS shall base its economy on membership fees and may also accept donations. No member or person may, under any circumstances, receive payment from the association, apart from the covering of expenses. The financial year is from 1st January to 31st December.
The highest authority to make final and binding decisions within the association is granted to the assembly of its member representatives, either at the annual general meeting or at any duly summoned member meeting. Current matters are to be dealt with by the elected committee.
Each member group may be represented by one or two delegates at any member meeting and is always entitled to two votes, when present. Individual members have one vote each. Voting members must be present by at least one representative; voting through letter of attorney is not allowed. Member representatives must be able to prove their right to speak and vote on behalf of their group. Decisions may be passed by a simple majority, except on questions concerning amendments to these rules or the dissolution of the association, in which case a majority of two thirds of the votes is required. Decisions, including elections, shall be determined by voting or secret ballot if a representative demands this.
The committee shall consist of the chairman, the secretary, the treasurer and two other members, all elected at the annual general meeting. The annual general meeting may also elect two deputy members of the committee. Major decisions by the committee should preferable be taken, or at least be confirmed at committee meetings. All major activities and decisions throughout the year must be stated in the annual report.
The Committee shall as soon as possible appoint persons from amongst its members to sign all documents for the Association.
All major and formal documents, such as rules and minutes, should preferably be written in English, as a neutral platform and to simplify communication within Scandinavia and Finland as well as with Scotland and overseas bands.
The annual general meeting shall be held before the end of march. Member meetings can take place at any time during the year, if the committee so decides or on the request of at least one third of the members. The committee meets at the discretion of the chairman. Summons to any member meeting are to be sent out to the members no later than three weeks prior to the meeting
The Agenda for the Annual General Meeting should at least contain the following issues:
Issues to be decided upon at the Annual General Meeting must be received by the committee no later than five weeks prior to the meeting.
The electoral committee shall consist of two persons who shall present a list of candidates prior to the elections at the annual general meeting, or otherwise when required.
There shall be two Auditors to examine the accounts and the financial report. The auditors shall make their report available to the members at the annual general meeting.
Decisions to amend these constitutions can only be made at the annual general meeting and requires an agreement of two thirds of the present voting member representatives. Decisions to amend the constitutions can only be made if the issue is stated on the preliminary agenda sent out with the summons to the annual general meeting.
The decision to wind up the association can only be made if it is taken at each of two succeeding annual general meetings. Such a decision requires an agreement by two thirds of the present voting member representatives at both meetings.
In the event of the dissolution of the association, its assets are to be realised and the proceeds used to further Scottish piping and drumming in Scandinavia and Finland.
Chairman
Kaj Framke
Fjældevænget 10, 3. tv.
8210 Århus V
DENMARK
+45-30 26 73 37
kframke@gmail.com
Hon. Secretary
David Lundgreen
Munkholmsvej 27
4300 Holbæk
DENMARK
Hon. Treasurer
P/M Lejf Fomsgaard
Vidkærsvej 31
8660 Skanderborg
DENMARK
Casper Andersen
Andreas Holmgreen
Jessica Karlsson
Jacob Jensen
Interpreters of competition rules
P/M Kaj Larssen
P/M Ib McCarthy Nielsen
Electoral Committee
P/M Christian Wessman
Maria Dammeyer
P/S Sven Axelsson