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.