SUMMARY OF RULE CHANGES FOR 2008

The following is a brief outline of the rule changes for the 2008 Season. For details see the 2008 Tournament Rules below or click on the link to the left for a printable PDF copy. This is an executive summary, and is not intended to be all-inclusive.

GENERAL

1. Class sizes for 1-A will be 0-30 instead of 0-32 winds. 2-A will be 31 - 44 Winds. There are no other changes in the size class numbers.

2. Bands who are working to qualify for block classification must do so at least 2 weeks before finals. The last week before finals may be used for qualification for participation, but not for qualification for block seeding. Bands who qualify for finals the last week of the season will be classified as qualifying under the 'exception' rule (which means they will be seeded early at semi-finals).

3. The prohibition against sideline conducting by staff members has been clarified.

4. Permission has been given for brief adjustment of sound levels of amplification equipment by the director and/or staff members during the performance.

INDOOR PERFORMANCES

1. The qualification score for stand-still performances has been raised from 70% to 75%, and Music Effect Sheets will be used for standstill performances as well as Music Performance Sheets.

2. Guidelines and recommendations for optimum indoor performance have been added.

REGIONAL SHOW HOSTS ONLY

1. Regional Show hosts are required to submit the names of proposed adjudicators for review by June 1st, and to keep FMBC abreast of any changes in their adjudicators.

2. The mileage and travel allowance for judges has increased.. Judge honorarium minimums remain the same.

3. CSJA (the Central States Judges Association) remains available through a special arrangement with FMBC to assist you in finding and hiring qualified judges. (The use of CSJA is optional). This year there is a graduated administrative fee that increases as it gets closer to your show date. Bottom line - contact CSJA early to keep your costs down

4. Clarification of responsibility for music performance rights and privacy rights for performers has been added.

5. Guidelines for advance preparation for approaching electrical storms and for medical emergencies have been added.