Adjudicators’ Code of Conduct

1 General

1.1
The quality, objectivity and impartiality of adjudication are crucial to the standing of the Pipe Bands’ Association of Southern Africa (PBASA). Adjudication must be professional and as uniform as can be achieved within a process that is essentially subjective and greatly influenced by individual judgement. The guidance that follows seeks to provide a framework within which adjudicators of the PBASA should operate and has been approved by the Executive Committee of the PBASA.

2 Preparation

2.1
The PBASA Executive Committee member with the portfolio allocation of adjudicators will be responsible for deciding the grade/s and events to be adjudicated by each adjudicator. Adjudicators will be advised at least one week before a contest of the events they are required to adjudicate.

2.2
Adjudicators should be at the contest venue at least half an hour before the event, which they are required to adjudicate, is due to start.

2.3
It is important for adjudicators to ensure before the contest commences that they have all the necessary equipment for the day ahead. Such equipment should include:

2.3.1 ball point pens;

2.3.2 clipboard (supplied by the PBASA);

2.3.3 suitable clothing for inclement weather (eg. umbrella or cape).

2.4
Adjudicators should ensure that they report to the recorders’ tent at least five minutes before the first band is due to play. Critique sheets and order of play should also be collected from the contest recorders at this stage.

3 Contest procedure

3.1
Adjudicators should be fully conversant with the most recent version of the PBASA Contest Rules and the PBASA Constitution as it relates to adjudication and contest procedures. The contest recorders will keep copies of these documents in case they are needed for reference purposes during the contest.

3.2
The decision of an adjudicator should be based on his or her honest and impartial judgment of the relative merit of the performances adjudicated. Ranked positions should be awarded for each band performance in accordance with the marking procedure specified in the PBASA Contest Rules. Ties should be avoided.

3.3
Critique sheets should be written clearly and constructively, with comments fully justifying the allocation or deduction of points, and the final ranking of each band. Particular care should be taken in clearly indicating the ranking of each band’s performance. The number of players should be noted on the critique sheet where appropriate.

3.4
Completion of critique sheets should be undertaken within the timescale allocated to each band’s performance. Bands should not be kept waiting at the starting line beyond their allocated time.

3.5
Adjudicators are required to maintain an appropriate distance between themselves and competing bands as laid out in the PBASA Contest Rules and to conduct themselves in a manner which is not distracting to competitors.

3.6
A separate record of band placings should be maintained in order to resolve any discrepancies at the end of the contest.

3.7
Completed critique sheets should be handed to the contest recorders at the end of each event.

3.8
Only adjudicators who are busy adjudicating the current event may be present in the adjudicators’ area.

4 Dress

4.1
All adjudicators must wear highland dress, including appropriate headgear while they are on duty. It is important that adjudicators’ attire is smart and in keeping with the standards expected of PBASA competitors. Guidance on dress standards may be obtained from the PBASA Drum Majors’ Handbook. In inclement weather conditions it will be acceptable to wear protective clothing.

4.2
Adjudicators are reminded that when they are officiating they are seen as representatives of the PBASA. A professional approach to maintaining high dress standards should therefore be adopted both on and off the field.

5 Conduct

5.1
The standing and professionalism of the PBASA is greatly affected by the conduct of its officials. Adjudicators should conduct themselves at all times in such a manner as to maintain and enhance the reputation of the PBASA.

5.2
Adjudicators may not consume any alcoholic beverages before or during the adjudication of an event, and may not smoke while adjudicating an event.

5.3
Except for the requirements of 7.2.1, adjudicators may not discuss a band’s performance with colleague adjudicators or any other person during the contest, and may not attempt to influence others in the adjudicating team before or during the course of the contest.

5.4
Results of the contest may not be revealed prior to the official announcement at the end of the day.

6 Adjudication fees

6.1
Fees will be paid to adjudicators in accordance with rates set each year by the PBASA.

6.2
Adjudication fees may be collected from the contest recorders.

7 Adjudicators training programme

7.1
Trainee adjudicators are expected to comply with the guidelines contained in this document and should in addition note the following:

7.1.1
Critique sheets designated “trainee” will be supplied to all trainee adjudicators. Trainee adjudicators may use only these scoresheets when acting as a trainee adjudicator.

7.1.2
Trainee adjudicators are expected to report to their designated training adjudicator before the start of the event.

7.1.3
Completed critique sheets should be returned to the contest recorders after the event.

7.1.4
An adjudication fee will not be paid to trainee adjudicators.

7.2
Senior members of the adjudicators’ panel may from time to time be asked to assist in the training of new adjudicators. When acting in such a capacity the training adjudicator is expected to:

7.2.1
Spend at least 5-10 minutes after the completion of the event discussing the bands’ performances with the trainee adjudicator.

7.2.2
Read through the trainee adjudicator’s critique sheets and provide advice on how to improve the content thereof.

7.2.3
Complete and return the trainee adjudicator’s evaluation form, which will be supplied by the contest recorders.

7.2.4
Conduct the above process bearing in mind the requirements of 5.3.

7.3
All members of the adjudicators’ panel are expected to attend adjudication seminars, which will be organised by the PBASA. In light of the requirement for the uniform application of standards mentioned in section 1 of this document, continued development of adjudication skills and lively debate is vital for the maintenance and improvement of adjudication standards. Ongoing failure to participate in these seminars may result in the suspension of an adjudicator from the adjudicators’ panel.

8 Complaints and disciplinary procedure

8.1
Adjudicators may register complaints about other adjudicators or competitors by means of the procedure detailed in the PBASA Contest Rules.