NCBA Timing Rule
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- vintagecrusher
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NCBA Timing Rule
Is this true? Are they really going to shorten the performance time for groups? Personally, it wouldn't matter so much to me if they had decided this all the way back right after Winter 2011 ended, but now? When there are already a handful of instructors who may have already picked out their show music? And what about those who do/want compete in other circuits?
I understand that it would help the shows run more smoothly if everyone didn't have such a long show, and it would keep novice groups from trying to overdo what they are capable of; so I would understand if the restriction would only apply to novice/intermediate groups... But to ALL divisions Novice B through Open? That's not really being fair to the upper divisions themselves. I personally get captivated by those longer shows in the upper classes. I really do not understand why NCBA is doing this.
The most frustrating thing about it is that I had to find out from my director today (Sept. 21, 2011)... Is anyone else feeling the stress from this new time restriction?
I understand that it would help the shows run more smoothly if everyone didn't have such a long show, and it would keep novice groups from trying to overdo what they are capable of; so I would understand if the restriction would only apply to novice/intermediate groups... But to ALL divisions Novice B through Open? That's not really being fair to the upper divisions themselves. I personally get captivated by those longer shows in the upper classes. I really do not understand why NCBA is doing this.
The most frustrating thing about it is that I had to find out from my director today (Sept. 21, 2011)... Is anyone else feeling the stress from this new time restriction?
Re: NCBA Timing Rule
Yep...I can't remember what the new time limits are, but I do remember not being terribly concerned about it. This was discussed and voted on at the June Meeting...so took effect as of June 5th.vintagecrusher wrote:Is this true? Are they really going to shorten the performance time for groups? Personally, it wouldn't matter so much to me if they had decided this all the way back right after Winter 2011 ended, but now? When there are already a handful of instructors who may have already picked out their show music? And what about those who do/want compete in other circuits?
Can someone post the new time limits? NCBA's website still has the old Rules & Regulations up

- oreocookis
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Re: NCBA Timing Rule
Well even though it was already voted on someone brought it up randomly at the Fall clinic during the colorguard movement clinic and apparently people ( forgot what they voted on, and they were told to talk to Mr. Nielson after the clinic to clarify since noone in the room remembered the exact time change), so I dont know what the outcome is and if it is still final. The people complaining were judges as well as being instructors ( and I thought it was them who had brought up the whole rule change in the first place, but they didnt want it to apply to their own groups since they were not novice.)
Jennie M
American Eagles Marching Band Woodwind, Colorguard and Winter Guard Instructor
Fremont Unified After- school Elementary Band Teacher
American Eagles Marching Band Woodwind, Colorguard and Winter Guard Instructor
Fremont Unified After- school Elementary Band Teacher
Re: NCBA Timing Rule
The new timing rule for NCBA winterguards is a maximum of 5 1/2 minutes for all guard classifiactions. The minimum equipment time is still at 4 min for HS's guards and 2 min for JH/MS's guards. The timing is not that different from WGI. "A" class guards have the maximum time allowed of 5 1/2 minutes with a minimum equipment time of 3 1/2 minutes. The maximum time for Open class WGI guards is 6 1/2 minutes with a minimum of 3 1/2 minutes of equipment time needed. Both classes can have a total minimum performance time of 4 minutes. NCBA's new timing rule should allow any guard competing in WGI type circuits to also compete in NCBA with no timing penalty issues. Currently there is no NCBA guard competing at the open level in a WGI circuit, althought that could change any year. Also if you ask any instructor of a scholastic/open guard they work to keep their shows to a 4 1/2 to 5 minute time length anyway. Standard equipment for NCBA is still flag, rifle, saber. If you want to no more information you should attend the general meetings, pay your dues, ask questions, and vote!
- vintagecrusher
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Re: NCBA Timing Rule
AJM wrote:The new timing rule for NCBA winterguards is a maximum of 5 1/2 minutes for all guard classifiactions. The minimum equipment time is still at 4 min for HS's guards and 2 min for JH/MS's guards. The timing is not that different from WGI. "A" class guards have the maximum time allowed of 5 1/2 minutes with a minimum equipment time of 3 1/2 minutes. The maximum time for Open class WGI guards is 6 1/2 minutes with a minimum of 3 1/2 minutes of equipment time needed. Both classes can have a total minimum performance time of 4 minutes. NCBA's new timing rule should allow any guard competing in WGI type circuits to also compete in NCBA with no timing penalty issues. Currently there is no NCBA guard competing at the open level in a WGI circuit, althought that could change any year. Also if you ask any instructor of a scholastic/open guard they work to keep their shows to a 4 1/2 to 5 minute time length anyway. Standard equipment for NCBA is still flag, rifle, saber. If you want to no more information you should attend the general meetings, pay your dues, ask questions, and vote!
OMG Thank you SOOO much for that info. It's weird, 30 seconds really do a lot in terms of time issues for me. The show I have already set for my kids is 5:24, and I was really concerned because there was absolutely no way I could cut my music without it sounding bad.
I can see where you are getting at too. Since our circuit really is about educating so it can thrive and mold groups that can move on to higher circuits, it's only fair to keep it at a respectable time limit. Now that I think about it, I never really watched an open show past 6 minutes.
Thanks for clarifying that. It REALLY helped! =]
Re: NCBA Timing Rule
I always aim to keep my shows between 5-5:30 minutes any how. So it didn't affect my groups all that much. Our show this year will be no exception.
I am NOT too old for this!
I'd rather be Dreaming... in a tree.
I'd rather be Dreaming... in a tree.
Re: NCBA Timing Rule
Eh, im glad its nothing too drastic. we aim to keep our shows around the 4:30 mark. I dont even like going to 5 personally but this year we'll be a little closer to 5 min.
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Re: NCBA Timing Rule
Do we still have a maximum of 10 min on The floor ,perform than off the floor ?
Re: NCBA Timing Rule
Yes, as far as i know the 10 minute rule is the same.