Central Fraser Valley Fiddlers, Branch 4

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Central Fraser Valley
35th Annual

                        Old Time Fiddlers Contest

Contest Rules

                        BRITISH COLUMBIA OLD TIME FIDDLERS’ ASSOCIATION

 1.    Contestants must play a Waltz, a Jig and a Breakdown (Hornpipe or Reel) in that order.  In the final play,
      in the Championship Class only, contestants must play a Waltz, a Jig, a Breakdown, and a Tune of Choice
      in that order.   A penalty of ten (10) points will be deducted from  the score sheet total if the tunes are not
      played in proper order, or if an improper tune is played.

2.       A maximum time of four (4) minutes will be allowed for the three tunes and five (5) minutes for the four
       tunes.  This time will begin when the contestant starts to play. Any violation will result in the following reductions
       from the score sheet total:

             5 seconds grace after the 4  (or 5) minute time limit
         6 seconds to 10 seconds        -           a   1 point reduction
        11 seconds to 15 seconds       -           a   2 point reduction
        16 seconds to 20 seconds       -           a   3 point reduction
        20 seconds and beyond          -           a 10 point reduction

3.                  Contestants must play different tunes for each round of play. No tune may be repeated, even in the event of a
            tie playoff.  A contestant who repeats a tune will lose all points for that tune. The Junior (12 and under)
            category ONLY may repeat the same tunes for the second round of play.

4.            Double bowing, sometimes called Cross Shuffle or Double Shuffle, will not be allowed, and contestants doing
            so will be disqualified.

5.                  The microphone must be moved to suit the contestant.

6.                  No more than two accompanists will be allowed and they must chord only.  An electric  Bass, and/or electric
            Piano if a regular Piano is not available, may be used. All other instruments must be acoustic.

7.           There will be an area away from the stage for tuning and rehearsing.  No warm-up time will be allowed on
            the stage.

8.            If, after the Final round, two or more players in the same category are tied, they will  play one tune only, a Jig.
            If a second tune is needed to decide a winner, it will be a Reel.  If a third is needed it will be a Jig, and
            this alternate selection will be extended if need be.  No tie-breaker will be used after a preliminary round.

9.                   In the event of an accident beyond the player’s control,  such as a broken string,  etc.,  that player may replay. 
            In the event of unforeseen circumstances which would prohibit  the contest from proceeding otherwise,
            the contest committee can opt for open judging.

10.         Judging will be done by three competent judges and will be based on tone, timing, rhythm, and old time fiddling
            ability (style). Judges are not required to explain scores or standing. They are not responsible for
            disqualification, which is the function of the contest committee.

11.        Anyone who appears intoxicated may not be allowed to play.

12.             Prize money and categories in any contest will be determined by the contest committee responsible for that
            particular contest.

13.             If a contest is designated as a Provincial Contest, only residents of British Columbia are eligible to compete.
           A contestant must be able to provide evidence of three months consecutive residence in British Columbia
           immediately prior to the contest day.

14.             Contestants shall not be allowed to use printed music in competitions.

15.          Qualifying and final rounds will be scored independently, with the final round delivering the placements.

16.         Categories and age requirements:

    Member Branches hosting a Fiddle Contest shall name their categories exactly as above, but 
    may delete or add categories such as Beginners, Golden Age, Twin or Novice to the list.

17.        Contestants may enter only one category (except twin fiddle or harmony) of his or her choice according to
        playing ability and age or other requirements listed in the rules.

18.      Contestants who win in any adult category for two consecutive years in one location (same Branch) must either
        move up to the next higher category or not compete there for one year.  The Provincial Contest will
        be considered separately and the two consecutive years would apply to the Provincial only.

19.    Failure on the part of a contestant to abide by any of these rules  will result in disqualification of the contestant.
        Disqualification decisions are to be made by the contest committee only.

20.    Any Branch of the B.C.O.T.F.A. hosting a contest must abide by these rules.

                                (01/05)                 

                   Junior Junior Contest rules
                         (9 & Under Category)

                                    BRITISH COLUMBIA OLD TIME FIDDLERS’ ASSOCIATION

        1.                  Those contestants who choose this category are required to play one tune only.

        2.                   A waltz, jig and reel are the preferred tunes but other tunes of choice may be played.

        3.            Contestants who are 9 and under who choose to play the three tunes in the Junior Juniors
        category are not eligible for any standing or prize in the Junior Category.

              (Rev. 2008)

Twin Fiddling Rules

 
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