BCT GRAND NATIONAL
INTERNATIONAL INVITATION BAND

"This is a valuable stage created to serve as a bridge connecting international marching bands with those in Thailand, providing an opportunity for the cultural exchange of diverse musical and performance arts.

This stage is not merely a competition, but a space for collaborative activities, building borderless friendships, and sharing invaluable experiences. Through powerful musical performances and dynamic movements, this event aims to elevate the standards of the marching band community while forging lasting memories together among musicians from all corners of the world."

 

Qualifications of the Band and Participants

To ensure fairness, align with the musical and physical potential of players in each age group, and meet international standards, the competition classes are divided as follows:

Number of Participants

 

Competition Rounds

 

General Rules

1. The judging system from the World Marching Band Organization (WMBO) will be used, with different criteria applied for each class.
2. Contestants can freely choose their competition music without limits on the number of songs. The contestants are fully responsible for all music copyright issues.
3. Sparks, fuel-based equipment, or flammable objects of any kind are not allowed. Bringing live animals into the performance is strictly prohibited.
4. Equipment resembling real firearms is prohibited (except Color Guard rifles), as well as sharp objects or items that could cause harm to performers, staff, and the audience.
5. Violent gestures (e.g., throat-slitting, shooting, or threatening motions), sexually harassing actions, aggressive behavior, or disrespect toward other teams and audiences are prohibited. Contestants must maintain good manners and sportsmanship at all times.
6. Performances should avoid religious content or emotionally sensitive issues. The association reserves the right to ask for adjustments or suspend parts of the performance if it risks causing misunderstandings or impacting society's good beliefs.
7. Props, scenery, and electrical equipment are permitted, provided safety is the top priority. The association reserves the right to disallow any equipment deemed risky or hazardous.
8. Props and scenery cannot be left on the competition field before or after the performance. Equipment must be moved in and out according to the competition sequence unless instructed otherwise by the venue committee during emergencies.
9. Only contestants are allowed in the performance area during the competition.
10. The use of powder or colored dust that leaves stains on the field is strictly prohibited.
11. If small ribbons or confetti are used, the team must have measures to completely clear them within the given time (e.g., laying down a tarp or using a cordless vacuum). Sweeping alone is not allowed as it causes delays and leaves residue.
12. Regional Champions Privilege
    Bands that win first place in regional competitions will automatically advance to the Finals of the BCT GRAND NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS (skipping Prelims or Semi-Finals). The criteria are as follows:
    • Application Condition: They must apply for the national competition within the specified timeframe and notify their intent to use this privilege at least 45 days before the national event.
    • Retroactive Notification: If the regional event finishes after national registration, they must claim this privilege within 7 days of the regional results.
    • Category Consistency: This privilege applies only to the same Category and Class won at the regional level.

 

Technical Rules

1. Assistants for individuals with physical or health disabilities are allowed to help during the performance, but they cannot perform or participate in the show; they are strictly there for necessary assistance.
2. Important Warning: Including individuals without disabilities to compete in this specific category is considered a severe offense and is highly inappropriate.

 

Timing

• Not less than 3 minutes and not exceeding 5 minutes

 

Field Setup and Performance Start

1. Field setup and equipment installation must be completed within 5 minutes (full warm-ups are not allowed).
2. During the setup, pre-show announcements will be made as follows..
   Pre-Show Announcements

   Announce 1:

   "Welcome everyone to the competition field. The band entering the field is from... [Province/Country]"

   Announce 2:

   (Announcer describes honors and achievements while the band sets up)

   Announce 3:

   "Today's performance is conducted and trained by..."

   *End of announcement. Conductor signals readiness.

   Announce 4:

   "Please enjoy the performance titled... [Show Title]"

   *Conductor turns to salute the audience (if applicable)

   Start:

   "The 20xx performance titled.....
   Band Competition of Thailand (Province) proudly presents... [Band Name] !!!"
3. After the announcements conclude, the competition timer begins with the first musical sound or the first movement.
4. The timer stops when the performance concludes (after the final sound or movement).
5. Moving equipment and instruments off the field is untimed, but it should not take more than 3 minutes (no point deductions apply).

 

 

Field Size & Measurement

• Field Size 25x40 yards
  (Using space beyond this is allowed if necessary but should not exceed 2 yards; teams must check specific venue dimensions as surrounding areas vary.)

 

Penalties

1. For every 3 seconds over or under the time limit, 0.1 points will be deducted.
2. If an overage player is found before the competition, the player is disqualified immediately. If found during or after, the entire band is disqualified and penalized per the certification letter measures.
3. If exceeding the limit, the number must be reduced before performing. If below the minimum, 1 point is deducted for every missing person. Retroactive deductions apply if discrepancies are found later.
4. If a band is missing a specific section (Winds, Percussion, Color Guard) in a caption-judged event, that section receives a score of zero.
5. Violations of General Rule 8 Rule 8 Details: Props and scenery cannot be left on the competition field before or after the performance. Equipment must be moved in and out according to the competition sequence unless instructed otherwise by the venue committee during emergencies. and 9 Rule 9 Details: Only contestants are allowed in the performance area during the competition. will result in a 5-point deduction.
6. Violations of General Rule 10 Rule 10 Details: The use of powder or colored dust that leaves stains on the field is strictly prohibited. will result in a 20-point deduction.
7. Violations of General Rule 11 Rule 11 Details: If small ribbons or confetti are used, the team must have measures to completely clear them within the given time (e.g., laying down a tarp or using a cordless vacuum). Sweeping alone is not allowed as it causes delays and leaves residue. will result in a deduction between 5 - 20 points, based on the venue committee's discretion regarding the impact on other teams.
8. 10-point deduction if the judges determine the band marched (applies specifically to Concert Marching Arts).

 

Participation Confirmation and Withdrawal Rules

1. Confirmation
   Submitting an application automatically grants the band "Confirmed" participant status, obligating them to follow all rules immediately.
2. Forfeiture
   If a registered band fails to perform (due to withdrawal or no-show), they lose their status and forfeit any rights to trophies, certificates, or benefits from the association and organizing committee.
   Under no circumstances can bands that do not perform make claims for these items.
3. Withdrawal Penalties
   To ensure smooth management, the association divides control measures into 2 periods:
   • 3.1 Prior to Competition: If a band cannot be contacted or ignores communication for over 15 days from registration until the first day of the event, they are deemed to have abandoned the competition. They will be removed from the system and not readmitted for the current event.
   • 3.2 During the Event: From the first activity day to the closing ceremony, withdrawing or abandoning the competition without a valid reason is considered a rule violation.
4. Regulations and Penalties
   If withdrawal is necessary, bands must:
   • For 3.1: Notify the organizing team via the official LINE OA.
   • For 3.2: Submit an official clarification letter to the Marching Band Association of Thailand, signed by the organization's authority.
   Failure to follow these steps gives the committee the right to impose the following penalties:
   • 3.1 Violations prior to competition:
     (Unreachable for 15+ days or withdrawing without notice)
     Banned from all BCT events for 1 calendar year. Can rejoin the following year.
   • 3.2 Violations during the event:
     (Abandoning the competition mid-way)
     Banned from all BCT events for 5 years.

 

Documents & Preparation

1. Additional Documents (Government Budget Requirements)
   Some venues may require extra documents (e.g., signature sheets) for government budgeting purposes.

   • The organizing committee will prepare and send these to teams in advance.
   • Team representatives must hand over completed documents to staff on competition day.
   • Note: Government agencies may request additional documents retroactively. Teams are asked to cooperate fully.

2. Reporting and Preparation on Competition Day

   • Registration: There is no on-site registration except for document drop-offs (if any). Staff will coordinate periodically.
   • Preparation Time: Teams must arrive at least 1 hour before their scheduled time, as schedules may run ahead or behind.

3. Waiting Area

   • The organizing committee will arrange waiting areas based on venue suitability (may not be available at all venues).
   • If provided, the committee will allocate space for each team.
     • Disclaimer: Unauthorized reserving or blocking of spaces is prohibited and will be cleared by staff to ensure fairness for all teams.

 

Common Instruments

1. Common instruments are only provided at the National level, not at regional competitions.
2. They are primarily for competition use.
3. Sticks and mallets are not provided; teams must bring their own.
4. Tuning the base pitch of the timpani is not allowed; teams must use the standard pitch range for that model.
5. Teams are liable for any damages caused to the equipment during their use.
6. The organizers reserve the right to change instrument brands/models if necessary.
7. 40 music stands and 60 chairs are provided.
8. Conductor's Podium (Reference images only)
   • Marching (1 meter high)
     
   • Concert
     
9. Instrument List (National level only)
   • Marimba x1
     
   • Vibraphone x1
     
   • Xylophone x1
     
   • Timpani x4
     
   • Chime x1
     
   • Bass Drum Concert x1
     

 

 

 

 

Registration Details