For the 2011 season MAPS will continue to be governed by the rules for indoor percussion as set forth by Winter Guard International (WGI). There are some specific items we will address below, but in order to properly understand the policies and procedures for compliant competition regarding boundaries, timing, show content, etc., you will need to consult the 2011 WGI rule book. This is available from WGI on their website at www.wgi.org or by calling them at 937/ 434-7100.

There are a few items to discuss regarding specifics that have importance here at MAPS.

In the event that you have to pull out of a show you are already scheduled to compete at, you will need to advise MAPS, (not the show sponsor), no less than 14 days prior to the event. If notice is not given in this time frame, a $75 penalty will be assessed. This fee must be received before the unit will be allowed to compete in any further MAPS events.

In the event of inclimate weather, please consult this website and on the front page click the "Breaking News" icon. There will be instructions and information regarding the contest. If the website is unavailable to you please call 215-840-0816. Events will only be canceled if travel in and out of the host's area is deemed unsafe.

You will receive an information packet from each show sponsor at least one week in advance of the show date. This will contain info. on performance times, warm-up areas, a map of the host site, directions to get there, etc. There will be a MAPS approved area for prop storage and warm-up for your group. MAPS, nor the host, will be responsible if your props or other equipment do not fit through standard doors and hallways. All center door bars will be removed where necessary. All reasonable preparations will be made to best accommodate your group's size and spatial requirements.

Your ensemble will receive 10 staff passes when we have received a performer confirmation sheet from you along with your fees for the season. These 10 passes are to be used by your staff members and support personnel for the entire season. The 10 people that you assign these passes to will be permitted free access to the event at the spectator entrance and performer entrance.

The fee structure for the 2011 season will be $400 for an "All Access" membership, entitling the ensemble to compete in any and all events this year including Championships. If you don't choose the "All Access" option, a fee of $75 is charged for individual show registration. This is for use when not planning to do an entire season, but rather to pay for each show you plan to attend. A fee of $150 is also required to participate in the Championship event if you choose this option. All fees for the entire 2011 season and Championships are due with your Performer Confirmation sheet by no later than January 15th 2011.

Within the information packet that you receive from each show sponsor will be an explanation of the timing rules for that particular show. We are using the "half floor" approach just like WGI. At each event an imaginary line will divide the floor into two equal halves, either front and back or left and right depending on the arena. Each ensemble may begin to set up their equipment on half of the floor during the interval time between performing groups. You may not cross the halfway line until told to do so by the timing and penalties judge. At that time your total floor time will begin and you may proceed to set up the rest of the floor for your performance. Conversely, once your performance is over, your time will stop once you get all equipment, props and personnel on the opposite side of the halfway line. Please see the WGI rules or contact a MAPS representative for more clarification if needed.

It is expected that all staffs, parents and performers from a given group will behave in an appropriate manner at the MAPS events. In the event that there is an issue regarding unsportsmanlike, or inappropriate behavior, a MAPS representative and the show sponsor will be advised and will decide the appropriate action to be taken. We strive to provide a professional educational environment for our performers and intend to see that this intent is upheld to the fullest.

The floor of our contest sponsor will be viewed during and after each performance to ensure that no damage has occurred. In the event of damage occurring to the floor by result of your group's actions, MAPS and the sponsor intend to explain fully how, when and why it happened. We do this to protect our sponsor and to ensure that blame is not placed falsely on another ensemble. We certainly hope this will not happen, but if it does, the sponsor will be put into contact with the director of the ensemble and will advise what restitution is necessary to correct or repair the damage. To avoid the above, all equipment will be reviewed upon entering the contest floor to be sure it is padded and/or taped to prevent damage to the floor.

The classes used by MAPS are the same as those used by WGI with the following exceptions:

Starting with the 2008 Season MAPS will offer a Standstill group of classes. These are for those units that utilize typical marching band style percussion instruments and arrangements (including pit percussion) and for one reason or another cannot, or choose not, to include the typical movement portion of the indoor drumline activity. All levels from the very beginner stage to advanced stage will be welcome to now participate in MAPS in these new classes. We can accommodate Middle schools, those of you who can't get gym time, or aren't ready yet for a full-blown program due to lack of staff, or you're just starting out. Whatever the case may be, if you want your percussionists to get better, to keep performing, and to have a quality place to do it, MAPS is the place!

In addition, we have a Regional "A" class. This is a place where beginner groups, junior high or elementary groups, and those not yet ready to demonstrate "basic" skills can compete. It is only offered in the Marching & Standstill categories and not the concert.

It is up to the director to indicate on the Performer Confirmation sheet which class your ensemble will be competing in. If there are to be class changes made during the season we will follow the WGI method of re-classification. In the event that you compete in WGI as well as MAPS and get reclassified there, you will also be re-classified in the same manner at MAPS.
 

Feel free to contact us with any questions at… drummaps123@aol.com