Constitution & Rules

The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, North of Scotland Branch is governed by its Constitution & Rules. The Constitution & Rules are available in downloadable pdf format here.

The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association
North of Scotland Branch

Constitution & Rules
(Inc. Local Contests)

Office Bearers

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Constitution & Rules

1) Objects

The promotion and furtherance of Pipe Band Culture as prescribed by the National Council of the Royal Pipe Band Association

To promote educational instruction and such contests to sustain competitions for the member bands.

2) The Branch shall be known as:

The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, North of Scotland Branch.

The Membership may appoint a President at the Annual General Meeting.

The management of the Branch shall be vested in a Management Committee.

• President
• Chairperson
• Vice Chairperson
• Secretary
• Treasurer
• Assistant/Minute Secretary
• Music Board Representatives
• National Council Representatives
• Lay Members as agreed at the Annual General Meeting
• An Executive Committee may be formed from within the Management Committee as nominated at the General Meeting

• President
• Chairperson
• Vice Chairperson
• Secretary
• Treasurer
• Assistant/Minute Secretary
• National Council Representatives
• Lay Members as agreed at the Annual General Meeting.

3) Members of the Management and Executive Committee shall serve for a period of from ONE to THREE years. Members may offer themselves for re-election.

The President may serve for a period of time as agreed by the members.

50% members of the Management Committee shall form a quorum as agreed at the Annual General meeting.

50% members of the Executive Committee shall form a quorum as agreed at the Annual General meeting.

The Management Committee may form any number of Sub-committees as and when required for the efficient organisation of the Branch.

All Sub-committee recommendations must be referred to the Management / Executive Committee for approval.

4) The Management Committee may form Sections within the Branch subject to the approval of National Council

The Management Committee in addition may appoint:

• An Honorary President
• And any number of Honorary Vice Presidents, which shall carry Associated Membership of the Branch. Any Honorary Vice President may be co-opted to the Management or Executive Committee.

5) Duties of Office Bearers

• President: If in attendance at Branch meeting, the President may be asked to preside.
• Chairperson: Shall preside at all meetings within the Branch and by virtue to his / her office, may be in attendance at all sub-committee meetings.
• Vice Chairperson: Shall preside for the Chairperson in his / her absence.
• Secretary: Shall:
  • Conduct correspondence pertaining to the Branch. Carryout all correspondence between the Branch and Headquarters.
  • He / She shall be generally responsible, under the direction of the Management / Executive for all Branch business and prepare an Annual report which shall include the Treasurer’s balance sheet.
  • He / She will remit to the Association Executive Officer, a copy of the report and Balance sheet at least one week before the Branch Annual General Meeting.
• Assistant / Minute Secretary: Shall:
  • Record and read minutes of all Branch meetings.
  • Keep record of membership and issue notices convening meetings at the direction of the Chairman.
  • Assist the Secretary with internal Branch correspondence.
• Treasurer: Shall:
  • Deposit all funds of the Branch within a Bank or Building Society nominated by the Branch in the name of The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, North of Scotland Branch.
  • He / She shall keep correct records detailing all financial transactions of the Branch.
  • Ensure the records and accounts of the Branch are closed not later than 30th September each year and a financial statement prepared and offered for audit.
  • Ensure withdrawals from the Branch account/s will be made on the signed authority of the Treasurer and either the Chairman or Secretary.

6) Branches may combine the offices of Secretary and Treasurer should this be agreed at the Annual General Meeting.

Branch Meetings

7) The Branch shall have the minimum of four meetings a year, which may include the Annual General Meeting.

8) The Branch National Council Representative /s shall read complete national Council minutes at Branch meetings and make necessary reports.

It shall be the responsibility of the National Council Representative /s to ensure that the Branch uphold the Association Constitution and rules and all decisions of the National Council/Executive Committee. Any irregularities should be reported to the Chief Executive.

9) Should a vacancy occur within the Management / Executive Committee the said vacancy shall be filled at a Branch meeting until the Branch Annual General Meeting.

10) Each band shall have the right of representation at Branch meetings. Representatives need not be playing members but must be registered committee members of the Band.

11) Bands may have no more than two registered members on the Management / Executive Committee. Each member will be entitled to a vote within the committee.

12) Each Band shall be entitled to one vote only; voting by proxy is not permitted.

13) All registered Bands must be represented by different personnel, as no dual voting shall be allowed. This rule also applies to organisations with more than one registered Band.

14) The mover of a motion and the seconder must be from different bands. This also applies to an amendment.

15) Band Representatives and members of the Management / Executive Committee may move or second a motion or an amendment, but only one Band Representative can vote.

16) Standing Orders apply as contained in the Constitution and Rules of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band association but substitute Management Committee for National Council and Branch for Association.

Annual General Meeting

17) The Annual General Meeting of the Branch shall be held not later than the 2nd (second) Saturday in December each year. The Management Committee will set the date.

At this meeting, in addition to Branch business, the following shall be discussed:

1. Nominations of Office Bearers.
2. Branch Representative/s for National Council.
3. Branch Representation for the Music Board.
4. Notices of Motion and alterations to Association Constitution and Rules.
5. Alteration to Branch Constitution and Rules for consideration by the Association Standing Orders Committee and approved by National Council.

All items in sub paras (d) and (e) must be in writing and submitted to the Branch Secretary at least four weeks prior to the Annual general Meeting. This rule may be amended at the discretion of the Branch Chairman.

The Branch Secretary shall notify the Association Executive Officer the venue and time of the Annual General Meeting at least two weeks prior to the meeting.

The Association Chairman, a member of the Association Executive Committee or Executive Officer will be in attendance and conduct the election of Branch officials, during which he / she will have no vote. In the event of the non-attendance of the Executive member or Executive Officer the election of Officials will be carried out by the Branch President.

18) Should the quorum not be attained by one hour after the nominated time of any meeting, the meeting shall be declared void, and shall be so recorded.
The quorum must be maintained to the conclusion of the meeting. The Bands in membership of the Branch shall be made aware of this fact by a notice included in the notice of the next meeting. One half of the Management Committee plus 8 Band Representatives entitled to vote shall form a quorum.

19) Standing Orders shall be adopted prior to the commencement of the Branch Annual General Meeting. Should they fail to be adopted, the Annual General Meeting shall be suspended until such time as they are adopted. The Branch Secretary shall report the facts to the Association Chief Executive. In the event of the suspension not being lifted, the business of the Branch shall be suspended until an Annual General meeting can be convened.

20) At the Annual General Meeting two auditors shall be appointed. They shall audit the books and accounts and report their findings at the Annual General meeting.

21) Annual Branch fees may be levied, the amount to be determined annually at the Annual general Meeting.

22) Associate membership may be available within the Branch.
All applicants must be an Associate member of the R.S.P.B.A. Fees shall be determined annually at the Annual General Meeting. Associate membership shall not entitle the holder to any voting power at Branch or Annual General Meetings, but permit him / her to take part in the business of the Branch or Annual General Meetings at the discretion of the Chairman of the meeting.

Associate members and Hon. Associate members may be appointed to a sub-committee if nominated at the Annual General Meeting.

23) The Management Committee may summon a Special General Meeting at any time they consider necessary or in compliance with a request stating the objects of the meeting, signed by at least 50% member Bands.

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Competition & Education Activities

Competition Formats:

• The Management Committee is responsible for ensuring that Branch contests reflect the recommendations of the Music Board and or recommendations agreed at Branch and/or AGM meetings.
• Changes required to competition format are at the discretion of the Management Committee but, at all times, must reflect decisions made at Branch and/or AGM meetings.
• The Management Committee is also responsible for seeking approval from National Council to all competition format changes.

Education:

• The Management Committee has the authority to set up all courses and associated education activities.
• Courses must be based on the approved education criteria of Structured Learning and Academy of Musicianship. All other courses require Branch approval prior to commencement.
• Courses must run within the financial constraints of the Education Budget agreed at Branch/AGM meetings.

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Local Contest Rules

The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association
North of Scotland Branch
Confined Solo Piping Contest

Held under the RSPBA Contest Rules, subject to the following Branch Rules.

1. Confined to registered members of the North of Scotland Branch, RSPBA.
2. Competition Sections

Section 1 – 12 years & under Chanter	2 parts March tempo. Competitor must not yet be playing bagpipes
Section 2 – 13 years & under	2 parts Slow Air & 4 parts March tempo
Section 3 – 15 years & under	2 parts Slow Air & 4 parts 2/4 March tempo
Section 4 – 17 yrs & under	March, Strathspey & Reel. Min 4 parts each
Section 5 – 17 yrs & under	Hornpipe & Jig. Min 4 parts each Section 5 is open to competitors in Sections 2, 3 & 4
Section 6 – 18 years & over	March, Strathspey & Reel. Min 4 parts each
Section 7 – 18 years & over	Hornpipe & Jig. Min 4 parts each

3. Age will be that attained on the day of the contest
4. Competitors are confined to their own Section, except Section 5 which is open to Sections 2,3 and 4
5. Entries to with the Branch Secretary by closing date Saturday 15th October 2005
   Late entries may not be accepted.
6. Bands are asked to supply a representative who will be responsible for ensuring compliance with Education Authority Rule of Let (Copy attached)
7. Please enclose a stamped, addressed A5 envelope for the draw.
8. All pipers to get 2 minutes tuning up time on the Contest floor. Only competitors in Sections 2,3,4 and 5 are allowed a tutor on to tune their instrument.
9. Section 1 – Chanter. The competitor must not beable to play the bagpipes

ENTRY FORMS TO BE RETURNED TO THE BRANCH SECRETARY:

Mrs Florence Allan, 28 Crown Terrace, Peterculter, Aberdeen, AB14 OSX

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The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association
North of Scotland Branch
Confined Solo Drumming Contest

Held under the RSPBA Contest Rules, subject to the following Branch Rules.

10. Confined to registered members of the North of Scotland Branch, RSPBA.

All competitors to commence performance with 2 three pace rolls

11. Competition Sections

Section 1 – 12 years & under	Sticks & Pad. 4 parts March tempo.  Competitor must not yet be playing a drum
Section 2 – 14 years & under	4 – 6 parts March tempo
Section 3 – 17 years & under	6 – 8 parts March tempo
Section 4 – OPEN 17 yrs & under	March, Strathspey & Reel. Min 4 parts each
Section 5 – OPEN 17 yrs & under	Hornpipe & Jig. Min 4 parts each Must enter Section 4 before being able to enter Section 5.
Section 6 – 18 years & over	March, Strathspey & Reel. Min 4 parts each
Section 7 – 18 years & over	Hornpipe & Jig. Min 4 parts each

Section 4 & 5 Combined Overall Winner (MSR preference if tied)

Section 6 & 7 Combined Overall Winner (MSR preference if tied)

Hornpipe will commence with 3 pace intro rolls and competitors will break from Hornpipe into Jig (Sections 5 and 7)

12. Age will be that attained on the day of the contest
13. Entries to with the Branch Secretary by closing date Saturday 15th October 2005
    Late entries may not be accepted.
14. Bands are asked to supply a representative who will be responsible for ensuring compliance with Education Authority Rule of Let (Copy attached)
15. Please enclose a stamped, addressed A5 envelope for the draw.

ENTRY FORMS TO BE RETURNED TO THE BRANCH SECRETARY:

Mrs Florence Allan, 28 Crown Terrace, Peterculter, Aberdeen, AB14 OSX

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The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association
North of Scotland Branch
Confined Quartet Contest

Held under R.S.P.B.A. rules, subject to the following Local rules.

1. A quartet will consist of 4 pipers
2. Only the registered Pipe Major or the nominated Pipe Major on the day, may play in more than one quartet and then only as Pipe Major.
3. The contest will run on the following requirements:-

   Grade 4: 2 min 45 sec – 4 min 30 sec March tempo
   Grade 3: March, Strathspey and Reel
   Grade 2: March, Strathspey and Reel 
   Grade 1: March, Strathspey and Reel

   Bands in Grades 2, 3 and 4 may if entries permit, be allowed to enter up to two Quartets in the Grade above, playing the requirement for that Grades.

   In the event of a band withdrawing a quartet after the draw, the quartet withdrawn will be that which is latest placed in the draw.

4. All entries to be with the Branch Secretary, no later than 21 days prior to the contest date. Late entries may not be accepted.
5. Bands should have a Band rep, who will be responsible for their quartets being ready to compete on time and ensure compliance with Local Education Rules of Let (copy attached).
6. A trophy will be awarded to the Novice Juvenile placed highest in the Grade 4 Contest.
7. Entry fees to be paid by cheque only please – payable to The RSBPA North of Scotland Branch

ENTRY FORMS TO BE RETURNED TO THE BRANCH SECRETARY:

Mrs Florence Allan, 28 Crown Terrace, Peterculter, Aberdeen, AB14 0SX

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The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association
North of Scotland Branch
Confined Mini-Band Contest

Held under R.S.P.B.A. rules, subject to the following Local rules.

1. Grade 4 and Grade 3 will consist of 4 pipers, 2 side drummers and a bass drummer (maximum 2 tenor drummers optional)
2. Grade 2 and Grade 1 contest will consist of 6 pipers, 2 side drummers and a bass drummer.  (maximum 2 tenor drummers optional).  Grade 3 bands playing up into Grade 2 must have 6 pipers.
3. All must be registered players of the North of Scotland branch, except the guest band.
4. Only the registered Pipe Major/Leading Drummer or the nominated Pipe Major/Leading Drummer on the day, may play in more than one Mini-band and then only as Pipe Major/Leading Drummer.
5. Bass and tenor drummers may play in more than one Mini-band, but are restricted to the Bass section.
6. The contest will run on the following requirements:-

   Grade 4: 2 min 45 sec – 4 min 30 sec March tempo
   Grade 3: 3 – 5 min Selection
   Grade 2: 4 – 6 min Selection
   Grade 1: 5 – 7 min Selection

   Bands in Grades 2, 3 and 4 may if entries permit, be allowed to enter two Mini-bands in the Grade above, playing the required selection for that Grade.

7. In the event of a band withdrawing a Mini-band after the draw, the Mini-band withdrawn will be that which is latest placed in the draw.
8. All entries to be with the Branch Secretary, no later than 21 days prior to the contest date. Late entries may not be accepted.
9. Bands should have a Band rep, who will be responsible for their Mini-bands being ready to compete on time and ensure compliance with Local Education Rules of Let (copy attached)
10. A trophy will be awarded to the Novice Juvenile band, placed highest in the Grade 4 contest.

ENTRY FORMS TO BE RETURNED TO THE BRANCH SECRETARY:

Mrs Florence E Allan, 28 Crown Terrace, Peterculter, Aberdeen, AB14 0SX

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