Corps and Team rules:

1. Show Production corps be changed to Theme Corps - Juv, Jr, Sr divisions. No M & M penalties will be issued. Live or recorded music may be used. Colour Guard is optional. Useable props are a requirement. No backdrops or scenery allowed. Moveable receptacles for the props are allowed. Scoresheet breakdown: 30 Twirling; 20 Equipment/Prop Handling; 30 Production; 20 Performance effectiveness & execution
2. Military Corps - one division only.
3. Level C Corps - 75% must be beginner level.
4. Age Divisions:
   • Primary - maximum average age of 8.9 with no member over the age of 10 yrs
   • Juvenile - maximum average age of 11.99 with no member of the age of 13 yrs
   • Junior - maximum average age of 14.99
   • Senior - average age of 15 & over
5. Age definition rule - age as of midnight December 31
6. Proof of Age - send proof of age with membership application
7. Corps status will be determined as of midnight December 31
8. Novice Corps - Level A members may not exceed 25% of the total number of twirling members.
9. Corps level declaration must be made to the provincial judges rep before the first competition entered. These will be forwarded to the National Group Judges rep.
10. Twirlers may only compete in one corps in a division. They may not compete against themselves.
11. Floor Times:
    • Primary & Juvenile - all levels - 4-6 min; 2 min - min twirl time
    • Junior & Senior - all levels - 5-7 min.; 3 min - min twirl time
12. Acknowledgement - after announcer asks if corps is ready, any member can acknowledge. Does not have to be a salute.
13. Unit penalty - drop unit penalty - assess only individual penalties.
14. Every member must be a registered paid member.
15. No props are allowed in dance twirl teams.

Nancy Beachin moved that Twirl Time for Twirl Corps and Military Corps be as follows:

• Primary & Juvenile - 2:00 minutes
• Junior & Senior - 2:30 minutes
  (Revision of Motion #48 of 1989 Fall Technical Meeting)

Betty Infilise moved that Theme Corps twirling time will be as follows:

• Primary & Juvenile
  - Prop Handling - 1:00 min.
  - Twirling Time - 1:00 min.
• Junior & Senior
  - Prop Handling - 1:30 min.
  - Twirling Time - 1:30 min.

Betty Infilise moved that the attached CBTF Teams rules be ratified. (Refers to "Twirling Teams")

CBTF TEAMS

Requirements

• A Team will have a minimum of 5 members and a maximum of 9 members.
• There will be no age limit on team members.
• The team may consist of members of both sexes, if so desired.
• Age divisions, categories/levels will be the same as for CBTF Dance Twirl Teams.

Timing

• A Team will perform for a minimum of 3 minutes and a maximum of 5 minutes with a 10 second leeway before or after.
• Timing and judging will begin and end with the first and last note of the music. No salute required.
• No time allowed for entrance and exit.

Procedure

• Starting position may be from anywhere on the floor, but entry must be from the judges' left.
• Team routine will be a mixture of twirling and dance twirl. There will be no compulsories for teams.
• Teams must exit immediately to the judges' right.
• Floor size is minimum of 50 feet by 94 feet.

Music

• Teams will select and provide their own music on a cassette tape.

Costuming

• Women - leotard of any style
• Men - 1 or 2 piece outfit of fabric
• Trim may be of fabric only, of any colour or colours. No rhinestones, sequins, lace, fringe, lame fabric or trim of this type may be used on the costume or body.
• No gloves or mitts are permitted. All sleeve effects must be attached to the leotard.
• Nothing may be visible in the hair except rubber bands, bobby pins or hair nets (for securing hair only), with the exception of the addition or ribbons or buns of fabric only. Absolutely no rhinestones, sequins or any other form of costume jewelry.
• Footwear must be black, white or neutral sports shoes, no attachments, no boots.
• On the legs - tights or stockings of flesh colour only, no fishnets, no attachments. Black or white ankle socks are permitted (no knee socks).
• No rings or jewelry are to be worn with the exception of small stud pierced earrings.
• Athletes may wear eye glasses (if necessary). No sunglasses.

Scoring

• 2 judges will be used in the stands.
• WBTF Team Score Sheets will be used.
• Each judge will score the full score sheet plus use a cassette.
• Teams will be evaluated on:
  • CONTENT (30 points) to include variety of Body moves and Baton, difficulty of baton and body moves together, Exchanges, Baton Handling with movement and ambidexterity.
  • PRECISION & UNISON (30 points) to include Smoothness and flow, Speed and relation to the music, uniformity of body positions, aerials, correct technique with baton and body, teamwork.
  • GENERAL EFFECT (40 points) to include music interpretation/visual musicality, utilizations of time and space, choreography with baton, staging, continuity and form development, entertainment value, appearance & grooming, overall performance, dance technique.

Penalties

• 0.2 penalty for each drop.

Nancy Beachin moved that immediately upon winning 4 first places in status level, a group would advance to the next status level. This rule would apply to all status levels (A,B,C) and all group classification competition (Floor Corps, Parade Corps, Dance Twirl and CBTF Teams).

Effective Jan 1/90

Nancy Beachin moved that the ratio for determing the status level of a group be 60% or more - whatever level 60% or more of the group is, is the level at which they will compete. This applies to all classifications (Floor Corps, Parade Corps, Dance Twirling Teams, CBTF Twirling Teams).

Effective Jan 1/90

Nancy Beachin moved that definitions of Group Status be defined as follows (Ref: Group Manual Page 8 - Definition of Status)

Level A - as is

Level B - Novice Level - has not won 4 first place awards in Level B. 60% or more members have Level B Individual Group Status.

Level C - Beginner Level - has not won 4 first place awards in Level C. 60% or more of the members have Level C Individual Group Status.

Nancy Beachin moved that Level B Groups that win a National Level B Title must automatically advance to Level A in that classification.

Effective Jan 1/90

Bev Latrace moved that, at a Provincial Level A & B Group Winner/ Championship three (3) or 50% of the groups (whichever is greater, rounded up) to a maximum of 5 groups, in each age division and event shall qualify to represent their province at the Canadian Level A & B Group Winner/Championships.

Effective Jan 1/98

CLARIFICATION: This will only be in effect until the year 2000 when the Eastern and Western Championships will be in effect.

Jennifer Meron moved that the two years or less competitive experience method for determining Level C status of a group be deleted. (SEE 91 FBM - Motion #6)

Eff: Jan 1/93

Jennifer Meron moved that the reverting back to Level C rule be expanded to include athletes moving from Juvenile to Junior.

Eff: Jan l/93

Jennifer Meron moved that, for the 1993 competitive season, any group may revert back to Level C. This is a one time only opportunity designed to help groups who truly are not yet proficient enough to compete in status Level A.

Eff: Jan 1/93

Jennifer Meron moved that whatever status level (A or C) a group declares at the start of the competition season, the group may compete in that level for the full competition season, regardless of wins.

Eff: Jan 1/93

Jennifer Meron moved that any Level C group wishing to advance to Level A must inform their Provincial Group Rep no later than five (5) days after the Provincial Championship. No advancement will be allowed after this time.

Eff: Jan 1/93

Jennifer Meron moved that for one more trial year, twirl penalties will not be deducted from scores. That for one more trial year, M & M penalties will not be deducted from scores. Penalties should be considered in appropriate caption.

Eff: Jan 1/93

Jennifer Meron moved that for one trial year, the tabulation method for corps will be place points awarded in each of the captions. Lowest place points win. In case of a tie, highest total score would break the tie. Twirl time penalty to be deducted from Twirl caption. Overall time penalty to be deducted from GE caption. Prop Handling time penalty be deducted from Prop Handling caption. Failure to follow G pattern penalty to be deducted from M & M caption. All other penalties to be deducted from GE caption.

Eff: Jan 1/93

Jennifer Meron moved that the twenty (20) point penalty for groups, other than Primary, whose coach/personnel goes on the floor during the set up of the group be deleted. Should this occur, the group will compete for scoresheet/comment only.

Eff: Jan 1/93

Jennifer Meron moved that for Twirl, Parade and Military Corps, the twirl time rule remain as written, as effective in 1992.

Eff: Jan 1/93

Jennifer Meron moved that for Level C CBTF Teams, the total time will be 3-4 minutes with a 10 second leeway.

Eff: Jan 1/93

Jennifer Meron moved that regarding the Group Challenge Cup criteria as written from the Fall 1991 Board Meeting, regional points be dropped effective 1993, that Twirl Team be referred to as CBTF Team, that Show Corps be referred to as Theme Corps, that the Group Challenge Cup be awarded at the Canadian Championships.

Eff: Jan 1/93

Jennifer Meron moved that for Dance Twirl Teams, the Appearance caption (on the score sheet) be removed. The ten (10) points will be added to the Production caption to give more weight to the concept of continuous footwork while twirling. Appearance should be considered in the GE caption. That the Dance Twirl score sheet be re-vamped.

Eff: Jan 1/93

Jennifer Meron moved that committees be struck to review rules, concepts, and event focus for each group event. Work to be completed for 1992 competition season.

Eff; Jan 1/93

Jennifer Meron moved that the attached Theme Corps proposals be accepted for immediate implementation.

Eff: Jan 1/93

THEME CORPS

Size Requirements
- min. number of twirlers is 10; no maximum requirements

Time Limit
- Primary & Juvenile: 4-6 minutes
- Junior & Senior: 5-8 minutes

Timing & Judging
- Begin & end as outlined in group & team in R & R manual

Twirl Time
- Primary & Juvenile: 1 minute maximum
- Junior & Senior: 1:30 minutes maximum
- EVERY MEMBER ON THE FLOOR MUST TWIRL TO RECEIVE TWIRL TIME (no props people only allowed). THIS IS SAME TWIRL TIME RULE AS USED IN TWIRL CORPS.

Costume
- Must be appropriate to theme.
- Changes allowed if it promoted theme
- Costume changes must be done without undue handling (ie: swinging clothes overhead constitutes prop handling)

Music
- Recorded music may be used. Groups will select their own music.

Guard
- Optional

Props
- Are a requirement.
- No set-up time allowed for props
- Maximum of 5 props to be used throughout routine.
- For timing - no more than 2 props can be in use.
- 4 prop receptacles allowed
- Prop receptacles can have dimensions of no more than 4' x 4' x 4' and must be on wheels or castors.
- No backdrops or scenery allowed (with exception of receptacles, anything brought on the floor cannot just "sit there", it must be used in some way.)
- Props will be declared on entry form.
- No electrical, gas, battery-operated equipment allowed.
- No altering of natural environment of competition area allowed (dry ice, fire, fireworks, etc.)
- Batons with significant alterations (coloured ends, sequins attached, streamers) will be considered props - Note: halos do not count as a significant alteration.

Prop Handling Time
- Primary & Juvenile: 1:00 minute maximum
- Junior & Senior: 1:30 minute maximum
- Defined: as in Group R & R Manual
- TO BE TIMED FOR PROP HANDLING ALL MEMBERS MUST MANIPULATE THE PROP(S) (MAX 2) SIMULTANEOUSLY.

Grounding of Equipment
- Intentional grounding is allowed, however National Guard rules apply.

Entrance & Exit
- See Group R & R Manual
- With exception of Primary Corps, all props and prop receptacles msut be brought on floor by members of corps.
- Auxiliary/support members may clean up after last group member leaves the floor.

Jennifer Meron moved that we accept the proposed Rating Guide for Groups. That judges be directed as follows; Any caption score below "Good" for a Junior and Senior group, or below "Average" for a Primary or Juvenile group be cause for the judge to consider giving the group a Protected First. That the Rating Guide be distributed to all group judges and be included in the Module 4 & % Officials Certification Course.

Eff: Jan 1/93

Jennifer Meron moved that we implement a 20 point penalty for any infraction to National Guard rules.

Eff: Jan 1/93

Jennifer Meron moved that we delete the rule regarding failure to produce proof of age at competitions. (Note: refers to group members)

Eff: Jan 1/93

Jennifer Meron moved that we establish minimum acceptable standards for a Level C group to advance to Level A. (replaced by rating guide for groups and recommendations as to when to consider using protected first).

Eff: Jan 1/93

Susan Irwin moved that Motion #55 from the 1992 Fall Technical Meeting be amended to read:

That competition directors must accommodate changes to a group's division due to substantiated medical circumstances if reported five (5) days prior to the competition. Any changes reported later than this will not be accommodated and groups will perform for scoresheet, comments only.

That, in order for an athlete or group to compete in any CBTF competition, the athletes or group's coach must hold a minimum certification of Level 2 Coaches (ie: former Level 1 Coaches).

CLARIFICATION: This will be reviewed when the new level 2 Course is completed and ratified.

Effective: July 10, 2000

Nancy Beachin moved that the Recommendations from the Group Commission Meeting (July 6/93) be approved. They read as follows:

1. That we annually examine the possibility of re-implementing B level for groups.
2. That we re-implement twirl teams at the Level C Status. Teams would be done to a standard piece of music chosen by CBTF. The event focus would be synchronic twirling and exchanges.
3. That the guideline for CBTF group awards be reviewed and that all provinces should be encouraged to follow these but that they should be strictly adhered to at a National level.
4. That CBTF develop a written range description to judge dance twirl teams.
5. That the group scale of proficiency range descriptions be adopted for use by judges throughout Canada.
6. That, at provincial group qualifications, the top 3 of 50% of the class will advance to the Canadian Elite Championships, whichever is greater, rounded up.
7. (** RESCINDED - 1994 FBM)
   That all CBTF groups be comprised 100% of athletes from said province to compete in a provincial competition. Groups not meeting these guidelines may still enter International Open at Canadians and thereby qualify for Canadian Elite Group Championships.
   Eff: Sept 1/94
8. That after the deadline for the status declarations has passed, changes in a group's size, age or status only be allowed within valid medical reasons, given to the competition director and provincial group rep five (5) days prior to the event.
   (Note: the words "or financial" were removed - 1995 FBM)
9. That the maximum number of alternates allowed per group is 40% of the competing twirling members.
10. That at all competitions, group results be sent to the group reps. of all provinces from which there are athletes competing.
11. That alternates for all CBTF group events be listed separately on the declaration form.

(Refers to infractions that are "intentional" not "accidental")

Angela Mancini moved that failure for all CBTF teams and corps to stay within the 50 x 84 foot floor boundaries (according to CBTF Group Manual) for any reason other than baton or equipment retrieval be deducted a 0.5 point penalty per person.

Effective Jan 1/95

(Refers to infractions that are "intentional" not "accidental")

Loranne Meek moved that for all CBTF group events, the group must enter the left competition floor boundary from the judge's left and exit the right competition floor boundary from the judge's right.

Effective Jan 1/95

(Refers to infractions that are "intentional" not "accidental")

Tim King moved that failure for CBTF groups to intentionally enter and exit correctly from the competition floor will result in a 5.0 point penalty for each infraction.

Effective Jan 1/95

(Refers to infractions that are "intentional" not "accidental")

Linda Boyd moved that for Parade Corps failure to start behind the mid- court line will be assessed a 0.5 point penalty per person. Failure to end in the designated finish area will be assessed a 0.5 point penalty per person.

Effective Jan 1/95

(Refers to infractions that are "intentional" not "accidental")

Angela Mancini moved that failure of any Parade Corps to display continuous foot motion until the last beat of music (as a group) be deducted a 2/0 point penalty total. Individual error be assessed a 0.5 point penalty per person.

Effective Jan 1/95

(Refers to infractions that are "intentional" not "accidental")

Ron Kopas moved that trailing violations in colour guards will carry a 2.0 point penalty per incident.

Effective Jan 1/95

Jennifer Meron moved that Recommendation #1 from the 1994 Summer Group Commission Meeting be adopted. It reads:

We recommend that baton penalties not be deducted, but that they are recorded by the penalty judge and the appropriate caption judge be informed. (Baton penalties should be considered in the caption scores.)

Effective Jan 1/95

Jennifer Meron moved that Recommendation #2 from the 1994 Summer Group Commission Meeting be adopted. It reads:

We recommend that M & M penalties not be deducted (should be reflected in caption scores). We further recommend continuing efforts for judges education regarding M & M penalties.

Effective Jan 1/95

Jennifer Meron moved that Recommendation #3 from the Summer Group Commission Meeting be adopted. It reads:

We recommend that corps scoring continue to be by caption place points.

Effective Jan 1/95

Ron Kopas moved that all group timings (corps and team) and judging coincide with the start and finish of the music or recorded sound (excluding any opening cue). Exception: Level C Twirl Teams which are not timed and are judged until the group is finished or the end of the music, whichever is first.

Effective Jan 1/95

Jennifer Meron moved that Recommendation #5 from the 1994 Summer Group Commission Meeting be adopted. It reads:

We recommend that the lower age limits for group divisions be revised so that groups compete in the division which correspond to their actual average age. Primary 0-8.999, Juvenile 9-11.999, Junior 12-14.999, Senior 15 & over.

Effective Jan 1/95

28(a) Jennifer Meron moved that Recommendation #6 from the 1994 Summer Group Commission Meeting be adopted. It reads:

We recommend that the average age be calculated without including the National Guard (Canadian flag, weapons) and/or banner (and the like) carriers." (Note: See Amendment below - 1994 FBM - Motion #26 - deleted the words 'basic guard' from the first brackets)

28(b) Jennifer Meron moved that Recommendation #9 from the 1994 Summer Group Commission Meeting be adopted. It reads:

I move that International Day remain a qualifier for the Canadian Elite Group Championships.

Effective Jan 1/95

28(c) Jennifer Meron moved that Recommendation #13 fromt the 1994 Summer Group Commission Meeting be adopted. It reads:

I move that the following revisions to the time ranges for corps performances be made:

• Theme Corps (junior & senior) 5-7 minutes
• Twirl & Military Corps: Primary & Juvenile 3-5 minutes Junior & Senior 4-6 minutes

The following twirl time component revisions be made:

• Twirl & Military Corps: Primary & Juvenile 1.5 minutes Junior & Senior 2.0 minutes

Effective Jan 1/95

28(d) Jennifer Meron moved that Recommendation #14 from the 1994 Summer Group Commission Meeting be adopted. It reads:

I move that the national party and banner (and the like) carriers be noted separately on the group declaration form.

Effective Jan 1/95

28(e) Jennifer Meron moved that Recommendation #15 from the 1994 Summer Group Commission Meeting be adopted. It reads:

I move that all provinces utilize a common, national declaration form.

Effective Jan 1/95"

Jennifer Meron moved that Recommendation #10 from the 1994 Summer Group Commission Meeting be adopted. It reads:

We recommend that the highest placing Level A Canadian group in each event from the International Day competition that has not already qualified can advance to the Elite Canadian Group competition.

Effective Jan 1/95

Jennifer Meron moved that Recommendation #11 from the 1994 Summer Group Commission Meeting be adopted. It reads:

We recommend that the use of cassette tapes for group critiques continue at every competition including Provincials but excluding Nationals.

Effective Jan 1/95

Jennifer Meron moved that Recommendation #12 from the 1994 Summer Group Commission Meeting be adopted. It reads:

We recommend that, rather than being left at the discretion of the Competition Director, ties (by place points and total score) at all competitions must be broken by a twirl-off for 1st to 3rd place (groups only).

Effective Jan 1/95

Jennifer Meron moved that Recommendation #16 from the 1994 Summer Group Commission Meeting be adopted. It reads:

We recommend that group tabulation masters be posted at every competition.

Effective Jan 1/95

Jennifer Meron moved that we accept 1995 Summer Group Commission Meeting Recommendation #8 which reads:

Flash Card Judging not be used for all group events.

Effective immediately

Linda Boyd proposed that Motion #19, 1995 Fall Technical Meeting (which was not accepted at the 95 FBM and sent back for revision) be amended to read:

That the maximum set up time allowed for Theme Corps be three (3) minutes and the maximum take down time be two (2) minutes. Overall Timing Judge will time set up and take down.

Effective Jan 1/97

CLARIFICATION: Penalty remains at 2.0 points per violation.

Jennifer Meron proposed that for Grand National Competition there be a practical order of appearance for all Group Events (as determined by the competition director).

INTENT: To prevent back-to-back performances by groups with athletes in both divisions.

Effective Jan 1/97

Jennifer Meron proposed that group's athletes about to take the floor be checked against written declarations at all competitions after April 1st.

Effective Jan 1/97

Jennifer Meron proposed that the CBTF Group Rules and Regulations be changed as follows: In order to compete, all CBTF Groups must be declared by April 1st through August 31st. The deadline for the Group Declarations going to the CBTF Group Rep will remain as April 1st. Groups competing between Sept 1st through March 31st will not have to be declared.

(Note: Competition Directors would have to check accuracy of entries.)

Effective Jan 1/97

Jennifer Meron proposed that critique tapes for group events continue to be directed to the coach (subsequent to one year's trial basis).

Effective immediately

Jennifer Meron proposed that CBTF Group Rules and Regulations be changed as follows:

1. Level C Division remain as is
2. Level B Division be offered
3. Level A Division remain as is

The 60/40 split rule will determine a Group's Status. A chance for current Level A Groups to revert back to Level B will be offered for the 1996-97 season only. Advancement from C to B will be mandatory (the following season) after winning four (4) unprotected firsts in the C Level. Advancement from Level B to Level A will be mandatory (in the following season) after winning four (4) unprotected firsts in B Level.

Level B will follow the same qualifying rules as Level A (re: provincially qualifying for Canadians).

Level B Provincial and National Competitions will hold title of Winner Events. Level A Provincial and National Competitions will hold title of Championship Events.

Effective Jan 1/97

Betty Davis moved to amend 1997 FTM Proposal #30 (which references 1997 Summer Group Committee Meeting Recommendation #1) to read:

That the calculation of the "Group Challenge Cup" be revised as follows:

1. Provincial Winner/Championship Level A & B Groups: Points for placement (1st = 5 pts, 2nd = 4 pts, 3rd = 3 pts)
2. National Winner/Championship Level A & B Groups: Points for placement (1st = 10 pts, 2nd = 8 pts, 3rd = 6 pts)

In the year 2000 Level B points will be calculated using the Eastern/Western Championships.

Effective immediately

Jennifer Meron proposed that we accept 1997 Summer Group Committee Meeting Recommendation #2 which states:

That groups with a Special Needs Athlete may include a photocopy of a medical form with the declaration and with each competition entry form. The competition director will notify the Head Judge for consideration while judging.

Effective Jan 1/98

INTENT: To allow judges to be more sensitive on critiques and score sheets.

Jennifer Meron proposed that we accept 1997 Summer Group Committee Meeting Recommendation #5 which states:

That ties in group competition be broken as follows:

1. Group Open Competitions
   - All placings remain tied.
2. Group Title Championships (Provincials, Western/Eastern, Nationals):
   - 1st place ties must be broken by twirl-off.
   - All other placings remain tied.

INTENT: To bring group tie-breaking process in line with the individual tie-breaking process.

Effective Jan 1/98

Jennifer Meron proposed that we accept 1997 Summer Group Committee Meeting Recommendation #6 which states:

That a letter advising coaches that overuse of athletes is a concern and that, if coaches do not act responsibly (regarding overuse of athletes in group events), CBTF will have to impose regulations regarding the number of group events an athlete can participate in.

DIRECTIVE: This letter will be drafted by CBTF Group Rep and then distributed to all coaches through the provincial group reps. Jennifer will add this item to the 1998 Summer Group Committee Meeting Agenda and will address specific restrictions regarding the number of group events athletes may participate in and possibly reducing the number of group events.

Effective Jan l/98

Jennifer Meron proposed that we accept 1997 Summer Group Committee Meeting Recommendation #9 which states:

That all corps must use recorded music.

INTENT: Live music will not be permitted in parade corps and/or twirl corps and musical instruments are only permitted in theme corps as props.

Effective Jan l, 2000

MOTION #21 Laura Jean moved that Level C CBTF groups be declaration free.

Effective immediately

Jennifer Meron moved that for Type B Competitions, the Competition Director will appoint an Official Timer for Overall Time for all CBTF Group Events. The Competition Director will use appropriate discretion when appointing a Timer, keeping in mind the Timer must be responsible, non-partisan, ethical and reliable (possible suggestions: judges in training, judges of non-group modules, prov. or natl. BOD members, etc.).

Remuneration in the form of an honourarium may be given at the discretion of the Competition Director.

The Timer will be seated in a location where he/she will be undisturbed to avoid distraction.

For Type A Competitions (Championships), the Timer must be a certified Module 4 judge to time Teams and/or a Certified Module 3 judge to time Corps.

CLARIFICATION: A judge who is judging the competing group may also be used to work the stopwatch for overall time.

18(a) Betty Davis moved that all group timings and judging coincide with the start and finish of the music or recorded sounds (excluding any opening cue) Exception: Level C Teams.

18(b) Betty Davis moved that all group Penalty Judging coincide with the announcement instructing the group to enter the floor for competition and end when the last athlete has crossed the boundary.

Jennifer Meron proposed that the revised Dance Twirl Team Event Focus be accepted with the following amendments:

Primary Focus
#1 Add Baton Twirling/Handling to end of 1st sentence Add "with proper technique" to end of 2nd sentence
#2 - Typo - should read "correlation"

Karen Gratton moved that the Range Descriptions for Dance Twirl Teams, Level C Twirl Teams, Twirl Corps Twirl, M & M and G.E. captions be reduced from 7 (Written) Descriptions to 5.

DIRECTIVE: Clarifications specific to Theme & Parade Corps will be added to the Corps Caption Descriptions.

DIRECTIVE: Descriptions will be put into an easy-to-read chart form and Descriptions will be grouped into like sections within the chart.

DIRECTIVE: To be included in Group Manual

Karen Gratton moved that in Group Events, an athlete retains his/her individual group status level until he/she wins 4 unprotected firsts in that particular Group Event.

(NOTE: No effective date was determined)

Jennifer Meron moved that the same group cannot compete in a competitive group event and the pre-competitive group event at the same competition.

Effective: Sept 1, 2000

Kristine Niskanen proposed that Recommendation #2 from the 2000 Group Committee Meeting, which reads:

That penalties for Drops be reinstated for all CBTF Group Events." be accepted. The following statement to be added: "The penalty assessment will be .5 per drop and will be deducted from the total score for CBTF Teams and Dance Twirl Teams and from Twirl Caption for all Corps events.

Effective: September 1, 2001

DIRECTIVE: Dana to revise penalty sheets

DIRECTIVE: Linda to include revised sheets in the fall 2001 Competition Package.

DIRECTIVE: Amendment to be made to Group Manual

Kristine Niskanen proposed that Recommendation #3 from the 2000 Group Committee Meeting which reads:

That at the conclusion of each Group Competition, Group Judges receive copies of the Group Tabulation Masters of the Group Events they judged.

be accepted.

Effective: January 1, 2001

Tina Larson proposed that the time limit for CBTF Teams be changed to 3:30 -4:00 minutes (with a 10 second leeway).

Effective: September 1, 2001

Karen Gratton moved to accept the amendments to Section 5.5.1, Items 3, 4 & 5 of the CBTF Group Manual "Determining the Level of a Group for the Current Competition Year" which read as follows:

#3 For an athlete to be a Level C athlete in a group event, he/she must never have won four unprotected firsts in that group event.

#4 For an athlete to be a Level B athlete in a group event, he/she must have won four (4) unprotected firsts in that group event. For an athlete to be a Level A athlete in a group event, he/she must have won eight (8) unprotected firsts in that group event.

#5 A group athlete may compete with a higher level group and yet still retain his/her present individual CBTF Group Event Status Level until he/she wins four unprotected first place awards in that particular group event.

Karen Gratton moved to eliminate Section 5.5.1 Item #5, Page 5 of the CBTF Group Manual which reads:

Once an athlete competes in a higher level in an event, he/she remains at that level in that event (exception: reverting back rules).

Rita Eggett moved that, for the 2001-2002 competitive season, any group athlete may revert back to a lower group status level.

NOTE: Declaration deadline rules apply.

Effective July 31, 2001

Elva Taylor moved that gymnastic moves not be allowed in Parade Corps.

NOTE: Definition of "gymnastic moves" as stated in the CBTF Group Manual and on the Parade Corps Penalty Sheet is as follows: "Those moves where the head is below the waist and both feet are above the head. Examples: cartwheel, walkover, aerial cartwheel, aerial walkover, back walkover, etc."

Effective Immediately

Karen Gratton moved that Motion #34, 1993 FTM (Ratified - 93 FBM) be amended to read:

That an athlete, duet or group must compete in an event at the Canadian Championships in the same status level (and, in the case of teams, the same size) as they qualified for at their Provincial Championships.

CLARIFICATION: The athlete/duet/group's status does not change if they are competing at the Canadian Championships of that year.

Effective Immediately.

Karen Gratton moved that, with regards to the drop penalty implementation for CBTF Groups (effective September 1, 2001), the penalties shall be tabulated as follows:

1. Dance Twirl teams and CBTF Teams - 0.5 per drop shall be deducted from each judge's gross score to determine total score.
2. All Corps Events - 0.5 per drop shall be deducted from the Twirl Caption Score.

Effective Immediately

Moved that Level C or B athletes competing in a Level A Group Event shall only count an Advancement Score towards Individual Group Status advancement if the group's final score, from a minimum of one judge, is 60.0 or higher.

Effective Immediately

Tina Larson moved that CBTF Teams be revised as follows:

Age Divisions: Junior (4-14.999), Senior (15+)
Levels: A & B
Size: 6-8 members
Maximum 2 alternates

Effective September 1, 2003

Karen Gratton moved that a group must advance to a higher level of competition when the group's status advances. If however, the mandatory advancement results in athletes competing against themselves, the group must remain at the lower status level until the conflicting situation has rectified itself through advancement of the higher level group.

Effective Immediately

Linda Miller moved that athletes who hold Level C Individual Group Status advance to Level B Individual Group Status when they have acquired two (2) unprotected first place finishes as a group athlete in each specific event.

Effective Immediately

Joyce Ormshaw moved that due to the restructuring of CBTF Teams, coaches must declare the Individual Group Status of their athletes competing on CBTF Teams as they choose for the 2003-2004 competitive year.

Effective Immediately

Karen Gratton moved that Proposal #3, 2004 FTM be accepted as follows:

That a group athlete's Individual Group Status (IGS) in Dance Twirl Team, Twirl Corps, Parade Corps and Theme Corps (see below re: CBTF Teams) will advance based on a minimum score being attained from at least one (1) judge (after penalties) using the following method (referred to as the CBTF Group Minimum Score Policy):

Level C to Level B
A score of 40 (or higher) would advance a C-0 to C-1
A second score of 40 (or higher) would advance a C-1 to B-0

Level B to Level A
A score of 60 (or higher) would advance a B-0 to B-1
A second score of 60 (or higher) would advance a B-1 to B-2
A third score of 60 (or higher) would advance a B-2 to B-3
A fourth score of 60 (or higher) would advance a B-3 to A

INTENT: This replaces the necessity to have a number of firsts captured for IGS advancement in these events.

CLARIFICATION: The current rule for advancement will still apply to CBTF Teams pending further study by the CBTF Technical Committee.

Effective: January 1,2005

Karen Gratton moved that Proposal #24, 2004 FTM be accepted as amended:

That an athlete cannot be a member of more than one group in the same size and age division in a given year. Example: Junior B Small and Junior A Small

CLARIFICATION: This would allow groups to move up immediately upon receiving their minimum score for advancement (providing they only require one more minimum score to advance as per the CBTF Group Minimum Score Policy).

Effective Jan 1, 2005

Karen Gratton moved that Proposal #28, 2004 FTM be accepted as amended:

That all Corps and Teams be judged using full score sheet and by a minimum of two (2) judges plus applicable penalty judges.

CLARIFICATION: No separate caption scores are to be assigned on the on the masters. Judges will issue one score (and applicable penalties will be deducted).

Karen Gratton moved that Proposal #6, 2005 STM be accepted with the noted amendment:

That, for Theme Corps, the following changes be made:

• Minimum prop time shall be eliminated.
• There shall be no limit to the number of props that can be used.
• Batons must be twirled by all members for a minimum of one (1) minute for all ages, divisions and levels.

CLARIFICATION: The number and nature of props used must not create a risk management situation.

Effective January 2006

Karen Gratton moved that Proposal #7, 2005 STM be accepted as follows:

That the overall time for Twirl Corps be changed to 3:30-4:00 minutes with a 10 second leeway (ie: 3:20-4:10) for all ages, divisions and levels. Batons must be twirled synchronically by all twirling members for a minimum of one (1) minute for all ages, divisions and levels. (Refer to Group Manual for Twirl Time definitions)

Effective January 2006

Karen Gratton moved that Proposal #8, 2005 STM be accepted as follows (Board added effective date):

That Parade Corps rules be changed as follows:

• Color Guard is permitted with or without National Party.
• The 180 degree rule (trailing) to be eliminated.
• Batons must be twirled by all twirling members for a minimum of one (1) minute for all ages, divisions and levels.

Effective January 2006

Karen Gratton moved that Proposal #9 of the 2007 Summer Technical Meeting be accepted as follows:

That the following revision be made to the Individual Group Status (IGS) process for Dance Twirl Teams and all Corps:

• IGS advances from C to B when a score of 40.0 (after penalties) is obtained once.
• IGS advances from B to A when a score of 60.0 (after penalties) is obtained once.

CLARIFICATION #1 - this revises Motion #14, 2004 FBM which required that a C group had to obtain 2 minimum scores and a B group had to obtain 4 minimum scores.

CLARIFICATION #2 - See Proposal #10 (2007 STM) re CBTF Teams' minimum score requirements.

Effective January 1, 2008

Karen Gratton moved that Proposal #10 of the 2007 Summer Technical Meeting be accepted as follows:

That Level B CBTF Teams must obtain one minimum score of 60.0 (after penalties) in order to advance to Level A.

Effective January 1, 2008

Karen Gratton moved that Proposal #11 of the 2007 Summer Technical meeting be accepted as amended by adding clarification #2 (below):

To accept the CBTF declaration deadline as the same as the entry deadline for each province's Provincial Championships.

CLARIFICATION #1 - The IGS Tracking Process will remain the same throughout the year.

CLARIFICATION #2 - The CBTF Declaration Form must be completed prior to the provincials' entry deadline and sent into the provincial group rep who shall forward to the CBTF Data Entry Coordinator prior to the date of the Provincial Championships. The Coordinator shall verify acceptance of each declaration prior to the date of the provincials.

Effective January 1, 2008

Karen Gratton moved that Proposal #12 of the 2007 Summer Technical meeting be accepted as follows:

That the Group Grand National results will not be calculated in the calculation of the Group Challenge Cup.

Effective Immediately

Karen Gratton moved that Proposal #13 of the 2007 Summer Technical Meeting be accepted as follows:

That we eliminate the "reverting back" rule for group athletes. (see below for Effective Date)

Karen Gratton moved that Motion #36 (see above) of the 2007 Fall Board Meeting be amended to add the Effective Date of September 1, 2008.

Karen Gratton moved to accept Proposal #9, 2008 Winter Technical Meeting that an individual athlete may compete as a group member in both a Pre-Group and a competitive group at the same competition.

Effective Immediately

Karen Gratton moved that Proposal #2 of the 2008 Winter Technical Meeting be accepted as follows:

That the group name Theme Corps be changed to "Theme Production" and be accepted as a revised Major Event:

1. Time limit shall be 3-5 minutes (with 10 second leeway either way)
2. Batons must be twirled by all members at some point in the routine but not necessarily by all members at the same time.
3. Size shall be 10 or more members.
4. No tarp flooring.
5. Set Up & Take Down - 4:00 minutes extra time allotted
6. Props may be handled by people other than group members during Set Up/Take Down, if necessary.
7. Judging is the same as Theme Corps with the focus on entertainment and performance qualities based on General Effect.
8. Prime consideration to be given to athletes' safety and the CBTF Risk Management Policy.

Effective September 1, 2008

Karen Gratton moved that Proposal #3 of the 2008 Winter Technical Meeting be accepted as follows:

That CBTF Groups be restructured as follows:

1. Pre-Group - 3 or more members; remain the same as per current rules.
2. Dance Twirl Teams - Small 3-6 members; Large 7+ members; remain the same as per current rules.
3. CBTF Team - 6-8 members; remain the same as per current WBTF rules.
4. CBTF Group 10-20 members; remain the same as per current WBTF rules.
5. Theme Production - (see Motion #15, 2008 SBM)
6. Parade Corps - 10+ members; remain the same as per current rules.

Levels: C, B, A (for competitive groups)

Age Divisions: Juvenile (7-11.999), Junior (12- 14.999), Senior (15+)

Effective September 1, 2008

Karen Gratton move that Proposal #7 of the 2008 Winter Technical Meeting be accepted as follows:

That the minimum age to participate in all competitive Individual, Duet and Group events shall be 7 year of age as at December 31st.

Clarification: Ages 4-6 may participate in the Pre-Competitive Events Program.

Effective January 1, 2010

Karen Gratton moved to accept the Pom Pom Team Proposal as prepared and presented by OBTA and to add Pom Pom Teams as a CBTF Minor Event.

Intent: this will be monitored for 2 years and then reviewed and assessed by the Technical Committee. Directive: OBTA will develop role model dvd's and judging tools.

Effective September 1, 2008

Karen Gratton moved to accept Proposal #2 from the 2008 FTM that reads:

That the courses for all groups be combined into one course to be called Module Three (M3) and the following CBTF Events be included in this module:

Pom Pom Teams
Dance Twirl Teams
Theme Production
Parade Corps
CBTF Teams
CBTF Groups

CLARIFICATION: The section of the Masters Course pertaining to CBTF Teams and CBTF Groups will also be used in the M3 course.

CLARIFICATION: This eliminates the term 'Module 4'

Karen Gratton moved to accept Proposal #11, 2008 FTM that reads:

That Level C and B Group athletes be permitted to be members of Pre-Groups. However 60% (or more) must be Pre-Group level and 40% (or less) can be C or B group athletes.

Karen Gratton moved to accept Proposal #12, 2008 FTM that reads:

That the Individual Group Status (IGS) levels from Theme Corps and Twirl Corps be carried forward to Theme Production and CBTF Group respectively.

CLARIFICATION: If an athlete has established an IGS in Theme Corps and/or Twirl Corps, they may not use the "Established Athlete Rule" to change said athletes IGS in Theme Production and/or CBTF Group.

Karen Gratton moved that the following revisions to CBTF Group Procedures and Rules be accepted:

Re: Theme Production

1. That prop receptacles need not be specific sizes; rather they must be portable, easy to move, lightweight and must be either on rollers, wheels or castors or have a protective fabric (eg: carpet) on the bottom so that they do not damage the facility's flooring.
2. The penalty for incorrect or unsafe receptacles or receptacles that damage the flooring be reduced from 20.0 points to 5.0 points and the addition of the statement "group may be responsible to repair any damages incurred to flooring or facility" be added to the Theme Production Penalty sheet and Penalty Clarifications.
3. The penalty for "auxiliary members entering the floor for clean up before the last member is off the competition floor" be reduced from 20.0 points to 5.0 points.

Re: Other Groups

1. Revise the statement that only Primary level groups can be assisted onto the competition floor to read: "that only Pre-Groups and Primary Pom Pom teams may be assisted onto the competition floor".
2. Revise group timing to read: "to begin with the start and finish of the music or recorded sound including opening cue or starting beep."

CLARIFICATION: This would bring CBTF in line with WBTF Team & Group rules that include the opening cue or starting beep.

CLARIFICATION: Once approved, these changes to be added into the latest revision of the Group Manual.

Karen Gratton moved that, for the 2008 competition season only (January 08 - provincial declaration dates), coaches be given the option to maintain or lower each of their group athletes' Individual Group Status level (as of Dec 31/07) so that their athletes/groups may come into line with Motion #32 and #33, 2007 FBM which state IGS advances when one minimum score is achieved.

CLARIFICATION: a coach may move C-1 athletes to C-0.
CLARIFICATION: a coach may move B-1 athletes to B-0 however may not move the athletes back to C-0.
CLARIFICATION: a coach cannot move A-0 athletes back to B-0 or C-0.
CLARIFICATION: a coach may move a C-1 to B-0 or a B-1, B-2 or B-3 up to A should they choose during the grace period.

DIRECTIVE: If a coach has group athletes who have accumulated a number of minimum scores and wishes to move them back, the CBTF Data Coordinator must be advised by February 28, 2007 in order to amend each athlete's IGS. If not notified, the CBTF Data Coordinator will automatically advance group athletes to the next level.

DIRECTIVE: All group athletes' IGS (revised or not) must be stated on the CBTF Group Declaration Form as of their provincial entry deadline date.

Effective Immediately

Karen Gratton moved that the Pom Pom Team age divisions be changed to be the same as all CBTF group age divisions:

• Juvenile (7-11.999)
• Junior (12-14.999)
• Senior (15 and over)

CLARIFICATION: Pom Pom Teams may compete in Pre-Group divisions.

Effective January 1, 2010

Karen Gratton moved that, for Theme Production, twirling is required and will be judged as to how it is incorporated into the routine to maintain the theme and enhance the general effect.

Effective immediately

Karen Gratton moved to accept the following changes to CBTF Team and CBTF Group events:

• CBTF Team event be renamed to CBTF Small Team
• CBTF Group event be renamed to CBTF Large Team
• CBTF Small Team is an event for 6-8 members
• CBTF Large Team is an event for 9 or more members
• CBTF Small and Large Teams shall use the current CBTF Team/Groups score sheet, range descriptions and WBTF Team role models
• Advancement scores (for both Small and Large Team) shall be:
  • C to B: 25
  • B to A: 50
• CBTF Small and Large Teams shall compete against each other in Grand Nationals

CLARIFICATION: The score sheet title to be changed to read CBTF Teams

Effective Immediately

Karen Gratton moved that the Pom Pom Team Event be offered as a competitive event at the Open Competition held in conjunction with the 2010 Canadian Championships.

CLARIFICATION: All levels (A,B,C) shall be offered.

Effective Immediately

Karen Gratton moved that the Individual Group Status (IGS) system be eliminated. Instead, coaches shall establish the level of their group as part of their first competition entry or CBTF Group Declaration Form (whichever is submitted first).

CLARIFICATION: The expectation is that coaches will not change the level of their groups through the competition season.

CLARIFICATION: Mandatory advancement, through scores received during the competition season, will still apply.

Effective Immediately

Karen Gratton moved that the cost of the hard copy of the Group Rules and Regulations Manual (revision 2, v.6, January 2010) shall be $30 plus shipping.

Effective Date: July 10, 2010

Elan Paluck moved to accept Proposal 10 from the 2010 FTM - primary age division for CBTF group events at opens and Provincials - as follows:

To grant provinces the authority to offer a primary age division for all CBTF groups at local and provincial level competitions.

Effective: Immediately

Elan Paluck moved to accept Proposal 11 from the 2010 FTM - changes to group event feedback requirements - as follows:

That, because audio cassettes and cassette players are becoming obsolete, provinces and/or competition directors shall determine the method judges are to use to give critiques/feedback/comments for group events and WBTF events at CBTF open & provincial competitions. Examples: use the existing score sheets (circle & check) or provide blank sheets for judges to write their comments on, use digital recorders.

Effective: Immediately

Elan Paluck moved to accept Proposal 13 from the 2010 FTM - revised Theme Production Score Sheet and Penalty Sheet - as follows:

To make the following revisions to the Theme Production score sheet:

• Caption Scoring will be: 30 - Twirl; 30 - Props; 40 - Production
• Add "non-synchronic twirling" & "feature twirling" in Twirl caption
• under Exposure to Error add "(if synchronic)"
• after Precision & Unison under Execution Revise score allotment to reflect 30 points
• Penalty Sheet - add .5 for a baton drop and .5 for a prop drop
• Add Penalty Sheet - "both twirl and prop captions must be demonstrated for maximum credit"

Effective: Immediately

Elan Paluck moved that Theme Production be moved to the status of a CBTF Minor Event.

Effective: September 1, 2012

Elan Paluck moved that, for the CBTF 2011-2012 competition season, a Type A (athlete) Direct Member shall be permitted to hold a regular or alternate position on a group competing in any CBTF Major or Minor group event. The team coach or club manager shall be required to send a written request to the CBTF President, with cc to CBTF Technical Chair and the Provincial Head well in advance of the province's provincial competition. A copy of said letter, along with the CBTF approval, shall also be provided with the team's entry form to the CBTF Canadians' Entry Processor.

Effective immediately.

DIRECTIVE: Revision to the current policy as it appears in the CBTF Policy Manual shall be addressed at the 2012 Summer BOD meeting.

Maureen Johnson proposed to accept the New Development Team Event called “Pre-Team” and “Level C Twirl Team” as pilot projects for the 2013-14 season.

Intent: All provinces are encouraged to run a pilot project for this event and report back at the 2014 FTM.

Elan moved that 2014 FTM Proposal #7 be accepted:

That ABTA shall be responsible to review all CBTF competitive group penalty sheets by the end of October 2014. Revised sheets to be distributed to the Technical Committee and an E-Vote conducted to approve the changes. The Board shall then be presented with a proposal to accept the revisions.