NBTA International Inc. Rules & Scoresheets
NBTA International Inc. Rules & Scoresheets
Laughter heals. So does a no drop.
— Don Sartell
RULES & SCORESHEETS
All NBTA International Inc. rules published on this site shall supersede any and all rules published in all other media across the universe for any NBTA International Inc. Sanctioned Event. Any and all changes to the official rules, per the NBTA International Inc. Rules Commissioner or NBTA International Inc. Acting President, will be posted on this site.
Please Note:
Solo Rules & Scoresheets
Team Rules & Scoresheets
Corps Rules & Scoresheets
Solo events
Solo is the mainstay of all baton twirling and provides a competitor with the opportunity to perform an innovative routine, which is adjudicated for its variety, difficulty, speed, control, smoothness, gracefulness, presentation, and showmanship.
ONE-BATON TWIRLING
TWO-BATON TWIRLING
A contestant performs with two batons. Both batons must be in action at all times, either in like patterns, alternating patterns, or in concert with each other.
Three-BATON TWIRLING
A contestant uses three batons.
(previously known as Twirl Dance and Dance Twirl) Solo Rhythmic Twirl is a side branch of baton twirling in which twirlers coordinate their body movements to the music. Rhythmic Twirl is sometimes referred to as "interpretative twirling" and "synchronized twirling." Unlike general twirling, in which music is used for accompaniment, a performer may vary the speed of the baton to coordinate with the music. As in other branches of twirling, it’s the ability with a style and not only the style itself that counts. All styles of interpretation are acceptable – within the bounds of good taste. It's open to advanced solo twirlers only and they may only use one baton only (no props). Rhythmic Twirl is an optional event at state, regional and Class A open contests as the national contest will be open to all advanced solo twirlers. At nationals, individual age groups may be held, followed by a twirloff.
Rhythmic TWIRL
Super-X Pattern – Contestant shall perform individually within the prescribed floor pattern only once. Starting point shall be at upper corner of lane to judge’s left. Direction of pattern shall be diagonally toward opposite corner, turning right at edge of lane, then straight to opposite edge of lane, turning right and proceeding diagonally to opposite corner, then turning left to center point of lane, turning left and proceeding in straight line toward judge for remaining required steps. Finish shall be at any point within designated 30’ by 20’ lane. Section 5 shall not extend beyond borders set by Section 1. Oblique movements are not allowed in first four sections. Retracing is permitted.
Basic Strut Portions – A minimum of four forward consecutive steps of basic strutting shall be executed during four different intervals of floor pattern: first section, second section, third section, and fifth (final) section. They shall be performed immediately after opening salute and on first steps forward on other specified sections. No penalty for exceeding required minimum four basic steps.
Twirling not permitted during strutting routine. From first movement to ending salute, twirling is not permitted in a strutting routine. Rolls, fingerwork, and baton releases are not permitted. Loops and swings are allowed. Not more than two continuous revolutions from center of baton are allowed. Continuous revolutions limited to two at any one time. Baton must be a full-hand grip in one hand or another at all times during a strutting routine performance.
Floor Contact – No part of body, other that feet, shall contact floor, intentionally or unintentionally.
Out of Step – Contestant will receive a zero in timing when out of step one or more complete sections of floor pattern or out of step on all four required basics. In such case the penalties for out of step shall not count in tabulation of penalties. (Other captions should receive scores.) Contestant may not be disqualified. Feature moves when left foot does not hit the accented beat of music are not considered out of step. However, contestant must re-establish proper timing or an out-of-step penalty of .5 will be assessed per each violation. If contestant does not correct self within eight counts, an additional .5 penalty will be assessed; penalty not to exceed .5 per eight counts of out of step.
Music – Contestants shall perform to standard march music provided by the contest director.
Super X Strut
Flag Twirling
A performer twirls and swings a baton shaft with a flag attached. One-baton score sheet is used, with logical interpretation. See score sheet.
Duet & Trio
Two contestants performing at one time are called a duet. Three contestants performing at one time make a trio. Contestants are judged on their ability to perform simultaneously and in concert with one another while employing exchanges and combinations uniquely designed for duets and trios. Each contestant is evaluated on the use of one baton. No credit is given for two batons.
Show Twirling
Show Twirling is interpretive, free-style twirling where contestants select own cassette music and use any combination of twirling instruments in order to display their total show performance. Props and twirling equipment are limited to that which can be hand carried in one trip by contestant only. Electrical props are not permitted.
Hoop Twirling
Hoop twirling provides still another opportunity for contestants to expand their repertoire. Proficient Hoop Twirling requires excellent coordination and dexterity as the number of twirls that can be executed with a hoop is limited, due to the shape of the hoop. Imaginative, innovative, and exciting combinations are encouraged. Intentional hoop floor rolls, etc., do not count as drops.
Basic & Military Strut
Basic and Military Strut implies straight marching in a square pattern with no footwork or legwork embellishment while carrying baton in either traditional or cradle position. In the case of military strut the traditional hi-low beat is required. Forward motion is mandatory. Consideration in judging will be appearance, posture, gracefulness, and timing. All styles shall receive equal consideration. Contestants will march in a follow-the-leader pattern or one-at-a-time according to judge’s instructions. Direction of square at discretion of judge. Contestants who stay in step will place above those with timing problems.
Circle T Modeling
All modeling events will be performed in a Circle T pattern. Modeling performance begins directly in front of judge, turning either direction, left or right, at top of lane and then proceeding to chosen corner. Contestant executes a semi-circle (away from judge) to opposite corner. Contestant returns to center front of judge’s table and back to starting point. Timing and judging end at this point. If interview is included in performance, interview is not timed. Contestant will wait for judge’s signal to approach table for interview. Judge will score first three captions before interview begins. The element of the interview should encourage contestant to talk about herself; her hopes, dreams, goals, and opinions. It is not the style but the ability within the style that is judged. All modeling styles within the bounds of good taste will be given equal consideration.
Leadership Contest
Drum majorettes/drum majors will compete in separate division / field generals compete together. Girls and boys compete together. See score sheet for grading information.
National Collegiate
Twirling Championships
See the rules for more information concerning special contests at AYOP for collegiate twirlers.
September 1 is the beginning of each new contest year. Your actual age on September 1 determines your competitive age for the entire contest year from September 1 through August 31.
Sanctioned contests shall employ the following age-division plans:
1. Official Mandatory Divisions for National, International, State, and Regional Championship Contests in the USA
Senior – ages 16 and older
Junior – ages 13 through 15
Pre-teen – ages 10 through 12
Juvenile – ages 7 through 9
Tot – ages 0 through 6
2. Single Age Plan – Optional for Open Class A, B, or C Contests:
0-6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 & over
Optional: 0-6, 7-9, 10-12, 13-15, 16-19, 20 & over
3. Duets Age Categories:
0-18, 19-24, 25-30, 31 & over. (Combined ages)
4. Trios Age Categories:
0-10.9 Juv., 11-13.9 Jr., 14 & over Sr. (Average ages)
Your Competitive Age
Standard Age Divisions
The following four contestant status levels are mandatory for A, AA, AAA Solo and Strut competitions and are optional for all other events.
Novice Class – A contestant is a novice until receiving five first-place novice wins in a contest category. She or he then advances to the Beginner class. Winners awarded ribbons or medals only.
Beginner Class – A contestant is a beginner until receiving five first-place Beginner wins in a contest category. She or he then advances to the Intermediate class.
Intermediate Class – A contestant is an intermediate until receiving eight first-place Intermediate wins in a contest category. She or he then graduates to the elite Advanced class.
Advanced Class – A contestant has reached the highest and most prestigious competitive level.
A high purpose of the NBTA advanced process is to help twirlers realize their personal goal by graduating to the advanced class of competition. At any time, contestants may advance themselves to a higher status level.
By doing so, they are permanently elevated to that higher status level.
Four Status Levels
TEAM events
A Twirling Team is four or more members using one baton per member performing in unison accompanied by the NBTA INTERNATIONAL INC. record. The routine will have an entrance, variety in twirling, exchanges, changes in floor patterns, and an exit within the time allowed
TWIRLING TEam
Dance TWIRL
A Dance Twirl Team is four or more members whose performance is accompanied by recorded or taped music of their preference. The performances and the teacher should be creative in choreography as well as costume.
The routine will be a musical interpretation through movement with expression and baton, including an introduction, dynamic effects, a conclusion and possibly a theme. It is essential that a Dance Twirl routine have its dance steps coordinated with the music. It will incorporate beauty of leg work, footwork, and body work with the baton. It must have combinations of baton and dance material. It will use space properly; the floor pattern will be a design. All forms of dance may be used – ballet, modern, lyrical, jazz, Irish, flamenco, country, disco, Charleston, etc. – gymnastics may not be used.
The primary goal in dance Twirl is a routine with the minimum to maximum time limit of continuous dance while twirling with dance steps and twirling have the same degree
of difficulty.
Half-Time show Teams
& School Teams
A Half-Time Show Team has four or more members whose performance is accompanied by recorded or taped music of their preference. A Half-Time Show routine will be choreographed for the purpose of entertainment and it shall be appropriate for performances at school athletic events and other school or civic functions. The ultimate goal in a Half-Time Show is a routine with a high entertainment value which enables the young people of today to have the training and experience necessary to give an impressive performance before the public.
Optional Half-Time
Show Divisions
(1) HALF-TIME SHOW TWIRL TEAM
To fulfill the requirements for a Half-Time Show Twirl Team, 50 percent of its members must twirl some type of twirling equipment used for twirling or spinning purposes containing a baton shaft or color guard equipment (flags, rifles, sabers) at the same time at some point within the performance. A reasonable length twirling or Dance Twirl section should be choreographed and performed to give the judges the opportunity to evaluate without question that the team is classified a Half-Time Show Twirl Team.
(2) HALF-TIME SHOW POM PON TEAM
Team’s performance shall display the ability to use pom pons with precision and grace combining the changing of floor patterns, group designs, and dance steps for maximum audience appeal.
(3) HALF-TIME SHOW DANCELINE TEAM
Team’s performance shall display the ability to dance with uniformity in style, precision, and grace using changes in floor patterns, group designs, and change of pace for maximum audience appeal. The Danceline should also expand the variety and difficulty of the routine. Gymnastics* may not be used. The Danceline should get into character of the style of dancing, not only using feet and legs but also using the upper body and facial expressions. The goal of the danceline should be to execute a precision routine of intricate footwork, legwork and body work.
(4) HALF-TIME SHOW DRILL TEAM
A Half-Time Show Drill Team has 12 or more members displaying the ability to move and maneuver without the use of props/equipment.
(5) HALF-TIME SHOW CHEERLEADING TEAM
Team’s performance shall display the ability to use body and voice with precision and grace combining the changing of floor patterns and vocal cheers for maximum audience appeal.
(6) HALF-TIME SHOW SCHOOL MAJORETTE TEAM
A school majorette team must have three or more members whose performance is accompanied by recorded or taped music of their preference. All members of a school majorette must be attending and currently enrolled in the educational institution they are representing. Example: A middle school, a high school or a college/university. Each team member must be an active member of the marching band program. A school majorette team’s routine will be choreographed for the purpose of entertainment and the performance shall be appropriate for school band performances.
In addition, there are 3 type of solo Teams events, namely:
- Team Prince/Princess
- Solo Pom Pon
- Solo Cheerleading
Twirl Teams & Dance Twirls
Age Divisions
1. Kinder - average 0 – 5.99
2. Primary – average 6 – 8.99
3. Youth – average 9 – 11.99
4. Junior – average 12 – 14.99
5. Senior – average 15+
A contestant’s age on September 1 will determine his or her competitive age for the entire contest year from September 1 through August 31.
a. All team directors must turn in a team roster prior to each performance and be able to produce "proof of age" for each individual competing in team.
b. Birth certificates, baptism record, and/or driver’s are all acceptable.
c. Requests for “proof of age” are by contest director and/or chief judge.
Skill Levels
In areas where contest entries warrant – the contest director may offer Beginner and Advanced.
See rules for definitions.
Size of Teams
1. Small – 4-8 members
2. Large – 9 or more members
If participation in the area warrants the necessity of having three team divisions, the contest director may offer an extra large division (14+ members). This will be permitted on Local, State, and regional levels of competition.
Halftime Show Teams
Age Divisions
1. Kinder - average 0 – 5.99 (optional - not offered at AYOP)
2. Primary – average 6 – 8.99
3. Youth – average 9 – 11.99
4. Junior – average 12 – 14.99
5. Senior – average 15+
6. College - average age 18+
Skill Levels
In areas where contest entries warrant – the contest director may offer Beginner and Advanced. See rules for definitions.
Size of Teams
1. Regular – 4-8 members
2. Large – 9 or more members
If participation in the area warrants the necessity of having three team divisions, the contest director may offer a Small (4-8), Large (9-13), and Extra Large division division (14+). This will be permitted on Local, State, and Regional levels of competition.
Corps events
Baton TWIRLING Corps
This is a corps in which each member must have one and only one baton.
Show Corps/Twirling
Corps with Props
A corps emphasizing total development of a theme.
Show Corps/Twirling
Corps with Props
And/or Scenery
A corps emphasizing total development of a theme.
Parade Corps -
Recorded & Live
A corps performing a routine suitable for a street parade with a baton.
Solo Corps Events
- Color Guard Solo
- Music Section
- Drum and Mallet Solo, Duet, Trios and Ensembles
- Corps Member of the Year
An individual's actual age on the previous September 1st
LARGE CORPS - a corps with a minimum of 21 members
SMALL CORPS - a corps with a maximum of 20 members
JUVENILE CORPS - a corps with an average competition age less than 11.99
JUNIOR CORPS - a corps with an average competition age less than 14.99
SENIOR CORPS - a corps with an average competition age is 15.0 and older
BEGINNER CORPS - a corps where at least 50% of the members have not competed in 7 advanced corps competitions
INDIVIDUAL EVENTS - divisions are defined as 0-9 juvenile, 10-12 pre-teen, 13-15 junior, 16+ seniors
Competition Age
Divisions
Twirling time
Timing while 10 or more members twirling one, two, three batons or more at the same time. Also included are aerial exchanges, momentary stops of 1 or 2 counts when part of a twirling section, twirling while marching, duet tricks when executed as a result of a toss (about 8 counts), and peel-offs while some type of twirling continues and not just poses. If 10 twirlers are twirling and one drops a baton, timing continues while the person is in the process of picking it up.
Mount - any lift or form that is two stories or more
Music - sounds having rhythm or melody (includes singing, chanting, and noises in a set rhythm)
Prop - any piece of equipment or material that is not a baton or piece of authorized equipment
Unit - 2 or more members
Other Terminology
Rule Clarifications
Set Up Time
Set up time begins when the announcer acknowledges that the corps can take the floor.
Scenery, backdrops and props are not allowed at all. This includes changing, altering or removing articles of clothing during the performance. Example-scarfs, hats , capes, skirts ,etc. cannot be used in a production number. A vest or shirt cannot be taken off and reversed. A skirt cannot be used to make a sign. Glasses, streamers, etc. cannot be taken out of a pocket. No "gimmicks" are allowed. Violation is a 2 point penalty.
Twirling Corps Props
corps Boundary Penalty
A two point boundary penalty is accessed when a unit or section goes out of the floor markings during the performance. An individual is penalized only when the person leaves the floor due to improper choreoghraphy. An individual is not penalized for going out of bounds to pick up a dropped baton, accidentally stepping on a line, or any reason that is just an individual error.
A flag shaft must have a minimum of 30 inches in length and be at least one-half inch in diameter. A pike is construed to be a pole at least five feet in length with a piece of material attached to be used as the flag.