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BRITISH COLUMBIA OLD TIME FIDDLERS’ ASSOCIATION
CONTEST RULES
1. Contestants must play a Waltz, a Jig and a Breakdown (Hornpipe or Reel) in that order. In the final round of
play, in the Championship Class only, contestants must play a Waltz, a Jig, a Breakdown, and a Tune of
Choice in that order. A penalty of ten (10) points will be deducted from the score sheet total if the tunes are
not played in proper order, or if an improper tune is played.
2. A maximum time of four (4) minutes will be allowed for the three tunes and five (5) minutes for the four
tunes. This time will begin when the contestant starts to play. Judging will only be made on the first four (4)
or five (5) minutes of play as appropriate. A signal will be made evident to the judges and the contestant to
indicate that the time limit has been reached.
3. Contestants must play different tunes for each round of play. No tune may be repeated, even in the event of a
tie playoff. A contestant who repeats a tune will lose all points for that tune. The Junior (12 and under) and
Little Junior (9 and under) categories ONLY may repeat the same tunes for the second round of play. The
Little Junior (9 and under) to play two tunes one slow tune and a quicker tune. A second round of play for
Little Junior will be at the discretion of the branch holding the contest.
4. Only standard tuned 4-string violins may be used in the competition. Double bowing, sometimes called Cross
Shuffle or Double Shuffle is allowed but must be kept to a minimum.
5. The microphone must be moved to suit the contestant.
6. No more than two accompanists will be allowed and they must chord only. An electric Bass, and/or electric
Piano, if a regular Piano is not available, may be used. All other instruments must be acoustic.
7. There will be an area away from the stage for tuning and rehearsing. No warm-up time will be allowed on the
stage.
8. If, after the final round, two or more players in the same category are tied, they will play one tune only, a Jig.
If a second tune is needed to decide a winner, it will be a Reel. If a third is needed it will be a Jig, and this
alternate selection will be extended if need be. No tiebreaker will be used after a preliminary round.
9. In the event of an accident beyond the player’s control, such as a broken string, etc., that player may replay.
In the event of unforeseen circumstances, which would prohibit the contest from proceeding otherwise, the
contest committee can opt for open judging.
10. Judging will be done by three competent judges and will be based on tone, timing, rhythm and old time
fiddling ability, style, and danceability. Judges are not required to explain scores or standing. They are not
responsible for disqualification, which is the function of the contest committee.
11. Anyone who appears intoxicated may not be allowed to play.
12. Prize money and categories in any contest will be determined by the contest committee responsible for that
particular contest.
13. If a contest is designated as a Provincial Contest, only residents of British Columbia are eligible to compete.
A contestant must be able to provide evidence of three months consecutive residence in British Columbia
immediately prior to the contest day.
14. Contestants shall not be allowed to use printed music in competitions.
15. Qualifying and final rounds will be scored independently with the final round delivering the placements.
16. Categories and age requirements:
Championship Any Age Senior 65 and over Open Any Age Youth 17 and under
Intermediate 18 to 64 inclusive Junior 12 and under Little Junior 9 and under
17. Member branches hosting a Fiddle Contest shall name their categories exactly as above, but may delete or add
categories such as Beginners, Golden Age, Twin or Novice to the list.
18. Contestants may enter only one category (except twin fiddle or harmony) of his or her choice according to
playing ability and age or other requirements listed in the rules.
19. Contestants who win in any adult category for two consecutive years in one location (same Branch) must
either move up to the next higher category or not compete there for one year. The Provincial Contest will be
considered separately and the two consecutive years would apply to the Provincial Contest only.
20. Failure on the part of a contestant to abide by any of these rules will result in disqualification of the
contestant. Disqualification decisions are to be made be the contest committee only.
21. Any Branch of the B.C.O.T.F.A. hosting a contest must abide by these rules.
22. In the event that there is only one contestant in any category that contestant may be asked to move to another
category.
Rev. November 26, 2012