With the UWGA, we will require the same adhearance to this policy - just substitute UWGA whenever you see WGI.

After many years of discussion on WGI’s scholastic eligibility rule, the board of directors has drawn new guidelines for high school competition at their recent annual meeting. The redefinition was in response to the constant shifting of policies in local school districts to keep arts programs in their local jurisdictions. WGI’s current policy did not allow participation in areas where magnet schools, shared services and home schooling have become a way of life.

The scholastic eligibility rules for color guard and percussion have been amended for the 2008 season as follows:

“All members of any color guard or percussion ensemble competing in any scholastic class must be approved for participation by the principal of the sponsoring school. Each color guard or percussion ensemble shall submit a notarized form prepared by WGI listing all approved participants of that school’s color guard or percussion ensemble.”

“Our organization must be sensitive to new ideas that local school districts are trying to keep their arts programs alive,” said Ron Nankervis, WGI Chief Executive Officer. “While this is a slight change in our policy, this will allow more flexibility which most schools need to give their students every opportunity in these days of budget cutbacks.”

The feedback that WGI has received over recent years was that many school districts are offering specialized classes at different campuses within their district. Often these special classes include music, dance as well as technical vocational training. Instead of offering every class on each campus, many students now share services between campuses.

Each scholastic color guard or percussion ensemble must now have the principal of the sponsoring school approve any student within that district participating in that group. The principal must then sign a notarized form that each participant is following their local guidelines as well as affirm that this is an approved activity by the district and individuals are insured through the district.

“This is a positive step forward to include students that normally would not have an opportunity to perform when individual schools do not offer color guard or percussion programs,” said Randy Nelson, WGI President. “After many years of studying the issue, I think we have come up with a positive solution while keeping the integrity of the scholastic class.”Who is eligible to compete as a scholastic unit? All students residing within a school district may compete with a scholastic color guard as long as the principal of the sponsoring school approves their participation.

What about home schooled students? Home schooled students can participate with a high school as long as they are residents of that school district and the sponsoring school’s principal approves of their participation.

If a school district has two high schools each with an active program, can a student decide which program they would prefer?WGI does not permit students leaving an active program at their home school to participate with another school’s program within the same district. Color guards found to be in violation of this policy or actively recruiting students from other programs will be penalized up to disqualification. If special circumstances exist, each situation will be reviewed on a case by case basis.

Can a color guard or percussion ensemble combine or create new names?No. Each scholastic group must be approved by one school and compete under that name only. For example, East HS has an active program and West HS does not. The principal of East HS can approve West HS students’ participation but they must compete under the name of East HS. A new name such as East-West HS cannot be used. Only the sponsoring school name is allowed to be used in the scholastic class.

Must the form be notarized? Yes. Eligibility certification by notarized form or letter is common for scholastic activities and/or sports. Most schools have a notary on the premises so you should check with the front office.

Should we include alternates? Yes. You should include any performer who you anticipate may perform with your group. This way you can avoid having to submit an entire new form should your membership change.

What if my membership changes after I send in the form? A current form listing all performers must be on file prior to any WGI competition. Should you add new members after you submit your form, the form can be re-submitted to the WGI office.