RULES
of the
RINGWOOD PIPE BAND
Proposed revision 2014.
These Rules are written as a digest of the Band Constitution required to comply with Charity Commission regulation and to advise on the implementation of the Purpose and Objectives of the Band and to help members in their understanding of the detail necessary to maintain the Band standards.
Purpose and Objectives of the Band
The Band is registered as a Charitable Trust within the meaning of the Charities Act 2011 as an Unincorporated (non business) Association defined as “a group of people working together for one or more charitable purposes and who expect to stay small”. As such the Band comes under the regulatory eye of the Charities Commission and provided it is organised within their guidelines and run by Trustees can expect to receive Commission support should problems arise. The Trustees are the Band Committee and the Commission expects an Annual Return at the end of the Band’s financial Year.
The objectives of the Band are to promote, improve, develop and maintain public education in, and appreciation of, the art and science of music, particularly Scottish Pipe Band music, by the presentation of public concerts and recitals and by such other ways as the Band shall determine from time to time.
Membership
The Band comprises members, some of whom are “learning” to play pipes or drums and others who already play to a reasonable standard which enables them to perform at engagements and are recognised as “playing” members. Playing members who do not turn out regularly but still contribute to the running of the Band are recognised as “honorary” members. All members are placed on the Band register and are requested to observe these rules.
Playing members are registered with the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (RSPBA) for the purpose of entering competitions and to satisfy band insurance requirements.
Learners are promoted to become playing members at the discretion of the Pipe Major (P/M) and on acceptance of his recommendation by the Band Committee
The Band complies with the Child Protection Act and holds a Policy which is available on request to the Band Secretary. to any member of the Committee. Essentially, members of the Band under 18 years old and appearing at Band practices and engagements, must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and no adult member of the Band should ever be left in a position where they would be alone with a child, under any circumstances.
Practice and Engagements
Practice is normally held every Tuesday evening at Queen Elizabeth School, Wimborne between 7.30pm and l0.00 pm.
Engagements are arranged by the Band Secretary in conjunction with the Band Committee and with the acknowledgement agreement of the Band. Playing members should aim to arrive at least 1 hour before the start of the performance or as otherwise advised by the Secretary.
It is expected that all playing members of the Band will attend all practices and all engagements. If it is not possible to attend, it is helpful if the P/M, Secretary or other committee member is informed as far in advance as possible. This is particularly important for engagements when the Band enters into a contract for the performance.
Dress
The Band normally performs at engagements in the full or No1 dress of the MacKenzie tartan. In very warm weather No1 or full dress will may be replaced by day dress comprising Glengarry, short sleeved white shirt, waistcoat, and Band tie, kilt, leather sporran, white hose and Ghillie Brogues. The selection of full or No 1 dress, or the warm weather alternative will be at the discretion of the P/M, or the person nominated by the P/M to lead the Band in his absence and will depend upon the circumstances. Members should attend engagements prepared to adopt whatever dress is chosen for the occasion.
The aim is to keep a high level of uniformity, though the following is allowed, with the approval of the P/M:-
Kilt Pin (not issued by QM) of the member’s choice.
Cap Badge & Plaid Brooch may differ from Band standard.
Dirk and/or Sgian Dubh may be worn with uniform.
It is preferred that playing members do not wear dark glasses when performing, unless worn for medical reasons.
As a mark of rank, the P/M, Pipe and Drum Sergeants will wear red sashes and any playing member nominated by the P/M to act in his/her place for an engagement will may wear a red sash to identify that temporary responsibility. The same will apply to any drummer temporarily acting for the Drum Sergeant.
Uniform and Kit
Playing members are issued uniform and kit on the basis that they will try to attend all engagements and that they should ensure that all items of uniform dress and kit are kept clean and serviceable. Should attendance fall below an acceptable level the Band Committee will consider all the circumstances before seeking withdrawal of issued items.
In full dress (with Feather Bonnets) or No1 dress (with Glengarries), tunics, kilts and plaids should be crease free apart from the folds and pleats that are meant to be there. Waist and cross belts should be black leather and free of badges other than those approved by the P/M. Polished black shoes or Ghillie Brogues should be worn under spats. All bright work on instruments and uniform should gleam. Service medals may be worn on appropriate occasions.
Minor repairs to uniform and kit are the responsibility of the wearer, though advice must be obtained from the Quartermaster (QM) on how to effect repairs. Members should also discuss any replacement uniform item with the QM in good time. Neglect or abuse of issued uniform or kit will require a personal contribution for its replacement.
For the purpose of uniformity and by request, playing members unable to attend must allow any item of Band property issued to them to be used by another Band Member or guest player partaking in a concert, parade, engagement or competition.
Discipline
The P/M is responsible for all matters relating to selection and arrangement of music, tuition, practice and the Band’s performance at engagements. In the absence of the P/M, Pipe Sergeant and Pipe Corporal, the P/M a senior Committee Member will nominate someone suitable to temporarily assume his role who with the assistance of other members of the Committee present will take charge of whatever proceedings demand responsibility for the Band. Failing that the Chairperson in consultation with the other Committee members will nominate a temporary P/M for the occasion. Though not a military Band playing members are expected, in the best traditions of pipe Band activity, to behave with decorum and dignity whilst in uniform.
Contravention of good order is rare but if instances do occur during a practice or an engagement, the senior playing member present will take immediate action to prevent the Band being brought into disrepute. The Band Committee will subsequently meet to discuss any further action necessary in the interests of the Band.
If, in the opinion of the committee, a Band Member has seriously contravened Band rules, or brought the Band into disrepute, it may be deemed that an Extra-ordinary General Meeting (EGM) is required. In such cases all Band Members will be requested to examine and discuss the matter and reach a decision whether or not to remove Band Membership. In all such cases or matters involving breach of discipline the individual(s) shall be afforded the opportunity to answer or defend their position.
In lesser circumstances the P/ M shall recommend to the committee that appropriate action is taken where, in his opinion, a member falls below the required standard in playing or performance.
Address and other Contact details
In the interests of good communication all Band Members are asked to keep the Assistant Secretary up to date with their address contact details. The Band register is maintained for the benefit of the Band and especially for use when the Band has engagements abroad.
Finance
The Band Treasurer will keep an account of income and expenditure, which will be assessed by another Band Member prior to the AGM, for presentation at the AGM. Fees for engagements will be managed by the Band Secretary and money received will be given to the Treasurer. No other money shall be paid or transferred either directly or indirectly to a Band Member except in the payment of legitimate expenses.
Insurance
Band insurance is taken out annually and covers officers, committee and playing members of the Band on Band engagements provided all are members of the RSPBA. It also covers any "visiting team or member thereof" ie guest players. The All Risks Cover is UK only: to a total of £18,485 with a single item limit of £1,000 and a £50 exclusion. Temporary extensions are obtained to cover engagements abroad. Band Members should note that personal items such as Pipes often exceed the single item limit and should make their own insurance arrangements accordingly.
Items covered are – Pipe Band instruments: Pipes, Drums, cases, covers, belts, uniforms, kilts, plaids, highland dress accessories, and Maces - the property of the Band or individuals being RSPBA members. Theft from an unlocked car is not covered. Reeds, drumsticks and skins are covered for fire only.
The Band is covered against public liability to a limit of £5,000,000
Enquiries and Publicity
The Band Committee will handle the arrangements for all Band engagements and publicity, with Band Members co-opted as necessary for particular projects. Any member receiving any enquiry regarding any aspect of the Band, shall direct the enquirer to the Band Secretary.
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