J Wong
Member
- Messages
- 301
Throughout my career thus far I have danced at/attended many bhangra competitions. Some good, some bad. Through these experiences I hope to list the necessary qualities of a good competition. Here we go.
Application Process
The application should be clear and concise with definitive due dates (tryout video, completed application, fee, notification date, etc). The application should include information about the competition, rules and regulations, rubric, and other general application questions (names, addresses, team information, etc).
Upon acceptance, the follow up documents should include venue information with detailed stage diagrams. Judge information. Definitive due dates (mix, lighting, roster, etc). Hotel information (competitions should attempt to negotiate a team rate). Additional rules, etc.
If "points" are to be awarded for successful submission of the team's application and further components, these rules should be outlined prior. Under no circumstances should a competition amend said rules to award more or less points to a given team. For example, "We felt that teams who submitted parts early should get extra points even though you submitted on time."
Pre-Competition Weekend
Regular updates emails and a dedicated committee member that will answer team emails quickly.
Competition
Meals: Funds can be a limiting factor for a competition, if only one meal can be provided, lunch on the competition day rather than the mixer should be provided given the lack of time teams have. If you cannot provide meals it is important that you inform teams.
Mixer: Do what you want (try to make it entertaining), but start on time and provide transportation if needed. MC/announcer should be competent (e.g. know the team names).
Water: Water should be given to teams following the mixer.
Parking: Organizers should keep parking availability in mind as many teams drive to competitions. Furthermore, hotel parking can be ludicrously expensive and shouldn't, generally, be considered a viable first choice.
Venue: A venue needs to be functional, if a committee is able, choose a venue with a reliable stage. Competitions have generally favored the aesthetics of the venue rather than how functional the stage is to the teams. Additionally, venue staff need to be knowledgeable (i.e. proper lighting cues, test sound prior, etc).
Practice Space: Finding a decent space for teams to practice in is always helpful and appreciated.
Hotel: Work with the hotel to secure spaces for teams.
Note: Hotels need to learn to treat us with respect if we reciprocate it. Too often do hotel managers attempt to restrict our use of the hotel (i.e. excessive noise complaint warnings (if we aren't making sound), confinement to rooms (while other patrons can use the facilities as they please), etc).
After-party: Venues need to be sensible - teams of 12-16 + groupies + liaisons/committee + locals = a lot of people. Teams should have first priority regardless if someone paid for a "VIP ticket". Additionally, committee members need to work with the staff of the venue to create an efficient method of allowing access. Many times teams cant enter the AP simply because of the sheer incompetence of some venue staff.
Tech-time: Attempt to remain on time (create a schedule and stick to it)
Liaisons: Need to be knowledgable. Set up meetings during the weeks prior to educate your liaisons. Create a method of communication between liaisons and the committee (GroupMe is always good). Additionally, liaisons shouldn't disappear before the show ends and teams return to the hotel.
Committee: All members should be abreast of all information in order to better aid liaisons with questions. It is not fair nor practical to rely on the organizer for all the information.
Staff: Shouldn't be in a drunken stupor at all during the competition. Staff should be available in the event a team encounters complications. For example, a team member missing a band due to missing the mixer, and denied entry into the venue.
Judging: Select a judging panel based on dancing experience (not because they danced with someone famous, or play dhol, or are well known on the circuit, or because they were on some old team, or because they captained a team) Give the judges ample time to deliberate. If a judge states they need to finish tallying and/or fix an error allow them. Fair judging should not be compromised because of time constraints. Committee members should not be involved with judging as well. Furthermore, all judging documents should be released to teams and the community (unless it was rigged, there should be no reason for the committee to withhold this information).
A competition and judges should be open about what they are looking for in a "winning" team as a general courtesy so that teams that do not fit this type of competition don't waste their time.
That is all for the moment. If I remember more I shall add it.
Application Process
The application should be clear and concise with definitive due dates (tryout video, completed application, fee, notification date, etc). The application should include information about the competition, rules and regulations, rubric, and other general application questions (names, addresses, team information, etc).
Upon acceptance, the follow up documents should include venue information with detailed stage diagrams. Judge information. Definitive due dates (mix, lighting, roster, etc). Hotel information (competitions should attempt to negotiate a team rate). Additional rules, etc.
If "points" are to be awarded for successful submission of the team's application and further components, these rules should be outlined prior. Under no circumstances should a competition amend said rules to award more or less points to a given team. For example, "We felt that teams who submitted parts early should get extra points even though you submitted on time."
Pre-Competition Weekend
Regular updates emails and a dedicated committee member that will answer team emails quickly.
Competition
Meals: Funds can be a limiting factor for a competition, if only one meal can be provided, lunch on the competition day rather than the mixer should be provided given the lack of time teams have. If you cannot provide meals it is important that you inform teams.
Mixer: Do what you want (try to make it entertaining), but start on time and provide transportation if needed. MC/announcer should be competent (e.g. know the team names).
Water: Water should be given to teams following the mixer.
Parking: Organizers should keep parking availability in mind as many teams drive to competitions. Furthermore, hotel parking can be ludicrously expensive and shouldn't, generally, be considered a viable first choice.
Venue: A venue needs to be functional, if a committee is able, choose a venue with a reliable stage. Competitions have generally favored the aesthetics of the venue rather than how functional the stage is to the teams. Additionally, venue staff need to be knowledgeable (i.e. proper lighting cues, test sound prior, etc).
Practice Space: Finding a decent space for teams to practice in is always helpful and appreciated.
Hotel: Work with the hotel to secure spaces for teams.
Note: Hotels need to learn to treat us with respect if we reciprocate it. Too often do hotel managers attempt to restrict our use of the hotel (i.e. excessive noise complaint warnings (if we aren't making sound), confinement to rooms (while other patrons can use the facilities as they please), etc).
After-party: Venues need to be sensible - teams of 12-16 + groupies + liaisons/committee + locals = a lot of people. Teams should have first priority regardless if someone paid for a "VIP ticket". Additionally, committee members need to work with the staff of the venue to create an efficient method of allowing access. Many times teams cant enter the AP simply because of the sheer incompetence of some venue staff.
Tech-time: Attempt to remain on time (create a schedule and stick to it)
Liaisons: Need to be knowledgable. Set up meetings during the weeks prior to educate your liaisons. Create a method of communication between liaisons and the committee (GroupMe is always good). Additionally, liaisons shouldn't disappear before the show ends and teams return to the hotel.
Committee: All members should be abreast of all information in order to better aid liaisons with questions. It is not fair nor practical to rely on the organizer for all the information.
Staff: Shouldn't be in a drunken stupor at all during the competition. Staff should be available in the event a team encounters complications. For example, a team member missing a band due to missing the mixer, and denied entry into the venue.
Judging: Select a judging panel based on dancing experience (not because they danced with someone famous, or play dhol, or are well known on the circuit, or because they were on some old team, or because they captained a team) Give the judges ample time to deliberate. If a judge states they need to finish tallying and/or fix an error allow them. Fair judging should not be compromised because of time constraints. Committee members should not be involved with judging as well. Furthermore, all judging documents should be released to teams and the community (unless it was rigged, there should be no reason for the committee to withhold this information).
A competition and judges should be open about what they are looking for in a "winning" team as a general courtesy so that teams that do not fit this type of competition don't waste their time.
That is all for the moment. If I remember more I shall add it.
