DIRECTOR INFORMATION
Welcome Directors!
Please see below to find information that will help you and your band prepare for your visit to JMU.
PRE-CONTEST PACKET
CLICK HERE to download the Directors' PRE-CONTEST PACKET (available September 2013)
SEE BELOW FOR THE 2013 ONLINE TEXT VERSION.
BRIDGEFORTH STADIUM GUIDELINES: Regulations for what you can bring to/do at Bridgeforth Stadium.
Please read and share with your band parents/chaperones.
POC STADIUM SEATING MAP: A diagram at the stadium and indication of seating areas, entrances, concessions, etc.
POC FIELD DIAGRAM: For band directors - view the field set-up, pit/prop path, and band entrace/exit to the stadium and the field.
CLICK HERE for the 2013 Judge Bios.
2013 CONTEST GUIDELINES
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A PDF OF THE 2013 CONTEST GUIDELINES.
CLASSES
There will be five classes of competition at this event. Class size is determined by the total number of wind and percussion members; Drum Majors, Color Guard, Banner Holders, etc., are excluded from this count.
A – 20-35 winds/percussion
AA – 36-50 winds/percussion
AAA – 51-65 winds/percussion
AAAA – 66-90 winds/percussion
AAAAA – 91+ winds/percussion
ADJUDICATION
Our contest features a panel of nationally recognized adjudicators from across the United States. The Bands of America evaluation format is used, with judges located both in the press box (ensemble) and on the field (individual). All judges will evaluate each band using score sheets and digital recordings. Each director will receive the written and recorded feedback in a post-contest packet provided at their respective awards ceremony. There will not be a judge’s critique at the end of your band’s performance.
Evaluation format:
* Visual Performance, Individual 20 pts.
* Visual Performance, Ensemble 20 pts.
** Music Performance, Individual 20 pts.
** Music Performance, Ensemble 20 pts.
Visual General Effect 20 pts.
Music General Effect 40 pts.
TOTAL 100 pts.
* The two Visual Performance judges will average their two scores for a total of 20 points.
** The two Music Performance judges will average their two scores for a total of 20 points.
There is no sideline infraction penalty, but it is advisable to keep the majority of the band within the field boundaries. The exceptions would be Drum Majors, Pit Percussion, Soloists and Feature Twirlers.
Recap Sheets: Due to physical limitations, we are unable to give complete contest recap sheets at the conclusion of the event. A recap sheet for each class will be included in the post-contest packet. However, a complete contest recap will be compiled and e-mailed to all directors on the Monday following the contest, as well as made available on our website at www.jmu.edu/mrd/poc.shtml
AWARD CEREMONIES
There will be two awards ceremonies during the event – one mid-day for the Class A & AA participating bands, and one at the conclusion of the contest for the Class AAA, AAAA & AAAAA participating. Prior to each awards ceremony, the JMU Marching Royal Dukes will perform for the participating bands and audience.
Individuals to ACCEPT awards: Drum Majors and/or Auxiliary Captains are invited to receive the awards for their band. An announcement will be made prior to each ceremony (following the last band in the AA/AAAAA class) to notify all directors of where to send students. All representatives will meet the JMU contest staff at the E-Gates at the bottom of the North stairwell, adjacent to the tunnel (see stadium map).
Captions: The following caption awards will be presented to each class: Best Music Performance, Best Visual Performance, Best General Effect , Best Color Guard, and Best Percussion. Note: Each award will be determined by a judge(s) specifically adjudicating that caption.
Note: The JMU Parade of Champions DOES NOT recognize a “Grand Champion”.
REGISTRATION PROCESS
REGISTRATION for the JMU Parade of Champions will be located at the JMU Convocation Center. Upon arrival, the Director or Assistant Director will check in at our registration table located at the entrance to the Convo E-Lot.
REGISTRATION TIME
Please make note of your registration time indicated on the POC schedule. IF YOU ARE RUNNING LATE and do not expect to arrive on time for your designated registration, please contact the POC Registration Assistant, Sarah Golden at (540) 421-1851.
REGISTRATION PACKET
When you arrive at JMU, the Director or Assistant Director must check-in at the designated registration area. At that time you will receive your Director’s Packet containing: JMU P.O.C. badges for the director(s), assistant director(s), and additional staff members (if requested); complimentary tickets (wrist bands); campus map; competition schedule; and other pertinent information. Please be certain to list your Assistant Director(s) on the application form.
The packet will include the following items:
- Event Schedule
- Director/Staff Badges (for those listed on your application)
- Complimentary Tickets (1 for every 10 members of your band)
- Complimentary Program
- Campus Map
BAND GUIDES & REGISTRATION STAFF
At least two JMU guides will be assigned to each band. They will meet you at the registration area and take you through the various stages of the competition. These guides will have schedules, locations, and other important information to help you and your band during the day. In addition, if you have any questions or concerns that the band guides cannot help you with, there will be members of the JMU Band Staff at the registration area to assist you.
WARM-UP AREA
The bus parking area IS NOT A WARM-UP AREA. An area specifically for warm-up will be designated for each group. This area is designed for MUSIC and body warm-up only – there is not enough space for drill/marching. Due to limited space, we are unable to provide locations for marching warm-up. Bands will receive a 30-minute warm-up time. We ask that you strictly adhere to the schedule, as there will be other bands waiting to use these facilities.
INSTRUMENTS & EQUIPMENT
We regret that James Madison University cannot provide equipment to substitute for lost or forgotten items. If you find that you are in need of equipment upon arrival, we will help you work with other competing bands to arrange to borrow what is needed.
CHANGING ROOMS & BATHROOMS
Just a reminder that due to other events at the JMU Convocation Center, we are unable to offer indoor bathrooms or changing rooms at the registration site. We will have portable bathrooms available in the parking area.
If you would like to have access to changing rooms for your students, these will be available at Godwin Hall (first floor) located adjacent to the stadium. Please be aware that these are not located close to the registration area, so additional time should be allotted if you wish to use these facilities. If this is something you would be interested in, please contact Scott Rikkers at rikkersd@jmu.edu, or (540) 568-6033 to make arrangements.
EQUIPMENT TRUCKS/TRAILERS
When you arrive at the Convocation Center, equipment trucks and trailers will be directed to Godwin Field (located adjacent to the stadium) to unload all necessary front ensemble/field equipment. If you have uniforms and/or equipment necessary for the warm-up area, please plan accordingly before moving your vehicles to Godwin Field. FRONT ENSEMBLE, PIT, PODIUMS, FIELD EQUIPMENT, AND FIELD CREWS can remain with the truck(s)/trailer and then meet the band at the entrance gate to the competition field (see below).
PIT/PROP VEHICLES
EQUIPMENT TRUCKS/BUSES
It is recommended that ALL school vehicles enter the registration area (JMU Convocation Center) together and unload any necessary equipment/instruments that will be needed at your band’s warm-up site (instruments, flags, etc.). Equipment trucks will be directed to a staging area closer to the stadium (Godwin Field), to deliver front ensemble percussion equipment, props, or any other items/equipment that is not needed at the band warm-up and/or requires excessive preparation or transportation.
These vehicles will ONLY be permitted to use this area for the duration of your band’s performance. Immediately following the performance, all equipment should be returned to the vehicles and then relocated to the bus parking area at the JMU Convocation Center.
Entrance to the Godwin lot will be at the signal light at the intersection of Bluestone Drive and Carrier Drive.
LARGE EQUIPMENT/STAGING
The front ensemble, equipment, and prop staging area will be located on Godwin Field, adjacent to the stadium. Please be aware that this staging area is NOT the same location as your band’s warm-up area.
Equipment trucks/trailers and other large equipment will be directed to this area once your group enters campus. It is recommended that any instruments or equipment that must remain with the musicians first be delivered to the warm-up area (Convocation Center/Bus Parking), then the equipment trucks may be moved to the designated equipment staging location. Please plan accordingly. Large equipment such as podiums, auxiliary percussion, props, etc., may be delivered to this staging area up to 90 minutes prior to your band’s performance. All equipment will be taken through the competing band entrance gate. The gate official will direct your crew where to place the equipment and when to meet your band for entrance.
MOTORIZED VEHICLES
ATVs/Golf Carts/Pit trains will be permitted into the stadium and will have a designated path to get onto the front field (see logistics map). They may use the outer edges of the field for traveling. However, vehicles are NOT PERMITTED ON THE PERFORMANCE TURF SURFACE (i.e. within the sidelines). Failure to adhere to this rule will result in disqualification and any damage caused will be turned over to the Commonwealth of Virginia for collection. If you have any questions about this process or are concerned about your band’s equipment needs, please contact the Contest Director at 540.568.6033. IMPORTANT NOTE: JMU DOES NOT PROVIDE CARTS OR ATV’s TO MOVE PIT TRAINS/LARGE EQUIPMENT.
Once the performance is finished, ALL equipment must be removed from the stadium immediately and all students and staff must exit the performance area. Once all equipment is packed, equipment vehicles must leave this staging area and return to the Convocation Center.
TICKES & ADMISSION
TICKETS
JMU P.O.C. does not issue paper tickets, but rather a comfortable, color-coded wristband that is to be worn at all times. Ticket prices for this year’s event are $15.00 for adults and $10.00 for senior citizens and children (6 and under).
Tickets will be sold at the contest entrance from the Bridgeforth Stadium Ticket Booth “A”.
BAND MEMBERS
All uniformed band members will receive free admission to the event via a special wristband (received at registration). Directors will receive these wristbands in their registration packet. It is recommended that the wristbands be distributed immediately so they aren’t misplaced.
DIRECTORS, ASSISTANT DIRECTORS, AND BAND STAFF
All staff members listed on the P.O.C. application will receive P.O.C. All-Access passes to be worn at all times during the event. These will allow you access to the stadium, as well as to the Director Hospitality Area located in the “Club Area” of the stadium. Staff badges will only be provided for staff members indicated on your P.O.C. application. Additional staff members must purchase a ticket to enter the contest venue.
PARENT VOLUNTEERS/PIT CREW MEMBERS/CHAPERONES will not be issued tickets or passes, but will be permitted to enter the stadium with the band as long as they are wearing a uniform/outfit that identifies them as a member of your band’s support staff. Once the band is finished with their performance, the field crew must exit the stadium with their equipment and must have a ticket or a JMU P.O.C. badge to reenter the stadium. It is recommended that all crew members/parent volunteers wear a uniform/outfit that will identify them as a member of your band’s support staff.
COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS
Each participating program will receive one ticket (wristband) for every ten performing members in the band, based on the numbers indicated on your application. These tickets (wristbands) can be used for chaperones, bus drivers, staff, etc. and will be provided to each director in the registration packet upon arrival to JMU.
All non-uniformed individuals MUST have a wristband or the JMU P.O.C. staff badge to enter the stadium or field.
IMPORTANT: WE CANNOT PROVIDE YOUR BAND WITH ADDITIONAL/REPLACEMENT WRISTBANDS. IF YOU FORGET OR MISPLACE THEM, YOU WILL NEED TO PURCHASE ADDITIONAL TICKETS AT THE GATE BEFORE ENTERING. AFTER THE CONTEST, YOU MAY RETURN THE FORGOTTEN WRISTBANDS FOR A REFUND. THE RECEIPT FROM THE TICKET BOOTH MANAGER MUST ACCOMPANY THIS TRANSACTION IN ORDER TO RECEIVE THIS REFUND.
ACCESS TO THE STANDS
Due to the design of our new stadium, there is no direct access to the stands from the field. It is recommended that directors/staff remain on the field during your band’s performance. If directors/staff wish to view your band’s performance from the stands, you will need to plan accordingly, allowing extra time to enter the seating area (via the tunnel and North stairwell – see stadium diagram) prior to your band’s performance.
BAND RE-ENTRY TO CONTEST FOLLOWING PERFORMANCE
There is only one main entrance to the stadium – Gate A, located on the west side of the stadium (parking deck/ticket booths). When re-entering the stadium following your band’s performance, all band members must travel together and enter through Gate A. All band members must display their wristband (and directors/staff their name badges) to be admitted to the seating area. All parent volunteers/pit crew members/chaperones must have purchased a valid ticket (wristband) to re-enter the stadium. This can be taken care of at the ticket booths conveniently located next to the main stadium entrance.
BAND SEATING IN THE STADIUM - RESERVED AREAS
In order to accommodate the number of participating bands, reserved seats are being held on the sides of the upper and lower concourse sections: 201, 202, 211, 212, 213, 214 (lower concourse), and 401, 402, 411, 412, 413, 414, 415 (upper concourse). It is recommended that directors use these sections for band seating following your performance. Please see enclosed stadium diagram.
BASIC CONTEST RULES & PROCEDURES
Performance Time: The band’s performance time will begin upon entry to the competition field (from the back sideline), and ends when the band exits the field. Each class have the following performance time allotments:
Class A – 13 minutes
Class AA – 14 minutes
Class AAA, AAAA & AAAAA – 15 minutes
Note: failure to begin at your band’s designated performance or conclude your performance by the designated
allotment will result in a disqualification.
Percusion Cadences: A full cadence may not be used for a band’s entrance to the stadium, or exit from the stadium. Only a click cadence on a snare, tenor, or bass drum will be permitted. Please adhere to this in order to respect the other bands entering and exiting.
On-Field Warm-Up: An on-field warm-up (or warm-up done back field before entering) must be limited to 60 seconds. The warm-up will not be adjudicated, but it will be included in your allotted performance time.
ABSOLUTELY NO FIRE BATONS, SMOKE-POTS, OR ANY PYROTECHNIC DEVICES ARE ALLOWED BECAUSE OF THE ARTIFICIAL FIELD TURF SURFACE IN THE STADIUM. No equipment or debris such as confetti, glitter, powder, etc. can be thrown in the performance area. FAILURE TO ADHERE TO THIS RULE WILL RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION (see turf rules insert for additional information).
College Hash Marks: Please be aware that the JMU field is marked with permanent college hash marks – these are located 4 steps (90-inches) inside high school hashes. High school hashes will be temporarily marked on each yard line with white masking tape. However, due to stadium regulations, the tape can be no more than 3-inches wide/long, so the hash marks, while visible, will be smaller than your band may be used to. It is recommended that your band practices with the college hashes marked temporarily on your practice field/surface if possible.
Motorized Vehicles: ATVs/Golf Carts/Pit trains will be permitted into the stadium and will have a designated path to get onto the front field (see enclosed map). They may use the outer edges of the field for traveling. However, vehicles are NOT PERMITTED ON THE PERFORMANCE TURF SURFACE (i.e. within the sidelines). Failure to adhere to this rule will result in disqualification and any damage caused will be turned over to the Commonwealth of Virginia for collection.
If you have any questions about this process or are concerned about your band’s equipment needs, please contact the Contest Director at 540.568.6033. IMPORTANT NOTE: JMU DOES NOT PROVIDE CARTS OR ATV’s TO MOVE PIT TRAINS/LARGE EQUIPMENT.
Weather: There is no indoor inclement weather option for the JMU Parade of Champions. Due to the artificial surface at Bridgeforth Stadium, the event is held as scheduled rain or shine. The contest staff will have the responsibility to delay or discontinue the competition due to severe weather or as requested by the JMU Public Safety. In addition, each director will have the authority to discontinue their performance due to inclement weather.
P.O.C. SOUVENIR PROGRAMS
Souvenir programs will be available to all participants, spectators, and guests. Each band will have an entry in the program, identifying each band’s name, location, staff, and repertoire. Programs will be sold at the ticket booths, so please encourage your parents/families/supporters to purchase one on their way into the event. Each director will also receive a complimentary program in their registration packets.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS & PARKING
Harrisonburg is located at the intersection of I-81, US-33, and US-11. Interstates 81 and 64 intersect about 25 miles south of Harrisonburg. JMU is located at I-81 exits 247 (US-33) and 245 (Port Republic Road). Approximate driving times . . .
Northern Virginia: 2.5 hours
Richmond: 2 hours
Roanoke: 1.5 hours
Virginia Beach:3.5 hours
BUS/TRUCK DIRECTIONS
- From I-81, take EXIT 247 to Route 33 East (toward Elkton).
- Travel approximately 1 mile, turn RIGHT at the second traffic light onto University Blvd.
- Follow University Blvd. past Reservoir Street (Sheetz on right corner, Costco on left) and past the first JMU campus entrance (on right) to the Convocation Center (on right).
- When you reach the Convocation Center, you will be greeted by POC Contest Staff to help with registration and direct your buses to park.
Note: You can also access campus via Exit 245 (Port Republic Rd.). However, this involves several turns and narrow roads, and therefore not recommended when traveling with multiple buses/large trucks.
SPECTATOR DIRECTIONS
- From I-81, take EXIT 245 (Port Republic Road) and head WEST on Port Republic Road.
- The main campus entrance will be on the right just past the I-81 overpass.
- Turn RIGHT onto Bluestone Drive.
- Follow Bluestone Drive to the first stop sign. You will see the stadium on your left.
- Turn LEFT at the stop sign onto Champions Drive. This will take you to the stadium parking deck and stadium entrance.
CLICK BELOW TO MAP YOUR DRIVING DIRECTIONS:
View Larger Map
FOR YOUR G.P.S.
Physical Address of the JMU Convocation Center: 895 University Blvd., Harrisonburg, VA 22807
Physical Address of Bridgeforth Stadium: 251 Bluestone Drive, Harrisonburg, VA 22807
CLICK HERE FOR THE JMU CAMPUS MAP – www.jmu.edu/map
MAPS & LOGISTICS
The following maps and logistics information are available for download on the JMU Parade of Champions website: www.jmu.edu/mrd/poc.shtml
Parade of Champions Campus Map 2013: identifies all POC locations and campus features
Parade of Champions Stadium Diagram 2013: A diagram showing the layout of Bridgeforth Stadium, identifying the band entrance/exit, field entrance location/direction of performance, and the pit/prop entrance/exit can be found here.
Parade of Champions Seating Map 2013: A diagram showing the stadium layout, including entrance/exits, concessions, accessible areas, and seating for the event can be found here.
CONCESSIONS
There are two concessions concourses at the JMU Bridgeforth Stadium and they will be serving food and beverages all day! From breakfast in the morning, lunch and dinner, to snacks throughout the event, they will take care of your band’s food needs!
BRIDGEFORTH STADIUM GUIDELINES
Please read the following guidelines carefully. These pertain to the JMU Bridgeforth Stadium
and are in effect during the 2013 JMU Parade of Champions.
ACCESSIBILITY – SEATING & PARKING
Seating - Wheelchair and accessible seating is reserved and available behind the 100 level sections in the lower level and behind the 300 level sections in the upper level. Handicap accessible restrooms are located on either side of the stadium. Guests requiring a wheelchair must provide one for their own use.
Parking - Handicap accessible parking is located on the lower level of the Champions parking deck, adjacent to the stadium. Elevator access is available.
ALCOHOL
It is prohibited to bring alcohol into Bridgeforth Stadium. Violators will be subject to removal and applicable legal action.
ATM
There are NO ATMs in Bridgeforth Stadium. The closest is located at the bus shelter near the entrance to the Godwin parking lot.
BAG SEARCH
Small bags, purses, baby bags, etc. are allowed in Bridgeforth Stadium and subject to search.
CAMERAS & VIDEO EQUIPMENT
Still cameras are permitted for JMU football games; however, in no instance may photography interfere with access ways, aisles, or other guests' enjoyment of the game. Video cameras are not permitted.
CONCESSIONS
Concession stands will be open during the entire event, and are are located throughout the stadium concourses. No outside food or beverage may be brought inside the stadium. The lower upper concourse (300-400 levels) will not open until 1pm.
CONTEST GATES
All Parade of Champions guests will us the main entrance to the stadium, A Gates for entrance and exit. All other gates will be reserved for performers, equipment, and event staff only (B, C, D, E).
EMERGENCY EVACULATION/LIGHTNING DETECTION SYSTEM
In the event of an emergency, find the nearest usher, Public Safety Officer, or Cadet or call 540-568-6911. In the event of severe weather or lightning, the JMU storm warning system will become activated. A 15-second horn will sound, and the game will be suspended. Guests will be directed to seek shelter in large buildings or their vehicle. When the stadium is cleared for re-entry, the 5-second horn blasts will sound as the all-clear signal.
FIRST AID
Emergency medical personnel are located at the first aid stations near sections 1 and 115, underneath section 6, and in the lower and upper concourses of the west grandstand. For assistance in an emergency situation, please contact a Public Safety Officer or one of the Guest Services staff members.
FOOD
Participants/spectators cannot bring food into Bridgeforth Stadium. Concessions are available inside the stadium. Please plan ahead if you are feeding your group, or plan to provide them with a snack prior to or after their performance.
PARKING
The main parking area for the 2013 JMU Parade of Champions will be the Champions Parking Deck located adjacent to Bridgeforth Stadium. The deck will open at 7am.
- General parking is available at no charge on a first come, first served basis
- Handicap spots are reserved on the first floor of the deck.
- Parking for participant buses is at the JMU Convocation Center
- Parking for participating bands’ equipment trucks/vehicles is on the Godwin Field (adjacent to the stadium)
- Overflow parking for the JMU Parade of Champions will be available in P-Lot, and R-1 Lot
(see campus map: www.jmu.edu/map)
PROHIBITED ACTIONS
- No entry without the required wristband/badge (this includes all participants, directors, staff, and chaperones/crews)
- No smoking or use of tobacco products
- No solicitation or distribution of handouts
- No throwing of any objects
- No opening of umbrellas
- No video taping
PROHIBITED ITEMS
- Alcoholic beverages, controlled substances, weapons, fireworks
- Animals
- Bags larger than 12"x12"x12"
- Coolers
- Glass and metal containers
- Noise makers and other devices that impede the game
- Outside food and beverages (including water bottles)
- Signs, flags, banners, obscene or indecent clothing or language
- Strollers
- Video cameras, monopods, tripods
- Wheelies, bicycles, and skateboards
RECYCLING
JMU Recycling is asking for your support in keeping the parking lots, tailgating areas, and athletic facilities clean by recycling your aluminum, glass, and plastic. Recycling bins are strategically placed beside every trash can, so be looking for the recycling containers out there this year and "Get in the Game" RECYCLE!
RESTROOMS
Restroom facilities are located throughout the stadium. Family restrooms are located in the lower and upper courses of the west grandstand.
SMOKING POLICY
In accordance with University Policy 1111, smoking is not allowed in Bridgeforth Stadium.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
CONCESSIONS AND MERCHANDISE
As always, our music student organizations will be providing POC merchandise for purchase during the event. We will have several merchandise tables set up around the stadium for you, your students, and their families to browse. In addition, JMU Concessions and Domino’s Pizza will be open during the event to sell food and beverages to participants and spectators. You may also choose to bring your group off campus to one of the many restaurants or shopping centers within a few miles of campus.
TRAVEL AND ACCOMODATIONS
In preparation for your band’s visit to Harrisonburg, please consider visiting the following website to help with your planning:
JMU Dining Services (on-campus food options) – www.jmu.edu/dining
JMU Campus Map – www.jmu.edu/map
Harrisonburg Accommodations (hotels) – http://www.jmu.edu/parents/Hburgaccom.shtml
Harrisonburg Restaurants – http://www.jmu.edu/parents/Hburgrestaurants.shtml
DINING ON CAMPUS
The nationally-recognized JMU Dining Services will be operational during the 2012 JMU Parade of Champions. We invite you and your students to eat at one of our 2 state-of-the-art dining halls. For more information about how to obtain passes or find out the hours of operation, visit the JMU Dining Services website: www.jmu.edu/dining
EMERGENCIES & ASSISTANCE
Should an accident or illness occur while you are at JMU, please notify a contest worker or JMU Public Safety officer. Any injury or illness requiring the services of a medical professional will be handled at Rockingham Memorial Hospital.
A staff of EMTs and ambulance service will be available at Bridgefort Stadium during the entire event. In additio, the stadium will be staffed by RMC Events (they handle all JMU Athletic Events), who will provide accommodating and knowledgeable customer service throughout the event.
JMU Public Safety: 540.568.6913 (non-emergency/information) 540.568.6911 (emergency)
Rockingham Memorial Hospital: 540.433.4100 or 1.800.543.2201 (General Information)
