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Understanding “A” and “B” Adjudicators in the EUSPBA

  • andrewadouglaseusp
  • 3 minutes ago
  • 2 min read

The Eastern United States Pipe Band Association (EUSPBA) designates adjudicators as “A” or “B” judges by discipline. These designations apply separately to solo and pipe band adjudication and reflect a judge’s experience and qualifications within each area.


This system aligns the EUSPBA with common North American practice and helps ensure that competitors at every level are evaluated by adjudicators whose experience best matches the standard of play.


Why This Matters

The EUSPBA supports a wide range of competitors, from beginners to internationally competitive soloists and Grade 1 pipe bands. As competitive standards rise, it is important that performances—particularly at the highest levels—are assessed by judges with appropriate depth of experience.


The A/B adjudicator system helps to:

  • Match adjudicator expertise to competition level

  • Promote fair, consistent results and meaningful feedback

  • Provide clarity for competitors and games organizers

  • Support a sustainable and well-balanced judging panel


Both “A” and “B” adjudicators are essential to the success of EUSPBA events.

What the Designations Mean

  • A AdjudicatorsJudges with extensive experience at the highest levels within a specific discipline. A adjudicators are qualified to judge all grades in that discipline.

  • B AdjudicatorsFully certified judges whose experience is best aligned with developing and mid-level competitions. B adjudicators are qualified to judge up to specified grade limits, depending on discipline.

A judge may hold different designations in different disciplines.


Grades for A and B Judges

Solo piping (piobaireachd and light music), solo snare drumming

  • A = All grades

  • B = Grade 1 and below

Band piping, band drumming, ensemble

  • A = All grades

  • B = Grade 3 and below

In Summary

The EUSPBA’s A/B adjudicator designations are discipline-specific and designed to ensure fair, consistent adjudication across both solo and band competitions. By matching adjudicator experience to competitive level, the system supports competitive integrity while maintaining depth and flexibility within the judging panel.


Both A and B adjudicators play a vital role in delivering high-quality competitions across the EUSPBA.

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