Marching for fun or for competition, it is a sport that everyone can particpate in!
There are two sections that Marching teams can participate in at all competitions in New Zealand.
- Technical Drill - Technical Drill routines are a performance of the traditional military-like style of marching of compulsory drills and set march plans. A technical drill team comprises of 7-10 marchers and combines a set Review and Inspection routine and a set March Plan of different type of drills and quantities of movements depending of the age grade performing. The Technical Drill is precision in timing and spacing in movements and the execution and correctness of the drills and plan. Judging is based on an awarding system and the Technical Drill is covered by 4 judging positions. Technical Judge A judges at the Review and Inspection and judges position in rank and files and position of attention at the front of the team to the left side of the March Plan field area. The Technical Judge B judges the upper body, hand grips arm-swings, Technical Judge C judges footwork and the Technical Judge D judges spacing and covering in formations. All judges are seated at the rear of the field.
- Display March - The Display phase is designed for teams to perform with 7-14 marchers. Display is a routine of rhythmic movements to enhance the performance and is performed to the teams own choice of music. The Display should project the overall degree of excellence of the ‘picture being presented combined with the ‘look’ of the brilliance and versatility of the Team. Artistic and gimmicky type movements are permissible provided that, dignity and modesty is maintained. A Display should have visual value and spectator appeal and should finish in an exciting, well planned and co-ordinated manner. Movements must correlate to the music and should demonstrate variety, versatility and have visual value. Accessories, such as hoops, ribbons, flags, rifles etc may be used, but must enhance the overall presentation.Teams may add to, change or remove items from their uniform (eg change gloves colour, add capes etc) for Display and must be befitting of the sport. The Display March is judged by 2 judges from seated positions on the front boundary where they are able to view the display with an overall view of entertainment as seen by the public.
Marching is sport that the whole family can participate in. From coaching and managing teams to judging and volunteering at competitions. Marching offers its members the opportunity to be involved in all aspects of the sport.