BYBA has today announced the splitting of divisions ready for the second half of the season.

During the first half of the season, all of the competing bands were in 2 divisions. Any overage bands (containing more than 8 overage members) competed in the Associate Class, with youth bands going head-to-head in the Open Class.

These two divisions were in use for the first two competitions, which saw Revolution and Phantom Knights fight it out for the top of Open Class and Beeches take Associate Class.

 

The Split

Over the past few years, there has been a big debate over promotion and relegation within BYBA's league system. There have been arguments that some bands are in too low a division, so should be promoted, and that some bands are in too high a division and thus need relegating. However, as bands were able to "self-select" a division, this issue was left in the hands of bands.

The split aims to fix this issue by splitting youth bands into appropriate divisions depending on scores. Overage bands will continue to be in their own separate division.

 

The Process

The process behind the split is quite straightforward. Any band scoring 50 or higher is to be placed in Premier Class for the remainder of the 2022 season, with the remaining bands being placed into Championship Class.

Additionally, any band in Championship Class that scores 50 or over will automatically be promoted to Premier Class for their next show.

Bands that have not yet competed this season have been placed into Championship Class, however still have the chance to earn promotion when they next compete.

 

New Divisions

Premier Class

  • Phantom Knights
  • Revolution

 

Championship Class

  • Liberty
  • Lanesfield BB/GB Band
  • Warwick Corps of Drums
  • Syston Scout and Guide Band
  • Stafford Brigades

 

Associate Class

  • Beeches Performance Ensemble

 

Full tables and rankings can be found on our results page.

 

It is not too late for your band to join in the 2022 BYBA season; if you would like to perform at one of our shows, whether in exhibition or in competition, please get in touch with Performance Chair Clive Burd at performance@byba.online.