Interested in Hosting a VPA Solo Piping Competition?

Hosting a Solo Piping contest in partnership with the Victorian Pipers Association (VPA) is a rewarding opportunity to support and promote the art of piping in your community. Below are key requirements and considerations to help you plan a successful event.

Venue Requirements

To ensure a high-quality competition experience for all involved, the venue must include:

• At least 4 competition rooms, acoustically separated from outside noise.
• 4 or more warm-up rooms or areas for pipers to tune and prepare.
• Indoor or sheltered areas to accommodate adverse weather (heat, cold, or rain).

Schools often provide ideal facilities and are encouraged as preferred venues.

The promoter is responsible for booking and managing the venue. This includes providing Third Party Public Liability Insurance, which is a mandatory requirement for all VPA contests. A current Certificate of Currency must be available on-site on the day of the event.

The VPA will also supply:

• Its own Public Liability Insurance
• A Certificate of Currency
• A Risk Assessment document outlining its responsibilities regarding risk management

The VPA will assess and approve the most suitable competition and warm-up spaces either in advance or on the day of the contest.

Current VPA Contest Partners

The VPA is proud to work with the following schools and organisations:

• Tintern Grammar
• Ballarat Grammar
• Scotch College
• Warrnambool & District Pipes and Drums (Camperdown)
• The Scots School Albury
• Presbyterian Ladies’ College – Host of the Victorian Championships

Judging & Adjudication

Judges for each competition are appointed by the VPA. Their details will be provided to the promoter ahead of time.
Promoters are welcome to suggest or organise specific judges outside of the VPA pool, subject to VPA consultation and approval.

Judging Fees

• The standard VPA judging rate is $30 per hour.
• Fees are paid directly to the judges, either by the VPA or through prior agreement with the promoter.

Travel Costs

• The VPA will cover judges’ travel costs where required.
• These costs are negotiated between either the VPA and the judge or the promoter and the judge, depending on who has organised the adjudicator.

Accommodation

• Promoters are responsible for accommodation costs for interstate or international judges, where applicable.
• The VPA may subsidise or fully cover these expenses, depending on the agreement reached with the promoter.

Competition Timetable

The VPA is responsible for:

• The VPA manages all contest entries and is responsible for producing and distributing the draw and order of play.

• Communicating updates with the promoter on the day.
• Publishing element results as soon as possible after each grade is completed.

Prize presentations may occur:

• After the conclusion of a grade, or,
• Midway through the day, or,
• At the end of the contest.

Presentation timing is set in agreement with the promoter. At the Victorian Championships, all presentations are held at the conclusion of the day.

Promoter Revenue Opportunities

Promoters may retain all revenue raised from:

• Food and drink sales
• Merchandise
• Raffles, fundraising, and other initiatives

Please note: the VPA retains the right to sell its own promotional merchandise at the venue.

Promotion and Advertising

As the promoter benefits from event proceeds, we encourage proactive efforts to promote your contest. While the VPA will publicise the event via:

• Email lists
• Social media
• The VPA website

We also recommend that promoters:

• Advertise the event through local networks and community groups.
• Consider sponsorships, prize donations, or trophies to boost participation and enhance the competition’s profile.

Get Involved

If your school, organisation, or group is interested in hosting a VPA Solo Piping Competition, please contact the VPA at [email protected]

We look forward to working with you to grow and support piping in Victoria.