The process for joining the Solo Piping Judges Association was revised in November 2024.
From this date, all applications must be made online and submitted between 1st September and 15th October each year.
Full details of the process are contained in the SPJA Constitution at Appendix B.
Further questions which applicants or referees may have can be resolved by contacting The Honorary Secretary SPJA, Roddy Livingstone.
September 2025
All admissions to the Association will initially be at ‘Approved’ status. Progression to ‘Senior Judge’ status may only be considered following a period of experience of at least two years.
Separate applications are required for Piobaireachd and Light Music. Applications must be supported by two referees who are qualified to judge in the relevant category of music, one of whom must be a ‘Senior Judge’ in that category.
All applications received are circulated to Senior Judges in the relevant category of music for comment. Applications are then considered by a panel of three Senior Judges and the SPJA Chair with the Honorary Secretary assisting the panel in a non-voting capacity. The panel currently consists of Murray Henderson, Bruce Hitchings, Ronnie McShannon and John Wilson (please note: for reasons of impartiality, panel members should not be asked to provide references for applicants).
The application form is hopefully self-explanatory. In addition to capturing personal information (which is managed in accordance with UK General Data Protection Regulations) it seeks to establish as much information as possible regarding the applicant’s suitability to be appointed as a judge. This includes, performance success, tuition received, experience (usually at junior/amateur events) and any other relevant information such as any teaching undertaken. Whilst playing ability is an important measure of a piper’s suitability to undertake adjudication duties, it is not the only factor. The panel considers all of the above factors when making its recommendation. A successful competitor does not always automatically hold all of the appropriate qualities to adjudicate piping competitions and there are also knowledgeable individuals who do have the relevant knowledge to judge very competently who may have limited competition exposure.
References must be received by the SPJA secretary directly from the referees (i.e. not from / via the applicant). It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that references are received by the closing date.
Members may only apply to be considered as a Senior Judge after a period of at least two years judging experience has been undertaken and after a number of judging assignments at significant events have been successfully completed as an Approved Judge.
References for applications for senior status must be provided by Senior Judges in the relevant category pf the music for which the application is being made (i.e. if applying for senior judge status in Light Music, both referees must be Senior Light Music Judges).
Referees must have direct experience of judging with the applicant (in the relevant category of music) at an appropriate level within the last two years.
References must be received by the SPJA secretary directly from the referees (i.e. not from / via the applicant). It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that references are received by the closing date.
Referees should not be family members of the applicant.|
Members of the panel appointing judges and considering upgrades to Senior Judge status should not provide references for reasons of impartiality.
What makes a good reference?
The online application form captures a significant amount of information which there is no need for a referee to repeat or duplicate. The reference should include comments on the applicant’s knowledge of the music, ability to analyse and differentiate between performances, integrity, communication skills, and ability to work collaboratively with others. References for applicants seeking to join the SPJA are expected to be approximately 100 words in length.
References for consideration for Senior Judge status
Applicants seeking to upgrade to Senior Judge status must already have suitable experience of judging at significant events and their credentials as an adjudicator must already have been established. Referees must have direct experience of judging significant events with the applicants during the last two years. Applicants for Senior Judge status must show that they have the relevant skills and capabilities to adjudicate solo piping competitions at the very highest level, whether individually or as part of a panel. They must also be able to demonstrate willingness to mentor/coach less experienced judges, and generally act as a leader / ambassador for the solo piping community. References should focus on these factors rather than historic competition success. References for applicants seeking Senior Judge status are expected to be approximately 150 words in length.
Management of the Supplementary List of judges passed from the Competing Pipers Association to the SPJA in November 2024. The essential criteria for joining the Supplementary List remains unchanged at present. Premier Competitor status in the relevant category of music to be assessed must be held e.g. Premier status in Piobaireachd must be held to judge piobaireachd events & Premier Light Music status to judge light music events.
Supplementary Judges may only officiate at competitions in the United Kingdom which are restricted to pipers of CPA B grade and below to avoid judging of peers. It is anticipated that Supplementary Judges will be deployed to adjudicate at CPA B/C grade restricted events, adult amateur events (e.g. CLASP), and juvenile / junior events.
Joining the Supplementary List remains a simple administrative process for Premier graded pipers. Should a Supplementary Judge retire from competing and wish to join the SPJA as a full member, they will follow the same process as other applicants.