Judging Categories

Senior Judge

Most likely to have competed successfully at the highest level with continuity over an extended period of years, able to demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of the music, and with experience of judging.

Eligible to judge any level of competition, but to judge with experienced judges at major competitions in the first year of acceptance.

Approved Judge

Those knowledgeable and experienced and having had notable success in competition, amateur or professional, but not necessarily at the highest level. Eligible to judge at any level of competition, but in major events should be accompanied by a senior judge or judges.

Upgrade to senior judge status is possible after an approved period, further experience having accumulated from a suitable number of judging assignments at major events. Senior judges to be consulted in the assessment of this.

Supplementary Judge

Still active premier graded pipers who are eligible to judge any competition at B Grade level or below.

Supplementary Judges are subject to the following conditions:

  • Can only judge competitions in the classification of music in which they are graded ‘Premier’.
  • May only judge events up to and including pipers graded ‘B’ by the Competing Pipers Association to avoid judging their peers.
  • Must not accept invitations to judge at competitions where they are competing in another event.
  • Are expected to adhere to the SPJA Code of Conduct and Constitution.
Scroll to Top