Re: Why No penalty for Middle Twp?

> Band Man,
> I was wondering that myself when I saw the show live.  There was no
> doubt the guard equipment was out of bounds, and in addition to that I
> noticed 2 times when members of the ensemble stepped over the front
> sideline outside the 35s. 

I saw the show live too and your right there was no doubt the
equipment was over the front sideline, but last time I checked the
rule book, you were aloud to have the equipment over it and the member
was aloud to pick it up.  They just can't step over the line.  As far
as members stepping over the front sideline outside the 35's, they are
aloud to if it was in-between the 30 and 35's.  Middle usually always
works that extra 8 steps in front of the front side line in-between
the 30's.

>This should be enforced 100% of the time. 
> It happened in 2001 when Absegami didn't win group 3 because of a
> penalty.  TOB needs to be consistant in this respect.

It is enforced 100% of the time and yes it did happen to Absegami and
NJA is consistant in this respect.  If Middle uses the front area and
wants to take those chances then thats on them.  They set up a lot of
extra cones on the 30's so if one of their members steps outside the
30's they will knock a cone over.  This way with all the cones a judge
can't be like, "well it looked like they were really close and they
might have."  If they step out, they knock a cone over.

>Either let the small stuff go for everyone, or crack down 100% on it.

There is no small stuff, its all business and if you knew the proper
rules this wouldn't even be a discussion.

> So, yes, technically, Susquehanna Twp. is your group 2 champions when it
> really comes down to it.  There are rules to follow and when not followed
> there should be a penalty for ALL bands, including the most prominant
> names in TOB.
> 
> Sean

So, NO, Susquehanna Twp. technically is still not your champion of
Group 2.  Believe me Middle would be the first ones to hand them the
trophy if they broke a rule, but I'm sure their staff knows those
rules inside and out when it comes down to boundries. Their staff is
very classy and works just as hard as Susquehanna Twp's, GL, and
Pocono West.  They wouldn't take the risks if they didn't know the
rules, but since they've been using that area of the field the last 5
to 7 years, I'm sure they were well aware of it before the Absegami
penelty that will be brought up every year.

Congrats to all the bands that competed in ACC's and I think this is
the first year I've agreed with all 4 groups Champion.  What a weekend
it was, just wish the weather was as nice as Chapters weekend.  It was
a tad fridget outside, but very warm in the stadium club.

Vis