The Norwegian Band Federation has revealed plans to expand its current National Championship set up to incorporate a sixth level of competition for 2012.

Increased numbers

4BR has been informed that the decision is based on the continued expansion of grass roots member bands wishing to take part in the Championships in Bergen each year.

This year the Fourth Division final at the Griegahallen saw 23 bands taking part, with a number of others requesting to be part of the expanding contesting movement.

Fifth Division

Stig Ryland, Head of Communications with the Norwegian Federation told 4BR: "The Norwegian Band Federation has decided to establish a new Fifth Division from 2012."

The moves will mean a significant change in the current set up, with bands in all existing divisions affected.

Elite the same

4BR has been informed that the Elite Division will still consist of 10 bands. The 2011 First Division champion will be automatically promoted, with the two lowest ranked bands in the Elite Division in 2011 taking part in a qualifying contest with the bands that came second, third, fourth and fifth in the First Division to decide who joins them there.

Same process

Much the same process will apply in the other Divisions too, with the First Division capped at 12 bands, the Second at 13, the Third and Fourth at 15 and a new Fifth Division accommodating up to 20 bands.

It will mean that in 2012, the Norwegian Championship will accommodate up to 85 bands over two days of competition.

It will mean that in 2012, the Norwegian Championship will accommodate up to 85 bands over two days of competition4BR

Division movement

Although initially there will be some considerable movement of bands between sections, the NMF has ensured that bands wishing to remain at their 2011 level can do so through a qualification process.

As Stig outlined: "For instance, the winner of the First Division will play in the Elite Division in 2012, whilst the bottom three bands of 2011 are relegated to the Second Division.

This leaves an open spot in this Division, which will also be filled after a qualifying contest. Any band, both new to the contest or at an existing level may participate in this process."

Opportunity

The winner and the runner up in the Second Division are offered the opportunity to play in the First Division, with the bottom three bands going into the Third Division, with the same process occurring in the other sections.

Further expansion

It is hoped however that the Championships may well cater for more than 20 bands in future as Stig explained. "If more than 20 bands wish to participate, spots will be given in accordance with the time of registration."