Following a very productive meeting of the Yorkshire and Humberside Brass Band Association, riule changes for the 2009 Hardraw Scar Contest have been agreed.

Two sections

The two sections will remain as they are — i.e. top section for Championship, First and Second Section bands. A lower section will be in place for Third and Fourth Section as well as unregistered and ungraded bands.

Regarding the unsavoury incident that occured after the conclusion of the contest in 2008, the Association cannot and will not condone any such actionsOrganisers

Winners

In addition, ay unregistered/ungradedd band which wins the lower section for two years running will be required to play in the top section in subsequent years, unless there is a genuine reason for not doing so. Any such `reason' is required to be submitted to the Association for deliberation.

Open adjudication will be used.

Performances will be timed with a minimum of 18 minutes, and maximum of 23 minutes. Penalty for under or over this time is 1 point for every minute or part thereof.

Unsavoury incident

Peter Gilby told 4BR: "Regarding the unsavoury incident that occured after the conclusion of the contest in 2008, the Association cannot and will not condone any such actions as those undertaken on the day, by anyone involved in the brass band movement, irrespective of their position. The Association reserves the right to take any such further actions regarding this incident as it deems fit."