Rules for Junkanoo

Cultural Events of National Importance

Rules and Regulations Governing the Junkanoo Parades

Registration / Parade / Parade Route / Group Marshalls / Costume / Penalty / Summary of all Penalties / Judging / Judging Areas / Inclement Weather Policy / Judging System / Scoring / Individual Competition

1. (i)	REGISTRATION Registration is MANDATORY in order for groups to enter the parade, to be judged and to qualify for a prize.
(ii)	Registration DEADLINE will be set by the Committee and all persons must meet the required deadline. After the designated deadline, any group still wishing to register may do so within 24 hours of the deadline but will be subject to a $100.00 penalty. Entries received after the 24 hour period will be subject to a 100 point deduction as well.
(iii)	Registration must include a THEME and SYNOPSIS from the groups.
(iv)	The hours of the parade are from 1:00a.m. to 11:00a.m.

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2. (i)	PARADE Registered groups must select their ORDER OF ENTRY for the parade, during the Official Drawing Ceremony coordinated by the National Junkanoo Committee. THe ORDER OF ENTRY will take place at Rawson Square and will be billed as a National event. Order of drawing will be at said event. There will be no swapping of numbers. If swapping takes place there will be a 300 point penalty for those groups involved. At this time group leaders or their representative will provide a briefing of the theme and synopsis for both parades.
(ii)	All groups must be ready with their banners and all individuals with their ID numbers for entry onto the parade at the designated time set by the Committee. A one hundred (100) point penalty will be drawn for failing to comply, and loss of their order of entry onto the parade. Groups will also be penalized fifty (50) points for contravening the order.
(iii)	Categorized groupings will have the following times to get their groups onto the Bay Street entrance:-
Category A: Category B: Category C:	25 minutes (5 minutes grace period) 15 minutes (5 minute grace period) 5 minutes

Groupings failing to comply with the above time requirements will draw a 100 point penalty.

(iiiA)	Categorized grouping will have the following times for performance on Bay Street from Frederick Street to East Street once the group has entered.
Category A: Category B: Category C:	30 minutes (5 minutes grace period) 20 minutes (5 minute grace period) 10 minutes

Groups failing to comply with the above time requirements will draw a 100 points penalty.

(iv) All participants must parade as a part of a registered group or as a registered individual competitor, and must be in FULLY FRINGED costume as detailed with the exceptions in section 5(1) dealing with costume.

(v) Groups are to be identified by and parade behind a numbered IDENTIFICATION BANNER, which should correspond with the names and themes listed on the registration form. Wheels may be used on the banner only.

(vi) Individual competitors are to be identified by the official numbers issued at the Elizabeth Avenue entrance to the parade. Individual Competitors must parade separate from any group(s).

(vii) The National Junkanoo Committee will regulate Points of Entry to the parade route and groups will be informed accordingly.

(viii) During the parade, groups must participate fully along the entire route of the parade. All groups and the individual paticipants are expected to complete a minimum of two (2) laps. Failure to do so will result in a fifty (50) points penalty.

(ix) Wheels attached to group costumes are strictly prohibited and will draw a penalty of one hundred (100) points for each peice on wheels. That costume will be disqualified and removed from the parade route. All instruments must be carried and should not be motored or drawn. No motored vehicles are permitted on the parade.

(x) Groups are prohibited from obstructing the parade route. Obstruction will result in a fifty (50) point penalty.

(xi) Lighting fires other than sternos along the parade route is strictly prohibited. Offending groups will draw a thirty-five (35) point penalty. Fireworks and other combustible substances. Other than necessary for heating drums are strictly prohibited.

(xii) Live animals are not permitted on the parade route. Offenders will receive a thirty (30) point penalty, and the animal will be removed from the parade route.

(xiii) One way parading only. Individuals from groups contravening this rule will be penalized two (2) points for each person.

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3.	PARADE ROUTE

The official route of the parade is as follows:- Bay Street at Frederick Street; east along Bay Street to Elizabeth Avenue, south along Elizabeth Avenue to Shirley Street; west along Shirley Street to Frederick Street; north on Frederick Street to Trinity; west on Trinity to Market Street; north on Market Street to King Street; west on King Street to George Street; north on George to Bay Street; east Bay Street to entry point.

Diagram of Route

Note: Rest points are on Elizabeth Avenue, Trinity Street, Market Street, King Street and George Street.

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4. (i)	GROUP MARSHALLS Group Marshalls must assist with maintaining a steady and orderly flow of the groups on the parade by ensuring that rules are strictly adhered to.
(ii)	Each group must be responsible for selecting its own marshalls. The number of marshalls asigned to each group will be set by the National Junkanoo Committee.
(iii)	All marshalls must be vested. Marshalls may not be fringed, however, they must have proper identification. Their responsibility is to maintain order in that group and to remove all of those persons from the group who are wearing cloth or not a part of the group. Contact must be made with the Task Force of the National Junkanoo Committee, if marshalls encounter difficulties which they cannot control.

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5. (i)	COSTUMES All costumes of participants in the parade must be fully fringed; including headpieces, footwear, pants and skirt. Other materials may be used to enhance the costumes, such as rhinestones, beads, bangles, glitter, feathers, straw and felt, but must not constitute more than 25% of the costume. Penalization of ten (10) points per costume for contravention is up to the Rules Committee. Only six (6) persons per group are permitted to wear cloth. Infraction of this rule will draw a five (5) point penalty for each offender.
(ii)	Design and size of costumes are left to the discretion of groups or individuals. However, all costume pieces should be able to move fluently, without assistance. Within the natural and man made environment of the route. Removal or destruction of natural or man made features of the environment will result in the disqualification and removal of that piece from the parade route, along with 100 points penalty.
(iii)	Choreographed dancers are allowed to wear leotards or tights, as under garments under their costumes.
(iv)	Music Section: Fringed costumes must be worn by all musicians but drummers may wear uniformed group T-shirt.
(v)	Costumes must be constructed so that they are carried by one person only without obstructing the parade route. Contravention of this rule will result in a one hundred (100) point penalty, disqualification and removal of the costume form the parade route.

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6.

(i)

PENALTY

A special Rules Committee along with the Task Force is in place to monitor groups who violate the rules of the parade. Penalty slips will be issed for each violation and points will be deducted from the total points scored. Summary of all Penalties

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7.	JUDGING

Judging wil be in the following categories:-

Group

Individual

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Overall Group Costume
Music
Group Performance
Execution of Theme
Best Banner

1.
2.
3.

Costume
Free Dancer *
Off the Shoulder Dancer *

In determining the general impression of the above areas, judges will consider the following:-

a.
b.
c.
d.

Originality
Structure / Construction
Agility (of the costume with dancer)
Workmanship

* NB. It is to be noted that scores for these areas will not be counted towards determing overall winners.

(i)

(ii)

SCORING

Numerical awarding of scores will be assessed by judges. (See sample score sheets at the back of the handbook)

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JUDGING AREAS

There will be at least two judging areas strategically located along the route. These areas are on Bay Street, from Charlotte to East Street, and on Shirley Street, and on Shirley Street, from East Street to Parliament Street.

The National Junkanoo Committee reserves the right to penalize and/or disqualify any group or individual participant, who may be in contravention of these rules and regulations as well as to make decisions in the best interest of the parade.

Notes:

1.	Collection of Judges score cards after each lap for tabulation.
2.	Establishment of judges review committee to review abnormalities in scoring.
3.	Scores are to be published after the parades and made available to the groups within 48 hours of the parades.
4.	The public and National Junkanoo Committee will be informed of this judging process.
5.	Judging will take place within the first two (2) laps.
6.	Stricter penalties are being used than before.
7.	Groups are to be notified of penalties.
8.	Fringed means the crepe tissue or news paper is to be cut or fringed.

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Inclement Weather Policy

1. Forecast on weather conditions expected during the parades (start to finish) would be provided to the National Junkanoo Committee by the Meteorological Department One (1) wek, 48 hours, and 6 hours prior to the start of the parade.

2. Rainfall if forecasted, can cause the parade to be rescheduled or postponed.

3. Wind - Wind speeds of 20 knots (24 mph) or greater, will cause the parade to be rescheduled or postponed.

4. The decision to reschedule or ostpone would be made up to 6 hours prior to the start of the parade and made by the National Junkanoo Committee, The Minister, and the Royal Bahamas Police Force in consultation with a senior member from the local weather office.

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SUMMARY OF ALL PENATIES FOR INFRACTIONS DURING JUNKANOO PARADE

Section	Details	Penalty
1(ii)	Late entry after 24 hours period	100 pts.
2(i)	All participants must be ready for entry at the designated time set by the Committee.	100 pts.
2(ii)	Contravening the designated order	50 pts.
2(viii)	Mandatory two (2) laps	50 pts.
2(ix)	Wheels prohibited	100 pts.
2(x)	Obstruction of parade route	50 pts.
2(xi)	Lighting fires on parade route	35 pts.
2(xii)	Live animal prohibited	30 pts.
2(xiii)	One way parading	2 pts per person
5(I)	All costumes of participants must be fully fringed. Costume ehnancement not to exceed 25% of costume.	10 pts. per person
5(I)	No more than six (6) person allowed to wear cloth.	5 pts. each offender
5(ii)	Removal or destruction of natural or man made feature of the environment by any costume	Disqualification 100 pts. and removal of that piece
5(vi)	Costumes may only be carried by one or two persons.	100 pts.
6(i) 6(ii)	Penalty slips issued for violations Swapping	300 pts.

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THE JUDGING SYSTEM DIVISION

The following divisions are judged on the parades:-

1.	Category A	-	Major Groups
2.	Category B	-	Mid-Level Groups
3.	Category C	-	Fun Groups - no prize
4.	Category D	-	Individual
5.	Category E	-	Children Groups

CATEGORY A - Major Groups in Competitive Class

Eligibility

a.
The top six (6) groups were assigned to this category for the 198 Boxing Day and 1999 New Years' Day Junkanoo Parades based upon groups past performance of placing in the top six consistently during their last four or more parades.

b.
Groups must have two hundred and one (201) or more participants and must consist of:-

(i)

Two (2) or more lead pieces

(ii)

Ten (10) or more off the Shoulder Dancers/Frame Dancers

(iii)

At least one section of twelve (12) or more choreographed dancers

(iv)

Ten (10) or more free dancers

(v)

A brass section

(vi)

A line section consisting of cowbellers, drummers, horn blowers etc.

Starting point

The starting point for this category is Bay Street at Frederick Street.

CATEGORY B - Mid-level Groups in Competitive Class

Eligibility

a.	Consist of all other groups that are awarded prize money and includes juvenile categories as presently structured.
b.	New groups or resurfacing groups will enter in this category.
c.	Groups must have between fifty to two hundred (50 - 200) participants and should consist of:-
(i)	At least on elead piece
(ii)	Up to five (5) off the shoulder Dancers/Frame Dancers
(iii)	Up to five free dancers
(iv)	A music section
(v)	A line section consisting of cowbellers, drummers, horn blowers, etc.

Starting Point

The starting point for the first four (4) groups of this category is Shirley Street and Elizabeth Avenue. All others begin at Bay and Frederick Street.

CATEGORY C - Fun Groups

Eligibility

a.	Must be registered.
b.	Must be FULLY FRINGED and parading behind a Banner which conforms to the rules and regulations of the parade as stipulated by the National Junkanoo Committee.

Starting Point

The starting point for this Category is Shirley Street at Elizabeth Avenue.

CATEGORY D - Individuals

Eligibility

a.	Must be registered
b.	Must be FULLY FRINGED.
c.	Must abide by the rules and regulations of the parade.

Starting Point

The starting point for this Category is Shirley Street at Elizabeth Avenue.

CATEGORY E - Children's Group

Eligibility

(i)
Must consist of children up to the age of 16.

(ii)
Only 4 leaders over the age of 16 are permitted.

(iii)
Should consist of 20 to 75 members.

(iv)
All participants must be fully fringed.

(v)
Musicians must also be fully fringed with headpieces, shirt, pants or skirt and footwear.

(vi)
Must abide by the rules and regulations of the parade.

Starting Point

The starting point for this Category is Shirley Street at Elizabeth Avenue.

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SCORING

In categories A, B, C, D, and E, the judges scores in the following areas shall be the basis for determing the overall winner of the parade in the respective categories:-

There will be two (2) Minister's Shirley Street Cups for the top group in Class A and Class B.

Category

Weighting % age

1.	Overall group costume	50 %
2.	Music	25 %
3.	Performance	20 %
4.	Execution of Theme	5 %

The following individual prizes do not count toward overall group scores:-

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Individual Competition

1.	Best lead Piece
2.	Choreographed Dance
3.	Best Banner
4.	Best Free Dancer
5.	Best off the Shoulder Dancers

(iv)	All participants must parade as a part of a registered group or as a registered individual competitor, and must be in FULLY FRINGED costume as detailed with the exceptions in section 5(1) dealing with costume.
(v)	Groups are to be identified by and parade behind a numbered IDENTIFICATION BANNER, which should correspond with the names and themes listed on the registration form. Wheels may be used on the banner only.
(vi)	Individual competitors are to be identified by the official numbers issued at the Elizabeth Avenue entrance to the parade. Individual Competitors must parade separate from any group(s).
(vii)	The National Junkanoo Committee will regulate Points of Entry to the parade route and groups will be informed accordingly.
(viii)	During the parade, groups must participate fully along the entire route of the parade. All groups and the individual paticipants are expected to complete a minimum of two (2) laps. Failure to do so will result in a fifty (50) points penalty.
(ix)	Wheels attached to group costumes are strictly prohibited and will draw a penalty of one hundred (100) points for each peice on wheels. That costume will be disqualified and removed from the parade route. All instruments must be carried and should not be motored or drawn. No motored vehicles are permitted on the parade.
(x)	Groups are prohibited from obstructing the parade route. Obstruction will result in a fifty (50) point penalty.
(xi)	Lighting fires other than sternos along the parade route is strictly prohibited. Offending groups will draw a thirty-five (35) point penalty. Fireworks and other combustible substances. Other than necessary for heating drums are strictly prohibited.
(xii)	Live animals are not permitted on the parade route. Offenders will receive a thirty (30) point penalty, and the animal will be removed from the parade route.
(xiii)	One way parading only. Individuals from groups contravening this rule will be penalized two (2) points for each person.

1.	Forecast on weather conditions expected during the parades (start to finish) would be provided to the National Junkanoo Committee by the Meteorological Department One (1) wek, 48 hours, and 6 hours prior to the start of the parade.
2.	Rainfall if forecasted, can cause the parade to be rescheduled or postponed.
3.	Wind - Wind speeds of 20 knots (24 mph) or greater, will cause the parade to be rescheduled or postponed.
4.	The decision to reschedule or ostpone would be made up to 6 hours prior to the start of the parade and made by the National Junkanoo Committee, The Minister, and the Royal Bahamas Police Force in consultation with a senior member from the local weather office.

a.	The top six (6) groups were assigned to this category for the 198 Boxing Day and 1999 New Years' Day Junkanoo Parades based upon groups past performance of placing in the top six consistently during their last four or more parades.
b.	Groups must have two hundred and one (201) or more participants and must consist of:-
(i)	Two (2) or more lead pieces
(ii)	Ten (10) or more off the Shoulder Dancers/Frame Dancers
(iii)	At least one section of twelve (12) or more choreographed dancers
(iv)	Ten (10) or more free dancers
(v)	A brass section
(vi)	A line section consisting of cowbellers, drummers, horn blowers etc.

(i)	Must consist of children up to the age of 16.
(ii)	Only 4 leaders over the age of 16 are permitted.
(iii)	Should consist of 20 to 75 members.
(iv)	All participants must be fully fringed.
(v)	Musicians must also be fully fringed with headpieces, shirt, pants or skirt and footwear.
(vi)	Must abide by the rules and regulations of the parade.