The U.K.F.M (United Kingdom Federation of Majorettes) is split into six areas for regional competitions, which are-
- St.Neots/Peterborough
- Hertford
Every year we usually have 2 competitions in each regional area, a one off competition and our National Championships at Pontins in Camber, which lasts a week and usually falls around Easter time.
During U.K.F.M competitions, we are all able to use a wide range of equipment and compete in so many different categories; I think that this is what makes our federation so much fun, there’s no chance of getting bored!!
There are many different age groups in the federation ranging from A+ right down to L; they are broken down as follows:
|
Group A+ (Senior) |
Born In 1987 |
Age 21 |
|
Group A (Senior) |
Born In 1988-1991 |
Age 17,18,19,20 |
|
Group B (Senior) |
Born In 1992-93 |
Age 15,16 |
|
Group C (Junior) |
Born In 1994 |
Age 14 |
|
Group D (Junior) |
Born In 1995 |
Age 13 |
|
Group E (Junior) |
Born In 1996 |
Age 12 |
|
Group F (Junior) |
Born In 1997 |
Age 11 |
|
Group G (Juvenile) |
Born In 1998 |
Age 10 |
|
Group H (Juvenile) |
Born In 1999 |
Age 9 |
|
Group I (Juvenile) |
Born In 2000 |
Age 8 |
|
Group J (Pee wee) |
Born In 2001 |
Age 7 |
|
Group K (Pee wee) |
Born In 2002 |
Age 6 |
|
Group L (Pee wee) |
Born In 2003 |
Age 5 |
Here is a brief description of each event that we can enter:
Pom Pom Solo
We not allowed to shake the pom poms, we have to twirl our pom poms at all times and have to include vertical, horizontal & lateral twirls.
A variety of footwork and floor movement is very important along with personality to produce an entertaining pom pom routine.
This category is usually prize on the day at the 1st regional competition.
Pom Pom Duo/Trio/group
The same rules apply for duos and trios along with togetherness, you cannot enter both duo and trio, you have to choose one.
Ribbon Solo
One ribbon can to used on ribbon shaft, the ribbon must be the right length (2 ˝ times the contests height) on a baton or wand style shaft, either is acceptable.
The routine needs to be big, bold and untangled using a variety of lateral, vertical and horizontal twirls and a good use of footwork and floor movement.
This is usually prize on the day at the first regional comp.
Ribbon Duo/Trio/Quad/Group
The same rules apply for duos and trios along with togetherness, you cannot enter both duo and trio, you have to choose one. You also have to be a supreme one or higher grade to enter.
Wheel Solo
The correct size wheel must be used for the size of the contestant. You must twirl the wheel from the centre of the shaft, not on the outside rim, no climbing through or hoola hoop around the neck or anywhere else.
Contestants can use any technical moves in their routines that they are capable of regardless of their age as long as the wheel is in control and not wobbling.
Lateral, vertical and horizontal moves are essential along with good footwork and floor movement.
This is usually prize on the day at the first regional competition.
Wheel Duo/Trio/Quad/Group
The same rules apply for duos and trios along with togetherness, you cannot enter both duo and trio, you have to choose one. You also have to be a supreme two or higher grade to enter (except the group, which is Juvenille, Junior,Senior plus manoeuvring.
Flag Solo
One flag to be used difficulty of the twirling is the most important factor along with big bold movements with the flag unruffled at all times and it must not touch the floor.
Floor movement and footwork are also essential along with using lateral, horizontals and vertical twirls.
The correct size flag for the size of the contestant must be used.
This is usually a qualifier at the first regional to go through to nationals.
Flag Duo/Trio/Quad/Group
The same rules apply for duos and trios along with togetherness, you cannot enter both duo, trio and quad you have to choose one. You also have to be a supreme one or higher grade to enter. (except for the group which is juv, jun, sen.) No aerials or exchanges are allowed.
Advanced Flag Solo/Duo/Trio/Group
The same rules apply but the contestant has to use 2 flags, you have to have supreme 2 to enter and you cannot enter 1 flag & advanced flag you have to choose 1. It is judged as 1 age group.
2 Baton Solo (Freestyle)
Contestants must be of a supreme two or higher standard to enter.
Both batons must be twirled at the same time at all times, if one baton stops, the scoring will also stop.
No bronze, silver or gold standard moves are to be used in either hand.
Freestyle means you can twirl the batons both the same and in different directions but they must use horizontal, lateral and vertical moves.
The batons must be twirled in the centre of the shaft. No lobs are allowed (meaning releasing the baton from the end) only 25% of aerials in the routine will be marked.
This is usually a qualifier at the first regional to go through to nationals.
2 Baton Duo/Trio/Quad/Group
The same rules apply for duos, trios,Quads and groups along with togetherness, you cannot enter both duo, trio, quad you have to choose one. You also have to be a supreme two or higher grade to enter. Exchanges are allowed as long as they are in control.
Fancy Strutt
Strutting with high knees in time with the music around a square arena about the size of a third of a badminton court.
You can use any twirl equipment such as wheel, flag, pom poms, baton and mace (baton is often the preferred piece of equipment).
In the younger age groups the judges will be looking for simple smart movements, no twirling with good posture and personality.
The older age groups will have to do the same as the younger ones as well as 4 different struts, then repeat until all of the sides of the arena have been covered.
Any one who takes longer than a minute will loose all points, no back steps are allowed. The judges are looking for strutts that a whole troupe can do in unison during a carnival/parade. This is usually a qualifier at the first or second regional to go through to nationals.
Lead Girl
You have to be seen as being able to lead a carnival or parade.
Contestants will use twirls and struts, dance moves and footwork in time with the music in a straight line down the length of a hall.
Showmanship, posture and personality are so important in lead girl as you need to be a real show off to produce an entertaining and memorable performance.
It must be non stop, no standing still doing a solo twirl routine If the contestant takes too long then they will be penalised. This is either qualifying to nationals at second regional’s or it goes straight down to nationals.
Aerial Solo/Duo/Trio/Quad
This routine is made up purely of different aerials and tricks you can do underneath them.
You must only use one baton. With no ankle knee, shoulder, elbow, wraps etc or a twirl routine, it must be aerials only.
No lobs are allowed only batons released from the centre of the shaft will be scored and all aerials must be 4ft above the contestants head.
Difficulty of tricks under aerials is essential for a good routine and a variety of horizontal, lateral and vertical aerials must be used.
Togetherness is important for duos/trios/quads This is usually prize on the day at the one-off competition. You must be supreme three or higher standard to enter.
Bronze/Silver/Gold Baton
Bronze Baton- Age Groups E, F &G
Silver Baton- Age Groups B,C & D
Gold Baton- Age Groups A & A+
You are expected to twirl a wheel, 2/3 ribbon on one shaft, 2 flags and 2 batons, one in each hand.
Before commencing the routine the contestant must lay out their equipment in front of the judges (not all around the arena).
Each section of the routine must consist of lateral, horizontal and vertical twirls and be of equal length in time. Good floor movement and footwork Is essential for an enjoyable routine.
You must be of a supreme two or higher standard to enter. This is usually prize on the day at either the one-off competition or at nationals.
Mace Solo
Only premiere maces are to be used and contestants must hold a mace grade to enter and attend a mace seminar with the academy.
No finger twirls, neck flicks or mouth rolls are to be used, releases are allowed as long as they are in control.
Contestants have to use horizontal, lateral and vertical twirls within the routine, good posture is essential to have control over the mace. This is usually prize on the day at either the one-off competition or at nationals.
Mace Duo/Trio/Group
Rules are the same as mace solo, no exchanges, neck flicks, finger twirls or mouth rolls.
It is also marked on togetherness, use of mace and movement. You cannot enter both.
Groups can choose up to 3 minutes of their own music. This is usually prize on the day at either the one-off competition or at nationals.
Novice Mace Solo
This competition is for those who haven't taken any mace grades and are below supreme 1 standard. Contestants are to use a lightweight mace.
Poise & Personality
Each contestant is to give 3 poses (as if for a photograph) moving towards the judges with 3 steps between each pose, holding the pose for a count of 4.
Lots of personality and good posture is so important for this competition. Dress should be neat, clean and tidy.
This is usually prize on the day at nationals
Prince/Princess on Parade
Contestants are to walk across the arena and back in front of the judges as if in a parade.
Any kind of outfit can be worn; no majorette equipment is to be carried, this is ideal for little brothers and sisters to enter!! This is usually prize on the day at nationals.
Nursery Rhyme Star
This is for the younger girls and boys, it is done to the minute beginner solo music.
Contestants can dress up as a nursery rhyme character and must twirl something that isn't a bation e.g if you were incy wincy spider you could twirl a drain pipe etc..
The Judges need to be able to guess what you are supposed to be without the clue of special music! and most importantly let the judges see that you are enjoying your routine!
Nursery Rhyme Trio
This competition is for ADULTS ONLY!! no majorettes, all the rules are the same as Nursery Rhyme Star!
This is just for fun so no arguing or crying!!! lol!!
Ians Trophy
This competition is for children with special needs who find it difficult to compete in other solo events, it is done to 1 minute of beginner twirl music
The contestant can use any piece of majorette equipment that they feel most comfortable with and a routine done to the best of theeir ability. Personality and effort to their ability no matter how severe the challenge. Wheelchairs and crutches etc are allowed, even parent or leader can stand in the arena with the contestant if that makes them at ease.
Sometimes the disability can not be seen, but the judges are made aware before the competition starts.
Supreme Twirler
Contestants need to be supreme 4 and higher standard. You can choose your own music and needs to be 2 minutes in length.
The routine must consist of technical twirls, difficult unusual moves, no repeats. A mixture of twirls and tricks need to be used and only 25% of aerials are allowed in the routine. This competition is freestyle.
Personality, posture and showmanship are extremely important. The judges are looking for a contestant whose routine, dress and personality could be booked for a cabaret show. This competition is one of the most recognized to win or be placed in. This is usually prize on the day at nationals.
Supreme Duo/Trio
All rules are the same as supreme twirler plus togetherness. This competition is also freestyle.
Contestants need to also put in interesting and crowd pleasing duo tricks, and it should have more flair and movement as ice skaters. It is not restricted to mirror or shadow image so you have to use your imagination! This is usually prize on the day at nationals.
Sally Scott Trophy
This competition is exactly the same as supreme twirler but it is for age groups B, C and D only who are of a supreme 2/3 standard.
Like Supreme Twirler contestants can choose 2 minutes of their own music, doing difficult baton twirls and tricks, judges expect alot of floor mo0vement and showmanship, they cannot enter supreme twirler in the same season. This is usually prize on the day at nationals.
Super Twirler
This competition again is the same as supreme twirler but is for age groups E, F, G, H and I only who are of a supreme 2/3 standard.
It is judged on twirl deportment showmanship and dress, using difficult baton twirls & tricks. No older or younger contestants are allowed to take part. This is usually prize on the day at nationals.
Majorette March
High knee marching around an arena using simple neat corners, no salute is needed; do not mark time before going on the arena.
Always march on at the judges right hand side and march straight in front of you to the first corner then turn left, march to second corner and turn left, march to the third corner and turn left, march in front of the judges table and turn right and march straight off.
Good posture is essential and contestants need to march in time with the music. This is usually prize on the day at nationals.
Military March
Straight leg marching, U.K.F.M corners, good posture and contestants need to be in full uniform.
Contestants need to start at the right of the judges table (no marking time) and take up to 10 steps forward, turn left, up to 10 steps forward, then do an about turn (TLV) then up to 10 steps forward then turn right and march straight down off the arena, making an L shape, you do not need to mark time or salute. This is either prize on the day at second regional competition or qualify to nationals.
Eileen’s Challenge
All contestants need to be a supreme 3 or higher standard. The routine will be between 1 and 4 minutes long we never know the length of the music.
Contestants will be judged on their ability to do an impromptu display of their twirling technique, a good sense of humor is a must as you never know what you will be asked to twirl of wear!!!
This is usually prize on the day at nationals.
Graded Twirl Solos/Duos/Groups
The graded twirl solos are split up into the following sections:
Beginner- All beginner twirl standard must be bronze and up to silver, no higher graded moves will be scored.
Novice- All novice twirl standard must be silver and up to gold, no higher graded moves will be scored.
Intermediate- All intermediate twirl standard must be gold and up to supreme 1, no higher graded moves will be scored.
Advanced- All advanced twirl standard must be supreme 2 or higher, no lower graded moves will be scored.
Championship- All championship twirl must be supreme 3 or higher, but to become championship you have to come 1st in advanced solo to move up. No lower graded moves will be scored. You also cannot go into championship group unless more than half were in a previous winning advanced twirl team.
During graded solos contestants need to make the most of the moves that they are allowed to use by using interesting and different footwork and good floor movement, other wise contestants run the risk of having very similar routines.
Challenge Duo
This is the competition that is the most fun to enter. First every one that enters names and number go into a hat and every contestant has to submit a cd of their choice with a minute and a half music on it (this can be absolutely anything!!). Then at nationals at the beginning of the week, two people’s numbers are drawn out and they go and pick at random a piece of music.
Then the contestants have to go away and work together to make up a duo using the music they chose and any piece of equipment that they wish and they only have one or two days to make it up in!!
This is a great contest as it gives every one a chance to meet and work with somebody new and the atmosphere at nationals when the contestants were performing was amazing!! Contestants have to be a supreme 3 or higher standard to enter.
Militaire Group
This group is a basic style and pointed toe high knee marching (no military or fancy strutt) using your troupes style corners, making patterns (formations) with continuous marching, no stopping or standing still 7 no military marching is to be included in the routine. No twirling is allowed as this is a marching group. The more difficult the maneuvering the higher the score. Very basic struts are expected for every other maneuver. Togetherness is very important for a smart polished routine.
Contestants are expected to do forwards and backwards weaving, changing of direction and blending (one or more lines into another). This is usually prize on the day or qualify to nationals at the second regional comp.
Military Group
This is also a marching group but contestants are to use military style marching with baton under the left arm with straight leg marching.
Again difficult maneuvering is required along with good posture, interesting formations and togetherness. This group is a very serious marching group. This is usually either prize on the day or qualify to nationals at the second regional competition.
Majorette Group
This is another marching group but this one is slightly different as twirling is allowed. Contestants need to use twirling, majorette march, strutting and use difficult maneuvering.
Again togetherness is one of the most important factors for a smart and polished routine. Personality and good posture is also essential as in this group you are free to put in different foot work. No military march is allowed. This is usually prize on the day at nationals.
Beginner March Group
You may only take part in this competition if you have not been entered into the other marching groups, and is for the more inexperienced majorettes to get them used to participating in these kind of groups.
Outdoor Group
Outdoor group gives contestants a chance to go out there and perform together as a troupe.
It is broken down into the following categories:
Novice- For inexperienced members to give them a chance, troupes must not have more than half of the members who have taken part in previous years. Troupes are allowed 3 minutes of their own music.
Small- For troupes with 12 or less in their group and are allowed 6 minutes of their own music.
Large- For troupes with more than 12 in their group and are also allowed 6 minutes of their own music.
In the outdoor display troupes can use any equipment that they wish, which could be all of it or a combination of about 3 or 4 or even just one piece. The routine should be exciting, entertaining, and full of personality as it should be seen as a routine that would be used at carnivals during the summer.
Big Silks Group
For those of you that may not know big silks are basically really big flags that we use to strutt and march with and they have to be a certain size for each age group.
The routine should use big, bold, movements with the silks untangled, using strutts or marching and footwork, no twirling is allowed.
The judges will be looking for a good colorful display with continuous movement.
Adult Novelty Group
This is the highlight of going to nationals, seeing the parents making complete fools of themselves, it is so funny. No majorettes are allowed to take part in this it is purely for parents and troupe leaders etc..
They have to choose a theme and 3 minutes of their own music and can use as many props, costumes as they like, in the past we've had doctors, nurses, a fabulous rendition of the crazy frog and of course men dressed up as women!!! This is usually prize on the day at nationals.
Novelty Group
This is like the adults but for the majorettes to go out and do something fun as nationals can get quite hectic!!
Contestants can use up to 4 minutes of their own music and can choose any theme they like in the past we have done the Ugly Bug Ball and Shrek 2 which was so much fun and the costumes were great!!
Contestants need to have props to twirl but not batons; entertainment and musical interpretation is a must!!!
Comedy Group
This is for Junior and Juvenille Groups, you can choose 2 minutes of your own music with a comedy theme! You can dress up and twirl anything but not majorette equipment!
Judges are looking for difficulty of twirl, showmanship, personality, dress and most of all musical interpretation!!
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