Branch Directors’ Update – Band Registrations – 23 April 2025

With the outdoor season now upon us, it is important that all member bands ensure that their registrations lists are correct and up-to-date.

We encourage all Band Secretaries to review their current band rosters and complete any transfer/release forms and send them to HQ as soon as possible.
Please remember that higher to lower transfers require a qualification period of 42 days.

Any queries regarding your band registration should be made directly to RSBPA Headquarters by using the Contact page on the HQ website
or by telephoning HQ on 0141 221 5414

As a reminder we would draw attention to Section Three of the RSPBA Standing Orders and Rules concerning registration:

3.5. Persons becoming Members of the Company shall ensure that each individual who wishes to take part in RSPBA
activities with the relevant Band, including Committee members, completes an individual application form to become a
Band Member. Each form must have the signature of the person making application, juveniles only giving date of birth.
Each Member shall submit an application for renewal of membership, on behalf of the Band which they represent, to the
Company prior to the anniversary of that Member being admitted to membership of the Company. [2012 AGM]

3.6. A computer printout showing all registered Band Members of that Band for the time being will be returned to the
relevant Member which must be carried by the Pipe Major or his/her assistant at all contests or competitions. On receipt of
the computer printout, the Member shall notify the Directors of any individual named on the printout who has ceased to be
a Band Member. [2015 AGM]

3.6.1. The Pipe Major or his/her assistant at all contests or competitions on request of the Company representative make
available the computer printout and assist in confirming the details tally with those who have competed. [2015 AGM]

3.7. No person shall be allowed to play in a contest who has not been registered as a Band Member for a qualifying period
prior to the contest date. [AGM 2017]

3.7.1 The qualifying period for a transfer from a higher-grade band to a lower grade band is forty-two days. [AGM 2017]

3.7.2 In all other circumstances the qualifying period is fourteen days. [AGM 2017]

3.8. All Band Members shall be registered with their Band until such time as they wish to transfer to another Band for any
reason. It will be the responsibility of the Member to notify the Directors of any individual who ceases to be a Band
Member for any other reason.

3.9. Band Members wishing to transfer to another Band must complete a Release/Transfer form which will be submitted to
the Company’s registered office for endorsement.

3.10. When registration of a Band with the Company has lapsed for two years, the Band Members registered with that
Band will be released in order to transfer to another Band.

With regards
Alistair McCleery
Ray Hall MBE
Geoff Hamilton
RSPBA Directors for Northern Ireland