EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS / RESTRICTIONS FOR COMPETITORS:
Teams will be required to perform three different functions that will be judged during the competition. They are the Team Inspection Drill, the Color Guard Posting of the Colors and an Exhibition Phase. During each phase of the competition, teams and team members will be judged in uniformity and military bearing. The variations of marching styles will not be penalized, rather judged for bearing, precision, straight lines, uniformity, etc. References/suggestions for proper protocol can be found at these web sites:
https://atiam.train.army.mil/soldierPortal/atia/adlsc/view/public/8390-1/fm/3-21.5/toc.htm
and http://www.1stbattalion3rdmarines.com/Drill-Manual.htm
All teams are responsible for bringing all of their own equipment, including flags, poles, bases, parade equipment, rifles, swords, etc. Teams bringing rifles or side arms must comply with all federal, state and local requirements, concerning the transportation of such items.
The Honor Guard Demonstration/Competition is a one (1) day team event consisting of three segments including the Team Inspection, the Color Guard Posting of the Colors and the Exhibition Phase. Teams should arrive 30 minutes prior to participating. Please note there will be no changing facilities on site. Team leaders will be notified of their start time prior to arriving in DC. Teams arriving late or not prepared may be disqualified.
TEAM PARTICIPANTS:
Competitors shall be full time or retired law enforcement officers from the same agency or organization. Each team shall have a minimum of 4 and not more than 8 members. One of those members shall be designated as a team leader; however, they may actively participate in the phases. Each member must participate in all of the phases of the competition.
COMPETITION COORDINATOR-CHAIRMAN 2008 EVENT:
Ken Roske, National Memorial Committee
2527 West Kennewick Ave. #207
Kennewick, Washington 99336
Office: (509) 736-2079
Email: KRoske@policeweek.org
There is no fee for this event and there will be a maximum number of teams allowed to participate. Team registration will be accepted up to the maximum team cut off so early registration is important.
JUDGES:
To be announced
VENUE:
John Marshall Plaza (4th and Pennsylvania Ave)
DESCRIPTION OF THE EVENTS AND GENERAL RULES:
The Honor Guard competition is composed of three separate events.
Preparation: Prior to the designated time for teams to begin the Team Inspection Drill, teams will have an opportunity to assemble on a "ready line" before moving to the Inspection line. While on the ready line, members of the Honor Guard team may silently make one last inspection of their uniforms and equipment, to remove any lint, or dust and to straighten creases and gig lines, etc. At the appointed time, the Honor Guard Unit in competition shall move up to the Inspection Line and follow the instructions for competition.
When the judge comes to a member carrying a piece of equipment (rifle, sword, etc.) that member shall bring the equipment to a “Present Arms” or salute position. The equipment will also be judged, however, the equipment will not be taken from the honor guard member. The individual members are judged on neatness, cleanliness, and military bearing – plus the team as a unit, is judged for conformity, precision, straight lines, etc. The leader may accompany the judge during the inspection of the team. At the end of judging for the Team Inspection Drill the judge will instruct the team or leader that the judging is complete and to prepare his team for the Posting of the Colors.
Starting from the start location, the Team Leader shall lead the Color Guard Team through the following:
The Color Guard may march or fall out and quietly move to the assembly area for the Exhibition Phase.
Exhibition/Demonstration Phase:
3) – Exhibition Phase. This phase will consist of a performance that all team members must participate in. The performance must last no more then Eight (8) minutes and teams that go over the time limit will receive demerits however, teams using less then 8 minutes will not be penalized. The event time will begin once the team’s leader has his team assembled and gives an audible command to the judge(s) that the team is ready with in reasonable time, or when the judges give a time warning to begin due to time restraints. Teams will be restricted to the Exhibition Area (approx 75’x 50’) There will be no discharge of any firearm (for example, rifle salute) however; the use of musical instruments will be acceptable. Teams need to bring any special equipment. Operational support for sound equipment (other) will be allowed and not considered part of the team, however, any live musical or other instrumental support will be deemed a member of the team and must participate in all phases.
Teams should take into consideration the positive impact their performance would have on the law enforcements image, patriotism, honor and memorializing of this profession. This phase is an opportunity for pomp and circumstance, snap and flare as it is viewed by the public.
Teams will be graded bases solely on the judge’s discretion taking into account the following;
Confirmation:
Teams will receive confirmation notification email of the receipt of their online application within 48 hours. Teams that do not receive a confirmation should re-submit or contact the competition coordinator. Team start times will be posted on the web site approximately one week before the competition.