2024
National High School
Drill Team
Championships


SOP Updates/Clarifications Page

Below are the Event Update/Clarifications that have been implemented into the coming NHSDTC since the initial posting of all event materials. These items listed below are found in inverse chronological order to their date of implementation. All schools are encouraged to download and prepare for these changes in advance.

UPDATES/CLARIFICATIONS

NATIONALS DRILL CAMP
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#1 - 7 August 2023: Initial Website Set-up
SOP Updates site established - Score sheets Posted - SOPs Posted.
These are used by so many teams, we post this first. Updated floor layouts will come in the ensuing weeks.
There are now just TWO SOPs. Read BOTH to best prepare your school. Involve your cadets in reading them!
School Entry site will be open in early October, along with posting of the floor layouts and other items.
Good Luck to all Teams!

#2 - 7 August 2023: Utilization of non-standard drill gear - gaining permission for same
The NHSDTC attempts in many cases to do something very difficult - provide a safe and exciting drill competition that maintains a balance between the service differences that allow judges to fairly and impartially evaluate drill within a set of rules that provide a somewhat even playing field between teams. This is not a measurable concept and it requires much judgment and educated guesswork. Reviewing scoresheets and final finishes by gender and service, time of day competing, service of the judge, speaking with other meet organizers and service heads, comparing scores and event aspects for service bias, regional bias and other issues to attempt to formulate a complete set of rules and standards that give all schools the most even shake possible within a completely uneven drill world. Generally, we believe looking at the teams that have done well at the NHSDTC, we believe that we have done that in most all regards. New items and concepts come forward and hard decisions have to be made. We learn from these and always keep an very open mind going forward.

Again, two items to take away from this: 1) If you plan to utilize a piece of non-standard gear in competition drill, check with the meet director in advance to ensure they will allow it (note: much like lights on a rifle, velcro slings, etc. etc. Just because something is NOT referenced in the rules directly does not mean it is allowed, it simply means it is not addressed as of yet. And you do NOT want that to be addressed just before use on-site! 2) Know that every rule is reviewed annually. As this sling becomes more widely distributed and its user base becomes more diverse, it is entirely possible like ANY rule it may change in the future.

#3 - 7 August 2023: Minor Change - AFMAN 36-2203 has been replaced
For the few people that have not been made aware, PAMPHLET 34-1203 - dated 13 SEPTEMBER 2022 is the current unarmed drill & ceremony manual for both the U.S. Air Force and the Space Force. Armed Drill (the parts involving rifle manipulation) are still government by the Army Manual TC 3-21.5 - dated May 2021. Downloads are available on our service manual section to the new Phamplet.

#4 - 7 August 2023: Removal of Ribbons & Name Tags in All Regulation and Color Guard Events/All Levels
Teams may remove their ribbons and name tags during BOTH Regulation and Color Guard events. This update will make this FULLY ALLOWED and ENCOURAGED to keep from damaging uniforms and these expensive pieces.

#13 - 28 April, 2023: SOP ON-LINE UPDATES ARE NOW CLOSED
As the event draws near, no further SOP updates/clarifications will be allowed on this site for the upcoming Nationals. NO NEED TO CHECK HERE FURTHER - THIS IS IT! Any other minor issues will be discussed at Event Registration before the competition begins.




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