Let's Debate with Stephen Roberts

In the wake of Steven Mead’s two experiments at criteria points-based system of adjudication (CBPS) at the recent British Open and Championship Section National Final, seasoned adjudicator, Stephen Roberts, argues the case against adopting a criteria points-based system of judging brass band contests

That old chestnut about criteria-based brass band adjudication keeps on roasting on its Open fire. There’s an old cliché that there is no point reinventing the wheel, but at the same time everyone should be sensible to new ideas and it is always worth considering plans for perceived fair, transparent and unbiased adjudication systems. I like the inclusive aspect of Steven Mead’s criteria-based method, elegantly presented in a recent BBW article so that the audience could participate in the process. However, I am not convinced there is anything new in it as far as practising adjudicators are concerned.

Many years ago, Frank Wright and Eric Ball roundly rejected a points-based, box-ticking system and recent attempts by the Scottish Brass Band Association to introduce a similar idea were met with a resounding and emphatic ‘unfriend’ by adjudicators.

I believe the criteria-based points system is fundamentally flawed. Firstly, let us consider…


This excerpt is taken from November 2016’s BBW. Access the article in full, right now, by subscribing to BBW Digital. Alternatively, subscribe to the printed magazine delivered by post: £40 (UK); £68 (Europe); £81 (Rest of the World)