2026 Contest Rules Review Meeting
Submissions Now Available
The Victorian Bands’ League is currently undertaking a review of its Contest Rules and we thank all member bands who contributed submissions and feedback.
A total of 12 submissions were received, covering a range of issues including Junior age eligibility, player sharing between bands, Junior bands competing in Open grades, contest programming requirements, adjudication and the administration of the rules.
Several common themes have emerged, although bands have put forward differing views on how some matters should be addressed.
To assist member bands in reviewing the proposals, we have prepared a 2026 Contest Rules Review – Summary of Band Submissions document. This brings together the submissions under six key themes, outlining the proposed changes, the bands that submitted them and the relevant rules.
The document is intended to provide a summary of the matters raised for discussion. Inclusion of a proposal does not indicate endorsement by the VBL or that a change to the existing rules is necessarily required.
Download the 2026 Contest Rules Review – Summary of Band Submissions
November Delegates Meeting – Contest Rules Review
The submissions will be discussed as part of the November VBL Delegates Meeting, which will be held online.
Meeting details
- Date: Sunday 22 November 2026
- Time: 10.00 am
- Location: Online
The meeting will provide an opportunity for member bands to discuss the proposals, consider the different perspectives presented and identify any changes that may warrant further consideration.
For those wishing to attend the meeting, please email president@vbl.org.au to RSVP and receive the video link.
We encourage all member bands to read the summary document ahead of the meeting and discuss the proposals within their own organisations so their delegates are prepared to contribute to the discussion.
Thank you again to everyone who took the time to contribute to the review. We look forward to a constructive discussion in November.