When most people think of flag corps, they think of the group that twirls flags with the marching band at halftime of the football game. This is just one aspect of what flag corps do. The highlight of a flag corps' year is the winter guard season. With competitions spanning from late January through April, flag corps (or winter guards) compete in gyms across the country for pride, honor and even a world championship.
Affiliation
The largest national/international association for winter guard is Winter Guard
International (WGI). WGI guard groups have between five and 30 members under age 22, with the exception of World Class color guards where no age limit exists. WGI breaks its competitions into four primary classifications: Regional A Class guards, A Class guards, Open Class guards, and World Class guards. Competition times are set by class. World Class guards are allocated 7.5 minutes to perform while Regional A Class guards are given only 4.5 minutes of performance time.
Judging
Competing groups are judged in the areas of individual movement analysis, individual equipment analysis, ensemble analysis and general effect. These categories are combined to score a possible 100 points, and units are placed according to combined score.
Individual Movement Analysis
This subcategory refers to each individual member's ability to control body movements. A large portion of the performance is dance based, and each member needs to have some abilities in this area. Groups that perform well tend to score higher in this area.
Individual Equipment Analysis
This represents the core of what winter guard is all about. This area looks at individual abilities with the paraphernalia used in the show, which could include several items: flags, rifles, sabers and just about anything else that can be spun or thrown. In the past, groups have used hockey sticks and baseball bats, for example. The choice of equipment is left to the leaders of the groups. Some will use the equipment to develop the show's theme.
Ensemble Analysis
This is a subjective look at how well the show is choreographed and designed. Groups that struggle in this category will typically continue to struggle until they do something to change the show.
General Effect
Worth 40 points of the score, this is the category that typically decides which group will win the contest. In general, this category asks the judges to decide "How impressive was the performance in all aspects? Did I sit back and say "Wow!" or did I say "Ouch"?"
Sport of the Arts
WGI calls its activity the Sport of the Arts, and how well a color guard can convey this belief will determine the success or failure of the group. As in most activities, the leaders of the groups that do well seem to understand the rules and the perspectives of the judges. Because of this, guards can become dynasties of a sort, with strong groups remaining strong for a number of years.
