2025 DCI Rules Changes
The Results Are In
It’s time for the biennial DCI Rules Congress, held as a part of this weekend’s DCI Winter Meetings in Indianapolis!
The Rules Congress is an opportunity for instructors and corps directors to propose modifications to the existing rulebook and judging sheets to address issues that have come up throughout the two seasons since the prior Congress. Previously proposed rules that have passed are massive sheets overhauls, scoring Open Class corps on the same sheets as World, and allowance of all brass instruments instead of the traditional marching versions we are accustomed to. Notable failed proposals include the infamous all-instruments rule, widely opposed by fans primarily because it would legalize woodwinds, breaking down one of the main barriers between drum corps as it exists today and competitive, high-level marching bands.
A few days ago, we summarized all fifteen proposals that were up for discussion by the voting membership (which are available at the link above), and we’ve received word from sources present at the meetings that the vote has concluded.
DCI has confirmed that of the fifteen proposals, two were passed. All others were either withdrawn prior to making it to a vote or failed.
Firstly, the language regarding Percussion instrumentation will be updated to reflect the actual nature of what is used in pit sections nowadays by legalizing all percussion.
Secondly, and more controversially, the Solo Instrument Addition, which permits a single instrument to be used that is not subject to any restrictions. This proposal was amended to clarify language, but remains the same as proposed in practice. The text used in the proposal to describe the change is as follows:
In a performance, a single, featured instrument not otherwise permitted by rule 4.8 may be used. Notwithstanding instruments otherwise allowed, this featured instrument may be used throughout the entire performance.
This featured instrument may be mic'd and amplified in any manner, including the use of effects, without restriction.
All existing rules regarding equipment, amplification, and electronic usage shall apply to all other instruments and equipment not designated as the sole featured instrument.
When a corps does choose to take advantage of this, it will not be the first time that a woodwind is utilized for a competitive DCI show, as the Cavaliers took advantage of tin whistles being considered to fall under the percussion category for their 2008 production of Samurai, and the Troopers notably used a harmonica in their 2023 show To Lasso the Sun.
Those are not the only big stories coming from this weekend’s Winter Meetings. On Friday, Spartans announced that they would be utilizing 2025 as a transition year toward World Class membership, with a goal of obtaining World Class status in 2026. Spartans would be the first corps to make the transition since Music City made the jump in 2018.
Additionally, just today it was announced that Julie Davila would be taking over the role as Judge Administratior from John Phillips, who had held that position since 2000. Davila has been a DCI Judge for almost a decade, but the lion’s share of her pageantry arts experience comes from the WGI world, where she has been active for over thirty years as performer, educator and judge, and was inducted to their Hall of Fame in 2014. Additionally, Davila served on the Percussive Arts Society Board of Directors as Board President in 2023 and 2024.
Edited 1/11: Clarified amendment on Proposal #1
