Movement & Seating

• Time Your Movement: Never walk down the aisles, enter, or leave your seat while a band is performing. Wait until a show finishes and the stadium announcer begins transitions before moving.

• Clear the Sightlines: Put down umbrellas, large signs, and oversized hats when a band takes the field so spectators behind you have an unobstructed view.

• Give Judges Space: Avoid standing, talking, or congregating near the press box or designated judging areas, as background noise can interfere with their audio recordings and scoring.

During the Performance

• Silence conversations the moment the announcer introduces the band or the drum majors step up to start the show.

• Cheer the Highlights: Loud cheering and applause are actively encouraged! Shout, applaud, and react during big musical impacts, soloist performances, high guard tosses, and impressive drill maneuvers.

• Skip Artificial Noisemakers: Avoid airhorns, megaphones, or whistles. They can throw off the band's pulse, mask subtle musical details, and disrupt the judges' feed.  These are also against UIL rules.

Sportsmanship & Atmosphere

• Applaud Every School: Cheer for all performing groups, regardless of rivalry or school size. Every student on that field has committed hundreds of hours to their show.

• Keep Critiques Private: Never speak critically about another band, show concept, or execution while in the stands. Sound carries, and you are likely sitting near a parent, student, or staff member from that program.

Technology & Photography

• No Flash Photography: Turn off camera flashes completely. Sudden bright flashes can blind color guard performers catching high tosses or throw off drum majors focusing on timing.

• Keep Devices Below Eye Level: If filming or taking photos, keep your phone or camera lowered to chest level so you aren't blocking the view of the person behind you. Set all devices to silent mode.