Welcome!
The information on this page will help you navigate your season from start to finish, whether you are brand new to MCGC or a seasoned director/staff member.
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Getting Started
1. Register
Login to CompetitionSuite (the portal software we use) and register as a unit in the Michigan Color Guard Circuit. This can be done from Oct 1 – Dec 1.
2. Learn the Rules
Review the MCGC Rule Book & Code of Conduct to familiarize yourself with all rules and procedures pertaining to your unit.
3. Know Your Classification
Be sure that your unit is registered in the most appropriate competitive class. Examining the judging sheets will give you insight as to the expectations for each class. When in doubt, contact the Board of Directors for guidance.
4. Obtain Insurance/Eligibility
Obtain insurance or scholastic eligibility for your unit and upload to CompetitionSuite by Jan 1. A penalty will be applied if these are received after the grace period (more details here).
5. Schedule your Competitions
Decide which contests you would like to attend. If you plan to attend MCGC State Championships (every unit is eligible to attend after competing in 3 regular season events).
6. Pay the Contest Entry Fees
Payment for each contest is due on the first of the month prior to the contest. For example, to compete in any February contest, your unit must register and pay by Jan 1.
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7. Learn Performer Safety Protocols
Each year, everyone on your staff must take the required SafeSport training course(s) and complete a background check (more details here). Your staff’s SafeSport certificates must be uploaded to CompetitionSuite before your team’s first performance.
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8. Complete the Appropriate Forms
All units must submit the appropriate forms (as applicable to your class) by Jan 1. This includes, but may not be limited to, the Code of Conduct Acknowledgment form, Scholastic Eligibility form or Proof of Insurance, Team Member Roster, and Participant Protection training completion certificates. The Board reserves the right to add to this list as needed for the season ahead.
Financial Obligations
Annual Membership: $300 (due Dec 1)
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To attend Field Day event, add $25
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To opt-out of Field Day event, add $100
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A $300 penalty is assessed for dues paid after Dec 1​
Contest Registration: $200 per contest
Contest registration fees must be paid online or postmarked by the first of the month prior to the contest.
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​​Championships Registration: $200 + Volunteers or Opt-Out Fee (due Mar 1)
Each unit who chooses to participate in the Championships is responsible for providing 2 volunteers or paying $300 ($150 per volunteer) to cover event costs.
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​Attending a WGI Regional event for the first time?
MCGC will refund one WGI contest fee. Contact the Treasurer in advance, you will cover the registration and then get reimbursed.
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Tips for Creating a Budget
Research potential costs before creating your season budget. You may need to charge your performers a membership fee to offset these costs. Scholastic units may have booster programs that can offer financial support. It is always worth inquiring about grants/scholarships that the school district or Parent-Teacher organization might offer. Keep receipts and make detailed records of income and expenses.
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Other Budget Considerations
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Staff salaries
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Insurance (for independent units)
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Background checks and WGI 3P
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Participant Protection Program
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Rehearsal space
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Costuming
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Equipment / Props
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Transportation / Lodging / Food​
Eligibility & Insurance
Insurance certificates and/or proof of scholastic eligibility should be uploaded to CompetitionSuite by Jan 1.
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For Scholastic Units:
Scholastic units must provide proof of eligibility so that their school’s insurance will cover them:
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The Single School Eligibility Form is for units whose total membership are students from the same school, schools that feed into that school, or home-schooled students that reside within the school district boundaries.
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The Combined School Eligibility Form is for units whose membership are students from multiple schools within one district, and/or including parochial, vocational, or charter schools, provided the district offers no other competitive color guard units.
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For Independent Units:
Independent units must furnish their own insurance. Contact a local insurance agent or use the WGI-endorsed agent, Francis L. Dean and Associates (more info here). Be sure to add the Michigan Color Guard Circuit as an “additionally insured.”
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WGI requirements: Independent units must have independent management contacts and provide a certificate of good standing to prove they are incorporated (more info here).
Background Checks & Participant Protection
Background Checks
To protect all involved, MCGC requires its units to perform background checks on all staff members (and volunteers, if possible). Scholastic units can work with their school to do this; Independent units have many online options, such as ICHAT.
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Participant Protection Training
All unit directors and staff members must be trained in WGI’s 3P Participation Protection Practice. When completed, compile all certificates into one (1) pdf document, with as many pages as needed, and upload it to CompetitionSuite by Jan 1.
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A $100 penalty will be assessed for incomplete and/or late certificates.
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A penalized unit must submit the proper documentation and pay the fine prior to their first performance or they will be ineligible to perform.
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If a new staff member is added during the season, they must complete the training. Their certificate should be added and the entire file re-uploaded.
Season Deadlines
By Dec 1
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Registered/Paid for Season Membership
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Registered/Paid for Field Day Attendance or Opt-Out
By Jan 1
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Submitted Proof of Insurance or Scholastic Eligibility Form
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Submitted Unit Member Roster
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Entered Unit Staff Information
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Entered Show Information
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Submitted Participant Protection Certificates
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Registered/Paid for January & February competitions
By Feb 1
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Registered/Paid for March competitions
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Submitted Scholarship Applications
By Mar 1
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Registered/Paid for Championships competition
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Met Championships Volunteer/Opt-Out requirements
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Registered/Paid to participate in Solo & Ensemble
In General
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Show Music must be uploaded by the Weds before a competition
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CHANGE FOR 2027: Critique Sign-Ups are now done while signing up to participate in the event — everything at the same time!
Show Day!
Welcome to the first show of your season! Here are some handy tips and information to help you make the most of the day...
Before the Competition
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Contest Info — Contest info is posted at least two weeks prior to the event.
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Performance Floor — Verify timing line orientation, performer entrances & exits.
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Upload Show Music — Your music should be uploaded to CompetitionSuite no later than the Wednesday before your contest. If your music changes during the season, you can remove and replace previously uploaded music. (It will still need to be uploaded by the Wednesday before you next perform.) It is good practice to bring a backup copy of your music with you to a contest.
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At the Competition
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Unload Props & Equipment Upon Arrival — 2 hours before your performance time — at the designated unloading area.
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Check-In — At your first competition, you will receive your Director and Staff badges to keep and use throughout the season, a volunteer will direct you to your unit’s Home Area, where your performers can get ready and store their personal items. At check in, Directors are given a packet which contains a detailed schedule, maps, performer wristbands, and other information.
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Sound Check — If desired, enter the performance gym during a class break or meal break and have the sound booth play a portion of your show music to verify that it is correct and all levels are ideal for the space.
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After You Perform
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Remove your personal items from your Home Area and load your props and equipment.
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Encourage your team to sit in the designated area (back or side seating) and support other teams throughout the contest.
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Questions
If you ever have questions on a show day, please reach out to any member of the MCGC contest staff, whose contact information will be in the contest packet.
Making Use of Judges' Feedback
You will receive recorded comments from judges at every contest in four different captions:
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Equipment
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Movement
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Design Analysis
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General Effect (two judges in this caption)
It cannot be stressed enough that you take the time to understand what each of these captions evaluate and what judges are looking for at each level of competition, as these will affect your show design and choreographic choices. Listen to your judges’ commentary carefully after every contest and attend critique after contests when possible.
Remember, critique is not the time to ask judges to justify a score or compare your unit to others. The judges are also not there to design — or redesign — your show for you. Instead, listen to judge commentary prior to critique and generate questions from there:
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Are there any comments you would like them to clarify?
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What moments did they feel were the most/least effective, and why?
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Do the skills demonstrated appear appropriate for the class and for our performers’ level of training?
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What should we focus on to improve?
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Did you know a judge will come to your rehearsal as a clinician?
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They cannot review show content, but they can consult your basics program and training. Reach out to learn more!
Understanding Scores, Commentary & Sheets
Judging sheets for each caption and competitive class may be found here.
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Each sheet evaluates a team in two basic sections. For example, "Equipment" is scored based on "Vocabulary" and "Excellence."
Feedback often boils down to what the performers are being asked to do and how well they are doing it.
The back of the sheet explains the criteria for evaluation and scoring.
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If you are ever unclear about judging criteria or the feedback you’ve received from a judge at a performance, contact our Judge Coordinator at judgecoord@mcgc.net
Additional Resources
Equipment and Costuming
Performer Training
MCGC offers a clinician program that brings a fresh set of eyes to your basics block! A qualified mentor will visit your rehearsal and offer advice for training and technique. Contact our Judge Coordinator at judgecoord@mcgc.net for more information.
Multimedia Resources
Ways to Get Involved!
Our circuit offers many opportunities for unit directors and staff to get involved and help our performers thrive...
Attend Meetings and Educational Events
MCGC hosts a full membership meeting each fall and spring to share important circuit news, vote on rules and policies, and provide quality educational content. It’s also a great way to meet others in our activity, form relationships, and network.​
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Join a Committee
Wherever your interests and strengths lie, there is a committee for you! Education, Rules, Budget, Scholarships, Awards, Branding, or Championships — all are actively seeking new members to further their goals and build our circuit up! Reach out to our President to get connected with the committee chair(s) of your choice.
Become a Contest Staff Member
Every contest requires paid MCGC staff to help facilitate it in a variety of ways. Reach out to our Contest Coordinator for more information.​
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Host a Contest
If you have access to a suitable space to host a regular season contest, it can be an incredible fundraising tool for your program! Information about hosting is circulated each spring.​
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Run for a Board Position
The six positions on our Executive Board are elected at the Spring Meeting and serve a two-year term. The Board is responsible for managing the circuit’s business, communicating with members, and building the culture of our activity in Michigan. Please ask a Board member about their responsibilities to learn more.​
Become a Judge
If you feel ready to take the next step in your color guard career, our Judge Development Coordinator can point you in the right direction! The training process is robust and offers constant guidance and support.
