Street or Formal?

​There have been a multitude of "street competitions" popping up around the country. However, many people don't know the minor differences between a street competition and a formal competition, and why it's good idea to get experience in both. Here we'll use the simplest difference to define the difference; a street competition is one that does not require a uniform, and a formal one does require a uniform of some kind.

We'll start with formal competitions as that is the most common type. This is the "standard" type of drill competition, with a focus on military bearing, precision, and marching. Typically judged by military personnel, competing in a formal competition allows a driller to refine their precision and basic regulation throughout their routine. Without a good regulation base, and sharp, precise movements, it is impossible to win in a competitive environment. One of the most important parts of the formal competition is the uniform, even though it is generally overlooked by competitors. Judges ALWAYS look at how well your uniform is put together; strings, shoes, belt, everything must be in order if you want your drill to be taken seriously. If you don't know how to compete at a formal competition, you will not be successful.

Many young drillers see a street competition as a way to relax with their drill in a less pressing environment. And it is, a street competition is the perfect place for innovation in drill. It allows for a large variety of creativity, due to the fact that street competition score sheets are more focused on difficulty, creativity, and showmanship. Generally judged by drillers, it allows a competitor to refine their overall skill and strength. Here's the problem though, because of it's lax environment, drillers tend to forget the basics that are so important in a formal competition. Especially with less experienced drillers, bearing, marching, hand pins, etc. just go out the window, setting them up for failure throughout the drill season and at NHSDTC.

Don't get me wrong, street competitions are not a bad thing. The creativity and innovation that can come from them is unmatched. However, as a competitor, you cannot forget your basics simply because you're not wearing a uniform. You're still doing drill, an inherently military-like activity.  Event directors can be the determining factor on whether this happens or not. Keep bearing and marching on your score sheets, make sure the judges are still looking for hand pins and facial expressions. Allow for creativity while still building a firm base for larger and more important competitions. Guide drillers, especially high schoolers, in the correct direction no matter what type of competition you're hosting.

---