2025 Colorguard Classification Promotions:

Congratulations to the staff and performers on an outstanding 2025 season in AIA. The promotion policy consists of a review process in order to determine which groups are indeed ready to move to the next class at the end of the season based upon assessment of the group compared to class paradigms. This was done to ensure groups do not get moved prematurely to a higher class that they couldn’t be successful in. Based upon viewings of the groups throughout the season and their achievement in their current classification, AIA is recommending promotion to the next classification for the 2026 season.

Congratulations to the following groups on their successful promotion to the next level of competition!

AIA South:

• SRA2 to SRA1:  Panther Creek HS JV; West Johnson HS JV

• SRA1 to A3:  Orange HS; Broughton HS; Heritage HS

• A3 to A2:  Cape Fear HS Gold

• A2 to A1:  Cleveland HS

AIA North:

• SRA2 to SRA1:  Herndon HS; Page County HS; Culpeper HS; South Lakes HS

• SRA1 to A3:  Freedom HS; West Springfield HS; CG Woodson HS; Perquimans HS; Rock Ridge HS; Gainesville HS

• A3 to A2:  Deep Run HS; Colonial Heights HS; Briar Woods HS

• A2 to A1:  Grassfield HS

Promotion recommendations were based on the following criteria by the Chief Judge and various judges on the promotion committee who viewed these groups throughout the course of the season and championships:

1. Performance / Scoring at Championships

2. Performance / Scoring throughout the competitive season

3. Readiness level demonstrated by performers and staff compared to criteria reference / class paradigms.

Promotion Rule for 2025 Season 

3.2.1 All color guard units who win their respective class at AIA Championships will automatically be promoted to the next higher class for the next competitive indoor season. These classes will include Scholastic Regional A2, Scholastic Regional A1, Scholastic A3, and Scholastic A2. All remaining finalists from these classes will be reviewed by the AIA Chief Judges and they will determine which groups, if any, are deserving of being promoted for the next competitive season. The director(s) of any group that is to be promoted shall be notified directly no later than May 31st of that same year. Upon this notification, each director shall also receive a letter or outline explaining the qualifications for the promotion. If the director feels the promotion is truly unwarranted for valid and supported reasons, they may appeal with a declaration stating all reasons a promotion is not warranted. This appeal must be submitted by no later than July 1st. The AIA Chief Judges will then have 30 days to review the appeal and respond accordingly.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!