Getting Started with AIA

Getting Started

Here's your roadmap for the season, step by step:

Financial Obligations

Annual Membership: $300 (due Dec 1)

{insert any add-on fees or discounts here, if applicable — e.g. opt-in/opt-out fees, late penalty amount}

Contest Registration: $200 per contest

Contest registration fees must be paid {insert payment deadline here}.

Championships Registration

{insert Championships registration fee and any volunteer/opt-out requirements here}

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, and it's always worth asking whether your school district or Parent-Teacher organization offers grants or scholarships. Keep receipts and detailed records of income and expenses throughout the season.

Other Budget Considerations

• Staff salaries
• Insurance (for independent units)
• Rehearsal space
• Costuming
• Equipment / Props
• Transportation / Lodging / Food

Eligibility & Insurance

Insurance certificates and/or proof of scholastic eligibility should be uploaded to CompetitionSuite by {insert deadline here}.

For Scholastic Units

{insert what documentation/information scholastic units specifically need to provide here}

The Combined School Eligibility Form is for units whose membership includes students from multiple schools within one district, and/or including parochial, vocational, or charter schools — provided the district offers no other competitive unit in that discipline. {insert link to Combined School Eligibility Form here}

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. {insert link to Francis L. Dean and Associates / more info here} Be sure to add the Atlantic Indoor Association as an "additionally insured" party.

WGI requirements: independent units must have independent management contacts and provide a certificate of good standing to prove they are incorporated. {insert link to incorporation/certificate of good standing info here}

Season Deadlines

{insert full season deadline list here — consider organizing by month}

In General

• Show music must be uploaded by {insert deadline here}
• Critique sign-up instructions: {insert instructions or link here}

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

• Contest Info — Posted at least two weeks prior to the event. View events.
• Performance Floor — Verify timing line orientation and performer entrances & exits.
• Upload Show Music — Your music should be uploaded to CompetitionSuite no later than {insert deadline here} before your contest. If your music changes during the season, you can remove and replace what you've previously uploaded. It's good practice to bring a backup copy of your music with you to every contest.

At the Competition

• Unload Props & Equipment Upon Arrival — 2 hours before your performance time, at the designated unloading area.
• Check-In — At your first competition, you'll receive Director and Staff badges to keep and use throughout the season. A volunteer will direct you to your unit's Home Area. At check-in, Directors receive a packet with a detailed schedule, maps, performer wristbands, and other important information.
• Sound Check — If desired, enter the performance space during a class break or meal break and have the sound booth play a portion of your show music to verify it's correct and levels sound right for the space.

After You Perform

• Remove your personal items from your Home Area and load your props and equipment.
• Encourage your team to sit in the designated area (back or side seating) and support other units throughout the rest of the contest.

Questions

If you ever have questions on a show day, reach out to any member of the AIA contest staff — their contact information will be in your contest packet.

Making Use of Judges' Feedback

You'll receive recorded comments from judges at every contest across four different captions:

• Equipment
• Movement
• Design Analysis
• General Effect (two judges in this caption)

It cannot be stressed enough: take the time to understand what each of these captions evaluates and what judges are looking for at each level of competition — this will shape your show design and choreographic choices. Listen carefully to your judges' commentary after every contest, and attend critique whenever possible.

Remember, critique isn't the time to ask judges to justify a score or compare your unit to others. Judges also aren't there to design — or redesign — your show for you. Instead, listen to judge commentary before critique and let it generate your questions:

• Are there any comments you'd like them to clarify?
• What moments did they feel were most or least effective, and why?
• Do the skills demonstrated appear appropriate for the class and for your performers' level of training?
• What should you focus on to improve?

Did you know a judge can come to your rehearsal as a clinician? They can't review your show content, but they can consult on your basics program and training. Reach out to learn more! {insert clinician program contact/link here}

Understanding Scores, Commentary & Sheets

Judging sheets for each caption and competitive class can be found {insert link to judging sheets here}.

Each sheet evaluates a unit across two basic sections. For example, "Equipment" is scored based on "Vocabulary" and "Excellence." Feedback often comes down to what performers are being asked to do, and how well they're doing it. The back of the sheet explains the criteria for evaluation and scoring.

If you're ever unclear about judging criteria or the feedback you've received from a judge, contact your division's Judge Coordinator via our Staff & Leadership page.

Ways to Get Involved!

Our circuit offers plenty of opportunities for unit directors and staff to get involved and help our performers thrive.

Attend Meetings and Educational Events

AIA 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 the activity, build relationships, and grow your network. {insert meeting dates/link here}

Join a Committee

Wherever your interests and strengths lie, there's a committee for you! Education, Rules, Budget, Scholarships, Awards, Branding, or Championships — all are actively seeking new members to help further their goals and build our circuit. Reach out to our President to get connected with the committee chair(s) of your choice. {insert President contact info here}

Become a Contest Staff Member

Every contest requires paid AIA staff to help facilitate it in a variety of ways. Reach out to our Contest Coordinator for more information. {insert Contest Coordinator contact info here}

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. Learn more on our Event Partners page.

Run for a Board Position

Our Executive Board positions are elected at the Spring Meeting and serve a two-year term. The Board manages the circuit's business, communicates with members, and helps build the culture of our activity across Virginia and North Carolina. Ask a Board member about their role to learn more. {insert link to Board positions/responsibilities here}

Become a Judge

If you feel ready to take the next step in your indoor career, our Judge Development Coordinator can point you in the right direction. The training process is thorough and offers constant guidance and support. {insert Judge Development Coordinator contact info here}