South Carolina State Old-Time Fiddling Championship Rules – 2025

Competition Categories

Banjo • Fiddle • Guitar • String Band • Wildcat

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Youth Division

Ages: 16 & under

• You may enter one or more contests, but you may only compete in either Youth or Adult — not both.

• Contestants may play in only one band.

• A minimum of 3 entries is required for a category to be judged.

• All Youth contests will be held and judged before Adult contests.

• The emcee will announce categories at least 15 minutes before they begin.

• Contestants must be near the stage and ready to play once called.

• Late arrivals will not be allowed to compete.

• Categories with 3 or fewer contestants: the preliminary will serve as the final round.

Tunes & Performance:

• Prepare two tunes.

• No finals unless 4 or more contestants are registered.

• In the event of a tie, contestants will play a different tune in a playoff.

• Tunes must be traditional/public domain or in the old-time style.

• No medleys, electric instruments, or DI devices.

• Singing is only allowed in Wildcat and Band contests.

• Alternate lead instruments are allowed only in the Wildcat category.

Special Requirements:

• Fiddle: One slow tune and one fast tune.

• String Band: Must include fiddle or banjo and instruments typical of old-time bands; perform one instrumental and one song.

Accompanists:

• May play the same instrument as contestant in Youth division.

• Maximum one accompanist per contestant.

• Accompanists must be registered for another contest or purchase general admission.

Instrumentation:

• Bands must have 3–6 members and at least three different string instruments.

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Adult/Senior Division

Ages: 17 & over

• You may enter one or more contests. Youth may only compete in one division (Adult or Youth).

• Contestants may play in only one band.

• A minimum of 3 entries is required for a category to be judged.

• All Youth contests will be judged before Adult contests.

• The emcee will announce categories at least 15 minutes before they begin.

• Contestants must be near the stage and ready to play once called.

• Categories with 3 or fewer contestants: the preliminary will serve as the final round.

Tunes & Performance:

• Preliminaries: two tunes.

• Finals: Top three in each category (except fiddle) will play one additional tune.

• Tunes must be traditional/public domain or in the old-time style.

• No medleys, electric instruments, or DI devices.

• Singing is only allowed in Wildcat and Band contests.

• Alternate lead instruments are allowed only in the Wildcat category.

Special Requirements:

• Fiddle: One slow tune and one fast tune in preliminaries. Top 7 Adults and Top 3 Seniors advance to finals with one additional tune.

• String Band: One instrumental and one song. Must include both a fiddle and a banjo, plus traditional old-time instruments.

Accompanists:

• Maximum one accompanist per contestant.

• Accompanist’s instrument must be different from contestant’s instrument.

• Accompanists must be registered for another contest or purchase general admission.

Instrumentation:

• Bands must have 3–6 members.

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General Rules for All Divisions

• Accidents: Issues beyond the contestant’s control (e.g., broken strings) may allow a replay at judges’ discretion.

• Lyrics: Must be family-friendly.

• Ties: Contestants must be present to play a different tune or forfeit higher placement.

Judging Criteria:
Judges’ decisions are final; score sheets will not be made public.

1. Rhythm & Timing

2. Tonal Qualities

3. Expression & Soul

4. Difficulty

5. Old-Time Style

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Prizes & Awards

Winners must complete financial paperwork at registration immediately after awards. Social Security numbers are required. Checks will be mailed within 4 weeks.

Total Prize Money: $3,875
Trophies and ribbons awarded in most categories.