rpbobcat

I've read DCI's Policy and Procedure Manual . I wonder how many corps directors and staff have ? DCI loves things like "Subject to" . Under "Maintenance" it talks about a "daily inspection by a lay person". Define "lay" ? It also doesn't mention having to keep a record of "who, what when" with inspections. Those should be kept, and provided to DCI regularly ,during the tour. Of course, then they may have to read them. Approved prop designs should also be provided to DCI before the season, along with a record of any repairs. DCI "strongly recommends" engaging an expert. Like corps are following that recommendation. It also says props are "subject to inspection by DCI at any time". Anyone here ever seen DCI do this. And if they have, what were the person's expertise. It also talks about "enforcement". But has any one here ever seen anyone a "contest director" or DCI appointee even look at, let alone prohibit a prop. Again, DCI wants no part in enforcing it own rules. DCI should have a representative at every show checking props. They don't meet the rules, the corps can't use it/them. Of course I also believe in Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny. When it comes to props, the Manual seems more of a "CYA" document in case there's a law suit. Nothing more.

You're dead on. The thing is, who is going to make that rule ,and then enforce it ? Its obvious, under its current mindset ,(see no evil . . .) it won't be DCI, at least not in its current promulgation. As has been pointed out previously in this thread ,DCI doesn't even enforce existing rules on things like props. Even last year's Covid rules weren't anything more then "recommendations"/guidelines. If that wasn't a time for DCI to be given the authority to make/enforce rules, I don't think they (the corps) ever will. I've said it before, drum corps needs a true regulatory body. Not just people who schedule and attempt to run contests.

In the part of Northern NJ where I live it, was unusually hot and humid, from mid July till last week. The worst part was that, most nights it didn't go below 80 deg. What was unusual was that the weather people weren't saying anything about this being related to climate change. They said there a "dome" of hot air from the West over the area and there weren't any cold fronts with enough "omph" to move it.

Few Things: 1.Speaking for North Jersey where I live. Normally the Tour Premiere is not well attended. This year was worse. That's for a single theater show. Don't think 3 theater shows in a couple of weeks is going to sell very well. 2.You start going into mid August, and some high high schools and colleges are already in session. 3.If you're suggesting earlier Regionals, that's gonna create a lot of friction. A few years ago they moved the Easts to mid July for 1 year. People were complaining about the shows not being close to "finished".

Problem is, closest dome to Allentown or NJ is Syracuse. There have been a number of posts about the problems with that facility.

So no shows of any kind in the North East including Mass., NJ, NY Pa. (Pitt. isn't really north east) ? Also a lot of corps would lose their "home" shows. Don't think that's gonna fly.

Just wonder what "rule" are you're referring to ?

I was at Met Life when the Bluecoats did their first Beatles show. I couldn't believe that their props (ramps) got so slick from a light rain, that they had to delay their performance so they could "towel them off" . A disaster waiting to happen. Common sense tells you to use some type on "non-slip" surface. We have to use it on any "ramp" for playground equipment .

First off what defines a "worker" ? One could argue that people who assemble/disassemble props are "workers". If I were DCI and the corps (one and the same) I would have their attorneys look into this

OSHA did offer courses and certifications. I'd start there.

As far as I know, OHSA's rules apply to the structure proper, not who owns or uses it. I do design projects for schools, churches, playgrounds, etc. They all have to comply with OSHA.

When it comes to something like a "prop", it would need to be designed by a P.E. or Licensed Architect. He/she would need to design it according to meet all structural and "Code" requirements. By signing and sealing the plans and calculations he/she is "signing off" on the design. I don't know any engineers that would even attempt to review a plan that wasn't prepared, signed and sealed by either a P.E. or Licensed Architect. The plan's preparer also has to make sure his/her design "dots all the I's and crosses all the "t's" " so that he/she is covered under his/her Errors and Omission Insurance. As far as Maintaining Credentials, I have to take 36 hours of Continuing Education every two years to maintain my PE and LS licenses. I give your relative credit. Trying to determine if as building is structurally sound after an earthquake is something I wouldn't even attempt.

Complying with the DCI rule, isn't the primary concern. Its OSHA. As far as I know, any open sided platform , 6' or more above grade, requires a railing . If that isn't practical other methods like a safety belt may be used. If someone gets hurt, and they find that there was an OSHA violation , the corps and possibly DCI ,if they aren't enforcing not only their own rules, but OSHA too, has a very big problem.

Does anyone know if staff contracts have anything similar to college coaches, where there are "buy out" clauses ?

You left out Bactine 🙂 Can't say that, in general ,I disagree. I do expert testimony involving kids who got injured on playground equipment. In one case we found a flaw in a design, that required the manufacturer to redesign a particular piece of equipment. In every case I've been involved with, the equipment was designed and fabricated by a well known manufacturer, and installed by a certified installer with a third party certification. But, if there's a lawsuit, the lawyers go into everything including, how often the equipment was inspected. Was there preventive maintenance ? Were any repairs ever made ? If so, what ? Does equipment stay out year round ? Today's playground equipment has more "safety stickers" then you can imagine. If corps aren't following all applicable "rules" ie Code and not documenting things like "damage", they're playing Russian Roulette with their future.

I'm an engineer. I've got a few questions : 1. Are there Code requirements, including OSHA that props have to comply with ? 2. Do prop designs require plans signed and sealed by a Professional Engineer or Licensed Architect ? 3. Do the prop designers have to provide instructions for assembling, dissembling, transporting and maintaining props. 4.Do corps have to keep any type of log concerning prop maintenance, repairs, etc. ? 5.Do prop designers and fabricators have to carry Liability Insurance in case a prop fails ? Looking at some of the props used for shows like "downside up" and this years Mandarins, there's a lot of potential liability if a kid get hurt, in a fall. Or if a prop fails due to design or error in assembly ,disassembly or maintenance.

Go to the Tour Premiere and BLL every year. Really enjoy it. After Allentown last weekend, air conditioning, comfy seats, ample bathrooms and free drink refills sounds really good.

Now that OC has been decided, does anyone know when DCI will put out the performance order and times for prelims tomorrow ?

My wife and I were in Allentown last weekend. We were surprised how many people were upset that DCI didn't put out some type of Anniversary Program for the 50th season. People were saying that the programs are their only way to know what the majority of the corps shows were about and the music they were playing. Seemed like tremendous missed opportunity.

Several people have posted that the dome would be a logistical nightmare trying to get corps in and out. In my 20+ years of going to the Easts, I've found they draw a lot of "local" people from Pa. and NJ. Many drive in and go home each night. Don't know how many of those people would be willing to drive the 4 hours (at least in my case) it would take to get there.

Guys and Dolls: Luck Be A Lady

If you go back through this thread, there are all kinds of issues/questions of what DCI can/will do. That being said, if GH had any common sense 😂 he would go anywhere near Allentown.

This is going to sound like "splitting hairs". But ,is DCI "leasing" the property or just "renting" for 2 nights. If its an actual "lease" it should include language relative access to the site. Renting, for 2 nights, I doubt its covered in the rental contract.

Does anyone know exactly what the conditions of his probation are ? If he is in violation of his probation, given all the attention he's gotten for attending events, by know the Judge would know about it and act accordingly.

I'm not a lawyer. But I am a Land Surveyor. I have to deal with "trespass" all the time. In fact ,NJ has a statute allowing a Land Surveyor to trespass. As far as I know, trespass is defined as "entry to a person's land or property without their permission". How could that apply to property DCI doesn't own ?