Competition Divisions
Teams compete in three distinct divisions based on experience level and competitive history. Each division ensures fair competition while providing opportunities for growth and advancement.
Team Requirements
- • Minimum 13 cadets required for full event participation
- • Maximum one team per school per division/level for DIV I, II & III
- • Schools can bring more than one team (armed & unarmed) and can compete in different levels, but cadets cannot cross-over and compete for more than one team
Example: An Armed team in Division I and an Unarmed team in Division II
Division I - Armed & Unarmed
Masters Level
Elite competition division for the most experienced teams demonstrating proven competitive excellence.
- • Advanced teams with proven track record of excellence
- • Highest level of precision and skill expected
- • Demonstrated success at local and regional levels with national competitiveness
Division II - Armed & Unarmed
Advanced Level
Competitive teams with solid performance history seeking to advance their skills and challenge themselves.
- • Regional competitive experience with developing precision and skill
- • Consistent success at the local level
- • Prepared for increased challenge at the advanced level
Division III - Armed & Unarmed
Basic Level
Developing teams with limited competitive experience building foundational skills and confidence.
- • Limited competitive experience
- • Smaller or newer programs welcome
- • Emphasis on fundamentals and growth
Open Level Color Guard
All Experience Levels
Single unified competition for color guard teams representing all experience levels and program sizes.
- • All skill levels compete together
- • For schools wishing to attend with only a Color Guard
- • For schools with an extra Color Guard they wish to bring
Competition Events & Scoresheets
All Teams compete in four team events with additional Solo & Dual Exhibition events
Inspection
Uniform, Bearing, Knowledge
Regulation
Basic commands by the Manual
Color Guard
Basic commands by the Manual
Exhibition
Creative drill performance showcase
Standard Operating Procedures
Comprehensive rules and regulations governing all aspects of NHSDTC
General SOP
Covers non-competition items including finances, eligibility requirements, registration procedures, and general event policies.
- • Financial policies and procedures
- • Team eligibility requirements
- • Registration and documentation
- • General event guidelines
Competition SOP
Detailed rules and regulations for all competition events, scoring criteria, and performance standards.
- • Event-specific rules and regulations
- • Scoring criteria and methodology
- • Performance standards and expectations
- • Competition procedures and protocols
SOP Updates
Stay informed about the latest changes and updates to our Standard Operating Procedures.
Initial SOP Posting
SOPs are now posted for the 2026 NHSDTC. Many events across the country utilize these SOPs and Scoresheets so they have been posted first. Always read BOTH SOPs to best prepare your teams for competition. Involve your cadets in reading them as well. Registrations will open in mid September 2025, along with posting of drill area schematics. Good Luck!
Competition SOP Revised
The Competition SOP has been revised and maintains some new information. All teams MUST download and review the correct SOP document shown as REV2 to fully prepare to compete.