IAPF COMPETITIONS
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE & GLOBAL STANDARDS
The International Arts & Percussion Festival (IAPF) competitions are conceived as a globally unified, professionally governed platform for artistic excellence, cultural expression, innovation, and youth engagement.
All IAPF competitions operate under the strict supervision, regulatory authority, and ethical framework of the International ArtsGames Committee (IAC), ensuring uniform standards, transparency, and international credibility across all participating countries.
Central Governance & Oversight
The IAC serves as the supreme regulatory and supervisory body for all IAPF competitions worldwide. Its responsibilities include:
Establishing competition rules, technical regulations, and adjudication standards
Accrediting judges, national coordinators, and partner institutions
Ensuring fair play, inclusivity, and cultural respect
Overseeing disciplinary procedures and dispute resolution
Guaranteeing alignment with international best practices in arts competitions
No competition, at any level, is conducted outside the authority and compliance framework of the IAC.
Multi-Tier Competition Structure
IAPF competitions are structured in a progressive, multi-tier format designed to maximize participation while maintaining excellence:
National Qualifiers
Conducted within each participating country under IAC-approved national partners. These stages identify outstanding performers across defined categories.
Regional & Continental Rounds
Successful national entrants progress to regional or continental competitions, fostering cross-cultural exchange and comparative excellence.
Global Finals (ArtsGames Level)
The highest-ranking competitors advance to the IAPF Global Finals, staged within the framework of the Youth ArtsGames or International ArtsGames, where the world’s finest talents converge.
Each tier adheres to the same core rules, scoring systems, and ethical codes established by the IAC.
Competition Categories
IAPF competitions are organized into clearly defined categories to reflect both tradition and innovation, including but not limited to:
- Melodic Percussion Competition
- Drumline
- Traditional Rhythms Competition
- Jazz Solo Competitions.
- Innovative Percussion Competition
Each category has category-specific technical requirements, repertoire guidelines, and evaluation criteria approved by the IAC.
Judging, Scoring & Integrity
All performances are evaluated by IAC-certified adjudicators using a standardized scoring system that assesses:
- Technical proficiency
- Artistic expression
- Rhythm, timing, and musicality
- Innovation and originality (where applicable)
- Cultural authenticity and presentation
Inclusion, Accessibility & Global Reach
IAPF competitions are deliberately structured to be globally accessible, combining:
- Online qualifying competitions that allow participation from all IAC-recognized countries
- Physical, in-person finals hosted in rotating international locations
- This hybrid model removes financial and geographical barriers while preserving the prestige and rigor of live global finals.
- Development, Legacy & Cultural Impact
Beyond competition, the IAPF framework emphasizes: - Youth development and talent incubation
- Cultural preservation and global artistic exchange
- Professional pathways for emerging artists
- International recognition and career advancement
- All outcomes, awards, and rankings are officially ratified by the IAC and recognized within the broader International ArtsGames ecosystem.
A Unified Global Standard
Through its structured governance, transparent progression system, and unwavering commitment to excellence, the IAPF, under the supervision of the IAC, stands as the definitive global platform for percussion and rhythmic arts competitions, uniting nations, cultures, and generations through disciplined creativity and artistic mastery.
