National Oldtime Fiddlers' Contest
Weiser, Idaho
Fiddling Capital of the World

National Oldtime Fiddlers' Inc Certification Information

The National Fiddlers' Certification and Advisory Board administers and recognizes contests as a CERTIFIED CONTEST, when they agree to adhere to the General Rules of the National Contest as closely as possible and to use their contest to promote and perpetuate oldtime fiddling.

There is an annual application process to become a Nationally Certified Contest.  The first step in becoming a certified contest is to contact Barbara Garrett, Certification Chairman at 208.414.0255.

Certification is a way for contests to obtain judging rules, have access to information through the National Oldtime Fiddlers' Inc., and to be promoted in our list of certified contests on our website and in the National Fiddler Publication. 

Currently there are approximately 30 contests from around the United States that are certified. Both regional and state contests can qualify to be  certified. 

CERTIFICATION OVERVIEW 

1.  PURPOSE:  The purpose of Certification shall be as set forth by the National Oldtime Fiddlers Contest^® at Weiser, Idaho as outlined below.

2.    WHY CERTIFIED CONTESTS WERE ESTABLISHED:  Certification and Advisory Board, in cooperation with the National Oldtime Fiddlers’ Contest, established the plan of certifying Fiddling Contests to insure that oldtime fiddling activities throughout the nation were being coordinated in a professional and positive manner.

3.    COST OF CERTIFICATION:  The fee for certifying up to eight divisions of a State or Regional Contest is $195.  (State contests limit registration to state residents only.  Regional contests are open to residents of all states.)  The fee for certifying only the Grand Champion Division is $60.  This is to cover the cost of entry fee(s) of contest winner(s) in the National Contest, printing and mailing of certificates.

 4.     WHAT CERTIFICATION DOES: 

·     Promotes National recognition and perpetuation of oldtime fiddling throughout the United States.

·     Encourages Regional styles and tunes as part of the National fiddling lore.

·     Supplies Certified Contests with National rules and gives assistance in the organization and implementation of contests.

·     Upon request, special certificates are awarded to contest sponsors.  Certificates are suitable for framing.

·     Furnishes Certificate of Award (suitable for framing) for presentation to Certified Champions.

·     Provides special recognition to Certified Champions at events during the National Contest.

·     Winners are given a certified ribbon along with their contestant ribbon at Nationals.

·     Provides the winner with prepaid registration to the National Contest.

·     Provides year-round publicity and promotion of your contest through the National Oldtime Fiddlers website and the National Oldtime Fiddler newspaper.

To become a Certified Contest please contact
Barbara Garrett at 208.414.0255 for more information.