What is Winter Guard?

Winter guard is a performing art and competitive indoor sport that combines choreographed dance with the synchronized manipulation of equipment like flags, rifles, and sabres. Often called the "Sport of the Arts," it evolved from the traditional colour guard that performs with marching bands, but is a separate activity with key differences.

Performance characteristics

  • Indoor activity: Winter guard competitions are held indoors, typically in a gymnasium or arena, as opposed to the outdoor football field setting of marching band.
  • Recorded music: Unlike colour guard with a live marching band, winter guard performs routines to
    pre-recorded music.
  • Detailed routines: Teams perform a themed show incorporating dance, emotion, and intricate equipment work.
  • Floor tarp: A unique, custom-designed floor mat or tarp often covers the gymnasium floor and adds to the show's visual effect.
  • Judging criteria: Teams are scored by judges on various factors, including their creativity, precision, execution, and the overall effect of their performance.

Competition structure

Winter guard teams compete in regional and national competitions throughout the winter and spring, culminating in the Winter Guard United Kingdom (WGUK)  Championships. 

Teams are typically organised into multiple classes based on age and scoring: 

  • Kids Class: Members of a Kids Class Guard must not be over 8 years of age on the 30th April 2026 to perform in the 2026 circuit and is based on School Key Stage 1
  • Cadet Class: The average age of all the members in a Cadet Class Guard must not be over 10 years of age on the 31st August of the year preceding the competitive circuit
  • Junior Class: The average age of the members in a Junior Class Guard must not be over 16 years of age on the 31st August of the year preceding the competitive circuit.
  • A Class: The average age of the members in an A Class Guard must not be over 22 years of age on the 31st August of the year preceding the competitive circuit
  • Open Class: There is no age limit in Open Class
  • World Class: There is no age limit in World Class - a certain score in open class on a certain date of the season will promote you into World Class

Equipment

The primary equipment used in winter guard routines includes: 

  • Flags: Vary in size and shape and can have custom-printed designs.
  • Mock rifles: Used for spinning and tossing and made of plastic or wood.
  • Mock sabers: A blunt, sword-like piece of equipment, typically used by more advanced performers. 

Global presence

 

While it originated in the U.S., Winter Guard International (WGI) has grown internationally.

Organisations such as Winter Guard United Kingdom (WGUK) and Color Guard Netherlands (CGN) hold their own competitions and work with WGI to standardize the activity globally. 

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