1. All entrants must report to the venue by 10am.
2. Competitors will be briefed on the judging criteria prior to the competition.
3. The team event will involve three team members pruning three separate elements on previously two-cane pruned vines. For the individual event the pruner will have to carry out all three elements.
4, Each team or individual will (1) prune, (2) strip, (3) trim and tie a minimum of 5 vines in 10 minutes.
5. Only one competitor per team element at any one time during the competition. Only once each element has been completed can the next team member start the next element of the event. Bonus points will be awarded for each additional vine pruned and pulled out by only by one person after the first 5 vines have been correctly pruned, pulled, trimmed and tied down.
6. The ‘pruner’ (1) will cut back to a maximum of 2 x 10 bud canes and 2×2 bud replacement spurs. Majority of points awarded for cuts and spurs. Majority of points awarded for cuts and spurs that respect sap flow.
7. The ‘cane-puller’ (2) will strip out unwanted canes and last year’s fruiting wood and place in the inter-row leaving the area under vine debris free.
8. The ‘tier’ (3) will trim and tie the canes cutting 15-20mm past the last bud and tie will a single wrapped twist tie just back from the last node of the cane.
9. All entrants must supply their own pruning equipment, gloves, safety glasses and appropriate footwear etc.
10. No electronic secateurs are allowed.
11. Over 18’s only.
12. Invoices for entries will sent to applicants by WineGB
13. Prize money will be paid by bank transfer by WineGB