Each band also receives a Divisional Rating based on score. Bands of America utilizes a criteria reference adjudication system. Adjudicators use the criteria reference to assign their rating and ranking of each band. It is Bands of America's position that the music is the more important aspect of the performance, with marching as the presentation and visual enhancement. Similarly, more emphasis is placed on general effect than on fine-line perfection.
Bands receive taped evaluation and scoresheets from each judge.
The emphasis is on the input the judge offers into the band's program via the taped evaluation. The Bands of America adjudication system is a criteria reference system, in which a band showing proficiency in particular criteria, or meeting certain criteria at a certain level, fall within a scoring range. It is the position of Bands of America that music is the more important aspect of the performance, with marching as the presentation and visual enhancement of the program. Similarly, more emphasis has been placed on the effectiveness to the general effect judges than on fine-line perfection of the performance judges. Each judge is assigned a specific area on which he or she focuses.