Scholastic Open Class
Colorguards in this class are high school guards that are very experienced.  The members of guards in this class are trained to a strong level and are able to understand & apply skills in equipment, movement, and performance at an intermediate to advanced level with mostly moments of simultaneous responsibilities. Productions from these colorguards range from a minimum of 5 minutes to a maximum of 6 minutes with at least 3.5 minutes of equipment time* included in the production. Equal emphasis is placed on the continued training of the individual member and the principles of show design.  High schools using only students enrolled at that school (or those providing a certification letter from the Principal that all students are eligible to particpate in that program) are eligible to register for this class.  This class utilizes the WGI Open Class adjudication material for competitive evaluation.

Independent Open Class
Colorguards in this class are not affiliated with a high school. Members of guards in this class may participate until their 23rd birthday, or until the end of the season if their birthday falls after March 31. The members of guards in this class are trained to a strong level and are able to understand & apply skills in equipment, movement, and performance at an intermediate to advanced level with mostly moments of simultaneous responsibilities. Productions from these colorguards range from a minimum of 5 minutes to a maximum of 6 minutes with at least 3.5 minutes of equipment time* included in the production. Emphasis is placed on the training of the individual member, but it is also expected that principles of show design are demonstrated constantly and at an intermediate level. High schools using only students enrolled at that school are eligible to register for this class. WGI recognizes this class on a national level and such units may compete at WGI Regionals and WGI World Championships. This class utilizes the WGI Open Class adjudication material for competitive evaluation.