The first annual gathering of the BCPA saw competitions organized into Novice, Ladies, Under 16, 16 and Over and Open (or Professional) divisions. This seemed logical at a time when women were thought to be weaker pipers than men.
The initial BCPA event featured competitions categorized by skill level, with divisions for novices, ladies, under-16s, those aged 16 and over, and professionals (or open). This division was likely influenced by the societal belief that women were less skilled pipers than men.