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 first annual gathering of the BCPA saw competitions organized into distinct categories: Novice, Ladies, Under 16, 16 and Over, and Open (or Professional). This division was based on gender stereotypes suggesting that women were less skilled pipers than men.