Dave Moldover's Dance Jam Productions presents....

DC's Summer Swing Dance Weekend
West Coast Swing & Hustle
August 2-5th, 2012

OFFICIAL SWING FLING CONTEST RULES

SWING FLING in a member of the following competition tours.
If you enter a SWING FLING contest that is part of a tour you must also follow the tour rules and requirements.

• WSDC World Swing Dance Council Jack & Jill Registry
• IHDA International Hustle Dance Association

 
General Rules - All Competitors must...
* Be responsible for reading, knowing and observing all contest rules.
* Exhibit good sportsmanship at all times.
* Not use offensive or vulgar gestures, costumes or song lyrics.
* Be at least 16 years old (except in Youth Pro/Am or Team).
* Purchase a basic weekend pass (except members of teams).
* Register and pay the entry fee prior to the deadlines.
* Sign a release consenting to unrestricted use of photos, video and names which may appear in future promotions.

Additionally..
* There are specific times scheduled for competitor floor trials. See the schedule
* Relative placement scoring will be used to determine winners. A chief judge settles scoring disputes. Those decisions are final. 
* If there are fewer than 5 entries in any contest, it may be cancelled or prize payouts reduced.

Strictly Swing & Hustle Contests – Enter with your partner. The contest DJ picks the music. Different skill levels are offered. Generally a couple should enter the highest skill level they are qualified for. Each skill level is a separate contest. You may only enter one skill level for each type of dance. Sophisticated is not considered a skill level therefore you may enter both Sophisticated and the skill level you are qualified for. Couples dance in heats for 2 to 5 short songs appropriate for their division with contrasting tempos and styles. If more than 15 couples enter a division there will be a preliminary contest followed by a final contest later the same evening. Judges will evaluate couples based on their demonstration of good social dancing skills, timing, technique, connection, lead and follow, presentation, showmanship and skill level.
* Costumes and props are not allowed but coordinating attire is acceptable.
* Couples must remain in contact unless executing a spin.
* Dancers must maintain their own physical contact with the floor during partner weight support moves. 
* The same partners may not dance together in a strictly contest and a solo contest of the same dance. Example: The same couple may not enter both Open Routine and Strictly Swing together. They can dance in both contests with different partners.

Strictly Swing Contests
5 Levels of Strictly West Coast Swing competitions are offered.
Novice: For couples with limited or no competition experience that have never placed 1st in a Strictly Swing division at a large national competition before. 
Intermediate: For couples with some previous competition experience and success. If either partner has previously won or placed well in a Strictly Swing contest at a national event you should move up to this division.
Advanced: For couples with significant competition experience who are not yet ready to compete in an open division against professionals for the big money.
Open: For experienced competitors and professionals with previous competition success at advanced or higher levels. Competitors who have placed previously in an open professional division at a national competition must dance in this division. Cash prizes are offered in the Open level only.
Sophisticated(40+): Both partners must be 40 years of age or older. Because this is an age requirement and not a skill level requirement you may also enter another strictly swing contest at the appropriate skill level if you wish.

Strictly Hustle Contests
5 Levels of Strictly Hustle competition are offered.
Novice (IHDA Level 1): For couples who have limited or no competition experience who have never placed 1st in a Strictly Hustle division at a national competition before. 
Intermediate (IHDA Level 2): For couples with some previous competition experience and success. If either partner has previously won or placed well in a Strictly Hustle contest at a national event you should move up to this division.
Advanced (IHDA Level 3): For couples with significant competition experience who are not yet ready to compete in an open division against professionals for the big money.
Open: For experienced competitors and professionals with previous competition success at advanced or higher levels. Competitors who have placed previously in an open professional division at a national competition must dance in this division. Cash prizes are offered.
Sophisticated(40+): Both partners must be 40 years of age or older. Because this is an age requirement and not a skill level requirement you may also enter another strictly Hustle contest at the appropriate skill level if you wish.

For all Choreographed Routine Divisions
* Costumes are encouraged. No props are allowed.
* Choreographed entrances will be counted towards time limits.
* Restarts are only allowed in cases of:
1. Music malfunction/Technical problem.
2. Wardrobe/Costume malfunction.
3. Head Judge stops the couple. 

Open Routine - Any style of Swing or Hustle. Costumes, lifts, drops, tricks and stunts are allowed but not required. Routines are danced in solo format. Dance order is chosen at random and posted prior to the division start time. Music provided by each couple must be a single track on a clearly labeled CD at least 2 minutes and no longer than 3 minutes.
* Must include at least 70% recognizable swing, hustle or hand dance content.
* Costumes are allowed and encouraged. No props are allowed.
* Lifts, drops, tricks and stunts are allowed but not required.

Rising Star - This single division includes all styles of Swing: West Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, Hustle, Shag and Hand Dance or any other style of popular swing dance. It is for couples that have limited experience with choreography and do not want to compete against professionals in the open classic divisions. Routines are danced in a solo format. Dance order is chosen at random and posted prior to the division start time. Music provided by each couple must be a single track on a clearly labeled CD at least 2 minutes and no longer than 3½ minutes. If either partner has previously placed 5th or higher at a N.A.S.D.E. Classic or Showcase event they are no longer eligible to compete in Rising Star. If a couple has a total of 3 wins together in Rising Star division at MADjam, Swing Fling or elsewhere they must move up to an open level division.
* Must include at least 70% recognizable swing, hustle or hand dance content.
* Costumes are allowed and encouraged. No props are allowed.
* Lifts, drops, tricks and stunts are allowed but not required.

Pro/Am Spotlight Division - This single division is offered for all styles of Swing: West Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, Hustle, Shag and Hand Dance or any other style of popular swing dance. Students enter with their teacher and perform a choreographed routine to music they choose. Couples dance in a solo format. Both the teacher and amateur's performance is considered by the judges. Dance order will be chosen at random and posted prior to the division start time. Music provided by the competitors must be a single track on a clearly labeled CD at least 2 minutes long and no longer than 3½ minutes. Limited to the 1st 10 entries received.  
* Must include at least 70% recognizable swing, hustle or hand dance content.
* Costumes are allowed and encouraged. No props are allowed.
* Lifts, drops, tricks and stunts are allowed but not required.

Team Contest - At least 4 couples performing a choreographed routine. This single contest combines Swing, Hustle and Hand Dance.  Music provided by each team must be a single track on a clearly labeled CD at least 3 minutes and no longer than 5 minutes.
* Must include at least 70% recognizable swing, hustle or hand dance content.
* Costumes are allowed and encouraged. No props are allowed.
* Lifts, drops, tricks and stunts are allowed but not required.

Pro/Am - Students enter with their teacher. For this contest, amateurs are defined as someone who does not teach dancing on a regular, ongoing basis or make a significant amount of income from teaching. A professional is defined as someone who makes a significant amount of income teaching or performing dance. Anyone who has previously competed in open or professional level competition will be considered a Pro for this purpose. Couples entering the Pro/Am divisions must have a prior student/teacher relationship. In Pro/Am divisions only the amateur is evaluated. Different skill levels are offered. Each skill level is a separate contest. You may enter 2 skill levels for each dance. Placements through 5th in each division will be recognized with an award.  Scores will be available through the event website following the event weekend. Each teacher is limited to a maximum of 5 students per division. Competitors age 15 and under must enter Youth Divisions. Couples dance in heats with multiple couples on the floor at once. The DJ picks the music. Couples dance to about 1½ minutes of a song appropriate for their division. 

* Costumes and props are not allowed. Coordinating attire is acceptable
* Couples must remain in contact unless executing a spin.
* No lifts, drops or partner supported moves allowed.
* No choreographed entrances or exits

Pro/Am Music tempo range:
West Coast Swing (100-120bpm), Hustle (100-115bpm)

The following West Coast Swing Pro/Am divisions will be offered:
Pro/Am, West Coast Swing, Youth (15 and under)
Pro/Am, West Coast Swing, Sophisticated (40+), Female amateur
Pro/Am, West Coast Swing, Sophisticated (40+), Male amateur
Pro/Am, West Coast Swing, Newcomer Male amateur
Pro/Am, West Coast Swing, Newcomer, Female amateur
Pro/Am, West Coast Swing, Novice, Male amateur
Pro/Am, West Coast Swing, Novice, Female amateur
Pro/Am, West Coast Swing, Intermediate, Male amateur
Pro/Am, West Coast Swing, Intermediate, Female amateur
Pro/Am, West Coast Swing, Advanced, Male amateur
Pro/Am, West Coast Swing, Advanced, Female amateur

Youth - For students age 15 and under regardless of previous dance or competition experience.

Sophistcated - For students age 40 and over regardless of previous dance or competition experience.

Newcomer (pre-novice) - This is an entry level division for students with very little or no previous competition experience. It is limited to students competing less than 1 year in that dance. Students who have previously won a contest against 3 or more entries should move up to novice or intermediate. Newcomer competitors should exhibit traditional basic figures only. Judges will be looking for good basic technique, connection, timing and confidence. Complex variations and elaborate patterns are not acceptable in newcomer divisions. 

Novice - This division is for students with less than 3 years total dance experience and limited previous competition experience. Students are expected to perform solid basics. Limited variations are allowed but not required. No leans, drops, or breakaways are allowed. All material should be recognizable as familiar, common “leadable” social patterns.

Intermediate - This division is for students with significant prior competition and or dance experience. Students are expected to perform clean basics with variations and musicality. Judges will consider musical interpretation, showmanship and creativity. If you want to show off, you should enter this division.

Advanced – This division is for seasoned competitors who want to get in front of the audience and judges with their teacher. The just dance division rules apply and judges will consider everything including but not limited to: variations, musicality, teamwork, showmanship and creativity.

The following Hustle Pro/Am divisions will be offered:
Hustle Pro/Am contests use IHDA structure and guidelines.
It is your responsibility to know and understand these guidelines.

Pro/Am, Hustle, Youth (15 and under)
Pro/Am, Hustle, Sophistcated (40+), Female amateur
Pro/Am, Hustle, Sophisticated (40+), Male amateur
Pro/Am, Hustle, (Pre-Novice IHDA level 1), Male amateur
Pro/Am, Hustle, (Pre-Novice IHDA level 1), Female amateur
Pro/Am, Hustle, Novice (IHDA level 2), Male amateur
Pro/Am, Hustle, Novice (IHDA level 2), Female amateur
Pro/Am, Hustle, Intermediate (IHDA level 3), Male amateur
Pro/Am, Hustle, Intermediate (IHDA level 3), Female amateur
Pro/Am, Hustle, Advanced (IHDA level 4), Male amateur
Pro/Am, Hustle, Advanced (IHDA level 4), Female amateur

IHDA Pro/Am contest guidelines for Hustle

Level One = Pre-Novice: This level would be simple happy dancing, back and forth, stay in place, maintaining connection, much like you might find beginners doing at a wedding. Good for fast music. For beginners only, people would have to move on after 6 months or a year. Many students would skip this level.
Guide: 3 count rhythm (1 measure patterns only)
Quarter and Half Turns (not exceeding 1/2 turn elements)
Stationary dance
Maintain connection at all times (either right to right hand hold / left to right hand hold / double hand hold)
Rules: Any pattern can be used as long as the criteria from Level 1 is implemented. There will be no syncopations allowed. Maintain connection at all times. No traveling. One year Cut-off for competing in this division.
Suggested patterns: Cross-Body Lead, Wheel, Hesitations, Underarm Turn Combination (You Go, I Go, You Go), Double Hand Hold Bridges. (Please note: This list are example patterns, you may use any pattern you like as long as the rules are maintained.)

Level Two = Novice: This level adds one-and-a-half left turns and a little more room with NY Walks and a Grapevine, but still stays in place, with continuous connection
Guide: Any pattern from Level 1
up to 1-1/2 turns with connection (not exceeding 1-1/2 turns)
3 and 6 count patterns (2 measure patterns)
Maintain Connection with Slight disconnect during transitions (either right to right hand hold / left to right hand hold / double hand hold)
Rules: Any pattern can be used as long as the criteria from Level 2 is implemented. There will be no syncopations allowed. Maintain connection at all times unless during transitions (ex: sliding door). No traveling beyond a 6 count pattern. No consecutive 1-1/2 turns.
Suggested patterns: Leader's Behind the Back Pass, Cross-Body Lead, Cross-Body Lead with Open Break to Return, Grapevine, Sliding Door, Cross Body Lead with Inside Turn, Shadow with Comb, Las Vegas, NY walks. (Please note: these are example patterns, you may use any pattern you like as long as the rules are maintained.)

Level Three = Intermediate: This level adds rhythmic diversity with swivels. Also double right turns, consecutive one-and-a-half turns, and syncopations used for example in Las Vegas.
Guide: Any pattern from Level 1 and 2
3 and 6 count patterns (2 measure patterns with the ability to release hold)
Syncopated basic
Extended rhythm (extra 2 beat increments only)
Rules: Any pattern can be used as long as the criteria from the IHDA Intermediate level is implemented. There will be no syncopated turns with (+12+3+4) (Ex: no 4-count turn, no continuous turns). Connection is not mandatory. No traveling beyond a 6 count pattern. No blind leads. No free spins. Both feet on floor (Ex: no rondes). No poses and/or holding a beat.
Suggested patterns: Swivels and Variations of Such, Diva Walks, Wrap Turn Variations, Free New York Walk. (Please note: these are example patterns, you may use any pattern you like as long as the rules are maintained.)

Level Four= Advanced: This level is for the seriously competitive, where an Am would need to place at the Intermediate level a certain number of times before entering the Advanced level. Entry in all other levels would be based on the material an Am is working on. This would contain whatever moves are beyond good dancers, and would also contain a musical component- dancing to very fast, and very slow music, both of which develop very different skills.
Guide: Any pattern
Rules: This division is to better showcase technique, timing, and styling. NO routines, entrances or exits, lifts, aerials, drops, dips or acrobatic moves permitted. All patterns MUST be lead and follow.
Suggested patterns: Fred and Ginger/Pivots, Rondes, Capes, Samba Turns, Timing Variations, Pop, Snap, Syncopated Timing Variations, Waltz and any pattern from levels 1-4. All patterns MUST be lead and follow. (Please note: these are example patterns, you may use any pattern you like as long as the rules are maintained.)
Patterns that will be penalized: One Leg Turns, Horse and Cart Variations, Side by Side Combinations, Any TRICK Pattern.

Jack & Jill Divisions - There are Jack & Jill contests for many levels of dancers in West Coast Swing & Hustle. Onsite registration for all Jack & Jill divisions is limited. The strict entry deadline will be published in advance. You must enter before the deadline. Jack & Jill contests allow individuals to enter without a partner and demonstrate skills in spontaneous dancing with a variety of partners. There is an inherent “luck of the draw” factor involved. Leaders and followers are randomly paired. There will be several partner changes during the preliminary and semi-final rounds. Competitors are scored individually on timing, technique and teamwork in the preliminary heats. Those scoring the highest will be called back later to dance in a final round. In the final, individuals are randomly paired, then scored as a couple. The DJ picks the music. Tempo and style will vary. All songs will be appropriate for the dance division entered. There are significant cash prizes awarded to the winners. The amounts are based on the number of entries in each division.

* You may only enter 1 level of Jack & Jill per dance (sophisticated is an exception).
* You may enter different levels for swing and hustle dances.
* Male competitors must enter as a leader, female competitors must enter as a follower.
* You must be at least 16 years old

Hustle Jack & Jill Levels Novice, Intermediate, Open, Sophisticated (40+)

Tournament Jack & Jill coming soon

Competitor Responsibilities
1. Plan ahead. Know the event schedule in advance and arrive in time to meet our contest registration deadlines. Bring appropriate competition attire. Be sure to check when you arrive for any last-minute changes to our schedule.
2. Know the rules. Read the competition rules carefully prior to the contest. You are responsible for following our rules whether you have read them or not. If you have questions, you should contact our Competition Coordinator ahead of time.
3. Turn in your music to the DJ at least 1 hour prior to your division. Music for routines must be a single track on a CD and clearly labeled. If you need your music’s tempo altered, started in the middle of the track or an early fade out, please have someone edit your music in advance.
4. Be prepared to compete. Be in the ballroom at least 15 minutes prior to the start of your competition. Remember to bring your bib number (we will charge you a replacement fee of $10 if you lose it). If you miss the competition or withdraw after the registration deadline you forfeit your entry fee. Check in with the competitor coordinator and make sure your name and bib numbers are correctly listed on the appropriate competitor heat sheets.
5. Be a good sport. You must demonstrate good sporting conduct both on and off the competition floor. This includes treating partners, other competitors, competition officials, spectators, and the event itself with respect. Demonstrating a poor attitude by behaving in ways that the judges deem inappropriate will result in your disqualification. Use only appropriate channels to communicate your concerns. If you have questions or concerns about our competitions, use appropriate channels to share your concerns such as a private discussion with our competition coordinator, chief judge, or contestant representative. You are not allowed to pressure, challenge, or argue with the judges. If you harass or verbally abuse a judge or other competition official, we will disqualify you and may also ban you from competing at this event in the future.

Definitions
Acrobatic Movement - Any move where either partner independently or in partnership passes his/her foot, leg or torso above and across the vertical plane of either partner's head, or passes their head through the legs of the standing partner even if contact with the floor is maintained.

Aerial - A movement where one partner is lifted by an assisting partner and the waist of the lifted partner is above the shoulders of the other partner.

Breakaway - A set of symmetric or complementary movements or footwork executed by a couple who intentionally break contact (except for spins and turns), which is not a clearly leadable derivative of a recognizable swing pattern.

Costumes - Attire which, in the opinion of the judges, is specifically designed or selected for couples competition and would not generally be worn for social dancing.

Drop – Movement in which either partner’s head and torso go below knee level of the other partner. 

Entrance - Pre-choreographed segment of a performance, where competitors formally enter the floor and prepare to dance. Acknowledging your partner, the judges, or the audience is not considered an entrance.

Exit - Pre-choreographed segment of a performance, where competitors leave the floor. Acknowledging your partner, the judges, or the audience is not considered an exit.

Lifts - Any movement lasting longer than a full beat of music where the feet of one partner are clearly off the floor and the other partner supports the lifted partner's weight. 

Props - Throw away skirts, shirts, scarfs, etc are considered props in this context and are not allowed. Anything other than what would be considered acceptable clothing. 

Routine - Any segment, which, in the opinion of the judges, consists of prearranged choreography including symmetric or complementary movements or footwork.

Swing Content - includes West Coast, Hustle, Hand Dance. Lindy hop and Shag.

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Relative Placement Scoring
This is the system used to determine winners. It was adapted from the figure skating system and is now widely used at major dance competitions. It minimizes the impact of a rouge judge's mark and recognizes the most consistently scored entry. An equal numerical value is assigned to each Judge's raw scores, so that each Judge has an equal vote in the final outcome.

A. Number of Judges Needed

1. A minimum of 5 Judges is required for Relative Placement, but the use of 7 or 9 Judges is recommended.
2. An even or odd number of Judges may be used for call-backs in the preliminary and semi-final rounds. In Jack & Jill’s, half of the Judges may judge leaders and half may judge followers.
3. An odd number of Judges are used in the finals to minimize the possibility of ties.

B. Preliminary and Semi-final Rounds

1. In the preliminary and semi-final rounds, a call‑back system is used. In this system, each Judge selects individuals (in Jack & Jill’s) or couples (in Strictly Swing, Classic, Showcase) for call‑back to the next round, but does not rank them in any particular order.
2. The Scorer converts each Judge's selections into ordinals: 1 for all those selected, 2 for any alternates, and 3 for all those not selected. Contestants are then ranked according to the total number of 1s, 2s, and 3s received from the judges.
3. The Chief Judge then determines how many individuals or couples will be promoted to the next round. The decision is based on returning close to a predetermined percent of the contestants and/or where the natural break in the rank occurs.
4. The Chief Judge's scores are used only to break any ties.

C. Tallying the Final Placements

1. In the finals, each Judge must place every couple in rank order (1st place, 2nd place, 3rd place, etc.). In finals, with a large field of couples, the Judges will concentrate on placing the top twelve couples.
2. Raw scores (9.5, 8.9, 7.6, etc.) are used only to determine a Judge's order of placements. If a Judge submits only raw scores, the Scorer will convert them into ordinals, (1, 2, 3, etc.) for Relative Placement.
3. Duplicate placements are not permitted. If a Judge mistakenly provides duplicate placements, the Scorer will alert the Chief Judge, who will request that the Judge in question provide unique placements for each couple.
4. A couple must have a majority of Judges' votes to be awarded a final placement.
5. If no couple has a majority of votes, then the next placement is added to the previous placements (1st through 2nd, 1st through 3rd, etc.) until a majority is reached.
6. If two or more couples have an equal majority, then the numerical value of the ordinals for each couple is added. The couple with the lowest sum gets the higher position. If the sums for two or more couples are identical, then the next placement is added to the previous placements for those tied couples only.
7. The Chief Judge's scores are used only to break any remaining ties.

D. Example of Relative Placement

1. In the example above, there are 6 couples competing. Because 5 judges are providing placements, a majority of at least 3 Judges is needed to award any couple a final placement
2. Here, no couple has a majority of 1st place votes from the Judging panel. Adding the next placement and counting 1st through 2nd place votes, only couple #1 has a majority of at least 3 votes. Therefore, couple #1 is awarded 1st place.
3. Counting 1st through 3rd place votes, only couple #6 has a majority of at least 3 votes. Therefore, couple #6 is awarded 2nd place.
4. Counting 1st through 4th place votes, three couples have an equal majority of 3 votes. When the numerical value of the ordinals making up those votes is added, couples #2 and #3 both have the lower sum of 7, whereas couple #5 has the higher sum of 9. Couple #5 is therefore awarded the lowest final placement of the three couples, in this case 5th place.
5. To break the tie between couples #2 and #3, it is necessary to count 1st through 5th place votes, Couple #3 has 5 votes, one more than couple #2. Couple #3 therefore is awarded 3rd place, and couple #2 is awarded 4th place.
6. Couple #4, the only remaining couple, is awarded 6th place.

Copyright ©2012 Dance Jam Productions Inc all rights reserved. Revised: May 10, 2012