Competition Rules and Regulations

  1. Level Eligibility:
    1. Competitors should determine their eligibility according to the YCN Proficiency Points System. The accumulation of seven or more points in an event at a particular level makes a competitor ineligible to compete in that event/level.
    2. One competitor from a given partnership is permitted to dance up but not down. This means that a person who is still considered bronze may dance in silver if necessary, but a silver dancer cannot dance in bronze. For example of what necessary means: Silver Jane has no Silver partner, and needs Bronze Jack to lead her in Silver dances. Bronze Jack can still lead Bronze Jill in the same Bronze dances. Also if you are a Bronze level follower and you need to lead too, you must lead in at least Bronze level. These rules apply to other levels as well.

      Addendum: In the case of too few partnerships being registered for a dance (no semi-final), partnerships from a lower level and walk-ons will be allowed into the event at the discretion of the Competition Manager and the Chair of Judges. The point system in this case will be suspended for that event; no points will be awarded.
    3. Competitors may compete in only one level per dance, except in the cases listed in rule B. This rule applies to both members of a partnership on a per dance-event basis, so partnerships may not dance a higher level IN ADDITION to their normal level (normal level with regards to accumulated points). If both members of a given partnership wish to dance a higher level than they normally do, whether with each other or different partners, they must register for ONLY that higher level, and not the lower. For more information on how dancing up can impact the level of a partnership, refer to the YCN point system. Mixed levels in dance events (such as dancing Silver C/R and Gold S/J) is still allowed, as they are not the same dance events.

      Exceptions: Newcomer partnerships can dance in Bronze as well to test their mettle, and any syllabus level dancer may co-register in Novice of the same style. Gold competitors may also compete in any ONE of the Open levels in the same style. Remember the point system.
    4. UPDATED: Competitors dancing in the Gold or Open levels are not permitted to dance bronze in any related style, nor are they allowed to dance newcomer level in any style . Latin and Rhythm are related, Standard and Smooth are related, thus dancing in gold/open Latin and in bronze Rhythm is NOT permitted, but dancing gold/open Latin and bronze Standard is permitted. If you have questions, please ask the competition manager.
      1. This rule applies to both members of a partnership.
      2. This rule does NOT apply to Gold Paso and Bolero. All competitors are welcome to dance in this event regardless of level.
    5. A couple must compete at the level of the more experienced dancer.
    6. If you feel that you have a compelling reason for any exceptions to be made, please contact the Competition Manager. Note that exceptions will only be considered in the case that a competititor wishes to compete in vastly different levels of two very different styles (like latin and smooth/standard, or rhythm and smooth/standard).
    7. Competitors interested in creating a novice or prechampionship level in rhythm, smooth, or standard should contact the Competition Manager.
  2. Registration
    1. Competitors must pre-register for all dance events, except fun dances and team match.
    2. Competitors are encouraged to register for fun dances so that we may get an idea of how many couples wish to compete.
    3. No walk-ons will be allowed.
  3. UPDATED: Partnerships (does not apply to fun events)
    1. Same-sex partnerships will be restricted to female/female partnership.
    2. Same-sex partnerships are not permitted to exceed the silver level.
      1. Same sex partnerships will dance at the level of the more experienced dancer. If a female leader normally follows at a level higher than Silver, the couple will register in the Silver level.
      2. Female followers that exceed Silver level are not allowed to act as a follower below their level under any circumstances, even if led by another female eligible for that level.
    3. Males are restricted to being leaders.
  4. Syllabus Invigilation
    1. Syllabus events will be strictly invigilated.
    2. For a complete listing of allowed International and American style figures, click here.
    3. For American Style: the Fred Astaire, and Arthur Murray syllibi will be accepted as well.
  5. Costumes
    1. A costume is defined as an outfit with feathers, rhinestones, or sequins.
    2. No costumes are permitted at the Newcomer or Bronze levels.
    3. Heel protectors are required. They will be sold at the competition.

Suggested attire:

Level Gentleman Lady
Newcomer and Bronze Standard/Smooth Dark pants, white shirt and tie, with vest, jacket, or tuxedo optional. Evening dress or leotard with appropriate skirts. No rhinestones.
Newcomer and Bronze Latin/Rhythm Dark pants and white or black shirt. Party/cocktail dresses or leotards and wrap-around skirts. No rhinestones.
Silver, Gold, and Open Costumes permitted. Costumes permitted.

If any of the rules are unclear or if you believe an exception should be made due to special circumstances, please contact the Competition Manager.

Disclaimer:

No responsibility for loss, damage, or theft of property can be accepted by the organizers, Cornell University, the Ithaca City School District, and/or their affiliates, nor can they be held liable for any injury sustained by persons attending this event. Everyone attending does so at his/her own risk. All persons attending this event, whether as spectators, competitors, officials, or guests of the organizers, shall be bound by the rules of the event, and by registering, participating, and/or attending shall automatically become obliged to adhere to them.