Competition Rules

A full weekend pass is required to compete. All associated registrations fees for each competition must be paid.
Your wristband must be worn at all times except for routine performances.
Shoes are required in order to compete.
All participants must abide by WOO's code of conduct & sign the waiver form prior to competing.
Any participant under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian with them in the ballroom and to sign the required forms.
Registrations must be completed by the deadline(s) outlined in the weekend schedule.
Entering the venue (including competitions) indicates consent to use of your name and likeness in photos and videos to appear in future promotions.
Complete scores from all contest rounds will be available after the event.
Final decision on any matters pertaining to competitions rests solely with the organizer.

Entries: A minimum of five entries is required for a contest to run. Contests with fewer than five entries may be cancelled or may have prize money reduced at the Organizer’s discretion. Entry fees for cancelled contests will be refunded.
Judges: All contests will have a minimum of five judges, plus a Chief/Head Judge and alternates.
Scoring System: WOO uses relative placement and computer tabulation through World Dance Registry.
Jack & Jill: prelims/semi-finals judged individually; finals judged as couples.
Strictly Swing: judged as couples in all rounds.

Dance is expressive, creative, and fun — but safety and respect always come first.
Any movement or clothing considered unsafe, inappropriate, or disrespectful to your partner, other dancers, or the event is not allowed.
Competitors should ensure their dancing creates a safe and positive experience for everyone on the floor.
If you’re unsure about attire, movements, or choreography, check with the Chief Judge before competing.

Competitors must know when they are competing, meet registration deadlines, check in on time for competitions, and stay aware of MC announcements for competitions.
Competitors are responsible for checking for any changes to previously announced schedules which are subject to change.
Competitor will show up in appropriate competition attire.
Competitors should read all rules carefully prior to competing, and are responsible for adhering to the rules. Questions are to be directed to the Chief Judge, Assistant Chief Judge, or Event Director prior to the competition.
Competitors should be present in the ballroom at least 15 minutes prior to the start of their competition.
Competitors are responsible for their bib numbers and may be subject to a replacement fee if lost.
Any cancellation by a participant after the registration deadline will result in the loss of the entry fee.
Competitors must demonstrate good conduct both on and off the competition floor -- be respectful of fellow dancers and staff. Failure to adhere to the code of conduct may result in disqualification.

Sign up as an individual.
You can compete in two skill divisions (one primary role and one in your secondary role) as per WSDC rules.
You may also compete in age-based divisions (Juniors, Sophisticated, Masters).
Drops, leans, circular movements and other partner weight support moves are allowed as long as both partners keep at least one foot on the floor.
All petitions to "dance up" must be submitted to the WSDC Chief Judges Committee at least 15 days prior to the event.

Sign up with a partner of your choice.
Matching costumes and props are not allowed but coordinating outfits is acceptable.
Strictly swing partners may not dance together in more than one strictly or choreographed contest.
Drops, leans, circular movements and other partner weight support moves are allowed as long as both partners keep at least one foot on the floor.
Role switching is not allowed except in the Switch Strictly where it is encouraged and one of the judging criteria.
You may enter more than one strictly swing contest: You may enter as many age divisions as you qualify for. You may enter at your WSDC dominate role level, you may enter one additional higher level WSDC dominate role level, and you may enter another level in your non-dominant role by WSDC guidelines.
If your partner qualifies for a higher WSDC level, you must enter the higher skill level if dancing in your primary role.

Sign up as an individual.
We separate leader and follower divisions. You may dance twice, once in your primary role and once in your secondary role.
New/Nov/Int competitors get paired with Adv/All-Star/Champion dancers.

Amateurs are defined as newcomer, novice, intermediate or advanced dancers.
A professional is defined as an All Star, Champion, or someone who earns a significant amount of income teaching or performing West Coast Swing.
Anyone who has previously competed in a professional level West Coast Swing competition must be considered a Pro for this purpose.
This division is designed for new routine dancers to dance with their Professional partner.
Each Professional may dance with up to 3 different Amateurs in this division.
Must be 50% swing.
Must be between 2-3 minutes.

Although we are not a part of the Rising Star Tour, we will follow the rules shown here: https://risingstartour.com/rules/