FREESTYLE DISCO HIP HOP SLOWDANCE ROCK N' ROLL SHOWDANCE
DANCE SUPREME IRELAND
C/O P.O. Box 10429, Dublin 14 Call 087-2450 997 International +353 87 2450 997 email; Dance Supreme Competition Bookings
RULES
All changes and additions to this edition of the rules for Competition &
Championships reflect the decisions of Annual Conference June 2006
Special Note to those who will be taking part in British and International
Events:
It is important to note that this rulebook is designed to legislate for
Freestyle and related dance styles in Ireland and that while a number of rules
contained in this rulebook are similar to those in British and International
rulebooks there is a number of areas where they differ. It is advisable to
consult the relevant rulebook when competing outside Ireland.
THE A.I.D.F. RULES OF CONTEMPORARY FREESTYLE, HIP-HOP,
SLOW-DANCE, SHOW-DANCE, ROCK'N'ROLL AND SALSA
COMPETITIONS & CHAMPIONSHIPS
General Section: 2
1. Title & Interpretation: 2
2. Where Applicable: 2
3. Alteration to Rules: 2
4. Inquiry Committee: 2&3
Amateur Section: 4
Amateur Section – General: 4
5. Registration Amateur Competitors: 4
6. Definition of an Amateur Dancer: 4
7. Forfeiture of Amateur Status: 4
8. Amateur Displays: 4
9. Unrecognized Events, Competitions, Medal Tests and Examinations: 5
10. Closed Competitions and Championships - eligibility to compete: 5
11. Medal Tests and Examinations: 5
12. Re-instatement - How to Apply: 5&6
13. Right to Appeal: 6
14. Objection - to Eligibility to Participate: 6
15. Judges' Decision Final: 6
16. Objection – General: 6
Amateur Section: 7
17. Age Groups - Solos, Pairs, Trios. 7
18. Change of Age Group: 7
19. Grading of Amateur Competitors, Solo, pairs & Trios: 8&9
20. Competitions that do not Affect Status: 9
21 Re-grading: 10
22 Safety Restrictions: 10
23. Dress-code: 10&11
24. Dance-ons. 11
25. Inter-school Transfers: 11
Amateur Section – Teams Section: 12
26. Team Competitions grades and age groups. 12
27. Team Size, Composition & Status:: 12&13
28. Team Time Limits: 13
29. Dancers Dancing against themselves: 13
30. Showdance: 13&14
Professional Section: 14
Adjudication & Scrutineering: 14
31. Credentials and Criteria for Adjudication: 14&15
32 Appointment of Chairman of Judges & Scrutineers: 15
33 Duties of Chairman of Judges & Scrutineers: 15
34 Scrutineering System: 15
Professional Competitors: 16
35. Professional Competitors - Minimum Age: 16
36. Amateur becoming Professional: 16
37. Professionals Judging and Competing Restriction: 16
Promoters of Competitions and Championships 16
38. A.I.D.F. Recognition: 16
39. Notice of competitions: 16
40. Competition Entries: 16
41. Competition Report Form: 16
42. Video and Cine Cameras – Championship and Competitions: 17
43. Music: 17
Competition Sanctioning 17
44. Sanctioning General: 17&18
45. Championship and Competition Titles: 18
46. Geographical Classified Championships: 18
47. Commercial Titles: 19
48. Definition of Open and Closed: 19
Miscellaneous 19
49. Etiquette: 19
50. Teacher Responsibility: 19
THE A.I.D.F. RULES OF CONTEMPORARY FREESTYLE, HIP-HOP,
SLOW-DANCE, SHOW-DANCE, ROCK'N'ROLL AND SALSA
COMPETITIONS & CHAMPIONSHIPS
General Section
1. Title & Interpretation:
1.1 These rules shall be known as the All Ireland Dance Federation Rules of
Contemporary Freestyle, Hip-Hop, Show-Dance, Slow-Dance, Breakdance, Rock'n'Roll,
Salsa and all associated styles Competitions and Championships.
1.2 The All Ireland Dance Federation will be hereinafter referred to as the
A.I.D.F. or the Federation
1.3 Unless specifically stated to the contrary, the expression 'Presidium shall
he taken to mean the Governing Committee of the All Ireland Dance Federation.
1.4 The words 'Dance', 'Dancer', 'Dancing', 'Competitor' and 'Competition' shall
refer to all above styles Competitions and Championships.
2. Where Applicable
2.1 These rules shall operate in the thirty-two (32) counties of Ireland.
2.2 Should any point arise not covered in these rules, it shall be referred to
the Presidium whose decision shall be final.
3. Alteration to Rules
Revisions will be considered once a year and presented with a proposed
implementation date at the A.I.D.F. Annual Conference. Such proposed changes
must receive a simple majority at Conference. All changes ratified at Conference
will be effective immediately or from a date fixed by Conference.
Rule 4 Inquiry Committee
4.1 The National Executive Committee (otherwise known as the NEC) may, either in
its absolute discretion or at the discretion of the Member Body, set up an
ad-hoc Inquiry Committee to investigate and examine any complaint against any
person or body who is subject to the jurisdiction of these Rules.
4.1 An Inquiry Committee must be a Committee of five persons with three
constituting a quorum, and the Committee will elect its own Chairman. In case of
an equality of votes, the Chairman shall have a second or casting vote.
(Inquiry Committee continued)
4.2 Any person in relation to whom any complaint is to be the subject of
investigation by an Inquiry Committee has the right to make representations to
the Inquiry Committee. He/She shall be given not less than 28 days' notice in
writing of the date on which the Inquiry Committee is to meet. The Secretary
must send him/her the full details of the nature of the complaint 28 days before
the Inquiry Committee meeting. He/she shall be permitted to attend the meeting
in person and/or he/she may be represented by a friend or representative for the
purpose of answering any complaint or allegation made against him and of making
any statement by way of explanation that he/she wishes the Committee to
consider. The Committee will consider the matter whether or not the person
complained about makes representations and whether or not he/she attends the
Committee meeting.
4.3 An Inquiry Committee is empowered to regulate its own proceedings. An
Inquiry Committee cannot take action against a person or body against whom a
complaint has been made. The Committee must report its findings and
recommendations to the NEC in relation to each matter brought before it. A copy
of the Committee's report shall be forwarded to every person whose name appears
in the report within 28 days of the report being made. Any person whose name
appears in the report may make further written representation to the NEC before
the report is considered by the NEC. Any representations received must also be
considered by the NEC before any decision with regard to the report is taken.
4.4 The NEC will consider the recommendation of the Inquiry Committee and will
impose any penalty that it considers appropriate upon any person whose conduct
has been the subject of complaint and investigation and, in addition to such a
penalty, may require the person to pay the NEC all or any part of the expenses
incurred in the investigation. The NEC must also consider whether any monies
would have to be lodged by the person in the event of an appeal. The NEC may
require any person exercising a right to appeal to deposit with the NEC an
amount of money towards the expenses of the appeal as the NEC in its discretion
may determine in each case.
4.5 If a person wants to appeal against any decision of the NEC that has been
taken on the basis of an Inquiry Committee's report, he/she must give notice to
the NEC that he/she wants to appeal within 14 days of notice of the NEC’s
decision being sent to him/her. The NEC must, as soon as possible thereafter,
appoint a Review Committee consisting of the Chairman and three (3) members of
the NEC, none of whom shall have been a member of the Inquiry Committee whose
findings and recommendations are the subject of the appeal. The Review Committee
shall review the decision and rehear the complaint in such a manner as it
considers appropriate.
4.6 The findings and decision of the Review Committee shall be final and binding
on all persons to whom they apply.
Amateur Section - General
5. Registration Amateur Competitors:
(a) All amateur competitors residing in the Republic of Ireland must be in
possession of an AIDF Individual Competitors Registration Number
(b) Amateur competitors residing outside the ROI must be registered with
their resident country’s relevant body i.e. the ADFP for UK competitors.
(c) Amateur competitors residing in Northern Ireland have the choice of
registering with the AIDF or the ADFP
NOTE: This rule applies to all competitive events to include all sections i.e.
Solos, Pairs, Trios and Teams and in all styles, i.e. Freestyle, Hip-Hop
Showdance, Slowdance and Salsa.
6. Definition of an Amateur Dancer:
(a) An amateur dancer is one who uses the Art and Sport of Dancing as a
non-remunerative or non-profit making pastime.
(b) An amateur dancer over the age of 18 years is permitted for a maximum of two
(2) years to take on the role of teacher’s assistant and be compensated for
incurred expenses without forfeiting his/her amateur status.
7. Forfeiture of Amateur Status
An amateur dancer will forfeit amateur status if he/she
(i) Acts as a teacher of dance with or without a fee. (SEE NOTE)
(ii) Takes a teaching qualification or a student teacher examination in any form
of dance
(iii) Acts as a promoter or adjudicator for any form of Freestyle competition or
function.
(iv) Competes for cash (vouchers may he accepted).
(v) Converts prizes into cash.
(vi) Accepts remuneration in cash or kind for the use of his/her name as a
dancer in an advertisement.
(NOTE: Student teachers may dance in amateur competition for a maximum of one
(1) year or until they take their exam whichever is the former.)
8. Amateur Displays
Displays of dancing may be given. Any monies received for such displays to be
paid to the trainer who will keep it in credit for the dancer/s concerned to be
used on dance related expenses such as tuition fees, costumes, travel &
accommodation etc. Principal teachers will be permitted to retain a 10%
commission from such earnings. No individual dancer may receive cash payments.
9. Unrecognized Events, Competitions, Medal Tests and Examinations
An amateur who competes in an unrecognized competition or an event run under
rules other than those laid down by the Federation will not be eligible for
Federation support in seeking redress to any and all matters relating to such an
unrecognized event.
10. Closed Competitions and Championships - eligibility to compete
10.1 If a dancer is qualified to compete in two County Championships - one by
birth and one by residence - the dancer may not compete in both counties in the
same calendar year. If the dancer chooses the county of residence, the dancer
may not revert to the county of birth unless it becomes a future permanent
address, in which case there must elapse a period of one year before the dancer
is allowed to exercise a choice again. This choice shall also determine which
closed area championships or competitions the dancer is entitled to enter.
10.2 In closed championships or competitions the right of a pair to compete
shall be determined by either partner’s qualifications, but no pair shall
compete in two different county closed or closed national events of more than
one country, in the same calendar year, or in any closed area event which does
not include the county for which they have elected to dance.
10.3 In closed championships or competitions, when a team competes at least 75%
of its members must be qualified by birth or permanent residence. In closed
events no team shall compete in two different county or country in the same
calendar year, or in any closed area event that does not include the county for
which they have elected to dance.
11. Medal Tests and Examinations
11.1 Dancers who for any reason are ineligible under these rules to take part in
amateur competitions are also ineligible to take part in amateur medal tests.
11.2 An amateur dancer may partner another amateur in a medal test or a
professional in an examination or medal test.
11.3 No candidate may enter a medal test except through a qualified teacher of
dancing, who is a full member and License holder of the A.I.D.F., which is an
examining body.
12. Re-instatement - How to Apply
Any dancer, who under Rule 7 is deemed to have lost his amateur status and
desires to be reinstated as an amateur dancer, must apply in writing to the
A.I.D.F. giving full details of the circumstances. An appropriate fee must be
paid to cover administration expenses.
(Re-instatement - How to Apply continued)
The Reinstatement Committee will consider each application on its merits and the
applicant shall be allowed to appear in person and or be represented before the
Committee. Reinstatement may be refused, postponed or granted either
unconditionally or subject to such conditions and to operate from such dates as
the A.I.D.F. Reinstatement Committee may decide. Any dancer, whose reinstatement
has been deferred until a particular date, may not participate in any
competition or medal test during the period of suspension. The A.I.D.F.
Reinstatement Committee will decide in which grade a competitor will be
reinstated.
13. Right to Appeal
13.1 Any dancer who has applied for reinstatement and is dissatisfied with the
decision of the A.I.D.F. Reinstatement Committee, may request permission to
appeal and attend in person or he represented. The A.I.D.F. Reinstatement
Appeals Committee may reduce or increase any period of suspension.
13.2 The A.I.D.F. Reinstatement Appeals Committee shall not he the same as the
A.I.D.F. Reinstatement Committee, which first heard the case.
13.3 The findings of the A.I.D.F. Reinstatement Appeals Committee shall be
final.
14. Objection - to Eligibility to Participate
No objection to a competitor's eligibility to take part in a competition or
championship shall be considered unless the objection is in writing and includes
the complainant full name and address. Such objection, unless admitted by the
competitor complained against, shall he referred to the Presidium, but if there
is not time to reach a decision before the event, the competitor complained
about shall be permitted to dance in the competition or championship on the
understanding that any prize he may win shall be withheld until the decision of
the Presidium is known. Should the objection be sustained, the result shall be
adjusted accordingly.
15. Judges' Decision Final
Any competitor entering a competition or championship held under the rules of
the A.I.D.F. must accept as final the verdict of the judges and their individual
markings, and no appeal against that verdict or markings may be made to the
Presidium or elsewhere except when it can he shown that the actual markings have
been incorrectly interpreted.
16. Objection - General
If any competitor, or in the case of a junior or juvenile the, parent/guardian,
has an objection against any aspect of the adjudication they should forward an
objection to their teacher, who in turn will submit the objection to the
Presidium.
Amateur Section – All styles:
17. Age Groups - Solos.
17.1 The minimum age for a competitive dancer is 4 years of age
17.2 The following age groups will act as a guideline for promoters of all
A.I.D.F. Sanctioned competitions or championships
1. Under 6s (open to 4 and 5 year olds)
2. Under 8's (open to 5, 6, and 7 year olds)
3. Under 10's (open to 8 and 9 year olds)
4. Under 12's (open to 10 and 11 year olds)
5. Under 14's (open to 12 and 13 year olds)
6. Under 16's (open to 14 and 15 year olds)
7. Under 18's (open to 16 and 17 year olds) (Adult)
8. Under 21’s (open to 18 and 20 year olds)
9. Under 25's (open to 21, 22, 23 and 24 years olds)
10. 25 years of age and over
17.4 Adult (over 16 Years) championship programmes must include separate Boy &
Girl competitions.
17.5 All competitors must dance within their age group and grade. However if an
event is not included in the programme, competitors may move up to the next
higher age group at the same grade.
17.6 The eligibility of a pair to enter a competition is determined by the age
of the eldest member of the partnership. Notwithstanding this rule, dancers in
Solo events must always dance in their own age group category.
17.7 In all over 25 years competitions, both partners must be over 25 years of
age. Championship dancers of 25 years of age and over will he eligible to enter
an over 18's intermediate event or an over 16's Starter event if a 25's and over
event is not included in the programme.
17.8 Eligibility to enter a particular age group will be determined by the age
of the competitor on the day of the competition or championship.
18. Change of Age Group
When changing age group by birth date dancers may at their discretion compete in
competitions one grade lower. Anyone wishing to take advantage of this rule must
notify the status official within twenty-eight days of entering the higher age
group. NO Starter/Novice may return to Beginner.
19. Grading of Freestyle and Hip-Hop Competitors, Solo & Pairs:
As and from the 1st January 2006 the AIDF will operate the following status
system that will determine the grading of competitive dancers in Freestyle Solos
& Pairs and in Hip-Hop Solos & Pairs and the following grades will apply
19.1 Freestyle & Hip-Hop only to include All Age Groups
Solo’s Pairs
Beginner Beginner
Starter Starter/Intermediate
Intermediate Champion
Champion
Premier Champion
19.2 Initial Registration:
The Principal Teacher/Trainer in consultation with the dancer and their
parent/s, will determine at which grade a dancer will initially register in each
style, thereafter the grading system set out in this section will determine
grading.
19.3 A dancer is entitled to be graded differently in each style and category.
19.4 Status Lives:
The AIDF will operate a system of lives to regulate the grading of competitive
dancers. The system will entitle a dancer to three (3) lives in each grade of
each style that a dancer competes and lives will be lost in their own grade as
per the table set out in 19.5 or by being placed 1st, 2nd or 3rd in the final of
a higher grade competition in which there are 7 or more competitors.
19.4.1 Changing Status:
On the loss of the 3rd life in their grade the competitor must move up to the
next higher grade in that style.
19.5 Loss of Life:
The number of lives lost in any one competition section is determined by the
number of competitors in the first round of each category and will operate as
follows
1 - 6 inclusive = no loss of life
7 - 12 inclusive = first place only to lose a life
13 - 24 inclusive = first and second place to lose a life
25 or more = first, second and third place to lose a life
19.5.1 Intermediate Solo Grade Dancers: - One of the lives lost by an
intermediate dancer must be a first place before they move up to championship
grade.
19.5.2 Championship Grade Dancers: - When a championship dancer has lost three
lives in accordance with rule 19.5 they will be deemed to be a Premier dancer
and will not be eligible to downgrade on their next change of age group. This
applies to both solos and pairs.
19.6 Pairs Status:
A pair’s status will be determined by the partner who holds the highest pairs
status in the relevant style.
19.7 AIDF Status Cards: – Solo & Pairs:
(a) All amateur competitors who reside in the republic of Ireland must under the
rules of the AIDF be in possession of a current AIDF Status Card, this card will
display their individual number.
Amateur competitors residing in Northern Ireland have the choice of holding
either an AIDF Status Card or an ADFP Status Card
AIDF Status Cards are only available through an AIDF registered teacher/trainer
of dancing who will be issued with Status Cards upon application.
(b) Under 6 year old competitors should be registered initially as a beginner.
Status will not be affected unless the competitor participates in an under 8 or
older age group competition.
(c) To ensure all competitors enter the correct age group and grade events,
competing dancers must carry their Status Cards and produce them at all
competitions on request.
19.8 Trios:
Trios will be competed in open grade only and therefore will not come under the
status rule.
19.9 Status Cards Endorsing:
The Promoter will be responsible for endorsing the status cards of dancers that
lose a life at their event and also for the collection of status cards of those
that have reached the maximum lives and returning these to the secretariat with
their competition report form within 7 days of the event.
20. Competitions that do not Affect Status:
20.1 The winning of a competition restricted to bona fide pupils of one school,
or a competition confined to medallists, does not in any way affect status.
20.2 Small Inter-schools Competitions i.e. a maximum of three schools attending
competition by invitation only, does not affect status. These events must not be
advertised.
20.3 Events held with one adjudicator do not affect status.
20.4 The winning of a consolation competition for those eliminated in the
earlier round of a larger event does not affect status.
20.5 A Competitor who is entitled to compete in the first round of a competition
shall if selected to go forward, be entitled to compete in subsequent rounds,
even when the subsequent rounds are held on a later date and in the meantime the
competitor has lost his status in another competition, providing the finals are
held in the same year or within six months of qualifying.
21. Re-grading:
Application may be made to the A.I.D.F. Presidium for regrading of status, each
case will be considered on its merits.
22. Safety Restrictions.
22.1 Lifts & Acrobatics:
In Freestyle competition no lifts, acrobats or gymnastics (i.e. cartwheels,
handstands, back-flips, walkovers, arab-springs) are permitted in early heats.
At the discretion of the organizer restrictions may be lifted in the Final only.
22.2 Footwear:
Appropriate footwear is recommended at all times. Competitors choosing to wear
no foot protection, do so at their own risk.
22.3 Definition of a Lift:
A lift is where one dancer has both feet off the floor with the assistance or
support of another dancer.
22.4 Direction of Dance:
For Freestyle & Slowdance competitions dancers must dance in an anti-clockwise
direction around the floor.
22.5. Hip-Hop Floor Positioning (Solo, Pairs & Trios):
All Solo, Pairs & Trio Hip-Hop routines will be danced on the spot i.e. within
the space allocated, approx one (1) square meter for solos two (2) square meters
for pairs and three (3) square meters for trios.
23. Dress Code (Freestyle):
Applicable to All Grades
All costumes must be of dancewear fabric & design
Tracksuits are NOT permitted
Logos are NOT permitted
23.1 Beginner Grade. Competitors in Beginner Grade shall have a choice of one or
two-piece and a choice of one or two colour dance wear costumes as described
below.
Boys: Plain one piece single colour dance costume of basic design, with no added
decorations of any type
Or
Plain two piece costume consisting of a plain shirt or t-shirt of basic design
of one single colour and plain trousers of basic design of one single colour.
The top and bottoms may be each of the same or of a different colour, with no
added decorations of any type
(Dress Code (Freestyle) continued)
Girls: A simple leotard, unitard or catsuit type costume of basic design in any
one single colour of choice with no added decoration of any type. A single
circular cutout in the back of the costume is permitted.
Or
A plain two-piece costume, consisting of a full-length, single colour top and a
single colour bottom, both of basic design and without added decoration of any
type. The top and bottoms may be of the same or of a different colour, with no
added decorations of any type
Sweat-pants are permitted, as is a simple hair ribbon.
Suggested beginner costumes fabric: Velour or Lycra.
Notes for Beginners Costumes:
1. Dance ware must be worn
2. The following details are NOT permitted
3. No Belly-tops
4. No Cutouts (other than in costume description above)
5. No glitter or foil material use in costume making
23.2 Starter Grade:
Starter costumes may be of glitter or foil material with no additional
decorations of any sort, i.e. rhinestones, sequins & diamantes etc. Cutouts are
permitted.
23.3 Intermediate Grade:
Intermediate costumes Champion costumes have no restrictions, designs and
decorations are at the discretion of the dancer
23.4 Champion Grade:
Champion costumes have no restrictions, designs and decorations are at the
discretion of the dancer
24. Dance-ons:
A dance-on is solely at the discretion of the promoter. However if applied it
may only be used for the final of championship solo and pairs events in which
case the time allotted will be 30 seconds for each individual dancer or pairs
followed by one minute of dancing with all dancers on the floor. Timing for a
dance-on will begin when the music starts.
25. Inter schools transfers:
A dancer who decides to change dance school/club and take up classes or lessons
in a different school/club, may not compete in an A.I.D.F. sanction competition
for a period of 3 months.
Should the principal teachers of both dance schools/clubs agree to the transfer
of the dancer the ban will not then be enforced. However, all parties involved
must complete the official ‘Transfer Form’ and return it to the federation
office within seven (7) days of the transfer.
Amateur Section Teams: – Freestyle, Hip-Hop, Slowdance & Showdance:
26. Team Competitions may he conducted in three grades and four age groups.
(a) Status Grades:- applies to (b) Age Groups:- applies to
Freestyle & Hip-Hop only all Styles
1. Beginner 1. Under 12 years
2. Starter/Intermediate 2. Under 16 years
3. Championship 3. 16 years of age and over
4. 25 years of age and over
26.1 Both Showdance and Slowdance will be competed as open competitions
27. Team Size & Composition: (applies to all styles):
27.1 i) Minimum number in team events for all styles and grades will be six (6)
persons in any mix of sexes.
Maximum number in team events for all styles and grades will be twenty-four (24)
persons in any mix of sexes
ii) A promoter for reasons of safety due to venue size only, may restrict team
numbers, however, in all such cases the promoter must
Not reduce the numbers to below sixteen (16) people
Inform the A.I.D.F. at point of requesting sanction.
Give clear and sufficiently advanced notice to the schools involved
27.2 Eligibility to enter is governed by the age of the eldest team member.
27.3 Team Grading:
Status lives will apply, a team must move up the next higher grade on losing
three (3) lives in their own grade or being placed in the final of a higher
grade in which there were four (4) teams or more competing.
27.4 Teams will lose lives in line with the number of teams competing as set out
below:
1 or 2 teams = no loss of life
3 teams = first place only to lose a life
4 teams = first and second place to lose a life
5 or more = first, second and third place to lose a life
27.5 Open Competition & Championship:
Open to all grades, the status of teams entering such competitions will be
affected accordingly.
27.6 Team Status Composition%:
Over 25s: At least 75% of team member must be 25 years of age or over.
Beginner Team: At least 75% of team members must be of Beginner Team Status
Starter/ Intermediate Team: At least 75% of team members must be of
Starter/Intermediate Status
(Team Size & Composition continued)
27.7 Team Status Cards:
Teams wishing to enter AIDF sanctioned team events must register their team
details with the AIDF by completing the Annual Team Status Registration Form.
Team Status Cards will be issued to the team teacher/trainer. Team Status Cards
must be made available for inspection at competition events should it be
required.
27.8 Team Members Registration:
All competitive dancers must hold an individual competitors registration
numbers. A dancer participating in team events who does not have a solo/pairs
status number must register for an individual competitor’s registration number.
27.9 Team Name Changes:
The changing of a team name does not constitute the establishment of a new team.
28. Team Time Limits: (timing to commence from the first movement to music)
Freestyle & Hip-Hop
(a) Beginners Teams Min. 1.5 minutes. Max. 2.0 minutes
(b) Starter /Intermediate Min. 2 minutes. Max. 2.5 minutes
(c) Championship Min. 2.5 minutes. Max. 4 minutes
Slow-dance Min. 2.5 minutes Max. 4 minutes
Show-dance Min. 3.5 minutes Max. 5 minutes
29. Dancers, Dancing against themselves
No person may dance in more than one team in the same style and same competition
on the same day, or at a festival, or at an event held over more than one day.
i.e. Dancers are not permitted to dance against themselves.
30. Showdance (Solos, Couples & Trios)
30.1. Age Groups:
Showdance Solos, Couples & Trio events will be run under 3 age groups
Under 12 Years (open to competitors up to 11 years of age)
Under 16 Years (open to competitors from 12 to 15 years of age)
Adult (open to competitors 16 years of age and over)
30.2. Categories:
Events may be organized in as follows
Solos only event
Couples only event
Trios only event
Solos & Couples combined event
Couples & Trios combined event
Solos, Couples & Trios combined event
In couples & Trios the age of the oldest dancer will determine the age group
being entered.
(Showdance continued)
30.3. Grade:
All categories will be graded as open events.
30.4. Time Limits:
The following time limits will apply to all categories and age groups
Minimum time permitted 1 minute & 30 seconds
Maximum time permitted 2 minutes & 45 seconds
30.5. Props:
Props are permitted to assist with a showdance routine however dancers must take
their own props on to the dance floor and remove their own props from the dance
floor, no other person may assist. This rule will be strictly applied.
30.6. Music:
All must supply their own music recorded on a suitable medium.
30.7. Dress:
Competitors may wear costumes or clothing of their own choice however this must
be relevant to their routine and in good taste.
Professional Section:
Adjudication & Scrutineering:
31. Credentials and Criteria required for Adjudication at A.I.D.F. Sanctioned
Competitions and Championships:
(a) National Adjudicators: Only current A.I.D.F. Adjudicator license holders may
judge at Federation sanctioned events.
(b) International Adjudicators: A holder of a current internationally recognized
license may also judge at Federation sanctioned events
(c) Celebrity Adjudicators: Application for permission to appoint a celebrity
adjudicator must be made to the A.I.D.F. prior to the event. Any such
appointment must be over and above the minimum number of qualified judges
required by these rules for competition or championship.
(d) Minimum age for competition adjudicators: For Beginners Grade only the
minimum age will be eighteen (18) years For Starter Grade and above the minimum
age will be twenty-one (21) years
(e) Judging Own Immediate Family: An adjudicator must retire from an
adjudication panel for the whole round of a competition if a member of his/her
immediate family is dancing.
(Immediate family is defined as first cousin or above)
(f) Judging Own Team: Teachers/trainers are not permitted to be on a panel of
judges when their own team/s are competing.
(Adjudication & Scrutineering continued)
(g) Number of judges required:
A minimum of five (5) judges is required for Championship events.
A minimum of three (3) judges is required for Ordinary Competition events.
(h) Adjudicator & Scrutineer Fees: Promoters must remunerate adjudicators and
scrutineers using at minimum the federation rate plus agreed expenses.
32. Appointment of Chairman of Judges and Scrutineers:
In all championships and competitions the organiser must appoint both the
chairman of judges and Scrutineer both of whom must hold the A.I.D.F.
Scrutineers certificate or other Nationally recognized qualification.
33. An amateur dancer who has passed the scrutineering examination of the
A.I.D.F. or other Nationally recognized qualification may act as a scrutineer
and receive a fee.
34. Duties of Chairman and Scrutineers:
(a) The chairman of the judges is responsible for the correct interpretation of
the marks. It is also the chairman's duty to arrange with the organiser the
number of dancers to be passed through to the next round.
(b) The chairman of judges shall be responsible for ensuring that the music
played for each dance in all competitions is played at the recognised tempo. All
complaints regarding music must be made directly to the chairman of judges.
(c) The chairman of the judges and the Scrutineers must check and sign the
competition report form for the event at which they have officiated. The
chairman must also list any complaints made to him or her during the event.
(d) Only the chairman of judges and scrutineer shall have access to the marks
until the end of the competition
(e) At the end of a competition the scrutineer sheets must be made available for
all teachers to inspect if they so wish.
(f) The scrutineer may not act as chairman of judges.
(g) It is the scrutineer’s duty, at the discretion of the chairman of judges,
immediately to refer to the adjudicator concerned any marking card that has a
palpable error or omission.
(h) A chairman may serve in a non-voting capacity
34. Scrutineering System:
In the final of a championship or competition when the dancers are being placed
in order of merit by the judges, the 'Skating System' of dealing with the marks
or such other system as the Presidium may from time to time determine shall be
used
Professional Competitors Section:
35. Professional Competitors - Minimum Age:
No competitor may compete in professional competitions until after his/her 16th
birthday.
36. Amateur becoming Professional:
An amateur on becoming a professional is immediately eligible to enter
professional competitions and championships
37. Professionals Judging and Competing Restriction:
No one may judge a Professional competition who is still taking part in
competitive events except with the special permission of the Presidium.
Promoters of Competitions and Championships
38. A.I.D.F. Recognition:
Organizers of A.I.D.F. Sanctioned Championships and Competitions must promote
this fact in their notices and advertisements.
39. Notice of competitions:
Notice of competitions must go out to all affiliated members of the Federation a
minimum of thirty (30) day before the event is due to take place and clearly
indicate the date, venue, the list of events and time of the first round of
events,
40. Competition Entries:
Entries to all sanctioned events must be submitted through a school of dancing,
Promoters will not accept individual entries.
41. Competition Report Form:
(a) Promoters must complete an official Competition report form and return it to
the Secretary of the A.I.D.F. within 7 days of the event This form must show the
number of competitors in each event, the name and status card number of the
winners and adjudicator names and license numbers.
(b) Promoters may employ a recorder to document the information required. This
person must be familiar with Federation requirements.
(c) The Federation secretary will be responsible for forwarding a copy of the
championship results to the Federation’s IDO secretary.
41.1 Any promoter not returning a completed competition report form within 7
days of an event shall be subject to disciplinary action.
42. Video and Cine Cameras – Championship and Competitions:
42.1 The use of video or cine cameras is strictly prohibited at championships
and competitions except in the case of team events where clear permission is
given by a teacher to record his/her team only.
42.2 A promoter may, subject to the written consent of the teacher/s concerned
have all or part of an event recorded for promotional reasons, this may include
television recordings.
42.3 The Federation reserves the right to similarly record events for
promotional reasons this will also be subject to the written consent of the
teacher/s concerned.
43. Music:
In Solo Couple and Trio events, the music is to be selected by the organizer.
Team events, music may he chosen by the trainer, unless it has been specified by
the organizer in advance.
It is the trainer’s responsibility to ensure team music is recorded on a good
quality CD, Mini-Disc or tape.
The promoter must ensure the correct type of music (tempo) is available for the
dance styles in his/her programme.
Competition Sanctioning
44. Sanctioning General:
44.1 All Championships and competitions whether open or closed events with the
exception of those in 41.6 below must receive prior sanction from the A.I.D.F.
44.2 A separate sanction application form must be completed for each and every
championship or competition, block applications on a single form will not be
accepted. Each application will be treated separately.
44.3 Applications must be made on the relevant form with a full programme of
events attached and accompanied by the current sanction fee, a minimum of three
months prior to the event.
44.4 No event must be advertised as having A.I.D.F. sanction before receiving
conformation of the sanction in writing from the Presidium.
44.5 The granting of a sanction will entitle the promoter use the A.I.D.F.
approval
on all information and promotion material but only for the event sanctioned.
44.6 Competitions not requiring A.I.D.F. Sanction include, closed class
competitions and Inter Schools Invitation Competitions where there are a maximum
of three schools invited.
(Sanctioning General continued)
44.7 From the 1st July 2006 the AIDF will only recognize AIDF sanctioned events
in the Republic of Ireland (R.O.I.) and AIDF status card holders should not
present their card at any events in the R.O.I. not sanctioned or recognised by
AIDF. Notwithstanding this all AIDF agreements with national organisation in
jurisdictions outside the R.O.I regarding recognition of status cards still
stands.
44.8 The A.I.D.F. reserve the right to impose restrictions or and conditions on
sanction approval.
44.9 First-Aid Competition Coverage
All A.I.D.F. sanctioned events must have in attendance, adequate qualified
FIRST-AID personal appropriately equipped for the type of activity being
undertaken (i.e. energetic dancing). The AIDF strongly recommend the use of
recognized first aid organizations such as The Order of Malta, St. Johns
Ambulance & the Red Cross.
44.10 Unsanctioned/Unrecognized Events:
A registered teacher who participates in an unsanctioned/unrecognized
competition or an event run under rules other than those laid down by the
Federation will not be eligible for Federation support in seeking redress to any
and all matters relating to such an unsanctioned/unrecognized event
45. Championship and Competition Titles:
45.1 All titles both open and closed already in existence will continue to be
honored as once a year event subject to
i) The same organiser making the application.
ii) All application criteria being fulfilled.
iii) The A.I.D.F. rules and conditions of sanction being upheld.
iv) Approval of the Presidium
45.2 All new titles both open and closed will be granted at the discretion of
the Presidium. Such new titles will be granted for one year (January 1st to
December 31st) and during that period the event may be held only once.
45.3 Titles once granted may be renewed each subsequent year subject to the
conditions laid out in these rules, and no change in organiser personnel.
(Titles will not be awarded to organizations) The presidium reserves the right
not to renew a title to the same organizer/s.
46. Geographical Classified Championships:
46.1 The A.I.D.F. will consider all geographical championship titles be it Town,
City, County, Province or Country. All such titles may be applied for as either
open or closed events.
46.2 Where boundaries differ from those listed above then the boundaries for
which the sanction is required must be clearly defined by the promoter on the
application.
(Geographical Classified Championships continued:)
46.3 Venues must not be more than five miles outside the area of the
championship title.
47. Commercial Titles:
(i) Commercial Invitation Championships. Entry to these events must be strictly
by invitation only.
(ii) All other Commercial Championships must he conducted as Open events.
48. Definition of Open and Closed:
48.1 An open Competition or Championship is one in which competitors from
outside the area in its title may compete.
48.2 A Closed competition or championship is one which the competitors must be
qualified by birth or resident (12 months immediately prior to the final) of the
area covered by the championship or competition.
Miscellaneous:
49. Etiquette:
(a) In the interest of safety and fair play the following rules of etiquette
will apply in all areas of the dance culture whether it be in the dance school,
at competitions, at home or abroad, on or off the dance floor and will apply to
professionals and amateurs alike.
(b) Intimidation and Bullying of any kind will not be tolerated
(c) Personal and public hygiene must be observed
(d) Equality laws will be observed at all levels
(e) Respect for other peoples property, personal belongings and space is
essential.
(f) Good sportsmanship is to be encouraged, observed and practiced.
50. Teacher Responsibility:
It is the responsibility of all teachers to insure the contents of this rulebook
is read understood and its rules observed by the teachers themselves in the
first instance and in turn by all their pupils or parents in the case of very
young dancers. No excuse will be entertained for failure to abide by the rules
herein.