• Competitors are to dance in the appropriate skill level division, according to the rules below. Event Directors and the head judge reserve the right to move entries to more appropriate divisions or to reject entries inappropriate for any of our divisions.

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• Competitors are encouraged to contact the Head Judge for guidance. 

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• Contests will be scored using danceconvention.net scoring system and relative placement.

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• Each contestant must sign the appropriate waiver form. All contestants under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian sign any required forms.

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• WRHD is open to persons of any gender dancing either lead or follow, as they prefer, and we encourage you to register in whichever role you would like to when dancing in any contest.

Each competition is open to all competitors in good standing who:  

1. hold a full weekend pass;

2. register with any required fees paid by the official entry deadline(s) (see the event schedule);  

3. complete any required entry forms, including signed waivers; and  

4. meet all other specific entry requirements as outlined in these rules.

• It is the desire of the Organizer to encourage expressive and exciting dance performances without sacrificing quality of dancing and good taste. To encourage this balance, any action the judges believe would make them uncomfortable in a social dance setting (such as wearing inappropriate attire or showing disrespect toward one’s partner, other dancers, or the event) is prohibited. 

• Props are not allowed. 

• Competitors should check with the Chief Judge in advance if they have questions regarding the acceptability of their competition attire.

• This is a Swing Dance Competition. Swing is an American Rhythm Dance based on a foundation of 6-beat and 8-beat patterns that incorporate a wide variety of rhythms built on 2-beat single, delayed, double, triple, and blank rhythm units. The 6-beat patterns include, but are not limited to, passes, underarm turns, push breaks, open-to-closed, and closed-to-open position patterns. The 8-beat patterns include, but are not limited to, whips, swing-outs, Lindy circles, and Shag pivots. Although they are not part of the foundation of the dance as stated above, 2- beat and 4-beat extension rhythm breaks may be incorporated to extend a pattern, to phrase the music, and/or to accent breaks.

• All divisions are gender-neutral.

• All competitors must attend the mandatory role call 15 minutes prior to their division to be checked in by our marshaling team. No proxies allowed, though one member of a couple may check in if their partner is currently competing or occupied in a staff role. Once you have been checked in, you are expected to remain in line until you enter the floor for competition. If you are not present for follow up check-ins, you may be scratched.

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• A minimum number of 5 entries are required to run a division for full prize money to be awarded. If less than 5 entries are registered, the division may run, but the prizes may be adjusted.

• All competitors (with the exception of those dancing as a “Pro” in a Pro/Am competition and all Invitational JNJ competitors) must wear their assigned bib number during all contests. Leaders must wear their bib numbers on the upper back section (between their shoulders) and Followers must wear their bib numbers on their lower back section (at approximately hip level).

• All rules will be STRICTLY enforced and the decision of the Head Judge will be final.

1. Planning Ahead. Competitors should check the weekend schedule in advance in order to arrive in time to meet registration deadlines. They should bring appropriate competition attire. They should also plan ahead so as to be on time for all roll calls and competitions. Competitors are responsible for checking at the event for any changes to previously announced schedules, which are always subject to change.

2. Knowing the Rules. All competitors should read these rules carefully prior to attending the roll call for their competition. Competitors are responsible for adhering to these rules whether they have read them or not. Questions about the rules should be addressed in advance to the Event Directors or the Chief Judge, or at roll call at the event.

3. Being Prepared to Compete. Competitors should be present at roll call / check-in 15 minutes prior to the start of their competition. Competitors are responsible for their bib numbers. Any change in partnership for the couple’s competitions must be provided to the Contest Coordinators as soon as possible (and prior to check-in for the contest). Doing so may require an additional entry fee as well as a new entry form and waiver. Any cancellation by a competitor or couple will result in the loss of the entry fee.

4. Demonstrating Good Sportsmanship. Competitors must demonstrate fairness, honesty, and respect for other competitors, judges, staff members and attendees at all times - both on and off the competition floor. Competitors must also refrain from any behavior the judges deem inappropriate. Failure to adhere to this code of behavior may result in disqualification.