Rules

2 Consecutive Levels Rule

An individual may only dance in up to 2 consecutive levels in each style. Levels: Newcomer, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Novice, Pre-Champ, Champ. Styles: American Smooth, International Standard, American Rhythm, and International Latin.

Syllabus Paso Doble and Bolero

Paso Doble and Bolero are offered as “Syllabus” dances. Any ability level is welcome, as long as only syllabus steps are used.

Gold/Open 10-Dance

10-dance is all 10 International Standard and Latin dances, judged as one event. The events are run in marathon fashion, with a costume change.

This event is intended for dancers competing in gold and open levels (novice, pre-champ, champ). THIS IS NOT A SYLLABUS EVENT. We love all of our competitors, but want to limit this event to gold and up only – please join us for our other syllabus dances (paso, bolero), team match, fun dances, and more!

Separate gold and open events will still be run as usual. You do not have to do the regular events if you dance 10-dance or visa versa.

Newcomer Policy

A newcomer competitor will be defined as two competitors who have been dancing no more than 12 months OR a dancer dancing the opposite of their usual role at a level no higher than silver paired with a dancer who has been dancing less than 12 months. We ask competitors to police themselves on this rule, but we also reserve the right to check registrations to ensure they are in compliance.

Role Switching Policy

In the special case of a dancer who switches roles between leading and following, the two consecutive levels rule is altered. A dancer is limited to dancing no more than two levels in their usual role in each style, but he or she may lead or follow (whichever is not their usual role) at a third level up to two levels lower than the highest level at which he or she is leading or following (whichever is their usual role). For example, a follow at the gold level is eligible to also lead bronze, and a lead at the gold level is eligible to follow bronze.

The exception to this rule is that a dancer may only lead or follow (whichever is not their usual role) at the newcomer level if they have been doing so for less than 12 months.

Costume Policy

We suggest following the USA Dance dress code. While we will not be enforcing dress code at our competition, please do not dress in a manner which gives you an unfair advantage for your level. We will do our best to give a costume change break between Gold and Novice, for those of you competing in both of those 2 consecutive levels.

Wavier

I. I (together with my parent or guardian, if I am under the age of eighteen or under a legal disability) represent, covenant and agree, on behalf of myself and my heirs, assigns, and any other person claiming by, under or through me, as follows: I acknowledge that participating in the Activity involves certain risks (some of which I may not fully appreciate) and that injuries, death, property damage or other harm could occur to me or others. I accept and voluntarily incur all risks of any injuries, damages, or harm which arise during or result from my participation in the Activity (any activities in association with the Illini Dancesport Team including but limited to: social events, lessons, practices, and competitions), regardless of whether or not caused in whole or in part by the negligence or other fault of the Illini Dancesport Team, its active members, its executive board, and its contracted instructors (Released Parties).
II. I waive all claims against any of the Released Parties for any injuries, damages, losses or claims, whether known and unknown, which arise during or result from my participation in the Activity, regardless of whether or not caused in whole or part by the negligence or other fault of any of the Released Parties. I release and forever discharge the Released Parties from all such claims.
III. I agree to indemnify and hold the Released Parties harmless from all losses, liabilities, damages, costs or expenses (including but not limited to reasonable attorneys’ fees and other litigation costs and expenses) incurred by any of the Released Parties as a result of any claims or suits that I (or anyone claiming by, under or through me) may bring against any of the Released Parties to recover any losses, liabilities, costs, damages, or expenses.
which arise during or result from my participation in the Activity, regardless of whether
or not caused in whole or part by the negligence or other fault of any of the Released Parties.
IV. I hereby acknowledge and agree to adhere to the behavioral expectations set forth by the Illini Dancesport Team. In consideration of being allowed to participate in or access the Activity. I understand that I am expected to conduct myself in a respectful and appropriate manner at all times. This waiver outlines the terms and conditions regarding behavioral expectations and the consequences of inappropriate behavior, language, and contact.
Behavioral Expectations: I understand that while participating in the Activity, I am required to:
● Treat all individuals, regardless of their background, with respect and courtesy.
● Refrain from using inappropriate, offensive, or discriminatory language or conduct.
● Avoid any form of harassment, including but not limited to verbal, written, or physical.
● Comply with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
● Contribute to a safe and inclusive environment for all participants.
Inappropriate Behavior, Language, and Contact: I acknowledge that inappropriate behavior, language, or contact includes, but is not limited to:
● Verbal abuse, insults, or offensive language targeting individuals or groups.
● Harassment, including any unwanted attention, comments, advances, or requests.
● Display of discriminatory attitudes or behaviors related to race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected characteristic.
● Any form of physical, emotional, or psychological harm or threat towards others.
● Sharing of explicit, offensive, or inappropriate content.
Consequences of Inappropriate Behavior: I understand that any violation of the behavioral expectations outlined above may result in consequences, including but not limited to:
● Verbal warning or private discussion about the inappropriate behavior.
● Temporary suspension or removal from the Activity.
● Permanent ejection from the Activity.
● Reporting to relevant authorities, if the behavior violates applicable laws.
V. By submitting this form, I give Illini Dancesport and its representatives permission to photograph, record video, and otherwise capture my image in connection to Illini Dancesport classes, practices and social events I attend. I grant Illini Dancesport ownership of such images, and permission to use and display media that incorporates such images electronically or in print, for the purposes of publicity, advertisement, social media posts and web content.
VI. I have carefully read and reviewed this Waiver, Release and Hold Harmless Agreement, and Talent Release Agreement. I understand it fully and I execute it voluntarily.
Participant’s Name: __________________
Participant’s Signature: _______________ Date: _______