Rules | Gateway Swing Classic

Competition Rules

Final decisions on any matters pertaining to competitions rests solely with the Event Director.

Event Pass: All competitors must have a full weekend pass and have paid all associated contest registration fees.
Wristbands: Your event wristband must be worn at all times. It may be removed for a competition routine but must be replaced immediately afterward.
Waivers: Each competitor must sign a waiver form before competing. No one will be allowed to compete without a signed waiver.
Age: Competitors must be at least 15 years old. Dancers under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian sign their forms and be present with them in the ballroom at all times. Dancers younger than 15 years old must submit a petition more than 4 weeks prior to the event.
Shoes: Appropriate dance shoes are required for all competitions and social dancing.
Photography/Video: By entering a contest, you consent to the unrestricted use of your name and likeness in photos and videos for future promotions.
Pass: Must have purchased a full weekend pass and have paid all associated registration fees for each competition.
Deadlines: Must register and pay by the official deadlines outlined in the schedule.
Code of Conduct: We reserve the right to disqualify any competitors deemed in violation of the Code of Conduct.

Entries: A contest must have a minimum of five entries to be considered official. If fewer than five entries register, the contest may be canceled or the prize money reduced at the Organizer's discretion. In the event of a cancellation, entry fees will be refunded.
Judges: There will be a minimum of five judges for all competitions, along with a Chief Judge. Exception: the Steal Team Challenge may have fewer judges and be decided in finals by audience applause.
Scoring: All contests will be scored using a computer and relative placement. Contestants will be judged individually in preliminary rounds and as a couple in finals for Jack and Jill contests. They will be judged as a couple in all rounds for Strictly Swing and routine divisions.

Planning & Punctuality: Competitors are responsible for knowing their competition times, checking in on time, and being present in the ballroom at least 15 minutes before their contest begins. Schedules are subject to change, so please pay attention to announcements.
Knowing the Rules: By competing, you agree to adhere to all rules, whether you have read them or not. Questions should be directed to the Chief Judge or Event Organizer before your competition begins.
Bib Numbers: Competitors are responsible for their assigned bib numbers. Lost bibs may be subject to a replacement fee.
Good Sporting Conduct: All competitors must demonstrate good sportsmanship on and off the dance floor. You may not speak to judges about your scores or placements until after the awards have been given. Arguing with judges is prohibited and can lead to disqualification.

Registration: Sign up as an individual. You will be paired with a random partner for each round.
WSDC Rules: We follow all WSDC rules regarding level eligibility. You may compete in up to two skill divisions.
Dance Up Petitions: All petitions to "dance up" must be submitted to the WSDC Chief Judges Committee (CJC) at least four weeks prior to the event using this form.
Dance Down Petitions: Petitions to "dance down" must be submitted to the Chief Judge at least 24 hours prior to the contest and be approved before the division cutoff. Dancing in the wrong level without approval will result in disqualification.
Age Divisions:
- Sophisticated: Competitors must be 35 years or older.
- Masters: Competitors must be 50 years or older.
Moves: Drops, leans, circular movements, and other partner weight support moves are allowed as long as both partners maintain at least one foot on the floor.
Pro participation: All professional staff members are required to participate as a pro in the Pro Am Jack & Jill.

Registration: Sign up as a couple with a partner of your choice.
No Role Switching: Role switching is not permitted within a single dance.
Partner Restrictions: Strictly Swing partners may not dance together in more than one Strictly contest. Pros may dance with a maximum of 5 amateurs per Pro Am division.
Moves: Drops, leans, circular movements, and other partner weight support moves are allowed as long as both partners maintain at least one foot on the floor.
Level: A couple's division is determined by the highest WSDC level of the two partners.

Definition: An amateur is a Newcomer, Novice, Intermediate, or Advanced dancer. A professional is dancer who earns a significant amount of income teaching or performing West Coast Swing.
Performance: Routines must be between 2 and 3 minutes in length and consist of at least 50% West Coast Swing.
Lifts: Lifts and tricks where one partner breaks full contact with the floor are allowed.

Follows Rising Star Tour Rules: We follow all the official Rising Star Tour guidelines for this division

Steal Team Challenge

Registration: Teams may consist of 3-4 participants, with only one All Star or Champion level dancer allowed per team.
Lifts: Lifts and tricks where one partner breaks full contact with the floor are allowed.
Steal Frequency: If a team dances a full 32 counts without a change of partners, they are subject to penalization or disqualification.
Simultaneity: Moves maintaining contact with multiple partners are allowed, but must make up less than 50% of a team’s total dance time.
Scoring: The preliminary rounds will recall teams by a collaborative decision of the appointed judges. Finals will be judged based on the MC’s assessment of audience applause.