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Competition                   Rules!                    Signup Sheet

Saturday, July 28, 2007.

It's     the

Check out the information to get a general idea, but there have been new developments.  Look for new dance categories, narrower age divisions, and it now appears that it is going to be sanctioned and officiated!

Registrations must be postmarked by June 15th.  Solo category may be entered in person at the competition.

Pre-registration includes one free gate pass to the fair.

Check the Signup Sheet for all the categories.

It is recommended that when you go to the Signup Sheet (last updated March.28th), you save it to your computer.  The Hard Copy is just for printing out and writing information in.  The Soft Copy is for letting the spreadsheet do all the calculations for entry fees.  It is recommended that you send in a printout of the soft copy after you have filled it in on the computer.

Important Information

This is a rain or shine event.  It will be held outdoors under a tent with open sides.

All music must be on CD.  If you only have your music on tape, contact us so we can work something out.

While not required, it is preferred that you send a copy of the music you plan to use with your application.

    The more we have in advance, the smoother we can run the event

Bring (preferably 2 copies) of your music (on CD) with you.

    It is recommended that you have only one song per CD - this is for your protection

There will be 2 changing tents available

Make checks out to the Orange County Fair

Your entry fee includes your entry to the fair (we will mail you back your passes, one per competitor)

Entry fee is non-refundable after June 15th

For an entry form, click on the link "Signup Sheet".  You can open the file to see it, or go ahead and save so that you have it.

    The "Soft Copy" has the formulas included to do it on your computer.

    The "Hard Copy" has just the blank form to print out.

    The entry form was last updated on March 27th, 2007.

We plan on having a lot of awards and recognition and fun!

This is a work in progress so check back for updates!

Important Dates

Entry deadline:    June 15, 2007

Competition:       July 28, 2007

General Rules for Us

This is a rain or shine event.  It will be held outdoors under a tent with open sides.

All music must be on CD.  If your music is only available on tape, please contact us so that we may help you.

While not required, it is preferred that you send a copy of the music you plan to use with your application.

    The more we have in advance, the smoother we can run the event

Bring (preferably 2 copies) of your music (on CD) with you.

    It is recommended that you have only one song per CD - this is for your protection

A person may participate in no more than 2 routines in the same category as long as they are in different age groups (example - maximum: 2 traditional line dances, 2 contemporary line dances, 2 traditional duos, 2 contemporary duos, etc.)

Judging will be based on:    Appearance,    Uniformity,    Technique,    and    Variation of Dance

Remember, the most important rule is that we have FUN!!!

Most of the Rules and Regulations for both ACHF and NCHC are the same, therefore, for where there are differences, the following can be used as a guide for what we will have to accommodate both. At the bottom, we have also included direct links to both the ACHF and NCHC Rules and Regulations.

General Rules and Regulations

Age Divisions

6 and under                           7 – 9                        10 – 12                    13 – 15

16 – 18                    19 – 29                    30 – 39                    40 – 49                    50 and over

Team age division is determined by AVERAGE age.

Duo/duet age division is determined by age of oldest dancer.

1. A dancer can dance up to 2 times per dance category, but only once per age division.

2. Callers of Figures MUST DANCE ON STAGE WITH THE TEAM. Southern Appalachian Traditional, Running Set Hoedown, Running Set Precision, Smooth Mountain Square Dance, Country Hoedown, and Hoedown Team categories MUST be called and heard.

3. 5 Judges are required. Highest and lowest scores will be dropped and the 3 middle scores averaged on Team and

Duo/Duet categories.. Judges will not be allowed to disqualify themselves or give an entry a zero score. If this occurs, then the entire category will be considered NON-Sanctioned, eliminating qualification for the National Clogging Championships for category participants. If there is a tie, a dance-off will be at the discretion of the event director..

4. The same 5 judges must judge the dance category. You may not use different judges for different age divisions within the same dance category. Different judges may be used for different dance categories.

5. Scores must be made available to the team directors upon request.

6. The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in each age division of each Team & Duo category will receive an invitation to the National Clogging Championships to be held on Labor Day Weekend. Entries competing in the National Clogging

Championships must have at least 51% of the dancers who originally qualified. Individual categories at the USA National Championships are open invitation to individuals.

7. The 2006 and subsequent competition calendars will run August 1st to July 31st.

8. A Rules Official, in attendance at qualifying events, has the final ruling concerning adherence to sanctioned category guidelines.

9. Traditional Costuming means boys wear pants; girls dancing female positions wear skirts (girls dancing male positions have the OPTION to wear pants or skirts).

10. Point Deductions:

                A. A 5 point deduction will result if improper number of dancers is used.

                B. A 1 point deduction for every 15 seconds or portion thereof, exceeding the given time limit.

                C. A 1 point deduction for each dancer not dressed correctly (ie: Traditional - Male position dancer mus wear slacks. Female position dancer must wear skirt or dress).

TIME LIMITS & PENALTIES

1. Time Limits:

No Minimum time requirement.

Maximum of 3 Minutes for Contemporary Duo/Duet, Traditional Duo/Duet, Show Duo/Duet, and Acapella Team

Maximum of 4 Minutes for Line Team, Formations Line Team, Traditional Line Team, Small Team and Exhibition Team

Maximum of 5 Minutes for Show Team, Precision Team (4 or More Couple), and Hoedown Team (4 or More Couple)

Maximum of 8 Minutes for all Traditional (Appalachian) Categories.

Penalty: 1 Point deducted from the overall score for every 15 seconds or portion thereof exceeding the time limit.

Hoedown (Freestyle) Categories: Timing to begin with the last dancer dancing on stage, and end when the first dancer stops dancing.

Precision Categories: Timing to begin with the first dancer dancing on stage and end when the last dancer stops dancing.

2. Points Deductions: Teams/Duets will be assessed points off for rule infractions for flagrant abuse of competition rules. These points are deducted from the overall score.

A. Entering Teams or dancers in the wrong age division.

B. A dancer dancing more times than allowed per dance category (see General Information #2).

C. Performing a routine, which does not conform to the guidelines of the category entered.

D. Improper conduct.

3. Deductions only to the category of dance in which the infraction occurs; the entry may dance in other categories and receive points.

4. The Rules Official is responsible for determining point deductions only in Sanctioned Categories.

5. Any entry having points deducted will be notified immediately following the dance and prior to the awarding of trophies. If they are not notified of the infraction then no points will be deducted.

6. A 5 point deduction will result if improper number of dancers is used.

Solos

Freestyle

Time limit will be 20 seconds on Rise and Shine.

Any kind of steps are allowed.

Dancers will line up on stage facing judges.

When music begins, start dancing and ‘Go for it’.

Each dancer will have opportunity to Rise and Shine beginning with dancer on your right.

Return to line on your left.

When ‘Rise and Shine’ is complete, all dancers ‘Go for it’ til music stops.

Flatfoot

Time limit will be 20 seconds on Rise and Shine.

Only old time drag slide low to the floor rhythmic steps are allowed in flatfoot solos.

NO high stepping or double toes are allowed!!!

Dancers will line up on stage facing judges til judges have numbers.

When music begins, form a circle and start dancing .

Keep dancing in a circle til music stops.

Acapella

Time limit will be approximately 20 seconds on Rise and Shine.

Any kind of steps are allowed.

This is a dance of sound, rhythm, and patter.

Be sure you have all three included in your steps.

Judges will turn their backs to dancers.

Emcee will give number to judges and cue Dancer to “Start”.

Dancer will stop dancing when emcee says “STOP”.

Hoedown

COUNTRY HOEDOWN (Traditional 4 Couple)

Dancers 4 couples - Any number of males and females.  See Penalties #6.

Figures Traditional mountain figures.

Minimum of 2 big circle figures.

Minimum of 4 different small circle figures with progression between each figure.

Corner/Partner swing required after each small circle 4 figure.

Dress Code Dancer dancing male position MUST wear slacks.

Dancer dancing female position MUST wear dress or skirt.

Steps Freestyle footwork using Southern Appalachian steps with rhythmic sound.

Movement Dancers must not start simultaneously.

Couples must ‘square set’ prior to doing 1st figure. (Identify HOME position by swinging partner)

Progression must be on inside of set in a counter clockwise direction.

Quadrille - (4 couple square) formation with 1 or 2 couples traveling. Inactive couples must ‘hold home position’.

Couples may not progress across the center of the set while performing small circle 4 figures.

No dance lifts, pull throughs, splits, tosses, leaps, cartwheels, or flips are allowed.

Music Traditional music – no vocals.

Callers Figures must be called and heard from within the set.

Time Limit 8 minutes

SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN (Traditional 6 or 8 couple)

Dancers 6 or 8 couples – not both - Any number of males and females. Must have an even number of couples.  See Penalties #6.

Figures Traditional mountain figures.

Minimum of 2 big circle figures.

Minimum of 4 different small circle figures with progression between each figure.

Corner/Partner swing required after each small circle 4 figure.

Dress Code Dancer dancing male position MUST wear slacks.

Dancer dancing female position MUST wear dress or skirt.

Steps Freestyle footwork using Southern Appalachian steps with rhythmic sound.

Movement Dancers must not start simultaneously.

Couple oriented dance while performing figures.

Progression must be on inside of set in a counter clockwise direction.

Couples may not progress across the center of the set while performing small circle 4 figures.

No dance lifts, pull throughs, splits, tosses, leaps, cartwheels, or flips are allowed.

Music Traditional music – no vocals.

Callers Figures must be called and heard from within the set.

Time Limit 8 minutes

4 COUPLE PRECISION

Dancers Minimum of 8 dancers - Any number of males and females but must have an even number of dancers.   See Penalties #6.

Figures Traditional mountain figures.

Minimum of 2 big circle figures.

Minimum of 4 different small circle figures with progression between each figure.

Corner/Partner swing required after each small circle 4 figure.

Dress Code Dancer dancing male position MUST wear slacks.

Dancer dancing female position MUST wear dress or skirt.

Steps Precision footwork. Traditional drag slide steps are encouraged. Progressive steps are allowed.

Movement Progression must be on inside of set in a counter clockwise direction.

No dance lifts, pull throughs, splits, tosses, leaps, cartwheels, or flips are allowed.

Music Traditional music – no vocals. Music breaks allowed.

Callers Figures may be called but is not required.

Time Limit 8 minutes

6 or 8 COUPLE PRECISION

Dancers 6 or 8 couples - not both - Any number of males and females.  See Penalties #6.

Figures Traditional mountain figures.

Minimum of 2 big circle figures.

Minimum of 4 different small circle figures with progression between each figure.

Corner/Partner swing required after each small circle 4 figure.

Dress Code Dancer dancing male position MUST wear slacks.

Dancer dancing female position MUST wear dress or skirt.

Steps Precision footwork. Traditional drag slide steps are encouraged. Progressive steps are allowed.

Movement Progression must be on inside of set in a counter clockwise direction.

Couples may not progress across center of set while performing small circle 4 figures.

No dance lifts, pull throughs, splits, tosses, leaps, cartwheels, or flips are allowed.

Music Traditional music – no vocals. Music breaks allowed.

Callers Figures may be called but is not required.

Time Limit 8 minutes

Running Set Hoedown Team

Dancers: 4-Couples. Any combination of males and/or females but must have even number of dancers. See Penalties #6.

Costumes: Traditional costumes (see General Information #9)

Figures: English quadrille formation with 1 active couple (traveling). 4 different visiting couple figures, each led by 1 active

couple. 1 opening figure, 1 closing figure, with all couples active (i.e., weave the basket) 3 connecting figures with

all couples active (also called break figures). A break figure occurs at the end of the progression by the active

couple when they return to their home position in the circle. NO dance lifts, pull throughs, splits, tosses, leaps,

cartwheels or flips. A Basket of Flowers is allowed.

Steps: Southern Appalachian steps while performing traditional mountain figures. Team should strive for Rhythmic

Southern Appalachian Sound. No dancer intentionally in step with any other dancer. Speed should complement

the grace and beauty of the dance.

Movement: Progression must be inside of the set in a counter-clockwise direction. Dancers must not start simultaneously.

Music: Traditional style music without vocals. If live band is provided, team must dance to it.

Callers: Figures MUST be called and heard from within the set.

Time Limit: 8 minutes

Running Set Precision Team

Dancers: 4-Couples. Any combination of males and/or females but must have even number of dancers. See Penalties #6.

Costumes: Traditional costumes (see General Information #9)

Figures: English quadrille formation with 1 active couple (traveling). 4 different visiting couple figures, each led by 1 active couple. 1 opening figure, 1 closing figure, with all couples active (i.e., weave the basket) 3 connecting figures with all couples active (also called break figures). A break figure occurs at the end of the progression by the active

couple when they return to their home position in the circle. NO dance lifts, pull throughs, splits, tosses, leaps,

cartwheels or flips.

Steps: Running Step (performed using a soaring, graceful run with the ball of the foot bearing the dancer's weight) while performing traditional mountain figures... This is a precision dance. All active dancers in step with each other at all times. Some type of rhythmic movement by the inactive couples is required and must be done together in time

with the music and should not detract from the active couples. They may pat their foot and clap hands to enforce

the rhythm of the music ("patting") or they may continue a less aggressive running step.

Movement: Progression must be inside of the set in a counter-clockwise direction. Dancers must start together. At no time should active dancers stop dancing.

Music: Traditional style music without vocals. If live band is provided, team must dance to it.

Callers: Figures MUST be called and heard from within the set.

Time Limit: 8 minutes

Dancers 6 or 8 couples – not both - Any number of males and females. Must have an even number of couples. See rule #6.

Figures Traditional mountain figures.

Dress Code Dancer dancing male position MUST wear slacks.

Steps Precision footwork. Gliding step on ball of foot

Movement Counter-clockwise movement in dance progression. Couples may not progress across center of set in small circle 4

Music Traditional music – no vocals.

Callers Figures must be called and heard from within the set.

Time Limit 8 minutes

Duo / Duet

Traditional Duo/Duet

Dancers: 1 Couple – male/male, female/female or male/female.

Costumes: Traditional costumes (males must wear pants and females must wear skirts or dresses).

Interaction: Dance as couple with maximum variety of interaction (applies to male/male as well as female/female duos). This is not a two-person line dance.

Steps: Dancers in step with each other at all times. A progressive step change will be allowed. Freestyling will NOT be allowed.

Movement: Use the whole stage. Do not separate from partner and dance across the stage from each other for long periods.

Music: Traditional country, bluegrass, western or hoedown music with or without vocals.

Entry: A dancer may dance up to 2 times per duet category but, only once per age division.

Time Limit: 3 minutes

Contemporary Duo/Duet

Dancers: 1 Couple – male/male, female/female, or male/female.

Costumes: Contemporary costume (females may wear pants).

Interaction: Dance as couple with maximum variety of interaction (applies to male/male as well as female/female duos). This is not a two-person line dance.

Steps: Dancers in step with each other at all times. A progressive step change will be allowed. Freestyling will NOT be allowed.

Movement: Use the whole stage. Do not separate from partner and dance across the stage from each other for long periods.

Music: Any type of music.

Callers: Dance may NOT be called, cued or heard.

Entry: A dancer may dance up to 2 times per duet category, but only once per age division.

Time Limit: 3 minutes

Show Duo/Duet

Dancers: 1 Couple – male/male, female/female, or male/female.

Costumes: Should match the theme of the dance.

Interaction: Some hand or body contact required.

Steps: Dancers must still use clogging steps – 20% allowed for Show steps.

Movement: Use the whole stage. Dance lifts, pull throughs, splits, tosses and leaps will be allowed. Unassisted cartwheels or flips will not be allowed.

Music: Any type of music (consistent with theme).

Callers: No caller, unless used in the theme.

Entry: A dancer may dance up to 2 times per duet category, but only once per age division.

Time Limit: 3 minutes

Team / Line Dances

TRADITIONAL LINE

Dancers Minimum of 5 dancers - Any combination of males and/or females.  See Penalties #6.

Figures Figures are not allowed.

Steps 100% precision footwork. Footwork MUST be traditional style steps - drag slide clogging. NO progressive steps are allowed.

Movement No hand, head, or body choreography.

All dancers must face same direction at same time. Dancers are not allowed to face each other in the same line.

All lines must move in the same direction at the same time.

Dance must start and stop on stage. No clogging onto or off stage.

No progressive movements. No dancing as couples. No rise & shine or individual dancing.

No body contact is allowed.

No stage movement that appears to be a stage production.

ONLY feet may touch the floor.

Music Traditional style music only -- with or without vocals.

Callers Dance must NOT be called or cued - from on stage or off stage.

Time Limit 4 minutes

Line Team (Standing Line)

Dancers: Minimum of 5 dancers - any combination of male and/or female. See Penalties #6.

Figures: No Figures.

Steps: Choreography is for one person, but danced by many, no progressive step changes and/or hand changes are allowed.

Movement: All dancers must face same direction at same time. All lines must move in the same direction at the same time.

Dance must start, remain, and end in set line(s). No dancing on or off stage. No dancing as couples; no

individual freestyle dancing. No trading, twisting, passing through, bending, rotating, interacting of lines. No stage movement that appears to be a show or stage production oriented. No body contact. NO dance lifts, pull throughs, splits, tosses, leaps, cartwheels, or flips. Jazz and floor work may be used, but should not overpower the clogging choreography.

Music: Any type of music.

Callers: Dance must NOT be called or cued.

Time Limit: 4 minutes

LINE FORMATIONS

Dancers Minimum of 5 dancers - Any combination of males and/or females.  See Penalties #6.

Figures Figures are not allowed.

Steps Precision footwork. Progressive steps are allowed.

Movement Dance must start and stop on stage. No clogging onto or off stage.

Progressive movements are allowed. No dancing as couples. No rise & shine or individual dancing.

No body contact is allowed.

Trading of lines, twisting of lines, passing through lines, bending of lines, rotation, V’s, columns, interaction of lines are allowed and encouraged.

Hand, head, body movements are encouraged. Jazz & floor movement is allowed – don’t over shadow footwork.

Music Any type of music is allowed.

Callers Dance must NOT be called or cued - from on stage or off stage.

Time Limit 4 minutes

Small Team

Dancers: Minimum of 3 dancers, but no more than 8 dancers - any combination of male and/or female. See Penalties #6.

Figures: See Movement. You may not re-dance this routine in another dance category. This dance maybe a line, show, formations, circles, etc.

Steps: This is a precision dance. Progressive step changes and/or hand changes are allowed.

Movement: Movements may bend, rotate, pass through, split, trade, breakup, reform, make V's, and include figures, circles or

columns. Dance lifts; pull throughs, splits, tosses and leaps will be allowed. No unassisted cartwheels or flips.

Music: Any type of music that would be appropriate to the type of dance being performed.

Callers: Dance must NOT be called or cued.

Time Limit: 4 minutes

Acapella Team

Dancers: Minimum of 5 dancers - any combination of male and/or female. See Penalties #6.

Costumes: No requirements.

Figures: Figures are allowed, but not required.

Steps: Any type of steps allowed.

Movement: Dance must start from, and end on stage. No dancing on or off stage.

Music: No music allowed.

Judging: Judges face away from stage. Emphasis is on clarity, sound and intricacy of performance.

Time Limit: 3 minutes

Show Team (Artistic Expression)

Dancers: Minimum of three (3) dancers - any number of males and females. See Penalties #6.

Figures: No figure requirement. See Movement.

Steps: Stage choreography will be expected. No restrictions on figures or use of hand contact.

Movement: Dancers must still use clogging steps - 20% allowed for Show steps. Heavy emphasis on “Showmanship” and creativity. Should use creative opening and closing. This is a CLOGGING category, not a place for “novelty”

amateur acts, nor a place for Line Dances done in show costumes. Use of hand and simple stage props are

allowed. However, no points will be earned or deducted for their use. Be careful not to let the “production” of your

number overshadow the DANCING. Dance lifts, pull throughs, splits, tosses and leaps allowed. No unassisted

cartwheels or flips.

Music: Music, choreography and costumes should carry out theme. Any type of music.

Callers: Not required.

Time Limit: 5 minutes

Exhibition Team

Dancers: Minimum of 3 dancers - any combination of male and/or female. See Penalties #6.

Figures: This dance should contain a variety of dance styles, line, show, line formations, circles and couple turns. You may not re-dance this routine in another dance category.

Steps: Any type of steps. This is a precision dance. Progressive step changes and/or hand changes are allowed.

Movement: Any type of choreography. Movements may bend, rotate, pass through, split, trade, breakup, reform, make V's, and include figures, circles or columns. Dance lifts, pull throughs, splits, tosses and leaps will be allowed. No unassisted cartwheels or flips. NO stage props are allowed.

Music: Any type of music that would be appropriate to the type of exhibition dance being performed.

Callers: Dance must NOT be called or cued.

Time Limit: 4 minutes

Follow the links below for the individual specifics. Just so that you are aware, both links are to Adobe .pdf  files.

ACHF Rules and Regulations                            NCHC Rules and Regulations

All Judges Decisions Will Be Final

Since 1-01-07

Last Updated:  Sunday, 30 March 2008