COMPETITION RULES

I. General Eligibility & Registration

To participate in any competition at NORWEGIAN OPEN 2025, all competitors must:

• Hold a valid event pass that permits competition entry (e.g., [e.g., Full Weekend Pass, Party Pass]).
• Complete the official registration for each desired competition before the announced deadline. Registration can be done via Scoring.Dance or Registration Desk].
• Pay all required entry fees associated with their chosen competitions.
• Pick up their competitor bib number during the designated times and wear it visibly during preliminary and semi-final and final rounds. Bibs are recommended but may not be mandatory for spotlighted finals.
• Sign the event's legal waiver and release form. Competitors under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian sign the waiver on their behalf.
• Meet the specific eligibility criteria for each division entered, as outlined in these rules and by the World Swing Dance Council (WSDC) where applicable.
• Competitors under the age of 18 must have parental/guardian consent and should be comfortable and accustomed to social dancing in an adult environment.

II. WSDC Compliance & Skill Levels

NORWEGIAN OPEN 2025 complies with the competition guidelines of the World Swing Dance Council (WSDC) for relevant divisions.

WSDC Points Registry: WSDC Jack & Jill skill levels (Newcomer, Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, All-Star) are determined by the official WSDC Points Registry (WSDC Points Registry).

Competitor Responsibility: You are responsible for knowing the divisions you are eligible for based on your WSDC points in both Leader and Follower roles. You must use your unique WSDC Competitor ID number when registering.

Primary & Secondary Roles: Competitors may enter a maximum of two WSDC skill-level Jack & Jill competitions: once in their primary role and once in their secondary role.

• Your competition level is determined by your points in that specific role.
• Generally, you may compete one or two levels lower in your secondary role than your primary role's WSDC-defined level, subject to WSDC rules (e.g., Intermediate primary dancers cannot compete in Newcomer secondary). Check current WSDC guidelines for specifics.
• You must maintain your chosen role (Leader or Follower) throughout all rounds of a single competition. Role switching during a competitive dance is generally not permitted for more than 8 beats.

Points: WSDC points are awarded based on placement in finals, provided the division meets minimum entry requirements (Minimum Entries for Points, e.g., 5 Leaders and 5 Followers). Points are tracked separately for Leader and Follower roles.

III. Petitioning for Division Reclassification

If you believe you should compete in a WSDC skill level division other than the one dictated by your current points (for your primary role only), you may submit a petition.

Petition Down: To compete one level lower than your current points indicate (primary role only), submit a formal petition request to the Chief Judge two weeks before event start. A committee including the Chief Judge will review your WSDC record. Approval is granted on an event-by-event basis. ( Petition down Form )

Petition Up: To compete one level higher (primary role only), petitions must generally be submitted directly to the WSDC Chief Judges Committee well in advance of the event ( Petition up Form ), often requiring video submissions. Approved petitions up may be valid for a set period.

No Petitions for Secondary Role: Petitions are not accepted for changing levels in your secondary role.

Pending Points: If you qualify for a higher division due to recent placements not yet reflected in the WSDC registry, submit a petition with details of the event, placement, tier, and event contact for verification.

Decisions Final: All decisions regarding petitions made by the Chief Judge or competition officials are final. Be prepared to compete in your originally qualified division if your petition is denied.

IV. Competitor Responsibilities & Conduct

Competitors are expected to uphold a high standard of conduct and personal responsibility.

• Know the Rules: Familiarize yourself with all competition rules and schedules. Ignorance of the rules is not an excuse for non-compliance. Ask questions of the Chief Judge or Event Staff if unclear.
• Be Prepared: Arrive at the ballroom well in advance ([15-20 minutes]) of your scheduled competition and marshalling times. Check the final schedule posted at the event (Norwegian Open Schedule) for any updates.
• Marshalling: Listen for marshalling calls and proceed promptly to the designated area. Failure to be present when your heat or final call is made may result in disqualification. Alternates may be called for finals if registered competitors are absent.
• Sportsmanship: Demonstrate respect towards partners, fellow competitors, judges, staff, and spectators at all times, both on and off the floor. Poor sportsmanship or disrespectful behavior may lead to penalties or disqualification. All decisions are made in complience of event director and cheif judge.
• Communication: Address concerns or questions appropriately through official channels, such as speaking privately with the Chief Judge or Ida Maria Stand, our ED. Directly confronting, arguing with, or harassing judges or officials is prohibited and may result in disqualification and future bans.
• Withdrawals: If you must withdraw after the registration deadline, your entry fees will be forfeited. Please notify competition staff as soon as possible.

V. Dance Requirements & Judging

Swing Content: Competitions are focused on swing dancing. Judges expect to see recognizable swing content ([minimum 80-90%]). Jack & Jill divisions primarily feature West Coast Swing.

Lead/Follow: Jack & Jill and Strictly Swing competitions emphasize spontaneous, lead/follow dancing. Pre-choreographed routines or significant amounts of choreographed sequences are not permitted in these divisions.

Connection: Maintain appropriate physical dance connection with your partner throughout the dance, except during spins, turns, short breakaways, etc., that are natural parts of the dance.

Attire & Presentation: Dress appropriately for competition. While costumes are generally disallowed (except for specific Routine divisions), neat, complementary, or matching outfits suitable for swing dancing are encouraged, especially for Strictly Swing. Avoid overly casual wear like jeans. Attire and presentation should be tasteful and respectful, suitable for an all-ages audience. Check with the Chief Judge beforehand if you have questions about attire acceptability.

VI. Competition Formats

VII. Music & Scoring

Competition Music: The event Head DJ will select all music for Jack & Jill and Strictly Swing competitions. Music length and style will vary.

Scoring: Competitions are scored using a relative placement system, (scoring.dance). Scores/results may be posted at Scoring.dance after awards.

VIII. Organizer Rights & Final Authority

The NORWEGIAN OPEN 2025 Organizers (Norvind WCS) and the Chief Judge reserve the right to modify competition rules, schedules, formats, or cancel any division that does not meet minimum participation (e.g., 5 couples/leaders/followers).

All decisions made by the Chief Judge and event officials regarding rule interpretations, eligibility, and placements are final and binding.

IX. Contact Information

For questions regarding competition rules, please contact:

• Chief Judge: TBA
• Event Organizers: Ida Marie Strand
• Event Website: Norwegianopen.no