Working with Children Check & Accreditation

At the May 2013 Dancesport Victoria board meeting, a motion was passed that now requires all coaching and adjudicator accreditation applications to include evidence of a completed Working with Children Check before the file is to be passed to the Dancesport Australia – Accreditation Commission for completion.

If you have any questions on this, please speak with Andrew Howlett

What happens to elevation points when I win an event higher than my current level?

This situation can happen from time to time where a couple in one level wins an event of a level higher than their own. For example: A Level 1 couple winning a Level 2 event, etc.

The Dancesport Australia rule are very clear on this. Rule 13.7 state:

Elevation marks are recorded only in the competitors current level until the maximum number of marks are awarded in that level, at which time the competitor is required to elevate to the next level. There is no carry over of marks to a higher level. 

What could I get disqualified specifically in the Latin American style?

The following are guidelines in relation to what can be disqualified in the Latin American style and do not cover all scenarios. For full details and explanation, please refer to the Rules of Dancesport Australia.

 

Rules 15.2

Competitors in the following events are not permitted to use figures other than those defined in the “Approved Syllabus” as set and published by DSA:

a) Novice events.

b) Juvenile events.

c) Level 1 events in all other age groups.

 

 

Rule 15.4

Lifts, tail spins and high back kicks are not permitted in any Competition or Championship held under DSA Rules.

a) For the purpose of this rule, a lift is defined as a movement during which a competitor has both feet off the floor at the same time with the assistance or support of the partner.

b) High back kicks, for the purpose of these rules, are defined as when the entire back leg is raised higher than the knee of the supporting leg.

What is “Self-Elevation”?

“Self-Elevation” is a process whereby a competitor applies to their state branch to have their current grading elevated one level above their current level.

This application must be in accordance with Rule 13.13:

A competitor may elect to elevate one level. This election is to be addressed to the relevant Branch Board and supported by the competitor’s coach. For competitors under 16 years, a parent or guardian must also support this application in writing.

a) Such election is not reversible

b) Election can only be exercised once per age group

c) Applies to each style separately.

 
Dancesport Victoria provides a template word document that can be downloaded and used. Click here.

Competitors Code of Conduct

The following is an extract from the Dancesport Australia Member Protection Policy regarding competitor conduct:

 

COMPETITORS CODE OF CONDUCT

1. It is a condition of registration that competitors must at all times act in a sportsmanlike manner and while in public must act in a way that does not bring DanceSport, fellow competitors or DSA into disrepute.
2. Competitors must not connive in a breach of these rules by making false statements, by withholding their registration card so that Level elevations are not marked on the card, or by withholding information about their age, qualifications or other matters that would result in their being ineligible to enter an event.
3. Competitors must not use physical violence, or act in a way that uses the threat of physical violence as intimidation, and competitors must refrain from making public statements that vilify another DSA member on the basis of race, religion, colour, gender, sexual orientation or other related characteristics.
4. The taking of illicit and/or performance enhancing substances is banned. Refer to the separate “Drugs in DanceSport” section in these rules.
5. Competitors are urged to abide by the following code of behaviour:
   1. a)  Compete by the rules and always abide by the adjudicators’ decisions.
   2. b)  Control your temper. Make no criticism in public either by word or gesture.
   3. c)  Be a good sport. Encourage your partner or fellow team members if you are part of a larger team.
   4. d)  Be considerate to your partner and work as a team. It is your performance as a couple that is assessed, not your individual performances.
   5. e)  Be willing to train and prepare for competition. Preparation helps prevent injury.

6. f)  Compete only when you are fully fit.
7. g)  Be realistic in setting your personal goals.

    

   DSA Member Protection Policy

What are the age groups of registered competition?

In accordance with rule 11.2, the following outlines the age groups of the Amateur division of registered competitions:

Juvenile:

Both partners must be under 13 years

Junior:

Older partner must be over 12 years and under 16 years, the younger partner must be under 16 years of age. Neither partner can have competed in Adult events at any time, except where readmission to Junior competition is approved (see rule 11.11)

Youth

Older partner must be under 19 years of age and at least 16 years of age. Younger partner must not be less than 12 years of age.

Adult

Younger Partner must be at least 16 years of age, (see rule 11.11 for exceptions), older partner must be 16 years and over.

Masters I

Both partners must be at least 35 years of age.

Masters II

Both partners must be over 50 years of age.

What happens when I get disqualified “D”d in a final?

In accordance with Rule 30.7:

 

If at least two adjudicators mark “D” against any couple in the final round of an event, that couple shall be placed last in that dance by the scrutineer.

The scrutineer shall advise the chairman of adjudicators (and if he/she is not appointed or not available the organiser) of the action taken.