What is a sporting 'Division' and why does DanceSport use them?
A "Division" is a grouping of competitors who comply with a particular set of regulations.
DanceSport has three Divisions:
- Professional
- Amateur
- Recreational
Each has their own set of rules.
All DanceSport competitors will be registered in one of these Divisions.
Professional Division
There are no choreography restrictions in the Professional Division, but you need to maintain the Dress Code. See DSA Restrictions on Competitor Dress (page 8).
Amateur Division
Same dress requirements as per the Professional Division.
Amateur competitors have choreography restrictions in New Vogue. These are in the Approved Syllabus
Recreational Division
Recreational Competitors must adhere to the DSA Restrictions both for Competitor Dress and Approved Syllabus.
Note: The following are often overlooked in the Approved Syllabus:
- Figures of 'Precedes and Follows'
- 'Timing and Rhythm'
Details are in the technical reference books. Ask your Coach if you are unsure about your choreography.
DanceSport has 'Divisions' so competitors in each Division have the same set of rules. To use a sporting quote, this is to create a 'level playing field'.
There are, of course, basic rules that apply to all competitors regardless of the division. These are generally to do with safety. An example is 'lifts'; the lifting of one partner off the floor by the other is a safety issue for everyone concerned.
Cross-Divisional Events
Cross-Divisional events allow competitors of different Divisions to compete in the same event. This means they compete under the rules of the Division to which they belong.
Pro/Am
This is where a registered Professional partners with a registered Amateur competitor.
- This partnership follows the Professional Division rules.
- In all Pro/Am events it is the couple the Adjudicators will assess. The man/leader will wear the back number and the Skating System will be used.
- This does mean that a Professional cannot have multiple partners in the same event.
Coach/Student
A Coach is any registered DanceSport Member who has an Accreditation. The Student is any registered Amateur or Recreational competitor.
- In these events, Amateur Division rules will apply to all participants. The Adjudicators will only assess the Student, therefore the Student must wear the back number.
- If Competition Organisers allow Coachs to partner multiple Students in the same event, then the Development Scrutineering System will be used.
Coach/Recreational
As above, a Coach is any registered DanceSport Member who has an Accreditation. The Student must be registered in the Recreational Division.
- Recreational Syllabus and Dress Rules apply to this Cross-Divisional event. As with Coach/Student, it is the Recreational competitor who will be assessed.
- If Competition Organisers allow Coachs to partner multiple Students in the same event then the Development Scrutineering System will be used.
Definitions of Divisions and Cross-Division Events