The Rules of DanceSport

These rules take effect on 1 January 2027.

They are not in force yet. Until 1 January 2027, every competition is still governed by the current Competition Rules, and it is those you must follow and be judged against today. This page is published now so that competitors, officials and organisers can read what is coming and prepare for it.

From 1 January 2027 these rules will govern every competition registered with DanceSport Australia - who may enter, what may be worn, how events are run, and how competitors, officials and organisers are expected to behave. They will apply to members, to registered organisers, and at a registered competition to everybody present.

They are published as a wiki rather than a document. Every clause has its own address, so a rule can be linked to directly in an email, a complaint or an entry condition, and the version you are reading is always the latest. There is no PDF to check the date on.

Ask a question

Ask in your own words. You do not need to know a rule number, and you do not need to guess the right heading - describe your situation and the relevant clauses are found for you.

Try: What can a juvenile girl wear? Can I compete with two different partners? Sponsor logo on competition attire How is a graded event decided?

You are searching the rules that begin on 1 January 2027, not the rules in force today.
A written summary is a reading aid only. The wiki clause is the rule - follow the links and read it before you rely on it. If a summary and a clause ever disagree, the clause wins. Anything that turns on your age group, division or the status of the event should be checked with the DSA office.

Read them in full

Rules of DanceSport
398 clauses - opens the wiki Code of Conduct
50 clauses - opens the wiki Rules of Para Dance Sports
53 clauses - opens the wiki Help & Guides
How to search, how to read an answer, and how to quote a rule

Not yet in force

These rules begin on 1 January 2027. Until then follow the current Competition Rules - they are what applies at a competition today.

Why a wiki

One current version, always. No circulating PDFs, no wondering which copy is the latest, and every clause individually addressable.

What the search does

It looks through every clause for the ones that fit your question, then explains them in plain English with the clause numbers shown.

What it does not do

It does not make rulings, interpret a clause for your particular case, or replace a decision of the Board or a Committee. It points you at the rule - reading it is still yours to do.