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JIVECHAMPS 2027 COMPETITION RULES

Saturday 12th June 2027 • Dorking Halls

Please read the rules carefully before entering JiveChamps.

Our aim is to run a friendly, fair and enjoyable championship for dancers of all levels. If you're unsure which category you should enter, please contact us before booking.

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1. ELIGIBILITY & COMPETITION LEVELS

What do we class as Modern Jive? JiveChamps is a Modern Jive competition. Unless otherwise stated for a particular category, at least 75% of the dancing should be recognisable as Modern Jive and should demonstrate a clear element of lead and follow. We recognise that Modern Jive has changed considerably over the years and now incorporates influences from many other dance styles, including West Coast Swing, Salsa and Ballroom & Latin. These influences are absolutely welcome. However, the overall dance should still be recognisable as Modern Jive rather than another distinct dance style. If a performance falls into a grey area, our judges will use their own experience and judgement when marking. Competition Levels You must compete at a consistent level throughout the championships. For example, if you enter an Advanced-level competition, you cannot enter another competition as an Intermediate dancer. Previous Winners & Moving Up To keep the competition fair: 1. Previous JiveChamps winners must move up to the next appropriate level in that category, where a higher level is available. 2. Other competition wins: You may continue to enter a particular level if you have won that level at another competition, provided you have not won three or more titles at that level during the previous 12 months. Once you have won three or more titles at that level within a 12-month period, you should move up to the next appropriate level. Teachers & Professionals For JiveChamps purposes, a Teacher or Professional is anyone who is currently paid, or has been paid during the previous 18 months, to teach dance. Open-Level Dancers Open-level dancers are competitors who dance at the equivalent level of Teachers and Professionals but do not necessarily teach professionally themselves. Pro-Am Definitions For our Pro-Am competitions: Pro / Star: A dance teacher, professional dancer, or competitor who competes at Advanced, Open, Masters or equivalent level. Amateur: A dancer who has never been paid to teach dance and has not competed above Intermediate level. Please check the individual category description before entering.

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2. COMPETITION RULES

Music Music for all competition rounds will be selected by the JiveChamps organisers. Competitors will not know the music in advance unless specifically stated for a particular competition. Airsteps & Aerials Airsteps and aerials are not permitted in the standard competition categories. Moves where both of the follower's feet temporarily leave the floor are permitted provided one foot remains below the Leader's waist level. Points may be deducted where a move exceeds this level and is considered an aerial. For the purpose of these rules, an aerial is a move in which a dancer is deliberately lifted, thrown or projected into the air by their partner. An independent jump would not normally be classed as an aerial. Jive Masters Aerials are permitted in the Jive Masters competition. A maximum of two major aerials per music track is permitted. Jive Masters finalists will also compete in the Jive Jam Showcase Final. Safe Dancing All dance moves must be performed safely and with due care and consideration for other competitors sharing the floor. Dangerous or reckless dancing may result in penalties or disqualification. The Three Strike Rule To keep the championships running to schedule, JiveChamps operates a Three Strike Rule. Competitors will be called to the floor up to three times by their competitor/couple number or name. If you are not on the competition floor after the third call, the heat may begin without you and you will be disqualified from that category. If you are entering more than one Lucky Dip competition, please make sure you know your partner's competitor number. Judging Competitors will be judged using a points-based system. Judging will take into account: Style Musical Interpretation & Timing Presentation & Costume Technique & Complexity Competitors are judged solely on their performance during that particular competition round — not on previous performances, reputation or video recordings. The Judges' decision is final.

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3. AGE-RELATED CATEGORIES

Junior Seniors 40+ Both competitors must meet the minimum age requirement for the category. There is no upper age limit. Dancers aged 50+ may enter both Junior Seniors 40+ and the 50+ category, providing they meet all other eligibility requirements. Photo identification may be requested on the day. 50+ Both competitors must be aged 50 or over. Dancers entering the 50+ competition may also enter Junior Seniors 40+, providing they meet all other eligibility requirements. Photo identification may be requested on the day. Mind The Gap There must be a minimum age difference of 20 years between the two competing partners. Photo identification may be requested where necessary to confirm eligibility.

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4. ENTRIES, CANCELLATIONS & TRANSFERS

Closing Date for Competition Entries Advance competition entries will close two days before the event — Thursday 10th June 2027. Entries received after this date will only be accepted where space is available and may be refused. Where spaces remain on competition day, last-minute entries may be possible. Please speak to the JiveChamps team at the event. Minimum Entries A minimum of 8 couples/entries is required to guarantee that a competition category will run. If a category is under-subscribed, JiveChamps reserves the right to amend, combine or cancel the category. If we cancel a category, competitors entered into that category will be contacted and the relevant category entry fee refunded. Cancellation Policy If you need to cancel your booking: Up to 1st April 2027: 50% refund 2nd April to 1st May 2027: 25% refund After 1st May 2027: No refund Refunds are subject to a £10 administration/cancellation fee. No exceptions can be made for unforeseen personal circumstances. Transfers Competition places may be transferred to another dancer, but this must be agreed with the organisers in advance. No transfers will be accepted within two days of the championships.

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5. GENERAL EVENT RULES

Changes to the Programme JiveChamps/CWE Ltd reserves the right to amend the competition programme, timetable or running order where necessary. Fitness to Participate By taking part in the International Open Modern Jive Championships, you acknowledge that it is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and healthy enough to participate. Competitive dancing is a physical activity and participation is at your own risk. If you have any concerns regarding your ability to take part safely, you should seek appropriate medical advice before entering. Liability In consideration of being granted entry to the event, you agree that CWE Ltd, its officers and agents shall not be liable for loss, injury or damage suffered by you at the event or within the venue, except where liability cannot lawfully be excluded. Filming & Photography Photography and filming will take place during JiveChamps. By attending the event, you acknowledge that you may appear in photographs or video footage which may be used by JiveChamps/CWE Ltd for promotional purposes, including websites and social media. Official recordings and photographs produced on behalf of the organisers remain the property of the organisers. Guests are welcome to take their own photographs and video of the competition for personal use, subject to venue requirements and consideration for other attendees. Minimum Ages The normal minimum age for competition entry is 16. Competitors under 16 may be accepted by prior arrangement with the organisers. Please contact us before booking. The normal minimum spectator age is 10. A limited number of younger children may be accepted by prior arrangement. Please contact us before purchasing tickets.

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QUESTIONS?

If you're not sure which category you're eligible for, please ask us before you book.

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07970 153 518
info@JiveChamps.com

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