Competition Rules

D-TOWN SWING 2026
Düsseldorf, 18–21 June 2026
Organizer: dresenLiveEvents

These rules are published in German and English. In the event of any discrepancy between the two language versions, the English version prevails, as it follows the wording of the WSDC.

All competitions at D-TOWN SWING follow the WSDC Competition Rules. These event rules add event-specific detail. In case of ambiguity, the Head Judge decides.

1. Eligibility

1.1 Event Requirements
- You must hold a valid ticket that includes competition access.
- You must register for each competition before the published deadline and pay any required entry fee.
- All required forms, including a signed liability waiver, must be completed. Competitors under 18 require a parent/guardian signature.

1.2 WSDC Rules & Points
- Division eligibility (Newcomer, Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, All-Star, Champion) is determined by the WSDC Points Registry Rules.
- Petitions follow the WSDC Petition Rules: a competitor may petition one level up or one level down only. An approved petition applies automatically to all competitions at this event.
- D-TOWN SWING does not accept petitions outside WSDC rules.

1.3 Primary & Secondary Role
- Each competitor declares a primary role (leader or follower) and may also dance their secondary role.
- You may compete in a maximum of two skill-level Jack & Jill competitions: once in your primary role and once in your secondary role.
- Any gender may dance either role.

1.4 Strictly Qualification by Role
⚠️ This is the most important and most misunderstood rule. Read it carefully.
- In a Strictly Swing skill division, a couple must enter the highest WSDC level that either partner qualifies for in the role they are dancing — not their overall division.
- Worked example: A dancer is Intermediate as a leader but only Novice as a follower. If they dance Strictly as a leader, the couple's level is at least Intermediate. They may not enter Strictly Novice as a leader by using their follower level.
- If both partners qualify for different levels, the couple enters the higher of the two.
- Registering in a level you are not eligible for results in disqualification from that division.

1.5 Division Consistency
- A competitor may not enter the same division twice in the same role.
- In couples divisions (Strictly), you must dance with a different partner in each division you enter.

2. Competitor Responsibilities

2.1 Registration
On-site competition registration (check-in) is open:
- Thursday 22:00–00:00
- Friday 12:00–17:00
- Saturday 11:00–14:00
Online advance reservation is recommended but becomes valid only after on-site payment and after you have received your BIB number.

2.2 Bib Numbers
- Competitors must wear their assigned bib number to compete.
- Bib numbers must be picked up at least 2 hours before the first competition of the day, unless the official schedule states otherwise.
- No bib, no start: if you have not picked up your bib by the deadline, you cannot participate — even if your entry fee has already been paid.

2.3 Entry Fees
Entry fees are non-refundable under all circumstances, including no-shows, late arrival, or disqualification.

2.4 Schedule Monitoring
The schedule and the number of rounds depend on the number of entries and may change. Competitors must check the posted schedule regularly and are responsible for being present on time.

2.5 Marshalling & Error Reporting
- Be in the ballroom at least 15 minutes before your division and follow marshalling instructions.
- Competitors are called twice. Failure to appear after the second call means an alternate may replace you; once replaced you cannot return, and this results in disqualification.
- You must immediately report any error in heat sheets or marshalling lists to the scorer, the competition coordinator, or the Head Judge.

2.6 Conduct & Scores
- Demonstrate good sporting conduct on and off the floor.
- Do not approach or argue with judges about placements before awards are given; raise concerns through the competition coordinator or Head Judge.
- Scores are posted for a limited time after awards. Post-event inquiries go to the competition director.

3. Dance Requirements

3.1 Swing Content
All competitions are West Coast Swing competitions. Guideline: 90% swing content in Jack & Jill and Strictly Swing. The Head Judge decides whether the requirement is met. Pre-choreographed routines are not allowed; "choreography on the fly" is the objective.

3.2 Connection
Lead/follow connection must be maintained, except for spins, turns, short break-aways and recoveries.

3.3 Tricks & Lifts
- Drops, leans and partner weight-support moves are allowed only if both partners keep at least one foot on the floor.
- Over-the-head lifts and aerials (both feet off the floor) are NOT allowed in any Jack & Jill or Strictly division at D-TOWN SWING.
- All supported moves must be safe and appropriate for a social-dance setting.

3.4 Attire
Costumes are not allowed in Jack & Jill or Strictly Swing; matching or complementary outfits are fine. Props are not allowed. Attire must be appropriate for social dancing.

3.5 Appropriate Behavior & Impairment
Dance appropriately for all audiences. Any action a judge would find inappropriate in a social setting is prohibited. Dancing while visibly impaired (e.g. by alcohol or other substances) may lead to disqualification. The Head Judge's decision on appropriateness is final.

3.6 Content Violations
Violations of Section 3 are penalized at the Head Judge's discretion: minor (1 place), moderate (up to 5 places), severe (disqualification).

4. Judging & Scoring

4.1 Scoring System
Finals are scored by computer using the WSDC Relative Placement system. There will be a minimum of 5 judges in all finals. Tie-breaks follow WSDC rules; the Head Judge has final authority.

4.2 Criteria
Judges evaluate: Timing, Technique, Teamwork/Partnership, Content/Musicality, Presentation/Showmanship.

4.3 Minimum Entries
A contest requires a minimum of five (5) entries to be valid; Jack & Jill divisions require at least 5 leaders and 5 followers. Divisions below the minimum may be cancelled or merged at the organizer's discretion.

5. Competition Formats

Friday 19:00 — Strictly competitions · Saturday 16:00 — Jack & Jill competitions (times per the official schedule, subject to change).

5.1 Jack & Jill
Competitors enter as individuals, are randomly assigned partners, and dance to music selected by the event DJ. Danced in heats; preliminary and/or semi-final rounds depend on entries. Skill levels offered: Newcomer, Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, All-Stars.

5.2 Age-based Jack & Jill
Same format as 5.1. Sophisticated is open to dancers 35+; Masters is open to dancers 50+. Age divisions may be entered in addition to the two skill-level J&J entries.

5.3 Switch Jack & Jill
A Jack & Jill in which dancers switch roles (leader/follower) on a cue or at intervals during the dance. Both partners are randomly assigned and must be comfortable dancing both roles. Open level unless otherwise stated.

5.4 Jack & Jill All-European
An open-level Jack & Jill (Classic J&J format) with random partner assignment and DJ-selected music. "All-European" is the festive title of the division; participation is open to all competitors regardless of nationality or residence.

5.5 Strictly Swing (skill levels)
You enter with a chosen partner. Lead/follow swing dancing, no pre-choreography, danced in heats. Levels offered: Newcomer, Novice, Intermediate (qualify by role per §1.4) and Open (no level restriction). Minimum age 14 by the end of the event.

5.6 Strictly Sophisticated & Strictly Masters
Strictly Swing for age-based pairs: Sophisticated requires both partners to be 35+; Masters requires both partners to be 50+. Format otherwise as §5.5.

5.7 Strictly Generations
A Strictly Swing for couples with an age gap of at least 20 years between the two partners. Additionally, only one of the two partners may be classified at a higher level (Advanced, All-Star or Champion); the other partner must be below Advanced. Format otherwise as §5.5.

5.8 Strictly Masters Choice
A Strictly Swing in which one partner must meet the Masters age requirement (50+). That dancer may freely choose any partner, with no age or level restriction on the second person. This is an age-based division — it is not a teacher/student Pro-Am. Format otherwise as §5.5.

6. General Provisions

6.1 WSDC Supremacy
These event rules supplement the WSDC Competition Rules. In case of any conflict, the WSDC rules take precedence. Where these rules are silent, WSDC rules apply.

6.2 Severability
Should any provision of these rules be or become invalid, the validity of the remaining provisions shall not be affected. The invalid provision shall be replaced by the closest valid rule that reflects its purpose.

6.3 Photos & Videos
Entering a competition constitutes consent to the use of your name and likeness in photos and videos for the event's promotion.

6.4 Awards
Awards are presented at the event. Finalists are expected to be present for the awards ceremony unless excused in advance.

6.5 Contact
Questions about these rules: ask the competition desk on site, or contact the organizer via https://www.d-townswing.com/. During the event, the Head Judge and competition coordinator are the points of contact.

Reference: WSDC Competition Rules 2025. No NASDE / Rising Star divisions are offered at this event.