Rules

1. Registration of Competitors Competing in WDO Events

1.2 All competitors must register with the WDO in order to dance in any WDO event/s or Championship/s. Only WDO registered competitors will be eligible to receive WDO Ranking Points and Awards.

1.4 All members of Formation Teams entering any WDO World Championships, Continental Championships or event/s must be members of the WDO. 

1.5 Each Competitor must register as an individual and ensure that their partner is also registered. Registration of one partner in a couple does not register the couple. 

1.6 Registration with the WDO will be from January 1st to December 31st of each year.

2. Eligibility.

2.1 Only WDO members, who have paid all applicable fees, are allowed to apply and organise WDO World Championships, Continental Championships, World Ranking Competitions and WDO Events.

2.2 The Organiser and Event will not be granted the same World or Continental Championship for 2 consecutive years if there are other applicants for the same Title.

2.3 If there are no other title applicants, the same Organiser and Event can be granted the same title for continuous years.

3. National Organisations.

Organisers may seek recognition and support of their national organisations. WDO is interested in constructive relationships, which would ensure harmony between WDO and national organisations.

4. Competitors Country Representation.

One half of any couple representing their Country at all WDO events must meet at least ONE of following criteria:

1. Citizenship of the country by Birth or Naturalisation (or the procedure recognised in that Country).

2. By being a permanent resident of that Country. *

* “Resident” means the place or location in which the competitor is registered with the relevant authorities as having their primary and permanent home.

A Couple can only dance for ONE Country within one calendar year

4. Open Status of WDO World Championships and Events.

All competitors can participate. WDO World Championships will be open for all dancers and has no restrictions of the number of entries from each country.

4.1 Open Status of Continental Championships

The WDO will allocate Continental Championship Titles to be held around the world to WDO registered Organisers.

4.1.1 Only Competitors who have represented a Country from that Continent can participate. There are no restrictions of the number of entries from each Country. 

4.1.2 The Continental Championships are for: Europe, Asia, Australia/Oceania, North America, South America and Africa.

5. Styles & Order of Dances.

5.1 Ballroom:
Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Slow Foxtrot, Quickstep.

5.2 Latin:
Cha Cha Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble, Jive. 

5.3 Ten Dance:
Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Slow Foxtrot, Quickstep, Cha Cha Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble, Jive.

5.4 All World and Continental Championships

All World and Continental Championships (except Juvenile World and Continental Championships) will be 5 dances from the First Round and Ten Dance World and Continental Championships will be 10 Dances from the first round.

5.5 Juvenile World and Continental Championships

Juvenile World and Continental Championships may be 4 dances in ballroom or Latin and 8 dances instead of 10 dances. Each round of the World and Continental Championships shall have the same dances.

5.5.1 The organiser must state which dances are to be used for Juvenile World and Continental Championships in each style once the allocation of the Championships have been approved. 

5.6  Smooth:
Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz

5.7 Rhythm:
Cha Cha, Rumba, Swing, Balero, Mambo

6. Definition for Lifts and Dangerous Movements in Ballroom, Latin, Smooth & Rhythm

A lift is any movement during which one of the dancers has both feet off the floor at the same time with the assistance or support of their partner. Couples who perform lifts in categories where lifts are not allowed may be disqualified.

Dangerous movements will not be permitted. For the purpose of the Rule, Tail Spins and High Back Kicks are considered to be dangerous movements.

7. Tempos and Recommended length of music.

7.1 Tempos and Length of Music: BALLROOM

7.2 Tempos and Length of Music: LATIN

 

7.3 Tempos and Length of Music: SMOOTH

SMOOTH SYLLABUS:     Please see Appendix B

7.4 Tempos and Length of Music: RHYTHM

RHYTHM SYLLABUS:       Please see Appendix C

7.b Rules for Solo Events in Ballroom and Latin-American Styles

8. Age Categories.

8.1 Age categories are determined by the date of birth. 

8.2 Juveniles I- Under 8

8.2.1 Juveniles II - Under 10

8.2.2 Juveniles III - Under 12

8.3 Junior I Under 14

8.3.1 Junior II Under 16 

8.4 Juvenile I, Juvenile II, Junior I, Junior II can additionally dance one age category above theirs. 

8.5 Youth I Under 19

8.5.1 Youth II Under 21 

8.6 Youth I and Youth II are allowed to dance in the Amateur Category.

8.6.1 Youth I can additionally dance in Youth II.

8.7 The above are only allowed to dance in their own age category if the events have combined age categories; Juvenile I+II (8-11 years of age), Junior I+II (12-15 years of age), Youth I+II (16-20 years of age).

9. Amateur - Over 16 

10. Professional – Over 16 

11. Senior I - Over 35

At least one partner must be over 35years and the other partner must not be younger than 30.

11.1 Senior II - Over 45

At least one partner must be over 45 years and the other partner must not be younger than 40.

11.2 Senior III - Over 55

At least one partner must be over 55 years and the other partner must not be younger than 50.

11.3 Senior IV – Over 65

At least one partner must be over 65 years and the other partner must not be younger than 60.

11.4 Seniors can also dance one age category below theirs.

12.15 Students in the ProAm (Teacher/Student) categories can dance in the age category below theirs but cannot dance in the category above theirs. This does not allow Category A couples to dance in the Category J, Under 16 events.

13. Definition of ProAm for WDO: Pro (Professional/Amateur Teacher) Am (Student)

14. WDO will grant World and Continental Championships in the above Categories, except: Juveniles I under 8.

15. Age Category Complaints.

If the organiser receives a written and signed complaint, concerning a dancer competing in the wrong age category, that dancer will be asked for their passport as proof of age.

16. Additional Age Categories.

The WDO Board of Directors may, at its discretion, grant Championships for any new or different age groupings or for split age groups without the need for further age classification rule changes. Fees to be determined by the WDO Board of Directors. 

16.1

The WDO Board of Directors may, at its discretion, grant Championships for any new or different age groupings for split age groups without the need for further age classification rule changes.  Fees to be determined by the WDO Board of Directors.

16.2

The WDO Board of Directors may , at its discretion, grant Championships for any additional Dance Styles. Fees to be determined by the WDO Board of Directors.

17. Showdance Rules.

17.1 Dances

In Ballroom Show Dance events the dances must be selected from one up to all of the five regular Ballroom dances, and in the Latin American Show Dance events from one up to all of the five regular Latin-American competition dances. It is the duty of the Adjudicators to assess the Character of each style as part of their assessment. Dancers must perform the same show and choreography throughout the rehearsal and the competition. 

17.2. Time

The time of the show must be up to a maximum of 4 minutes. The time limit must not be exceeded under any circumstances. The time limit is to include when the music commences and/or when a participant walks on to the floor and their final exit which includes the audience applause.

17.3 Lifts

Three lifts are permitted for the whole performance including entry and/or exit lifts.

17.3.1 Definition of a Lift

A movement in which one of the partners is elevated with assistance of the partner to any height, sustained there for 2 seconds and set down on the floor.

17.3.2 The time limit should not exceed 15 seconds per lift.

17.4 Music

The invitation for a Show Dance Competition must advise the couples of possible sound carriers. The sound carriers for a Show Dance Competition will always be:

17.4.1  Compact Disc.

17.4.2 mp3 Player/ iPod/ iPad.

17.4.3 USB Audio media. 

17.5 The Competition

Conditions including lighting must be the same for all couples throughout the show including entrance and exit. Preceding every Show Dance Competition there must be an official rehearsal, where all the couples have a reasonable time to test their show on the actual floor, where the competition is taking place. To attend the rehearsal is an obligation for all couples and the chairman of adjudicators. 

17.6 Props.

A prop can be used by the couple but needs to be used continuously throughout the performance. The Items may not be discarded by the couple at any time.

17.7 Order of Dancing

Order of dancing shall be drawn by ballot, at which all the competitors or chosen representatives have a right to be present. 

17.8 Time between Rounds

There is to be a minimum of 30 minutes between each round of a Show Dance. 

17.9 Marking system

The normal system of marking will be applied. (i.e. In the Final the adjudicators will place the couples in order of merit). 

18. Chairperson of Adjudicators

In all cases the decision of the Chairperson of Adjudicators is final. The Chairperson for all WDO Championships, Ranking Events and Events will be Non-Voting. The Non-Voting Chairperson will stand in for a Voting Adjudicator in cases of necessity.

Additional duties of the Chairperson in Showdance events (for information only)

18.1. The Chairperson will hold a meeting with all couples present to remind the couples of the rules of the Showdance event with particular reference to time limits, lifts and Props. 

18.2. The Chairperson will hold a meeting with all Adjudicators prior to the start of the event to inform them of their duties to ensure that the performances meet the requirements of the style of dance.

18.3. The Chairperson must inform:

18.3.1 The Adjudicators

18.3.2 The relevant couples of any disqualification immediately following the round being completed with the reason for disqualification.

19. Formation Rules.

19.1 Juveniles, Juniors, Adults & Seniors

19.2 WDO Registration:

All Formation teams entering WDO Formation Championships must be registered with the WDO. Formation dancers need to register with the WDO individually if they wish to participate in other WDO events.

19.3 Definition of Formation:

Competitions/Championships

19.3.1 Ballroom:

Ballroom Teams may base their routines on;
Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Quickstep and Viennese Waltz
(An optional maximum of 16 bars based on any dance including Latin is allowed)

19.3.2 Latin:

Latin Teams may base their routines on;
Cha Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso-Doble and Jive
(An optional maximum of 16 bars based on any dance other Latin rhythm is allowed) 

19.4 Formation Championships:

Championships are granted as follows:

19.4.1 Ballroom

19.4.2 Latin

19.4.3 Ballroom and Latin (Open to Both Ballroom And Latin Teams)

19.5 Sections:

In each division, there are two sections:
Four couple teams
Six, Seven or Eight couple teams

19.6 Conditions of Formation Championships:

19.6.1 Solo Choreography

19.6.2 Ballroom; In the Ballroom category is restricted to eight bars in any one dance and a maximum of 24 bars over the whole presentation.

19.6.3 Latin; This rules does not apply as solo work is normally a part of Latin dancing.

19.6.4 Solo Teams

19.6.8 Replacements/ Reserves;

19.6.11 At any time in a Championship team members may be replaced by reserves.

19.6.12 Dress

The only dress permissible is that normally associated with present day competition dancing.
(Please refer to WDO Costume Rules.)

19.6.13 Props

No change in costume is allowed during the routine.

No properties (Props) are allowed

19.6.14 Lifts:

a.) Lifts are not permitted in the Juvenile or Junior Categories.

b.) In the Adult Categories, lifts are only allowed in the entry to and exit from the floor. Lifts must not performed in the main judged 4.5 minute body of the routine.

19.7 Time Limits;

19.7.1 Juveniles;

5 Minutes (including Entry & Exit - with & without Music).

No more than 4 Minutes will be judged.

19.7.2 Juniors/Adults/Senior Teams;

6 Minutes (including Entry & Exit -with & without music)

No more than 4.5 Minutes will be judged.

19.7.3 Entry & Exits must be clearly identified (beginning & end) with a space or gong.

19.7.4 Teams not complying with these rules and time limits render themselves liable to disqualification. 

19.8  Age Categories/Divisions:

19.8.1 Juvenile Teams:

19.8.2 A child may dance in a Juvenile formation event up to August 31st even if their 12th birthday falls from the 1st September the previous year.

19.8.3 If a Juvenile dances in any Junior Formation competition /championship they are no longer eligible to dance in a Juvenile Formation team.

19.8.4 Junior Teams

19.8.5 A child may dance in a Junior formation team event up to August 31st even if their 16th birthday falls from the 1st September the previous year.

19.8.6 If a Junior dances in any Adult Formation competition / championship they are no longer eligible to dance in a Junior Formation team.

19.8.7 Adult Teams

19.8.8. An Adult  is 17 to 34 yrs of age.

19.8.9 Senior Teams

19.9 Divisions;

19.9.1 Adult Competitions are confined to Adult teams only.

19.9.2 Junior Competitions are confined to Junior teams.

19.9.3 Juvenile Competitions are confined to Juvenile teams. 

20. Formation Adjudicators;

20.1 Formation Championships must have x9 Adjudicators. (Please see Rule 40)

20.2 All adjudicators must hold a WDO license to adjudicate a Formation Competition/Championship.

20.3 In all cases the decision of the Chairperson of Adjudicators is final. The Chairperson for all WDO Championships, Ranking Events and Events will be Non-Voting. The Non-Voting Chairperson will stand in for a Voting Adjudicator in cases of necessity. 

21. Performance Order;

The order of dancing for each round will be determined by draw, under the supervision of the chairperson of adjudicators, or his designated representative. 

22. Rehearsals;

22.1 Whenever possible adequate arrangements should be made for Team rehearsals.

22.2 Equal amount of time must be allocated to each team in the ballroom with music.

22.3 The Chairperson must attend rehearsals and warn any team infringing the rules. Once warned, a team may be disqualified if they continue to infringe upon the rules.

22.4 Disqualification would be by the chairman, after consultation with the adjudicators and organiser.

23. Rounds/Finals;

23.1 When there are more than six teams in a championship a second round must be held.

23.2 In each round of the competition, no more than 50% of the teams should be eliminated for the next round.

23.3 No more than eight teams should participate in the final round.

23.4 If the Chairperson calls for the appropriate number of recalls and the marks do not allow for the correct number of teams to be advanced, then the Chairperson has the authority to place less than 50% of the teams in the next round. This is especially applicable if an additional round would be required in order to comply with the 50% recall rule. 

24. Disqualification:

The Chairperson of Adjudicators has the right to disqualify teams infringing these rules. 

25. Juvenile Costume Rules

25.1 Make Up.

Make Up applied to Juveniles should be natural and in good taste and appropriate to the age group.

25.2 Sponsorship Logos.

 Three sponsor logos are permitted per couple but must not exceed a total of 40 square centimetres. 

25.3 Jewellery 

Only jewellery of a personal/religious nature maybe worn. This should be around the neck and inside the clothing.

Earrings not exceeding 2cm can be worn.

Decorative bracelets are NOT permitted.

Dress rings and wristwatches are NOT permitted. 

26. BOYS.

26.1 Trousers.

26.1.1 Colour; Black or Dark Blue Only.

26.1.2 High Waist optional.

26.1.3 Underfoot Strap optional.

26.1.4 Satin side stripes are allowed.

26.2 Shirts.

26.2.1 Plain white or black long sleeved collared shirt only (no wing collars).

26.2.2 No pleats or ribbing.

26.2.3 Sleeves to be worn at wrist length.

26.2.4 Black or dark blue vests are allowed, but sweaters and jackets are not allowed.

26.2.5 Tie must be worn - black colour only, may be either straight or bow style.

26.2.6 Socks - Black or dark blue colour only.

26.2.7 Shoes- Heel height not to exceed 1.5 inches (must be black). 

26.3 Materials.

26.3.1 Fabrics must be plain. ie: cotton, polyester, cotton/polyester blend, wool blend. No satin or shiny fabrics.

26.3.2 No rhinestones, glitter, metallic thread, patterns or sequins allowed.

26.3.3 Decorations are not allowed. 

27. GIRLS. 

27.1 Girls are permitted to wear.

27.1.1 A top with a simple skirt

Or

27.1.2 A simple dress with an attached undergarment

Or

27.1.3 leotard top with a skirt. 

27.2 Skirts.

27.2.1 A plain or pleated skirt with a minimum of x1 to maximum of x3 half circles is allowed.

27.2.2 One plain, simple underskirt is allowed but this must be no fuller or longer than the top layer. The underskirts must be the same or of a similar colour to the top skirt.

27.2.3 No godets or extra panels may be inserted into the skirt.

27.2.4 No uneven hem lines, frills, splits, openings, lace, or sequins. Horsehair/Crinoline may be used as part of the construction but not as a trim.

27.2.5 Length of skirt must not be shorter than 3 inches above the knee cap and no longer than 3 inches below the knee cap.

27.2.6 A least one of the layers of the skirts must be a solid colour. (Not sheer.)

27.3 Necklines.

Boat, high neck, v-neck, sweetheart, 'peter pan' collar, and regular collar are allowed. Simple edging or trim, as well as a simple ruffle around the collar of not more than two inches, is allowed on the neckline. 

27.4 Belting.

Gathering or shirring is permissible from the waist down for a maximum of two inches, provided it is part of the dress itself and not an accessory.

27.5 Materials.

27.5.1 Fabrics must be one constant colour throughout.

27.5.2 No rhinestones, glitter, metallic thread, pearls, patterns, sequins, or similar materials allowed.

27.5.3 No use of feathers, fringes, bows, belts, frills or sequins.

27.5.4 No flesh colour fabric.

27.5.5 Any use of colour coordinated 'see through' fabric must be lined from waist to shoulder; for use on arms no lining is needed. 

27.6 Accessories.

Armbands, Neckbands and Gloves are not permitted.

27.7 Hair Decoration

A flower or a bow not exceeding 10cm maybe worn in the hair. Tiaras, headbands or diamond decoration are NOT permitted.

27.8 Shoes.

27.8.1 Heel height not to exceed 1.5 inches, and must be block heel style if a dance shoe. If the shoe comes with rhinestones on the buckle then they are allowed. If the shoe comes with glitter on the shoe then it is allowed. 

27.9 Socks.

27.9.1 White ankle socks (these may have a small amount of lace) Must be worn.

27.9.2 No Fishnet Tights.

Juvenile Syllabus:
Please see Appendix A. 

28. Adjudicators Licence.

All adjudicators must be licensed with the WDO to be able to adjudicate WDO events, Ranking events, World and Continental Championships. Please see Adjudicators Criteria below.

29. Adjudicators License Criteria
(Ballroom, Latin American, Smooth, Rhythm)

The Following two criteria MUST be met in order to apply for a WDO Adjudicators License;

29.1 You must be over 18 years of age.

29.2 You hold a valid qualification (in the style/s that you are applying for) from your National Organisation to adjudicate Championships OR a qualification with a WDO approved teaching society of Licentiate or above.

29.3 Ballroom and Latin Championship adjudicators may judge Smooth and Rhythm styles.

30. Adjudicators Country Representation:

30.1 Adjudicators representing their Country must meet at least ONE of the following criteria.

30.1.1 Citizenship of the country by Birth or Naturalization (or the procedure recognized in that Country).

30.1.2 By being a permanent resident of that Country. *

* “Resident” means the place or location in which the Adjudicator is registered with the relevant authorities as having their primary and permanent home.

30.2 Adjudicators can only adjudicate for ONE Country within one calendar year.

31. Selection of Adjudicators for World and Continental Ballroom & Latin Championships.

31.1 The Organiser shall invite adjudicators based on their integrity, dance knowledge and recognition of these adjudicators in the dance industry. Only those adjudicators, who have held the WDO license for at least two years can be invited to judge WDO World and Continental Championships. Exceptions can be made by the decision of the BOD.

31.1.1 The Organiser when inviting Adjudicators 

31.1.2 Will check the Membership, Availability, Country of Representation and willingness of their choice of Adjudicators, in principle,

31.1.3 Will propose the Adjudicating Panel to the Adjudicators Committee, at least 12 weeks prior to the event,

31.1.4 Following approval from the Adjudicators Committee, the Organiser will send to the Adjudicators the Official Invitation, along with their Contracts,

31.1.5 Only after points 31.1.2 - 31.1.4 are met, can the panel be advertised by the Organiser.

31.2 Professional and Amateur Championships:

Total of 11 adjudicators from at least 6 different countries with no more than 2 adjudicators from the same country shall be invited for WDO Amateur and Professional World and Continental Championships. In addition, the Organiser shall submit 2 Reserve Adjudicators from 2 different countries. The panel of adjudicators shall include: 

31.2.1 At least 6 adjudicators who in Ballroom or Latin have achieved results of:

a) Professional Semi Finalists or Amateur Finalists in the World, British, International or United Kingdom Championships.

b) In Ballroom or Latin have achieved results of Professional National Champion.

c) Have achieved results of Professional 10 Dance World Finalists or Professional 10 Dance National Champions.

d) World Professional Showdance Champions.

Professional results do not include Rising Star events.
Amateur results do not include Juvenile, Junior, Youth, Senior, Pro/Am, Student/Teacher, Rising Star or Showdance Events.

31.2.2  Juvenile, Junior, Youth, Senior, Student/Teacher, and Professional/Amateur Championships:

A total of 9 adjudicators for the Juvenile, Junior, Youth, Senior, Student/Teacher, and Professional/Amateur World and Continental Championships, from at least 5 different countries with no more than 2 adjudicators from the same country shall be invited to WDO World and Continental Championships. In addition, the Organiser shall submit 2 Reserve Adjudicators from 2 different countries.

31.2.3  At least 5 adjudicators who in Ballroom or Latin have achieved results of:

a) Professional Quarter Finalist or Amateur Semi Finalist in the World, British, International or United Kingdom Championships.

b) In Ballroom or Latin have achieved results of Professional National Finalist or Amateur National Champions.

c) Have achieved results of Professional 10 Dance World Finalists or Professional 10 Dance National Champions.

d) World Professional Showdance Champions.

Professional results do not include Rising Star events.
Amateur results do not include Juvenile, Junior, Youth, Senior, Pro/Am, Student/Teacher, Rising Star or Showdance Events.

31.3 Selection of Adjudicators for World and Continental Smooth and Rhythm Championships.

31.3.1 Professional and Amateur Championships:

Total of 11 adjudicators from at least 6 different countries with no more than 2 adjudicators from the same country shall be invited for WDO Amateur and Professional World and Continental Championships. In addition, the Organiser shall submit 2 Reserve Adjudicators from 2 different countries. The panel of adjudicators shall include:

A minimum of 5 licensed Smooth adjudicators and 5 licensed Rhythm adjudicators must be selected for the respected World and Continental Championships. In addition to the invited licensed Smooth and Rhythm adjudicators Ballroom and Latin adjudicators will be invited to complete the total of 11 adjudicators, all of whom must have achieved results in Ballroom or Latin of:

a.) Professional Semi Finalists or Amateur Finalists in the World, British, International or United Kingdom Championships.

b.) In Ballroom or Latin have achieved results of Professional National Champion

c.) Have achieved results of Professional 10 Dance World Finalists or Professional 10 Dance National Champions.

d.) World Professional Showdance Champions.

Professional results do not include Rising Star events.
Amateur results do not include Juvenile, Junior, Youth, Senior, Pro/Am, Student/Teacher, Rising Star or Showdance Events.

31.3.2 Juvenile, Junior, Youth, Senior, Student/Teacher, and Professional/Amateur Championships:

A total of 9 adjudicators for the Juvenile, Junior, Youth, Senior, Student/Teacher, and Professional/Amateur World and Continental Championships, from at least 5 different countries with no more than 2 adjudicators from the same country shall be invited to WDO World and Continental Championships. In addition, the Organiser shall submit 2 Reserve Adjudicators from 2 different countries.

A minimum of 4 licensed Smooth adjudicators and 4 licensed Rhythm adjudicators must be selected for the respected World Championships. In addition to the invited licensed Smooth and Rhythm adjudicators Ballroom and Latin adjudicators will be invited to complete the total of 9 adjudicators, all of whom must have achieved results in Ballroom and Latin of:

a) Professional Semi Finalists or Amateur Finalists in the World, British, International or United Kingdom Championships.

b) In Ballroom or Latin have achieved results of Professional National Champion.

c) Have achieved results of Professional 10 Dance World Finalists or Professional 10 Dance National Champions.

d) World Professional Showdance Champions.

Professional results do not include Rising Star events.

Amateur results do not include Juvenile, Junior, Youth, Senior, Pro/Am, Student/Teacher, Rising Star or Showdance Events.

31.4 If the Organiser requests, subject to the approval by the WDO Adjudicators Committee, a total of 11 Adjudicators for the Juvenile, Junior, Youth, Senior, Student/Teacher and Professional/Amateur World and Continental Championships can be invited. The criteria outlined for the WDO Amateur and Professional World and Continental Championships shall then be used.

31.5  The balance between Female and Male adjudicators should be considered by the organiser. 

31.6 No adjudicator shall be invited to judge the same category World or Continental Championships the following year.

31.6.1 No adjudicator shall be invited to judge the same category for World and Continental Championships during the same year.

31.7 Proposed Adjudicators for WDO World and Continental Championships must be approved by the Adjudicators Committee of the WDO a minimum 8 weeks before the event. Adjudicators must then be published a minimum of 1 week before the closing date of entries. 

31.8 In case the organiser refuses to follow the rules of WDO regarding selection of the adjudicators panel, the WDO may cancel the organiser's right to run the WDO World or Continental Championships.

31.9 Reserve Adjudicators

In the event that an Adjudicator is unable to attend, this must be notified to the Chairperson and the Adjudicators Committee as soon as possible. It will be the responsibility of the Organiser to select either of the approved reserves, taking into account the WDO Rules.

On the day of the event, this decision will be the responsibility of the approved Chairperson.

32. Professional Competitors Adjudicating.

32.1 Professional Competitors wishing to adjudicate WDO events must be licensed as adjudicators with the WDO.

32.2 Professional Competitors will be permitted to adjudicate WDO events and Ranking Competitions, but will not be permitted to adjudicate any World or Continental Championships or other Professional Competitors in any category.

32.2.1 A Professional Competitor who wishes to Adjudicate at any WDO event will not be permitted to compete at the same event, under the same Organiser, even if their event is on a different day. This includes Amateur/Professional catagories.

32.2.2 Twelve Month Adjudication Eligibility Rule.

A Professional competitor must wait a minimum of twelve (12) months from the date of their last competition in a Professional event before becoming eligible to Adjudicate at any Professional-level competition.

 

33. Chairperson

33.1 Chairperson of Adjudicators.

The Chairperson for all WDO Championships, Ranking Events and Events will be Non-Voting. The Non-Voting Chairperson will stand in for a Voting Adjudicator in cases of necessity.

33.1.1 The Organiser shall invite the Chairperson of adjudicators with the approval of the Adjudicators Committee. The Chairperson must hold a scrutineering license. The scrutineer may not serve as a Chairperson of adjudicators.

33.2. Warning and Disqualification Proceedure

33.2.1 The Chairperson has the only and final say on disqualifications.

33.2.2 An Adjudicator, when witnessing any break of Rule, must inform the Chairperson at the end of that round, who then will inform the couple and/or their guardian as a warning, before the next round commences.

33.2.3 The Chairperson must inform the Adjudicators of this warning before the next round.

33.2.4 Any further break of Rules for the same offence will lead to a disqualification from the competition if a total of 2 Adjudicators/ or one Adjudicator and the Chairperson, see the break of Rule.

33.2.5 Unacceptable behaviour can result in an instant disqualification.

33.2.6 Any break of Rule in the final round, the Adjudicator is to mark the couple in last place.

33.3 Chairperson’s Report.
The Chairperson of adjudicators should submit a report to the WDO according to the form provided by the WDO.

33.4 If the Chairperson is an Organiser, then another Adjudicator/Official unrelated to the Organiser must complete the Chairperson's Report.

34. Equality.

34.1 The WDO shall not unlawfully discriminate against Licensees on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation (“the protected characteristics”). 

34.2 A membership granted by the WDO to a Member under these Rules shall be subject to the condition that the Member shall not unlawfully discriminate against any other Member on the grounds of a protected characteristic. 

34.3 In sub-paragraphs (a) and (b): i. “discriminate” has the same meaning as in Chapter 2 of Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010, and for the avoidance of doubt includes harassment and victimisation; and ii. each of the “protected characteristics” has the meaning given in Chapter 1 of Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010.

34.4 It is suggested the Chairperson of Adjudicators reads out the following statement. 

"The WDO has adopted a policy of equity which prohibits discrimination on the grounds of gender, marital status, race, colour, disability, sexuality, religion or political opinion." 

34.5 When conducting the Adjudicator’s meeting before the commencement of competitions the Chairperson is required to remind all adjudicators to adhere to the adopted equity policy above and if needed, to remind the Adjudicators of the guidelines below. 

34.6 Guidelines: 

34.6.1 An adjudicator is expected to adjudicate without fear or favour, assessing what they see on that day and not be influenced by any previous performance. 

34.6.2 It is unprofessional to converse with another competitor, adjudicator or a member of the public whilst adjudicating. This could be unfairly interpreted as seeking to influence another adjudicator or coach a competitor.

34.6.3 It is the Adjudicators responsibility to hold a current license and to be prepared to produce this license to the Chairperson of the Panel before any competition.

34.6.4 An adjudicator who is not present for the first dance of any round, or arrives late on the floor, may not adjudicate the remainder of that round. 

34.6.5 An adjudicator acting as Chairperson has the added responsibility of ensuring that all members of the Panel act in a proper manner and abide by the rules. It should also be remembered that the organiser or the Chairperson has the right to ask an adjudicator to step down if they consider that they are, for any reason, not performing their duties in a proper manner. 

34.6.6 It is the responsibility of the adjudicator to fully understand how they should mark any competition and, if in doubt, to seek assistance from the Chairperson and, if necessary, the Organiser. 

34.6.7 Adjudicators are expected to be dressed in attire befitting the dignity of the occasion. Daytime attire should be smart, evening attire should be formal. Jeans or trainers are unacceptable. 

34.6.8 It is the responsibility of both organisers and adjudicators to obtain contracts in writing. 

34.6.9 The WDO considers that it is unprofessional and inappropriate for registered adjudicators, after having officiated at an event, then to comment on competitors’ performances on social media websites.

35. Skating System.

Skating System must be used to assess the marks, this is excluding the 10 Dance Competitions. Please see Rule 38.

36. Access to the Marks.

Only the Chairperson of Adjudicators and Scrutineer shall have access to the marks until the end of the competition. After the competition the organiser has to submit the marks to the WDO Adjudicators Committee and Ranking List administrator and may publish marks on their website.

37. Recalls.

The Chairperson must ask for at least 50% of the number of couples to be recalled in each round. If the number of couples that are actually recalled by the adjudicators would require an additional round, then the Chairperson is allowed to recall less than 50% of the couples. If the Chairperson asks for a 50% recall for a second round and the actual number is more than 50%, the Chairperson may still call for a 50% recall of his original desired number of couples.

38. Ten Dance calculation of placing.

Ten Dance Championships are to be contested over single dances, with individual recalls and single dance final placings, points gained in semi-final or other rounds forming the basis of calculation of the position attained by couples not reaching the final round.

39. Final Round.

The Chairperson must ask to recall 6 couples into the Final.

Due to the mathematical possibility a minimum of 4, and up to 9 couples can be recalled to the Final round if couples are tied on the same marks. The Chairperson will make the final decision on the number of couples recalled.

9 couples will only be recalled in the situation that 9 couples are tied equally into the final.

40. Ranking Event Adjudicators.

A Minimum of 9 Adjudicators with at least 3 countries represented is required for Ranking Events. 

41. Formation Adjudication.

A WDO Adjudicators licence will allow the holder to adjudicate a WDO Formation Championship/Event. A Total of 9 adjudicators from at least 5 different countries with no more than 2 adjudicators from the same country shall be invited to adjudicate a WDO Formation World and Continental Championship. 

42. Adjudicators and Immediate Family.

Adjudicators must not judge the same Competition Category on any occasion, when they are members of immediate family (1st Cousin or closer), a permanent member of the same household, or current dance partners. It is the duty of an Adjudicator to inform the Chairperson if this is the case.

43. WDO Name & Logo.

WDO name and Logo can only be used with the approval of the WDO Committee.

WDO Logos must be added to programs and all advertising of the event without exception.

WDO Logos should be prominently displayed throughout the event.

WDO Logos must clearly be displayed for the awards ceremony.

The WDO Logos cannot be used in any other capacity unless authorised with the WDO Board of Directors. 

44. Title Fees for WDO World Championships.

Professional: £2000
Amateur : £1000
Amateur Solo : £1000
Youth : £600
Youth Solo : £600
Junior : £500
Junior Solo : £500
Juveniles : £300
Juvenile Solo: £300
Senior : £300
Senior Solo : £300.

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Professional/Amateur (Pro/Am)

Running 1 event   =  £4,000 per event.
Running 2 events = £5,500 (£4,000 + £1,500) if organised by the same organiser.
Running 3 events = £6,000 (£4,000 + £1,500 + £500) if organised by the same organiser
Running 4 events = £6,500 (£4,000 + £1,500 + £500 + £500) if organised by the same organiser.

44.1 10 Dance:

Professional: £600
Amateur : £500
Amateur Solo : £500
Youth : £300
Junior : £300
Junior Solo : £300
Juvenile : £200
Juvenile Solo : £200

44.2 Formation: £2500 for All ages and Team categories.
(Juvenile, Junior, Adult, Teams of 4 or 6-8).

44.3 Showdance:

Professional: £300
Reduced to £400 if Ballroom and Latin titles are organised by the same organiser.
Amateur: £200
Reduced to £300 if Ballroom and Latin titles are organised by the same organiser.

44.4 Title Fees for WDO Continental Championships.

Professional: £1000
Amateur : £500
Amateur Solo : £500
Youth : £300
Junior : £250
Junior Solo : £250
Juveniles : £150
Juvenile Solo : £150
Senior : £150
Senior Solo : £150

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Professional/Amateur (Pro/Am): £1000.
Reduced to £1500 if Ballroom and Latin titles are organised by the same organiser.
Reduced to £1500 if Smooth and Rhythm titles are organised by the same organiser.

44.5 10 Dance:

Professional: £500
Amateur: £250
Amateur Solo : £250
Junior: £150
Junior Solo : £150
Juvenile: £100
Juvenile Solo : £100

44.6 Formation:
£1500 for All ages and Team categories. (Juvenile, Junior, Adult, Teams of 4 or 6-8).

44.7 Showdance:

Professional: £150
(Reduced to £200 if Ballroom and Latin titles are organised by the same organiser.)
Amateur: £100
(Reduced to £150 if Ballroom and Latin titles are organised by the same organiser. 

44.8 WDO World Championship Title Packages Fee for 2026 & 2027

First stage of the allocation of the WDO World Championship Titles shall be done in the following Packages for 2026 and 2027.

U8/U10/U12 Ballroom - £800

U8/U10/U12 Latin - £800

U14/U16 Ballroom - £900

U14/U16 Latin - £900

U19/U21 Amateur Ballroom Showdance - £950 (for 2026 only)

Amateur Ballroom -£1,000 (for 2026 only)

U19/U21/Amateur Ballroom & Amateur Ballroom Showdance £1,950 (for 2027 only)

U19/U21/Amateur Latin & Amateur Latin Showdance £1,950

Professional Ballroom - £2,000

Professional Latin - £2,000

Professional Ballroom Showdance & Professional Latin Showdance -£400

ALL 10 Dance Titles - £1,500

ALL Senior Ballroom & Latin Titles - £2,000

ALL Formation Titles - £2,500

ALL Solo Ballroom & Latin Titles - £3,500

 

Pro/Am Ballroom, Latin, Smooth & Rhythm Titles

1 event - £3,500

2 events - £5,000 if organised by the same organiser.

3 events - £5,500 if organised by the same organiser.

4 events - £6,000 if organised by the same organiser.

Pro/Am Showdance Ballroom, Latin, Smooth & Rhythm - £500

44.9 2nd Stage Allocation of Titles

Second stage of the allocation of the WDO World Championship Titles shall be done in accordance with the pricing outlined in the Rules 44-44.7 for the Titles that are not allocated with the packages.

44.9.1 The WDO Board of Directors may, at its discretion, split the packages which received multiple applications in order to provide the best possible balance of events for the WDO members. The Organisers who receive the highest number of votes for the packages will have priority in choosing the titles from those packages.

 

 

45. Organiser Refunds.

No Fees will be refunded to any organiser if the event / championship is not organised unless a cancellation is caused by a ‘Force Majeure’

46. Adjudicators’ Fee.

Adjudicators must be paid a minimum of 250 GBP per day of judging World and Continental Championships.

46.1 Adjudicators Payment.

The Adjudicators must receive their fee. The information of where and when will be supplied by the organiser.

47. Prize Money

Recommended Minimum Prize Money at Professional WDO Ballroom & Latin World Championships.

47.1 Recommended Minimum Prize Money at Professional WDO Ballroom & Latin World Championships.

A minimum of 6000 GBP or equivalent in local currencies for Professional finalists and semi finalists. The breakdown of the minimum Prize money for Professional Ballroom and Latin World Championship.

All in GBP
1st place 1,500
2nd place 1,125 
3rd place 900
4th place 675 
5th place 525 
6th place 375.
7th to 12th Place 150. 

47.1.2 Recommended Minimum Prize Money at Professional WDO Ballroom & Latin Continental Championships.

A minimum of 3000 GBP or equivalent in local currencies for Professional finalists and semi finalists. The breakdown of the minimum Prize money for Professional Ballroom and Latin Continental Championship. 

All in GBP
1st place 750
2nd place 550
3rd place 450
4th place 350
5th place 250
6th place 200
7th to 12th Place 75 

47.2 Recommended Minimum Prize Money at Amateur WDO Ballroom & Latin World Championships.

A minimum of 4000 GBP or equivalent in local currencies for Amateur finalists and semi finalists. The breakdown of the minimum Prize money for Amateur Ballroom and Latin World Championships. 

All in GBP
1st place 1000
2nd place 750
3rd place  600
4th place  450
5th place  350
6th place  250
7th to 12th place 100

47.2.1 Recommended Minimum Prize Money at Amateur WDO Ballroom & Latin Continental Championships.

A minimum of 2000 GBP or equivalent in local currencies for Amateur finalists and semi finalists. The breakdown of the minimum Prize money for Amateur Ballroom and Latin Continental Championships.

All in GBP
1st place 550
2nd place 350
3rd place 300
4th place 200
5th place 175
6th place 125
7th to 12th place 50 

47.3 Recommended Minimum Prize Money at Youth U21 WDO Ballroom & Latin World Championships.

A minimum of 2000 GBP or equivalent in local currencies for Youth U21 WDO Ballroom & Latin World Championships. The breakdown of the minimum Prize money for Youth U21 Ballroom and Latin World Championships. 

All in GBP
1st  place 700
2nd place 450
3rd place  350
4th place 250    
5th place 150
6th place 100

47.3.1 Recommended Minimum Prize Money at Youth U21 WDO Ballroom & Latin Continental Championships.

A minimum of 2000 GBP or equivalent in local currencies for Youth U21 WDO Ballroom & Latin Continental Championships. The breakdown of the minimum Prize money for Youth U21 Ballroom and Latin Continental Championships.

All in GBP
1st place 350
2nd place 225
3rd place 175
4th place 125
5th place 75
6th place 50 

47.4 Additional Prize Money

The Organiser can award prize money to other age categories with a prior approval of the WDO Committee.

47.5 Prize Money.

The Organiser must advertise the prize money on their website and / or on social media for each event. The Organiser must make it clear when the couples will receive the money.

48. Recommended Competitors' Entry Fees.

No additional admission fees will be added to the entry fee for any competitor.

Juveniles – up to 60 GBP or local currency equivalent per couple.

Juniors – up to 70 GBP or local currency equivalent per couple.

Youth – up to 80 GBP or local currency equivalent per couple.

Amateur – up to 90 GBP or local currency equivalent per couple.

Professional- Up to GBP 90 or local currency equivalent per couple.

Senior – up to 90 GBP or local currency equivalent per couple.

Professional/Amateur (Pro/Am)- Single Dance 30 GBP to 50 GBP / Multi Dance 100 GBP to 200 GBP or local currency equivalent per couple. 

48.1 Professional/Amateur (Pro/Am)

Dancing in 4 Single dance events is required for every Professional/Amateur (Pro/Am) World and Continental Championship Event.

48.2 Admission Fees No additional admission fees will be added to the entry fee for any competitor.

49. Timetable.

The Organiser shall draw up a timetable and make it available to all competitors prior to the competition. The organiser is responsible for adhering to the timetable accurately. The first round of the championships shall not start ahead of the scheduled time. Organisers are not required to delay the program for the benefit of late arrivals. The Organiser must ensure that Adjudicators do not judge for longer than two hours without a break.  

49.1 Any Championship final shall commence before 12 midnight on the day of which the event is held.

49.2 For Juvenile and Junior events, please see Rule 55.6

50. Rounds.

50.1 Ballroom and Latin rounds in all Ballroom Championships and Latin Championships, the five dances shall be performed without interruption.

51. Breaks between Rounds in Ballroom and Latin Championships. 

During all Ballroom and Latin Championships there must be a minimum of 20 minutes break between each round. From the Quarter final round onwards there's to be a minimum of 30 minutes break.

52. Ten Dance Rounds.

Ten Dance Championships, there must not be more than four rounds in each section, in one day. Each round must be completed in all ten dances. 

53. Ten Dance – Breaks.  

There shall be a break of at least forty minutes between the two sections, and at least twenty minutes between the rounds.

54. Ten Dance: Order of sections.

In Ten Dance Championships, the final round should end with Latin. Each round should begin with the same style that the previous round ended with. It is permissible to run all rounds of Ballroom till the final followed by all rounds of Latin till the final.

55. Award Ceremonies for World and Continental Championships.

55.1 Organisers must ensure that the presentation of awards is done in an appropriate manner for WDO World and Continental Championships.

55.2 National Anthem of the winners of the Championships must be played.

55.3 Trophy for the Champions must be awarded. Design of the trophy has to be approved by the WDO Committee.

55.4 Medals for top 3 placed couples must be awarded. Design of the medals has to be approved by the WDO Committee.

55.5 Diplomas or certificates of placement to all finalists with official signature or stamp should be awarded.

55.6 Award Ceremonies for Juvenile and Juniors should be completed before 10pm.

56. RANKING EVENTS

56.1 Ranking Events included to be organised in the following Categories:

Amateur Ballroom & Latin, Professional Ballroom & Latin
Senior O35, O45, O55 & O65 Ballroom & Latin

Pro/Am Ballroom & Latin, Smooth. & Rhythm

56.2.GRAND SLAM RANKING EVENTS.

WDO Directors may grant the Grand Slam Ranking Title to chosen events. WDO Grand Slam ranking events points will be equal to the WDO World Championships points.

56.2.1 Fees for WDO Grand Slam ranking Events.

56.2.3 Organisers must be registered with the WDO.

56.3 Fees for WDO Ranking Events.

Amateur Ballroom & Latin, Professional Ballroom & Latin - 200 GBP for all Categories.
Senior O35, O45, O55 & O65 Ballroom & Latin - 200 GBP for all Categories.

Pro/Am Ballroom, Latin, Smooth & Rhythm - 2,500 GBP for all Categories.

56.3.1 All fees are in GBP and must be paid within 2 weeks of the Titles being granted by the WDO otherwise the title will be revoked. No advertising of the Title Event can be undertaken before full payment has been received by the WDO.

56.3.2 Organisers must be registered with the WDO.

56.3.3 A maximum of 10 events per country. (Please see Ranking System below). 

57. WDO Ranking System for Amateur, Professional & Senior Events.

57.1 Dance couples receive Ranking points for each participation in the World Championships and Ranking Competitions.

57.2 Points are rewarded for World Championships and Ranking Competitions according to the table of points.

57.3 Points received are totalled.

57.4 WDO Ranking system has 6 categories: Amateur Ballroom & Latin, Professional Ballroom & Latin, Senior Ballroom & Latin.

57.5 Points are collected separately for each category. 

57.6 Rolling system shall be used; when adding the points for the latest results, the points for the first event from the previous year shall be deleted. (Date of Implementation 2025)

58. WDO Ranking System Protocol Rules

58.1 Ranking System Protocol is available for download from the official WDO website.

58.2 Results of the event have to be filled in the Ranking System Protocol immediately after the completion of the competition and sent to the ranking administrator within 24 hours.

58.2.1 Ranking System Protocol is filled in English.

58.2.2 Places of couples are filled in the table as whole numbers without any additional symbols or spaces.

58.2.3 When couples tie for the same result, the points of their higher placing is awarded to each tied couple.

58.2.4 Ranking Protocol System must be checked before submitting any obvious mistakes (for example; same couple cannot be listed in the final and in the lower rounds of the competition).

58.2.5 If translation is necessary, the names of the dancers and countries are translated into English according to the international rules of transliteration.

58.2.6  No other language’s letters, beside Latin, or hieroglyphs can be filled in the Rating System Protocol.

58.2.7 The names of the dancers are filled in the format of Last Name first, followed by First Name.

58.3  It’s not allowed to change the structure and version of the Ranking System Protocol Excel file.

58.3.1 Completed protocols are sent to the WDO Secretary.

58.3.2 Ranking administrator has the right not to accept the protocols completed incorrectly for calculation (based on the points listed above).

58.4 The Ranking administrator can help in filling the protocols for the additional fee of 45 GBP (for all ranking categories held in event). The information has to be sent in Editable format such as Excel or similar. Screen or page photos, pdf and other difficult to edit formats will not be accepted.

58.5 All questions on filling the protocols and ranking calculation system are sent to the WDO secretary.

58.6 WDO Pro/Am Ranking Series is administrated by the WDO Pro/Am Committee. Rules 57 - 58.5 are not applicable to the WDO Pro/Am Ranking Series.

58.7 Fees for the WDO ProAm Ranking Series Events & WDO ProAm World Championship Packages

WDO ProAm Ranking Series Event and 1 WDO ProAm World Championship - £5,000

WDO ProAm Ranking Series Event and 2 WDO ProAm World Championships - £6,000

Groupings for 2 WDO ProAm World Championship are: Ballroom & Latin, Smooth & Rhythm

58.8 Preferred Measures for Applications for the WDO ProAm Ranking Series Events

58.8.1 The goal of the event is to provide the highest level of service and quality for ProAm.

58.8.2 Pro/Am Categories should be featured amongst the main categories of the event.

58.8.3 The Organiser must have 2 years experience of running ProAm events with a minimum of 500 entries

(1 single dance = 1entry, 1 multi dance event = 1 entry, 1 scholarship/Championship event = 1 entry)

58.8.4 The event dates cannot clash with other granted Pro/Am Ranking events or WDO Pro/Am European/World Championships.

58.8.5 An event should use Professional Pro/Am scrutineering software.

59. WDO RECOGNISED EVENTS

59.1 Any event may apply to be recognised by the WDO and recognition can be granted by the decision of the WDO Directors.

59.2 Fees for WDO Recognised Events.

A flat fee of 100GBP for all catagories.

59.3 Organisers must be registered with the WDO.

59.4 WDO Board of Directors at their discretion can allocate the following titles:

WDO Cup

WDO Trophy

60. Access to the Marks.

Only the Chairperson of Adjudicators and Scrutineer shall have access to the marks until the end of the competition. Within 24 hours the Organiser must submit the marks to the WDO Adjudicators Committee and Ranking List administrator. The marks must also be made available both on the Organisers website and / or in the Ballroom on the day of the event following the Awards Ceremony.

61. Insurance.

61.1 Event organisers must have liability insurance when hosting any World and European Championship, WDO Ranking Competition/s or any WDO Event/s.

61.2 The organiser must submit proof of insurance to the WDO at least four weeks before their event. 

62. First Aid.

First Aid personnel shall be in attendance at all competitions.

63. TV / Video rights.

WDO Advise that organisers use this disclaimer on the entry form: 

‘In the event of television coverage or production of a video recording for commercial purposes of any competition or Championship event, all competitors agree that the rights to any fees from such television or video recording will vest solely with the Organiser and no Competitors or Associations shall have any claim against the WDO, organiser, television company or video producer at any such event.’

64. Organisers Financial Obligations

64.1 Organisers who do not fulfil their financial obligations will face the possibility of disciplinary action.