SYLLABUS          

Australian Irish Dancing Association Inc
www.aidainc.com
 
2008 Australian Irish Dancing Championships
 
Wednesday October 1st to Sunday October 5th 2008
 
2008
Syllabus, Rules & Entry Forms
 
Adjudicators

Mary Bryan ADCRG                            Canada
Chris Ryan ADCRG                               Ireland
Gerard McQuaid  ADCRG                    Ireland
John Timm ADCRG                               United States
Orla Ni Conuladh ADCRG                    Ireland        
Nancy Troy O’Herlihy ADCRG                Ireland
Brendan O’Brien ADCRG                     Ireland
 

 
Musicians 

Liam O’Sullivan                                                England
Sean O’Brien                                      England
Anthony Davis                                                  England
Paul O’Donnell                                    Ireland
 
 

  
 
PLEASE READ THIS SYLLABUS CAREFULLY BEFORE COMPLETING THE OFFICIAL ENTRY FORMS ATTACHED.
 
Lodgment of any entry shall be taken to signify that the teacher, parent or guardian  and pupil concerned accept all the Rules of this Championship in full and agree to strictly abide by them at all times.
 
General Rules of the Championships.
 
These Championships are conducted under the Rules and Regulations of An Coimisiún, Dublin, and the Australian Irish Dancing Association Inc (AIDA Inc).
 
Rules
1)       In order for entries to be accepted teachers must note that all Competitors:
a)       must be pupils of teachers who at the date of entry are registered with An Coimisiún for the calendar year 2008–          2009, and who are financial members of AIDA Inc for 2008.
b)       must not on the date(s) of their competitions(s) be ineligible to compete due to any rule.
c)        must have been formally entered and have had their entry fees paid in full in due time in accordance with these     rules and the General Rules of the Organising Committee.
 
Lodgment Of Entries
2)       Entries for both solo and team competitions, with full payment enclosed, must be received by The Returning Officer by 5.00pm (CST) Tuesday 1st of July 2008
3)       Entries received after the due date will be treated as late and not accepted.
4)       Entries should be sent Express Post to ensure they arrive on time and it is recommended that entries be sent in advance to allow for any delays with posting.
5)       Incorrect or incomplete entries will be returned and fines will be imposed. (AIDA Convention Minutes Nov 2006, 2007)
6)       It is preferred entries be submitted in typed form on either forms provided (see Appendix D, E & F). Handwritten entries will also be accepted. The summary entry form (Appendix G) and the Consent Form (Appendix H) signed by the parent’s/guardian of competitors, and in the 18 and over age group by the competitor themselves must also be completed.  The official entry form only must be used; no other forms will be accepted.
7)       It is requested that, wherever possible, teachers submit their total entry fee via direct debit at any ANZ Branch or by internet transfer. Payments made by post must include cheques made payable to AIDA Inc. Please see Appendix I for full banking  instructions
8)       Where the monies submitted with the entries do not cover the total amount of the entries submitted, the entry from that teacher will be deemed incorrect and will be returned to the sender. Such entries will incur a fine. (AIDA Convention Minutes Nov 2006, 2007)
9)       If an official receipt together with competitor passes is not received by 30 August 2008, the Returning Officer should be contacted.
10)    All entries must be accompanied by a passport size photo of each competitor (solo & teams). Dancers without official photo id passes will be charged the daily rate. Entries submitted without photos or with incorrectly sized photos will be deemed incorrect, returned to sender and incur a fine. (AIDA Convention Minutes Nov 2006, 2007)
11)    It is the responsibility of the teacher to check that any overseas dancers fall within the Rules of Entry for the National Championships i.e. being a resident. In the case of a non permanent Australian Resident, the teacher must sight proof of Residency issued by the Australian Department of Immigration and provide copy of same to Regional Council.
12)    No refunds will be made for any entry money received
 
Age Limits
13)    The age of a competitor shall be taken as on 1st January 2008.  Where a competitor’s birth date falls on 1st January he/she shall, for the purpose of the Australian Championships be regarded as under the age attained on that day.
14)    Birth Certificates must have been sighted by each Regional Branch prior to the Australian Championships.

Prizes

15)  Prizes will be awarded in each section in accordance with the rules of AIDA and as determined at its conventions (AIDA Convention November 2005). 

 16)    Perpetual trophies, tiaras and belts must be returned to the Organising Committee on the first day of the Championships and be in good condition.  The holder shall be responsible for any loss of/or damage to the perpetual trophy whilst in the holder’s possession and may incur a fine if trophies are not returned on time and in good repair.

Team Entries

17)  Entries for all teams must be submitted by the entry closing date

18)    Entries need not include the list of all team members at this stage (Please see Ceili Dancing Championships Rules and directives (Rules 2 & 3)

19)    A dancer must not be a member of more than five (5) ceili teams.

Order Of Dancing, Conduct, Mishaps

20)    Competitors must:
a)        Obey all instructions of the Organising Committee; otherwise permission to dance will be withdrawn.
b)        Dance in numerical order as published in the official program.
c)        AIDA Inc has the right to commence a Championship not more than 30 minutes prior to the scheduled commencement time.
d)        With the exception of the first section of the day, dancers must be in costume and ready to dance not less than 30 minutes prior to the time scheduled for their competition.
e)        Present to the marshalling area when called to do so by Stage Personnel. Sections will only be called for ONCE.
21)    Should a dancer lose a heel or a complete shoe he/she may stand back, allowing the other dancer, where applicable, to continue dancing uninhibited.  In such a case the dancer concerned will be permitted to re-dance as soon as it is deemed practicable by the stage personnel.
22)    No liability is accepted by AIDA for any injury caused to any person, including but not limited to, competitors, however caused and whether or not caused by the negligence or default of AIDA, its servants or agents.
23)    Should a dancer slip on stage the adjudicator may, at his/her discretion, ring the bell thereby stopping the performance of all dancers on stage.
24)    Should in the opinion of the Stage Personnel ( in consultation if deemed necessary with medical personnel) a dancer be unfit to re-dance, and if such dancer insists on performing the dancer concerned will only be permitted to redance on completion of a formal declaration which removes the organising committee of any liability.
25)    No pacers will be used in either team or solo sections.
26)    The starting number for each solo round will be determined by ballot prior to the Championships commencing and will be printed in the program.
27)    All age sections up to and including 12 years will dance their heavy and light dances 3 at a time.  13 and 14 year sections will dance their heavy dance 3 at a time and will dance their light dance 2 at a time.  All other sections will dance both dances 2 at a time.
28)    The Organising Committee will provide official musicians for the championships. In the case of figure dancing and own choreography championships the Organising Committee cannot guarantee that specific musicians will be rostered on particular sections. It will be the responsibility of the teachers requiring specific music to make any necessary arrangements for a recording of same direct with the musicians.  Direct contact must be made to the relevant musician no later than 1ST August 2008.  Please note sections will not be delayed to allow for practice time with the musician(s). All recorded music will be played through the official sound system.
29)    Decisions of the Organising Committee as to the interpretation of these rules and in relation to all other matters pertaining to the Australian Championships shall be final.

Solo Championships rules and directives

1)       The required dances for each competition are set out at Appendix A (Solo) and Appendix C (Teams).
2)       At the time of registration all dancers will be required to confirm the name of their set dance, and the speed required by them.  All set dances must be from the official list contained in this syllabus and be performed within the specified speeds (Appendix B).
3)       In all championships competitors will dance the heavy dance first.
4)       Dancers will dance 48 bars in the Reel, 40 bars in the slip jig, jig and hornpipe, with the exception of the Sub Minor Championships who will dance 32 bars of jig, and a Traditional Set Dance comprising Full step (short) and half of the Set (long).
5)       When the first two dances in a championship have been completed the official points system will be used to place the competitors in order of merit over the two dances.  On this basis, a limited number of competitors will be recalled for the set dance round.  A dancer who fails to complete one of the dances of the first two rounds will not appear in the recall round.                             
6)       In all competitions only recalled competitors will perform their set dance.  The number of points gained by competitors, on their overall placing in the first two dances will not, for obvious reasons, be disclosed at the recall stage- only the list of those recalled will be announced in numerical order.
7)       The onus of ensuring that the stage personnel are informed of the correct metronome speed, and the correct title of the dance, will rest with the dancer who should have advised these details at the time of registration in the marshalling area.
8)       Speed for Traditional Set Dances are as per list – Appendix B
9)       Any competitor in breach of the IDC & AIDA Inc Rules will be subject to disqualification.
 

Ceili Dancing Championships Rules And Directives

1)       These rules and directives must be read in conjunction with the general rules and other relevant sections of this syllabus and those contained in the World Syllabus 2008.
2)       The number of teams to be entered in each Championship must be submitted by the closing date of entries
3)       The full name and date of birth of each team member must be furnished by not later than 7th August 2008. Where a competitor is competing only in team competitions, parent consent form and competitor pass fee must also be submitted by 7th August 2008. Any subsequent changes must be notified to the Organising Committee prior to 1st September 2008
4)       A dancer must not be a member of more than one team in the same competition except in the case of an unforseen emergency and then only with the consent of the Organising Committee.
5)         An emergency is defined as an event which happens either within 7 days immediately preceding the first day of competition of the Australian Championships or during the course of the Australian Championship. A formal application must be made in writing to an Executive member of the Organising Committee and medical emergencies must be accompanied by a medical certificate. In the event of an unforeseen emergency, the acceptance of the written application will be determined by the Organising Committee
6)       Dancers are required to present their ID (2008 Championships Competitor’s pass)  side stage when lining up for team events
7)       If a team presents to marshalling and is not the team as listed on the entries; where no official notification of change has been received by the Organising Committee, the team will not be permitted to dance.
8)       Apart from the variations described below, dances must be performed in accordance with the latest edition of Ar Rinci Foirne, unless otherwise indicated in the directive on Ceili dances published by An Coimisiún.  Movements and figures must be performed in the order specified and the dancers must move in the manner stipulated.  Where neither Ar Rinci Foirne nor the directive specifies how a particular movement should be performed, the teacher may use his/her discretion with regard to interpretations.  Unnecessary embellishments must be avoided.
9)       In the case of St Patrick’s Day, it is permissible to play the first part of the music twice after the commencement of the dance, or three times as in Ar Rinci Foirne. In either case the music is thereafter played as usual, each part being played twice.
10)    For the purpose of the Australian Championships Part A and Part B of the stipulated dances (other than the Sweets of May and the Gates of Derry) will be as follows – The figure in the 8 hand Ceili Sections will be determined by Ballot for Under 16 and Open Sections only.
11)    A team in a competition for ceili or figure dancing may include dancers who are under the age limit stipulated for the competition subject to the following conditions:
a)        A teacher may include a number of dancers not exceeding 25% of a ceili team or 50% of a figure team without seeking prior permission, but must inform the competition organisers in writing prior to the competition and furnish the names of the underage dancers.
b)        Where the number of under aged dancers allowed dance in the higher age group exceeds 25% in ceili or 50% in figure, only 25% in ceili or 50% in figure may also compete in teams in the lower age group
12)    The members of a team must be the pupils of the same dancing school. A dancer may be borrowed with the consent of the Organising Committee and only in accordance with the IDC directive
13)    Up to 50% of a girls’ team competing in a girls’ ceili championship (competitions 29, 31, 33, 35, 37, 39,41& 43) may also dance across in a competition for mixed teams, subject to Rules 11 & 15
14)    Maximum number of ceili championships in which a dancer can take part is five (5) whether in one or more age groups.
15)    Directives of An Coimisiún for ceili dancing will apply.  Refer to the 2008 World Syllabus.
 

Own Choreography Championships Rules And Directives

1         Own Choreography Reels in Couples 13-15 Yrs:
(a)     Dance must comprise a maximum 72 bars (not including introduction) of reel music.
(b)     No story allowed, either read or sung.
(c)      Must be performed in team costume.
(d)     Own music to be arranged. If recorded music is to be used, it must be on CD, of good quality and recorded at the correct speed. The CD must be clearly marked with the Section Name, Studio Name and number of the team.  Teachers are required to submit their recordings on the day prior to the commencement of their Section to the nominated member of the Organising Committee. Please complete the Own Choreography Music Arrangements Form (Appendix J)
(e)     One team per school allowed in either mixed, girls or both.
(f)       Each team member should dance continuously for the duration of the dance.
(g)     Pauses found in Ceili Dancing permitted.
(h)     Steps are permitted if desired.
(i)       Dancers cannot dance in both a girls and a mixed team.
(j)       Dance must be performed in soft shoes.
(k)      The minimum age is 13 years and the maximum age is 15 years.
 

2         Own Choreography Under 13 Three Hand:

(a)     Dance must comprise of a maximum of 96 bars (not including the introduction) of reel music.
(b)     No story allowed, either read or sung.
(c)      Must be performed in team costume.
(d)     Own music to be arranged.  If recorded music is to be used, it must be on CD, of good quality and recorded at the correct speed. The CD must be clearly marked with the Section Name, Studio Name and number of the team.  Teachers are required to submit their recordings on the day prior to the commencement of their Section to the nominated member of the Organising Committee. Please complete the Own Choreography Music Arrangements Form  (Appendix J)
(e)     One team per school allowed in either mixed, girls or both.
(f)       Each team member should dance continuously for the duration of the dance.
(g)     Pauses found in Ceili Dancing permitted.
(h)     Steps permitted if desired.
(i)       Dancer cannot dance in both girls and a mixed team.
(j)       Dance must be performed in soft shoes.
 

3         Own Choreography Senior Four Hand:

(a)     Dance must not exceed 96 bars of music, excluding the introduction.
(b)     Dance must be in 6/8 timing – jig.
(c)      No story allowed either read or sung.
(d)     Must be performed in team costume.
(e)     Own music to be arranged. If recorded music is to be used, it must be on CD, of good quality and recorded at the correct speed. The CD must be clearly marked with the Section Name, Studio Name and number of the team.  Teachers are required to submit their recordings on the day prior to the commencement of their Section to the nominated member of the Organising Committee. Please complete the Own Choreography Music Arrangements Form (Appendix J)
(f)       One team per school allowed, in either mixed or girls sections or both.
(g)     Each team member should dance continuously for the duration of the dance.
(h)     Pauses found in ceili dancing permitted.
(i)       Steps are permitted.
(j)       The minimum age is 16 years.
(k)      Dancer cannot dance in both a girls and a mixed team.
(l)       Dance must be performed in soft shoes.
 
Figure Dancing Championships Rules and Regulations
1)       These rules and directions must be read in conjunction with the general rules and other relevant sections of this syllabus and those contained in the World Syllabus 2008.
2)       Every dance must be capable of being performed on a stage not greater than 30’ x 30’ i.e. 9.14m X 9.14m.
3)       Each team must consist of no fewer than eight (8) dancers and not more than sixteen (16) dancers.
4)       Dance must be performed in team costume
5)       Each dance must portray by movements an Irish theme or item.
6)       Basic steps found in Ar Rince Foirne are strongly recommended. Solo dancing steps are not permitted. Please refer to Page 35, rule 5 of the 2008 World Syllabus
7)       Dances must be in 2/4, 4/4 or 6/8 timing, or a combination of these times, but any change of music must last for at least 16 bars.
8)       Each team member must be on stage from the commencement of the dance and shall dance continuously for the duration of the dance except where, to emphasise a figure, short pauses for up to 4 bars may be permitted.
9)       Teachers are required to submit an account of their dance on the day prior to the commencement of their section to the nominated person.  This account must not exceed 200 words.  (10 copies are required). Please note that a ‘word’ is two or more letters.
10)    Own music to be arranged. If recorded music is to be used, it must be on CD, of good quality and recorded at the correct speed. The CD must be clearly marked with the Section Name, Studio Name and number of the team.  Teachers are required to submit their recordings on the day prior to the commencement of their Section to the nominated member of the Organising Committee. Please complete the Own Choreography Music Arrangements Form  (Appendix J)
11)    A dance must not exceed 4 minutes duration from the beginning to end of the dance.  All teams will be strictly timed, and where a dance is not finished by 4 minutes 20 seconds from the time of commencement, a bell will be rung.  For every 10 seconds, or part of 10 seconds, a dance continues after the ringing of the bell, twenty competition points will be deducted from the team’s overall points total (if any) at the conclusion of the competition.
12)    Teams will be marked under the following headings.
(i)       Portrayal of story through Dance (ii) Figure Content (iii) Footwork and execution (iv) Teamwork and (v)Presentation
13)    Directives from An Coimisiún as contained in the World Syllabus 2008 will apply.
14)    The story will be read prior to each team’s performance  and no music will be permitted while the story is being read
15)    Each dance will be timed electronically and the timing will commence from the start of music playing and finish when the music stops.
16)    Additional music will be permitted for walk-offs.
17)    The names of all team members must be submitted (together with parent consent form and competitor pass fee  for team only dancers) by Friday 7th August 2008 Any subsequent changes must be notified to the Organising Committee prior to 1st September 2008
  
Failure to comply with the terms and conditions specified in this syllabus may result in non-acceptance on entries or disqualification.
 
 
Entry Fees:
 
Ø      Solo Championship:                                                            $70.00 per dancer (Championship) (incl. GST)     
 
Ø      Ceili and Figure Dancing Championships:                               $13.00 (incl. GST)  per team member
 
Ø      Competitor Pass Cost:                                                         $5.00 per dancer (solo or team)
 
 
Ø      Entries received from teachers not registered for 2008 with An Coimisiún and AIDA Inc will be refused.
Ø      Entries must be submitted on the Official entry forms attached to this syllabus
Ø       AIDA Inc has a NO REFUND policy on all entries paid.
 
 
 
Australian Championships 2008
7 Years & under   Reel, Jig, Traditional Set     Girls
                          Reel, Jig, Traditional Set     Boys
 
8  Years               Reel, Jig, Traditional Set     Girls
                          Reel, Jig, Traditional Set      Boys
    
9  Years               Reel, Hornpipe, Jig Set       Girls
                          Reel, Hornpipe, Jig Set        Boys
 
10 Years              Reel, Hornpipe, Jig Set       Girls
                          Reel, Hornpipe, Jig Set        Boys
 
11 Years              Reel, Hornpipe, Jig Set       Girls
                          Reel, Jig, Hornpipe Set        Boys
 
12 Years              Slip Jig, Jig, Hornpipe Set   Girls
                          Reel, Hornpipe, Jig Set        Boys
 
13 Years              Reel, Hornpipe, Jig Set       Girls
                          Reel, Jig, Hornpipe Set        Boys
 
14 Years              Slip Jig, Jig, Hornpipe Set   Girls
                          Reel, Hornpipe, Jig Set        Boys
 
15 Years              Reel, Hornpipe, Jig Set       Girls
                          Reel, Jig, Hornpipe Set        Boys
 
16 Years              Slip Jig, Jig, Hornpipe Set   Girls
                          Reel, Hornpipe, Jig Set        Boys
 
17 Years              Reel, Hornpipe, Jig Set       Ladies
                          Reel, Jig, Hornpipe Set        Men
 
18 Years              Slip Jig, Jig, Hornpipe Set   Ladies
                          Reel, Hornpipe, Jig Set        Men
 
19 & 20 Years      Reel, Hornpipe, Jig Set       Ladies
                          Reel, Jig, Hornpipe Set        Men
 
21 & Over           Slip Jig, Jig, Hornpipe Set    Ladies
                         Reel, Hornpipe, Jig Set         Men