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 2009–2010, and who are financial members of AIDA Inc for 2009.
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) Wednesday 1st of July 2009
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 not be accepted, these will be returned to the sender for correction and, if not received by the returning officer within 7 days, will incur payment of a fine. (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 teachers submit their total entry fee via direct deposit at any ANZ Branch or by internet transfer. Cheques deposited must be made payable to Australian Irish Dancing Association 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 for correction within 7 days (AIDA Convention Minutes Nov 8/9, 2008). Failure to return within 7 days will incur a fine
9) If an official receipt is not received by 30 August 2009, the Returning Officer should be contacted.
10) 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.
11) No refunds will be made for any entry money received
Age Limits
12) The age of a competitor shall be taken as on 1st January 2009. 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.
13) Birth Certificates must have been sighted by each Regional Branch prior to the Australian Championships.
Prizes
14) Prizes will be awarded in each section in accordance with the rules of AIDA and as determined at its conventions (AIDA Convention November 2005).
15) 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 will incur a fine if trophies are not returned on time and in good repair.
TEAM ENTRIES
16) Entries for all teams must be submitted by the entry closing date including the list of all team members
17) A dancer must not be a member of more than five (5) ceili teams.
Order Of Dancing, Conduct, Mishaps
18) 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.
19) 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.
20) No liability will be 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.
21) 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.
22) 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 re-dance on completion of a formal declaration which removes the organising committee of any liability.
23) No pacers will be used in either team or solo sections.
24) The starting number for each solo round will be determined by ballot prior to the Championships commencing and will be printed in the program.
25) The light rounds from 9 yrs upwards will be danced 2 at a time and the heavy rounds will be danced 2 at a time from 13 yrs upwards. All other ages will dance 3 at a time.
26) 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 2009. 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.
27) 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). The 9 yrs Championships will dance 32 bars of Hornpipe.
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 2009.
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 1st July 2009 Where a competitor is competing only in team competitions, parent consent form must also be submitted by 1st July, 2009 Any subsequent changes must be notified to the Organising Committee prior to 1st September 2009
4) All Ceili teams entered as Teams A B C etc must dance in the position in which they are balloted and the composition of the whole team cannot be changed after the entry has been submitted.
5) 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.
6) 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
7) Dancers are required to present their 2009 AIDA Inc Competitors Pass side stage when lining up for team events
8) 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.
9) Apart from the variations described below, dances must be performed in accordance with the latest edition of Aŕ Rincí 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 Aŕ Rincí 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.
10) 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 Aŕ Rincí Foirne. In either case the music is thereafter played as usual, each part being played twice.
11) 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.
12) 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
13) 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
14) 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 12 & 15
15) Maximum number of ceili championships in which a dancer can take part is five (5) whether in one or more age groups.
16) Directives of An Coimisiún for ceili dancing will apply. Refer to the 2009 World Syllabus.
17) There will be an official video of ceili sections. Any infringements to the rules will be directed to the Disputes Committee. If the infringement is proven after viewing the video, then the Adjudicators will be advised that the team has been removed from the result. All recordings will be deleted at the end of each day.
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) Teachers are permitted to use CD’s for Choreography Sections. These must be lodged by Monday 28th September 2009 at a time to be determined for a sound check. Each Choreography team must have its own CD. If CDs are not received on time or are not of acceptable quality, teams will be required to dance to the musician. CD’s may be posted prior to the Championships. 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) Teachers are permitted to use CD’s for Choreography Sections. These must be lodged by Monday 28thSeptember 2009 at a time to be determined for a sound check. Each Choreography team must have its own CD. If CDs are not received on time or are not of acceptable quality, teams will be required to dance to the musician. CD’s may be posted prior to the Championships. 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) Teachers are permitted to use CD’s for Choreography Sections. These must be lodged by Monday 28thSeptember 2009 at a time to be determined for a sound check. Each Choreography team must have its own CD. If CDs are not received on time or are not of acceptable quality, teams will be required to dance to the musician. CD’s may be posted prior to the Championships. 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 2009.
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 Aŕ Rincí Foirne are strongly recommended. Solo dancing steps are not permitted. Please refer to Page 39, rule 5 of the 2009 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) Teachers are permitted to use CD’s for Choreography Sections. These must be lodged by Monday 28tthSeptember 2009 at a time to be determined for a sound check. Each Choreography team must have its own CD. If CDs are not received on time or are not of acceptable quality, teams will be required to dance to the musician. CD’s may be posted prior to the Championships. 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 2009 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) by 1st July 2009. Any subsequent changes must be notified to the Organising Committee prior to 1st September 2009.
To assist teachers with collection of entries from their pupils, a teacher-pupil entry form has been attached. This document is for teachers’ use only and does not need to be returned to AIDA Inc.
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 A family discount of 20% will apply to families with 3 or more dancers on solo entries only.
Ø Ceili and Figure Dancing Championships: $13.00 (incl. GST) per team member
Please Note: The following omissions / errors will result in an entry being deemed incorrect. Entries deemed incorrect will not be accepted, will be returned to the sender for correction and, if not received by the returning officer within 7 days, WILL incur payment of a fine.
Ø Incorrect entry fees submitted with entry.
Ø Entries submitted with a cheque.
Ø Omission of competitor’s name or date of birth.
Ø Entry of competitor/team into incorrect Championship.
Ø Omission of name of Set Dance & Speed.
Ø Omission of name of 8 Hand Ceili Dance & Speed.
Please note names of dances may be changed at a later date but must be submitted in the first instance.
Ø Omission of correctly completed Parent Consent Form.
Consent forms may only be signed by the competitor if aged 18 years or over, or by parent/guardian in the case of under age dancers
Ø Entries received from teachers not registered for 2009 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.
