1. The adjudicator’s decision is final.
2. All competitors will dance completely at their own risk. South Gippsland Dance eisteddfod its committee and all associated parties, will not be held responsible for any loss or injury.  In the event of an accident or illness, an ambulance may be called at the expense of the parent/guardian. Any associated cost incurred will be charged to the parent. Ambulance subscription is recommended.
3. The committee will not accept late entries and there will be no alteration to any entry after running sheet has been made public.
4. The committee reserves the right to refuse entries.
5. The committee reserves the right to request proof of age at any time during the competition.  Age of competitors participating in ALL SECTIONS - SOLOS / DUOS / TRIOS to be determined as of 1st January 2026.
6. Competitors are able to enter up to five solos and three duo/trio sections.
7. Where the number of entries accepted on Stardom exceeds the entry cap set by the committee, entries will be withdrawn on a count back basis.
8. Competitors entering solo sections can only enter their own age group in either open or novice sections – not both
9. Any competitor placed 1st or 2nd in any competition in the past 3 years (from 1st May 2023 until 1st May 2026) must dance in the Open section of relevant genre.
10. Only one Teacher or Parent will be allowed side stage during their student’s/child’s item and must display their Teacher Pass or a Session Pass.
11. A competitor who stops and leaves the stage during an item can reappear for a “crit” only, unless it was through no fault of their own.
12. Students must present on stage in order as per program and may appear once only in any section.  Competitors may only appear once in any section including Solos and Duos/Trios no exceptions will be made unless at the discretion of the committee for any reason deemed to be valid by the Committee.  Competitors participating in Duos/Trios can only enter one age group in each style of dance.
13. Competitors are not entitled to a refund of fees in cases of non-appearance in any section regardless of the reason.
14. Where only one competitor presents, they will be adjudicated to such standard which the adjudicator deems appropriate which may result in no 1^st, 2^nd or 3^rd places given.
15. The Committee reserves the right to disqualify any person who communicates with the adjudicator throughout the course of the competition being dancers, teachers or other interested parties as this is strictly prohibited.
16. Time limits will be strictly adhered to. Timing of dance commences from start of music or movement, whichever comes first, and finishes at end of movement or leaving stage.  Solo’s 3 minutes; Duos/Trios 3 minutes; Song and Dance 4 minutes.
17. Authority of the Stage Manager: Competitors, Teachers, Parents and others associated with competitors must obey the directions of the Stage Manager when in the area of the stage.  Failure to do so may lead to disqualification of the competitor/group.
18. Dangerous props will not be allowed. Props must be stored at the direction of the Stage Manager or Committee and should be kept to a minimum.  These must be brought to the back of stage 30 minutes prior to your section beginning and must be removed from back of stage at the conclusion of the section.
19. The committee reserves the right to cancel or combine any section (e.g. Novice / Open, younger age groups in same genre) if insufficient entries are received.
20. Personal requests from individuals for specific or preferred days or time WILL NOT be considered.
21. Complaints and/or grievances must be made in writing, signed by the protester and lodged at the secretary’s table not more than 15 minutes after the adjudication. Protests must be accompanied with a deposit of $50.00, which will be forfeited if deemed frivolous.
22. Background vocal assistance whilst competitors are singing in Song & Dance Sections are not permitted and may result in disqualification.
23. Competitors are required to check themselves in to all sections for that day prior to the commencement of their section.  Check in Sheets will be located at the entry door to change rooms. Failure to do so will result in a dancer, dancing for a crit only.
24. All music must be submitted via STARDOM music file upload system at least 2 weeks prior to the competition (Cut-off date is Thursday 9th July 2026). The committee may not accept changes to or replacement versions of the uploaded music once competition has commenced. Performers must bring a back-up copy of music on a phone for all performances. The backup media will only be used if there are technical difficulties.
25. Students taught by the adjudicator for more than 10 weeks in the past 12 months on a regular basis for will not be eligible to enter this competition.
26. The committee reserves the right to appoint another adjudicator should the occasion arise.
27. Blackouts will only be used at the discretion of the stage manager in solo and duo sections.
28. There will be NO backstage “run arounds” during performances.
29. This competition is open to amateurs only. Amateur to mean one whose regular income or part thereof is not derived from dancing/teaching. Students under the age of 17, registered in full time academic studies are exempt from this rule.
30. " Student Teachers" who are instructing no more than 4 students in private lessons, and/or who are assisting in class with a teacher present at all times may dance as amateurs. Teachers are not permitted to dance in this eisteddfod. Anyone listed on a dance schools website/ Facebook etc as a teacher will be deme as that and must not take the stage in any section.
31. Private audio/video recording or the taking of photographs is not permitted within the auditorium or change spaces.  Under Child-Safe provisions, the use of video recording equipment and /or cameras by members of the audience within and backstage at the theatre and /or change spaces is prohibited.  Photos may be taken in front of the South Gippsland Dance Eisteddfod Banner provided, should you wish to use it for this purpose.  Offenders may be removed and recorded material may be forfeited to the Committee, or the competitor/s concerned disqualified.  This includes presentations.  Teachers entering students should advise their students’ families of this rule, except for video and photo personnel hired by the committee.
32. The committee will not be responsible for lost items. (Enquiries to the front desk)
33. Due to COPYRIGHT LAWS – All dancers must have the permission of the Choreographing Teacher to perform dance/s. The committee will not be liable for any copyright infringements.
34. A competitor who has entered under a specified school/s at time of entries closing, may NOT perform at the Eisteddfod under an alternate school. Students may only perform under the school/s they have entered as it appears on their entry form. Students who do not abide by this rule can be disqualified under the discretion of the committee. Please note: Changes cannot be made after the closing date of entries.
35. The committee will not tolerate any form of slander (including written, verbal and/or on social media) towards the management of the eisteddfod including the decisions made by the employed adjudicator, this will result in a disqualification of associated dancer/s.
36. By entering South Gippsland Dance Eisteddfod, all competitors, parents, family members and spectators agree to respect all other participants, committee, staff members at our event
37. Past full-time dancers who have now returned to regular school and after school dance lessons are eligible to enter having ceased full time dance studies as at 31 December of the previous year.
38. Costumes, choreography and musical lyrics must be appropriate for a family audience. The adjudicator will have the authority to govern what is deemed inappropriate, which will result in performing for a crit only.
39. Tights must be worn by competitors in all items where a costume has a brief style leg. Costumes with thigh length cut may do so with bare legs, however all costumes must ensure modesty. These rules will be overseen by the stage manager. Non- adherence will result in the competitor not being able to perform.
40. No person under 18 years of age can assist with roster positions.
41. Those who are volunteering at the South Gippsland Dance Eisteddfod must add the SGDE as an organisation you volunteer for via the Services Victoria app or website and have the confirmation of this sent with a copy of your card to our roster organiser at hello@sgde.org.au
42. Should the eisteddfod be cancelled, all fees will be refunded with the exceptions of any admin fees.
43. The privacy of Competitors personal details will be respected and not shared with any third parties other than Stardom
44. Coaching competitors from the wings is not permitted.  Failure to observe these rules is at the risk of the competitors/group’s disqualification.  This rule is applied at the discretion / perception of the Stage Manager.
45. A reminder that you are responsible for your dancer and any other children in your care for the entire time you are on site at our eisteddfod.  South Gippsland Dance eisteddfod its committee and all associated parties, will not be held responsible for any loss or injury.
46. All decisions made throughout the eisteddfod and the above rules are set at the executive committee's discretion

Code of Acceptable Behaviour.

South Gippsland Dance Eisteddfod is committed to ensuring the health and safety of the child performer at all times, and with treating competitors , teachers and families involved in this event with respect.  Our Eisteddfod supports kids, is safe for kids, is fun for kids.

Teachers

• Remember that young dancers participate for pleasure – winning is only part of the fun
• Relate to officials in a courteous and polite way
• Respect the rights, dignity and work of all participants
• Operate within the rules and spirit of the event – encourage your dancers to understand playing by the rules is their responsibility.

Dancers:

• Show respect to and acknowledge your competitors and officials
• participate for your own enjoyment and benefit – not just to please parents and teachers
• Respect the rights, dignity and work of all competitors
• Speak to an adult you trust if you have an issue, feel unsafe or are concerned about someone else

Parents / Audience Members

• Remember your child participates for their enjoyment – not yours
• Encourage your child to play by the rules
• Respect the officials’ decisions
• Show appreciation for teachers, officials and administrators – Remember they are usually VOLUNTEERS
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person
• Ensure you are aware and follow the correct processes if you have an issue or complaint – do not perpetuate with gossip or general criticism

Officials / Administrators

• Ensure you are aware of obligations to provide a child safe environment
• Set an example – your behaviour and comments should be positive and supportive
• Compliment and encourage all participants – you are a role model
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants, volunteers, teachers, families/carers