SA Stage Dancing Society (SASDS)

Terms and Conditions of Entry

1. I am aware of, and will comply with, the terms and conditions of the SASDS policies as listed below and on the website (www.saeisteddfod.com.au).

 

2. I have checked my entries thoroughly, and where appropriate, discussed them with a dance teacher. I understand if I have made an error with my entries no changes can be made after the entry closing date and no refunds will be given.

 

3. I understand Eisteddfod performances will be recorded and photographed in whole and that extracts may be used for editorial purposes and/or for the promotion of the Eisteddfod.

 

4. I have read and understood the Eisteddfod Rules as set out below.

 

 

Rules of the Competition

GENERAL

All matters relating to the application of the rules and matters concerning the Eisteddfod shall be determined by the SASDS Committee in exercise of its sole discretion.  All decisions of the SASDS Committee will be final. To assist with the efficient and smooth running of the Eisteddfod, the Stage Manager, in consultation with other members of the Executive Committee (where practicable), has the discretion to interpret these Rules as they relate to day-to-day performances.

 

SUPERVISION AND LIABILITY OF MINORS AND COMPETITORS

1. Competitors accept that there is an inherent risk that exists within physical activity. It is the responsibility of the competitor not to go beyond their physical capabilities and skill level. Routines must be within the competitor’s skill set.
2. To the extent permitted by law, SASDS is not liable for any potential loss, damage, accident, injury or death that may occur as a result of participation in this competition.
3. It is the responsibility of Parents and Guardians to supervise their children at the Eisteddfod except when prevented due to performance related restrictions. In this case, the child’s dance school/teacher will assume responsibility for their safety
4. The terms and conditions of entry have been read and approved by a Parent or Guardian of competitors under the age of 18 (minors).

ELIGIBILITY

5. The Eisteddfod is only open to amateurs.  For the purposes of this rule, “amateur” means any current primary or secondary school student; or any eligible 'open age' competitor who since leaving secondary school, has not worked in any professional capacity in the dance, theatre or performing arts’ industries. Any open age competitor will be deemed to have worked in a professional capacity in the dance, theatre or performing arts industries under this rule where they satisfy one or more of the following criteria:
   1. They have, in any one financial year since leaving school, earned an income of $10,000 or more for work undertaken as a choreographer, teacher, dancer, singer or actor;
   2. They have received one or more qualification at Diploma level or higher in any facet of dance, theatre, singing or acting;
   3. They have been a cast member of any professional dance, musical or theatre production, with a running time of 4 weeks or more; or
   4. They have appeared in any television show or movie as a dancer, singer or actor in a paid role.
6. If clarification regarding eligibility is required, please contact secretary@saeisteddfod.com.au prior to entering.
7. ‘Open Age’ teachers will only be allowed to compete in the Troupe sections of the Eisteddfod with the prior written consent of the SASDS committee, submitted in writing to the SASDS committee before the closing date of entries.  The SASDS committee may exercise its sole discretion in the granting of consent.
8. ‘Open Age’ Assistant teachers (one who assists a teacher and receives no/or token remuneration) are eligible to enter any section of the competitions.
9. The Open Hip Hop Troupe section has no age or amateur status requirements. SASDS welcomes competing Hip Hop crews that compete at HHI or similar and thus rules for this section, and this section only, have allowed teachers/professionals to compete alongside students as they do in other Hip Hop crew competitions.

 

ENTRY TO THE COMPETITION

10. Entries must be submitted on the official SASDS website online data system, on or before the date specified. Correctness and approval of entries is the sole responsibility of competitor/responsible person. It is assumed the competitor has approval from the Principal of their Dance school or Choreographer.
11. All dance schools (troupes), solo & duo/trio competitors must pay a compulsory registration fee at the time of lodging entries.
12. Only financial members (or students of financial members) of the SA Stage Dancing Society can submit entries to the Eisteddfod.
13. No entry will be accepted unless accompanied by full payment. No refund will be offered if after entries close an error is discovered by the competitor and/or where a competitor does not appear for any reason other than if the section is cancelled by SASDS.
14. If solo entries in any section equal twenty two (22) or more, sections will be arranged into two or more divisions by SASDS except for Championships and Scholarships where there will be no divisions.
15. Sections with only one entry may be scheduled at the discretion of SASDS. If cancelled, entry money will be refunded. Scholarships and Championships must receive a minimum of four (4) entries to be included in the program. If cancelled, entry money will be refunded.
16. The age groups of Scholarship and Championship sections may be adjusted if necessary.
17. No competitor may compete twice in the same section other than the 12&Under, 15&Under and Open Age Hip Hop Crews and Secondary School Showcase (if offered).
18. No group may compete twice in the same section other than the Secondary School Showcase (if offered)
19. Solos must comply with the technique listed for that genre as described as per the SASDS Dance Definitions document.
20. No school or group is to present the same song and set of work in different sections.
21. The committee reserves the right to refuse any entry

 

AT THE EISTEDDFOD

22. Proof of age in the form of a birth certificate or student ID, must be shown upon request.
23. Times given for commencing Sessions are absolute. Competitors are required to be ready to perform should preceding entrants not appear.
24. All Competitors must check-in upon arrival at the Eisteddfod. Competitors must compete in the order they appear in the official program, unless approved by the Stage Manager. It is the competitor’s responsibility to be ready when called by the Stage Manager. If the competitor is not ready, they will not be eligible for a placing and may perform at the end of the section for a critique only.
25. All routines must adhere to the specified time limit. Timing of the performance is from the first to last movement and finished on the last movement of the routine (not the music). Should an item extend overtime by 10 seconds or more, the adjudicator will be notified and no placing can be awarded. The adjudicator will offer a critique.
26. Competitors who commence a performance then stop or leave the stage will not be eligible for a placing unless the fault is of a technical nature of SASDS equipment.  Competitors are encouraged to return to perform at the end of the section for the adjudicator to provide a critique of their performance.
27. No audible vocal assistance is to be given side stage.
28. No backing vocals allowed whilst singing in the Song and Dance and/or Song and Tap sections.
29. In own Choreography and Improv sections (where offered), simple black class attire such as a leotard and skirt/shorts must be worn. Handheld props allowed only in own choreography sections; this includes the use of a Brentwood style chair. Competitors only allowed side stage during these sections.

 

AGE LIMITS

30. Age is determined as of 1 January in the year the Eisteddfod is being held. This will determine which age group to enter.
31. Solo & Duo/Trio competitors may only enter their correct age group.
32. Duo/Trio entry points are determined by the age of the oldest competitor.

 

NOVICE SECTIONS

33. Once a competitor has placed in a section (with 5 or more competitors) at any dance competition (first, second or third), they must enter the following two years as an open competitor for that genre.
34. Competitors who enter one (1) or more Open sections (excluding open sections that do not have a corresponding novice section) are no longer eligible for Novice Awards or Novice Aggregates (if offered) in that year.

 

SCHOLARSHIP/CHAMPIONSHIP SECTIONS

35. To enter a Scholarship/Championship section, competitors must have entered and competed in a qualifying open section(s) as follows:
    • Modern Championship – Open Jazz AND Lyrical
    • Classical Scholarship – EITHER open Classical Ballet OR Character OR Demi Character
    • Theatrical Championship – EITHER open Song & Dance OR Song & Tap
    • Tapping Championship - Open Tap section
36. The minimum age of competitors for all Scholarships and Championships is ten years.

 

TEACHER/COMPETITOR PASSES

37. Solo, Duo/Trio competitors are provided with a competitor’s pass for free entry to the competition.
38. All Principals must be financial members of the society and can collect their passes, in person, from the ticket box in the foyer at the eisteddfod venue.
39.  Principals must nominate teachers who require a side stage pass to the Committee no later than one week prior to the commencement of the Eisteddfod.  Teachers must collect their passes, in person, from the ticket box in the foyer at the Eisteddfod and have either provided previously or when collecting their pass, provide a current valid Working with Children Check.
40.  Any other person/persons requiring to be side stage need permission from the SASDS Committee or Stage Manager, are required to be registered and have identification visible at all times side stage.
41.  All persons requiring to be side stage need to provide a current Working with Children check.

 

TROUPES

42. Troupe performances must have a minimum of four (4) competitors.
43. There must be at least one competitor on stage at ALL times.

 

AWARDS

44. An awards list will be available on the SASDS webpage detailing prizes available for each year of the Eisteddfod.
45. In the event of a tie in any section, full prize money (if offered) will be awarded to each competitor. In the event of a tie in sections involving Aggregate Awards (if offered), full points will be allotted to each competitor. Prize money and aggregate points will be awarded on the Adjudicators’ placings irrespective of the number of entrants.
46. Where a tie occurs for any Aggregate Award (if offered), the greatest number of firsts will decide the winner. If firsts are equal then the greatest number of seconds or if needed, thirds will decide the winner. If firsts, seconds and thirds are all equal, joint winners will be declared.
47. The Adjudicator is given the right to withhold any prize where sufficient merit has not been displayed.
48. A critique will be provided for each performance in every section and may be accessed only by the teacher, competitor or their carer.
49. All open and novice (where offered) Aggregate winners and runners up are no longer eligible to enter any novice sections in future Eisteddfods.

 

STAGE REHEARSAL

50. No rehearsal or practice is permitted on the stage to be used for the Eisteddfod after the commencement of ‘bump-in’, or during the whole of the Eisteddfod period. Any competitor not observing this condition will be automatically disqualified.

 

ADJUDICATORS

51. Communication with the Adjudicator either by competitors, teachers or other interested parties during the eisteddfod is absolutely prohibited. SASDS reserves the right to disqualify a competitor for any breach of this rule.
52. Competitors who have been taught, coached or advised by the Adjudicator, excluding participation in workshops or examinations, in the twelve (12) months prior to the closing of entries will not be eligible to compete in that section.
53. Adjudicator’s decision as to whether or not an item presented by a competitor complies with conditions of the section shall be final. A formal protest may be made and assessed by the SASDS Executive Committee.

 

PROTESTS

54. Protests regarding breach of rules, or an adjudicator’s decision due to a breach in the rules, are to be made in writing within two hours of the completion of the section accompanied with a $20 fee. This fee will be refunded if the protest is upheld.
55. The decision of the SASDS Executive Committee in relation to protests shall be final. All entries are received subject to this provision.

 

PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEOGRAPHY

56. SASDS reserves the right to video tape or photograph for TV, print, online (website and society Facebook or other online media) or other promotional purposes any performance in the Eisteddfod. Should any competitor not be comfortable or have specific legal requirements, please contact the contact secretary@saeisteddfod.com.au prior to entering or approach one of the SASDS Committee who will be happy to assist you.
57. SASDS will appoint photography and videography organisations who will photograph and video on stage performances. These recordings will be available for purchase by the competitor or their parent/family only. Principals of dance studios may purchase Troupe performances. All purchases of troupe performances must be signed and approved by the Principals of the requested dance school’s performance.
58. Use of Video, Audio or Image Recording devices by audience members or eisteddfod participants, including but not limited to, Cameras, Video Cameras and Audio Recorders whether discrete devices or embedded within mobile phones, music/media players, pens or other items, is strictly prohibited within the theatre, side stage or in competitor allocated rooms. This is required by our Child Safe Policy, and protects the copyright of performers, choreographers and others involved in creating each performance. Offenders will be removed from the eisteddfod

1. Acceptance of the Terms and Conditions of entry grants permission for photographs or video of performances to be taken:
   1.   Note that for duos, trios and troupes it is the responsibility of the person submitting the entry and approving photography/videography to ensure that permission is granted by all performers involved in the performance or, if under 18, their parent or carer prior to submitting the approval.
   2. If permission has not been granted and there is a request to change please notify the SASDS Committee either at the Eisteddfod or via secretary@saeisteddfod.com.au prior to the day of the performance

 

COPYRIGHT

60. The Eisteddfod is covered by a license from Australian Performing Rights Association for the performance of music during the eisteddfod. Competitors are reminded, however, that the making of photocopies or recordings of copyright works may be an infringement of the copyright act. SASDS will not be liable for any copyright infringement. Any mechanical royalties that may be payable for performance of recorded copyright material is the responsibility of the performer.

 

INSURANCE

61. Competitors are not covered by public liability insurance. All dance schools and parents/carers should ensure that competitors are privately insured for any injury incurred during the eisteddfod. Entry and performance is at your own risk.

 

PROPS

62. Props and accessories are allowed for all genres provided the following specifications are met.
63. Props must comply with the following:
    1. Any props used should be flame resistant,
    2. Props are not to be dragged pulled or pushed onto the stage area without castor wheels placed under the prop. This is to protect the stage floor and any damages incurring a cost will be passed on to the competitor.
    3. All articles of any substances that may create problems for the floor or introduce risk of injury for competitors are not permitted. Examples of this include: liquids, powder, clay, foodstuffs, glitter, confetti and loose feathers etc.
    4. Straw bales used as props must be enclosed completely in clear plastic.
    5. No glass, mirrors or other breakables are allowed on stage.
    6. Any props that require the stage to be swept after use are discouraged

Failure to adhere to the above may result in the routine being ineligible for a placing and may be performed for a critique only. This will be at the discretion of the adjudicator and/or stage manager

64. Props to be used for a performance must be side stage prior to the session commencing. It is the responsibility of the teacher to place props on the stage, and to ensure that there are enough people to assist if required. No more than 3 extra people. The Stage Manager MUST be notified of any props and people required to assist side stage.
65. Stage preparation of props is allowed with the following time restrictions.
    1. Solos have a 30 second time limit to set props on stage for solos AND 30 second to time limit to remove all props once the solo has finished.
    2. Troupes have one (1) minute to set props on stage AND one (1) minute to remove props once all competitors have left the stage.
    3. Speciality Sections/Showcase has three (3) minutes to set props on stage and three (3) minutes to remove all props once all competitors have left the stage.

Failure to adhere to the above time frames may result in the routine being ineligible for a placing and being performed for a critique only. This will be at the discretion of the adjudicator and/or stage manager.

66. All props are to be deemed appropriate and be a fully integrated as part of the performance as determined by the adjudicator.

 

CURTAIN

67. A curtain (where available) will be allowed for 8 & Under/6 & Under troupe sections. No curtain will be provided for any other troupe, solo/duo/trio or scholarship/championship sections.
68. Access to the centre of stage via a rear curtain will be dependent on the venue.

 

LIGHTING

69. All lighting will be dependent on the availability at the venue.
70. For all troupe routines where the use of the curtain is not permitted or unavailable, a blue wash will be applied to allow for safe movement/placement/positioning of competitors and props on stage. Once set a blackout will be applied at the commencement and conclusion of the routine.
71. If available, special lighting is allowed for all troupes. Lighting plots are to be submitted by a designated date prior to the start of the Eisteddfod along with a nominated caller. (Date to be communicated each year dependant on venue). If the nominated caller is not present side stage at the time of the performance, the special lighting will not be made available. Standard stage lighting is to be used for all other items. Lights attached to or part of scenery is permitted only if electrically tested/ tagged, or battery powered. No lighted candles or naked flames will be permitted on the stage.
72. Backdrops and flies for troupes are allowed if applicable to the venue.

 

ELECTRICAL ITEMS

73. All electrical items e.g. hairdryer, hair rollers/ straighteners, lights as props, mobile phone/iPod/iPad chargers etc., must be tagged in the current year or will not be able to be used anywhere in the venue. Untagged items found in rooms will be removed and available at the ticket box for collection and removal from the venue.

 

MUSIC

74. Music must be uploaded on to the Eisteddfod system when opened and completed by the date stated.
75. Any music not uploaded may be bought in by the competitor on either an iPad, iPod, Tablet, IPhone or Smart Phone. No USB’s will be accepted. A cable connection is provided for iPod/iPads/Tablets and Smart Phones. Playlists on electronic devices must have only one item per playlist, have the volume set to the right level, be switched to airplane mode and have the security passcode de-activated.

 

 

 

SPECIALTY SECTIONS

76. SASDS may also offer specialty sections including, but not limited to, Studio Showcase, Multi-Cultural, Secondary Schools, and Video competition. All competitors in the Specialty Sections will operate under these rules. Any modified rules affecting these sections will be identified on the SASDS web site.