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Coaches and team members must understand and abide by all safety regulations.  All National Federation Rules and /or USASF dance rules will apply.  Consult the National Federation for Spirit Groups book or USASF.net for a complete listing and explanations.  (Ask your athletic director or studio director if you haven’t seen one.)   Some highlights that apply to dance are as follows:

1.  No personal jewelry is allowed.  If such religious or medical medals must be worn, they should be taped to the body under the uniform.  This includes all piercings (belly button, tongue, ears, nose, eyebrows, etc.)  If jewelry is part of the uniform, please see the event coordinator to confirm.  USASF allows team jewelry. 

2. No glitter is allowed per HUHS request. Your team may receive a deduction if this rule is violated.

3. All hair should be fastened with soft holders and cosmetic holders such as hair spray or mousse.  Any hair devices that fall to the floor and are not immediately corrected may result in a penalty violation.

4. Fingernails should be cut to a length, so they are not visible above the fingertips when looking at the palm.

5. Acrylic or press-on nails are not appropriate.

Interruption of Performance

1. If in the opinion of the tournament officials, a team’s routine is interrupted of failure of tournament equipment, facilities, or other factors attributable to the tournament rather than the team, the team will be allowed to present its routine from the place in the routine where the interruption occurred or the entire routine.   The tournament officials will determine the degree and effect of the interruption.  In the event a team’s routine is interrupted because of failure of the team's own equipment, the team must either continue the routine or withdraw from the competition.

2. In any injury, tournament officials or coaches reserve the right to stop the routine.  The team will be allowed to present its routine from the routine where the interruption occurred or the entire routine.

Dance General Rules

1. Each team will have a maximum of two minutes 30 seconds to demonstrate their style and expertise.  Timing will begin with the first note of music and end with the last note of music or last movement.  Entrances and exits will not be judged unless they are included in the overall time period.

2. There is no limitation on the number of team members.  However, all participants must be official members of the team.  “All-Star” and/or Rec Department teams are allowed to compete and should enter based on the UASAF age grid.  Divisions will only be separated if numbers warrant.

3. All music must be provided via USB, 3.5mm TRS mini-jack, or an area for an AUX cord.

4. Safety is always our number one concern.  The Midwest Dance Fest will follow and enforce all USASF Dance Rules and guidelines for All-Star Teams.  NFHS Dance Rules and Guidelines  apply for high school / school-sponsored teams.  Warnings and/or deductions will be enforced based on these rules.

5. All music and choreography should be appropriate for family viewing.

Dance Solo / Ensemble Rules

1. Each ensemble and individual will have a maximum of one minute thirty seconds to present their routine.

2. All team performance rules (with the exception of the time limit) will apply.

3. Dance routines may be any style.