The Bavarian Open is an international event with participants from more than 20 countries. To ensure fairness and clarity, the competition rules are published in English. If you have any questions about details during the event, please contact the event team or the Head Judge.
1.1.1 Competitors must hold a valid event pass that includes competition access.
1.1.2 Competitors must register before the published deadline and pay any required entry fees.
1.2.1 Division eligibility is determined by the WSDC Points Registry Rules.
1.2.2 Petitions must follow the WSDC Petition Rules.
1.2.3 If a petition is approved, it applies automatically to all competitions at this event.
1.2.4 This event does not accept petitions outside of WSDC rules.
1.3.1 Each competitor must declare a primary role (leader or follower).
1.3.2 The primary role division (the Jack & Jill division entered in that role) defines the competitor’s overall competition level for the event.
1.3.3 Competitors may also dance in their secondary role, subject to WSDC rules.
1.4.1 If a competitor qualifies for multiple WSDC divisions, the division chosen for Jack & Jill in their primary role defines their competition level for the event.
1.4.2 Example: A competitor with 61 Advanced points and 0 All-Star points may choose either Advanced or All-Star for Jack & Jill. If they choose Advanced, their event level is Advanced.
1.4.3 In Strictly Swing, the couple must compete in the highest division entered by either partner in Jack & Jill.
1.4.4 A competitor may not enter the same division twice in different roles.
1.4.5 A competitor must dance with a different partner if entering multiple couples divisions.
1.4.6 If a competitor registers for a division for which they are not eligible under WSDC rules or these event rules, they will be disqualified from that division.
2.1.1 Competitors must register on time and pick up their bib numbers before competing.
2.1.2 Competitors must be present in the ballroom at least 15 minutes before their division and follow marshalling instructions.
2.2.1 Competitors must read and follow these rules and the rules of any governing body that applies to the division they enter (e.g. WSDC, NASDE, Rising Star Tour).
2.2.2 Competitors must attend competitor meetings if required, or designate a representative to attend.
2.3.1 Competitors must demonstrate good sporting conduct, respect and fairness at all times, both on and off the competition floor, and throughout the event.
2.3.2 Concerns must be raised through the chief judge or designated officials.
2.3.3 Competitors may not confront, pressure, or challenge judges directly.
2.4.1 Competitors must bring their bib numbers when required.
2.4.2 Entry fees are non-refundable under all circumstances, including withdrawal, absence, or disqualification.
2.5.1 Scores will be posted for review at the event for a limited time after awards.
2.5.2 After the event, scoring inquiries may be directed to the competition director.
2.6.1 Competitors are responsible for being present when their competition is called.
2.6.2 Each competitor will be called twice. If they do not appear, an alternate competitor will be called.
2.6.3 Once an alternate competitor’s name has been called, the original competitor loses their place and cannot return to the division.
2.6.4 Failure to appear for the assigned heat results in disqualification from that division.
2.7.1 Failure to comply with these rules or the rules of any governing body may result in penalties up to and including disqualification from the division.
2.7.2 Examples of violations include, but are not limited to:
2.7.3 The chief judge has final authority to determine and apply penalties.
3.1.1 All competitions at this event are swing dance competitions, unless explicitly specified otherwise.
3.1.2 Competitors must demonstrate a majority of recognizable swing content, with emphasis on West Coast Swing where required by governing body rules.
3.1.3 Jack & Jill and Strictly Swing competitions must consist of lead/follow dancing only. Pre-choreographed material is not permitted.
3.1.4 Routine divisions may include pre-choreographed material in accordance with the rules of the governing body (e.g. NASDE, Rising Star Tour).
3.2.1 Competitors must maintain physical connection with their partner throughout the dance, except for spins, turns, short breakaways, and recoveries. Breakaways must be brief and should enhance, not replace, partnered dancing. Extended solo dancing may be penalized.
3.2.2 In Routine divisions, temporary breaks in connection are permitted for acrobatic or showcase elements as allowed by governing body rules.
3.3.1 All partner weight support moves must be executed safely. Any move deemed unsafe for the competitor, their partner, or surrounding couples may result in penalties or disqualification.
3.3.2 Supported moves with at least one foot on the floor
3.3.3 Definition of Lifts
A move is considered a lift if one partner is supported by the other with both feet off the floor, even for a brief moment. This includes, but is not limited to:
3.3.4 Lifts
3.4.1 Attire must be appropriate for social dancing and maintain good taste. Jeans are discouraged.
3.4.2 Costumes are not permitted in Jack & Jill or Strictly Swing divisions.
3.4.3 In Strictly Swing, coordinated or matching outfits are allowed, provided they do not constitute theatrical costumes.
3.4.4 Props of any kind (e.g. canes, chairs, accessories used as part of the dance) are not permitted in any division.
3.4.5 Routine divisions may include performance attire consistent with governing body rules.
3.5.1 Competitors are expected to perform in a manner suitable for all audiences, including minors and online broadcast.
3.5.2 Inappropriate actions (e.g. offensive touching, simulated sexual behavior, or conduct that would make a partner, judge, audience member, or event staff uncomfortable in a social dance setting) may result in penalties or disqualification.
3.5.3 Competitors must be in a condition to dance safely and appropriately. Performing while impaired by alcohol or substances may result in disqualification.
3.5.4 The Chief Judge has final authority on all questions of appropriateness, and their decision is binding.
3.6.1 Unless a competition has its own published violation rules, violations of Section 3 are subject to the following penalties:
3.6.2 The Chief Judge determines the violation level and corresponding penalty.
3.6.3 Multiple violations may escalate the penalty.
3.7.1 Jack & Jill (WSDC)
3.7.2 Strictly Swing
3.7.3 Routine Divisions (Rising Star / NASDE)
3.7.4 Pro-Am Routines
3.7.5 Other Divisions
4.1.1 Scoring will follow the WSDC Relative Placement Scoring System.
4.1.2 Judges rank competitors rather than assign numerical scores.
4.1.3 Final placements are determined by majority rankings.
4.1.4 In the event of a tie, the WSDC Relative Placement System tie-break procedure will be applied. If a tie remains unresolved, the Chief Judge has final authority.
4.2.1 The following criteria will be used to evaluate competitors:
4.2.2 These criteria are applied in order of importance. Weak basics cannot be balanced by creativity or performance.
4.3.1 In Jack & Jill, competitors are judged individually within their heats.
4.3.2 In Strictly Swing and other couples divisions, competitors are judged as couples.
4.3.3 Routine divisions (e.g., Showcase, Classic, Rising Star) follow their own published judging rules.
4.4.1 Finals are scored using the WSDC Relative Placement System described in 4.1.
4.4.2 In finals, competitors or couples are ranked relative to all others in the division.
5.1.1 Rounds & Heats – Competitions may include preliminaries, semifinals, and finals depending on the number of entries. Heats are called by the MC; competitors must be ready when called.
5.1.2 Finals Format – The Chief Judge determines the final format (all-skate, jam, or spotlight). Random draws are final; redraws are not permitted.
5.1.3 Restarts – Permitted only in cases of technical failure (e.g., wrong music, sound system error, broken shoe). Requests must be made before leaving the floor and require Chief Judge approval.
5.1.4 Music
5.1.5 Callbacks & Advancing – The number of competitors advancing from preliminaries to semifinals or finals will be determined by the Chief Judge, based on the division size and quality of dancing. Callbacks will be posted publicly.
5.1.6 Chief Judge Authority – The Chief Judge has final authority over all competition decisions.
5.2.1 Transparency – Competitors may review their scores after results are announced. Score sheets will be made available digitally and/or posted publicly for a limited period during the event.
5.2.2 Safety – Competitors have the right to expect a safe competition environment, including music volume within reasonable limits, a floor suitable for swing dancing, and the enforcement of safety-related rules.
5.2.3 Restarts – In routine divisions or spotlight dances, competitors may request a restart in case of technical failures (e.g., wrong music, sound failure, broken shoe). Approval by the Chief Judge is required.
5.3.1 Scoring – The organizer will provide a qualified scorer and use established scoring methods (e.g., callbacks in preliminaries, relative placement in finals).
5.3.2 Qualified Judging Panels – Competitors will be judged by a panel of qualified judges, consistent with governing body standards and the competition format.
5.4.1 Marshalling – Competitors must check heat lists, follow the calls for marshalling, and be present in the ballroom at least 15 minutes prior to their competition.
5.4.2 Competitor Meetings – Certain divisions (e.g., Jack & Jill, Strictly Swing, Routine) may hold a short competitor meeting. Attendance is recommended for schedule details, draws, or format clarifications.
5.5.1 Recognition – Awards will be presented to finalists and winners in each division at the conclusion of the competition or during a designated awards ceremony.
5.5.2 Types of Awards – Awards may include trophies, medals, certificates, or other forms of recognition. The specific type of award is determined by the organizer and may vary by division.
5.5.3 Prizes – Some divisions may include additional prizes (e.g., cash, event passes). The details of such prizes will be published on the competition page of the event website.
5.5.4 Eligibility – Competitors must be present at the awards ceremony to receive their award unless prior arrangements are approved by the organizer. We do not send awards by mail.
We will make every effort to conduct all competitions in accordance with these rules. However, we reserve the right to make any changes that we deem necessary for any competition. If we need to make any changes to our competitions or to these rules, we will post them on our website (if possible) or announce them at the event.
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