Main Competition Rules

Formed in 2002, Aberdeen's Gaorsach rose to the top of the Premier Class in 2010. Can they reclaim the title in 2012? (photo courtesy of John Asher)

• All competing teams must have their own public liability insurance.
• Teams will be judged on a series of pub spots.  Details of each competing team's route for the day will be published prior to the event.
• All dances should be rapper dances performed to live music with 5 dancers using rapper swords.
• If used, calling on songs must be original.
• Dances must not last for more than 5½ minutes from the first team member entering the performance area to the last team member leaving it. Any team that overruns will lose 10% of their marks.
• Any teams missing any of their allocated spots will forfeit their marks for that spot.
• Performers may only compete in one team in the main competition.
• Any side entering more than one team must enter them as separate teams in the competition.
• Teams will be marked on Stepping, Sword Handling, Dance Technique/Teamwork, Buzz Factor, Presentation, Music and Characters according to the criteria published on this website.
• Each performance will be judged by 2 judges. 
• Judge 1 will concentrate on Dance Technique /Teamwork and Sword Handling. 
• Judge 2 will be watching the Stepping and considering how the Music is played especially in relation to the dance. 
• Both Judges will be marking Characters, Presentation and Buzz.
• The judges' decisions are absolutely final.

Please note that these rules are subject to change in the run up to the competition itself.

Main Competition Judging Criteria

From across the Atlantic, Boston's Candyrapper conquerred the Open division in 2009. Can they do the same with the premier in 2012? (photo courtesy of John Asher)

The main competition will be judged on the following criteria (follow links for more details).

• Stepping
• Sword Handling
• Dance Technique and Teamwork
• Buzz Factor
• Presentation
• Music
• Characters