Competition Rules

New Year’s Swing Fling 2026 is a World Swing Dance Council (WSDC) registry event.

The Jack and Jill competitions are in accordance with the WSDC rules, and you can consult the rules via: https://www.worldsdc.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Revised-WSDC-Registry-Event-Rules-Updated-Jan172026-V2026.1B.pdf

NYSF ’26 Jack & Jill Contests

  • Newcomer Jack & Jill – Must meet World Swing Dance Council requirements.

  • Novice Jack & Jill – Must meet World Swing Dance Council requirements.

  • Intermediate Jack & Jill – Must meet World Swing Dance Council requirements.

  • Advanced Jack & Jill – Must meet World Swing Dance Council requirements.

  • All Star Jack & Jill - Must meet World Swing Dance Council requirements.

  • Sophisticated Jack & Jill – Must meet World Swing Dance Council age requirements.

Strictly Swing

Hi/Lo Strictly Swing – Couples should consist of one partner being Intermediate or above and one partner being Newcomer or Novice based on their WSDC status.

Notes on dancing in multiple contests and the petition process:

  • Petition Guidelines: Petitions can be submitted for one skill level up or one skill level down only.  Competitors may submit petitions for their primary role only. Competitors may not submit petitions for their secondary role.

  • Petitions to move up:
    All petitions to “dance up” must be submitted to the WSDC using this link: www.worldsdc.com/level-up-petition/. NYSF will require an official valid approval letter from the WSDC to allow your petition to be implemented at NYSF. Please note that this new process takes time to complete. We recommend at least 30 days before the event to start this process. 

  • Petition Down:
    Petition down should be submitted in writing using WSDC PETITION DOWN FORM and emailed for the attention of the Head Judge at least 1 week before the event starts to nyswingfling@gmail.com

  • Non-Dominant Role Jack & Jills – Feel free to dance one division as a leader and one division as a follow. We align with the WSDC’s guidelines (link to WSDC Rules).  The division a competitor selects for their primary role at the Event determines what level they may compete at for their secondary role. WSDC recommends competitors dance one (1) level down, but based on their skills, competitors may dance two (2) levels down from their primary role unless they are required to move up based on the WSDC Skill Level Jack and Jill Advancement Chart. 

  • Strictly Swing Divisions – Follow normal guidelines above set by the WSDC, which means your Primary Role and Your Secondary Role level applies at the whole event for Jack and Jills and Strictly Swings.