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

jACK & JILL CONTESTS

We offer the following WSDC Jack & Jill divisions:

  • Newcomer

  • Novice

  • Intermediate

  • Advanced

  • All-Star

  • Champions

  • Sophisticated (age 35+)

  • Masters (age 50+)

Competition entry fee: £16 per person, per entry.

Registration will open from 14th December via scoring.dance and will close at 13:00 on 2nd January 2027.

Requirements to Compete

To compete at New Years Swing Fling, you must:

  • Hold a full pass or party pass.

  • Register during the open registration times listed on the schedule and pay the relevant competition entry fee(s).

  • Competitors under the age of 18 will require parental/guardian consent to compete.

  • Follow the New Year’s Swing Fling Code of Conduct.

Competitor Responsibilities

As a competitor, you are responsible for:

  • Knowing which divisions you are eligible to compete in.

  • Understanding the WSDC Points Registry Rules.

  • Using your WSDC Competitor ID number when registering for competitions.

  • Being in the marshalling area and checked in at least 15 minutes before your division begins.

  • Being present in the ballroom for your competition. If you are not on the floor when the final preliminary heat is called, you will not be permitted to compete.

  • Ensuring you are present for semi-finals and finals. Alternates may be called if competitors are not present after the final call to the floor. Once an alternate has been called, the absent competitor will be disqualified.

Rules for Jack & Jills

Competitors may enter two skill-level Jack & Jill competitions: once in their primary role and once in their secondary role.

You may enter as a leader in one level and a follower in another, each at your WSDC-pointed level.

Once entered in a role, you must remain in that role for all rounds (prelims, semi-finals, and finals).

Competitors qualify for their level based on the higher of their Leader or Follower points and may compete one level lower in their secondary role.

Petitioning down an extra level for a secondary role is allowed.

Petitioning Process

New Year’s Swing Fling recognises the WSDC petitioning process for moving between levels based on your current points.

Petitions can only move your skill level one division, either up or down.

For petitions down (primary role only), submit a formal petition to Chief Judge, Irina Puzanova using WSDC PETITION DOWN FORM. The Chief Judge may approve or deny the petition after reviewing the competitor's points registry record.

For petitions up: Petitions must be submitted to the WSDC Chief Judges Committee at least 15 days in advance of the event, along with two videos of the competitor’s dancing using this link: www.worldsdc.com/level-up-petition/. The Chief Judges Committee may approve or deny the petition after reviewing the competitor’s Points Registry record and videos.

Additional Competition Information

Divisions with fewer than five couples may be cancelled at the discretion of the Event Director.

If your name is not called during the final preliminary heat for your division, notify the Emcee or Chief Judge immediately.

Missed or withdrawn competitions will result in forfeited entry fees.

Strictly Swing

  • 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.

  • 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.