// GENERAL RULES

1. Good sportsmanship must be exhibited at all times.
2. Un-sportsmanship like conduct will not be tolerated.
3. You are responsible for knowing and following all the contest rules.
4. Competitors must be 18 years or older (except, young adults (youth), pro/am and bridging the gap).
5. All competitors must purchase a weekend pass, sign a waiver, register and pay the entry fee.
6. A couple will consist of one male leader and one female follower.
7. You may not enter more than one division with the same partner, except team, line dance, and trios.
8. No video cameras are allowed in the ballrooms. Professionally produced video of all competitions and workshop reviews are available for sale on VHS & DVD.
9. It is understood that all contestants and attendees consent to release the use of their photos, and names to appear in a video for sale.
10. Couples consist of one male (leader) and one female (follower) unless otherwise specifically stated.
11. Trios consist of two males and one female or two females and one male. Leads can and may change within the routine.
12. All partner dance couples and trios must consist of a minimum of 80% of the structure of that dance (Chicago Stepping, Hand Dance, West Coast Swing, Detroit Ballroom, Detroit Bop, D.C. Bop, etc.)

What is Swing?

Swing, as defined for this event is; rhythm dance consisting of primarily (6) and/or (8)-beat patterns that cover circular and/or slotted areas on the dance floor. Swing incorporates Underarm Turns, Side Passes, Pushes, Swings, Wheels and Whips also Rhythm Breaks, Syncopations and Extensions of the same.

Competition Music

Competition music is either provided by TRI-State (Heat Categories) or by the contestants (Individual Categories). In all individual categories the contestant must submit their music to the competition Dee Jay, completely labeled with their name and the name of that category. The music must be on CD and the CD must contain only the one song they will dance to for that category. (One labeled CD, containing one song, per individual/group per category) The Dee Jay will play the music and recorded speed unless otherwise clearly specified on the label when submitted. Specifics of the music to be played in heat categories can be found in the category rules.

Conduct and Grievances

Conduct – Judging will be done during the dance presentation, but may be influenced by the contestants; actions during the entire time they are on the floor. Therefore, good sporting conduct should be maintained at all times. Unsporting conduct or harassment of officials by contestants may be cause for disqualification.

Grievances -- Grievances against competing contestants or because of mechanical problems will be presented to the head judge, who will call a meeting of the judges to resolve the grievance. These grievances must be filed within (15) minutes after the problem has occurred. Any other grievance may be filed within (48) hours after the end of the competition with the head judge and will be considered by the “Tri State Connection” Oversight Committee. Any grievance filed after this (48) hour period will not be considered.

All performances are a minimum of (2) minutes; not to exceed (3) minutes unless otherwise specified. Team category allows routines of up to (4) minutes. There will be a (5) second timing grace period. There will be (20) seconds allowed for entry and exit from the floor with no music. If music is to be used for the entry and/or exit, it must be done within the allotted time of that category. A penalty of one placement will be charged if this rule is violated.

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