Division Movement Rules

Moving Up Divisions

Optional Move-Up: If you achieve two consecutive point placements in your current division at your last two National Country Dance Circuit events, and your total points meet or exceed the required division threshold, you may compete up one division. Your recommended level will be listed as: Current Level/Next Higher Level (e.g., Intermediate/Advanced).

Mandatory Move-Up: If you achieve three consecutive point placements in your current division at your last three National Country Dance Circuit events, and your total points meet or exceed the division threshold, you must move up to compete in the next higher division. Your new level will update to: Next Higher Level (e.g., Intermediate → Advanced).

Moving Down Divisions

Optional Move-Down: If you receive no "yes" votes from prelim judges for making it to semis or finals (marked as a -1 score) at two consecutive National Country Dance Circuit events, you may compete down one division. Your recommended level will be listed as: Current Level/Next Lower Level (e.g., Intermediate/Novice).

Mandatory Move-Down: If you receive no "yes" votes from prelim judges for making it to semis or finals (marked as a -1 score) at three consecutive National Country Dance Circuit events, you must move down to compete in the next lower division. Your new level will update to: Next Lower Level (e.g., Intermediate → Novice).

Staying in the Same Division

If at least one prelim judge gives you a "yes" for making it to semis or finals but you do not advance, you will receive a 0-point score. This result will not impact your current division ranking.

Reading the Points Registry Placement Column

P = Competed in Prelims but did not move past Prelims

Q = Competed in Quarterfinals but did not move past Quarterfinals

S = Competed in Semifinals but did not move past Semifinals

A = Alternate / Next in line to make Finals

# = Placement rank in Finals

Finals Point Allocation

Thresholds for Moving Up Divisions

What is Relative Placement Scoring?

Relative placement is a fair and transparent judging system used in dance competitions to determine a competitor's ranking based on their performance in relation to others. Instead of relying on raw scores, this method focuses on how competitors rank relative to one another, ensuring that the results reflect the overall consensus of the judging panel.

How Does Relative Placement Work?

Prelims Placement

Competitors are Ranked by Each Judge. After each round of prelims and semifinals, judges rank the competitors yes, no, or maybe/alternate based on individual performance.

The Majority Rules

Finals Placement Example: If Competitor A is ranked 1st by 2 out of 3 judges, they secure 1st place overall.

A competitor’s final placement is determined by the majority of rankings across the judging panel.

Tiebreakers

In the event of a tie, further rankings (e.g., 2nd place votes) and head judge ranking are analyzed to break the tie and assign final placements.

Why Use Relative Placement?

Ensures Fairness

The system balances out any potential bias or discrepancy from individual judges by relying on majority consensus.

Transparent Results

Competitors and audiences can clearly understand how rankings are determined.

Reduces Outliers

It minimizes the impact of extreme or outlying scores that could otherwise skew the results.

Relative Placement in Action at National Country Dance Circuit

At NCDC-hosted competitions, we use the relative placement system to ensure that every competitor is judged fairly and consistently. Whether you're competing in Line Dance, Country Swing, Two-Step, or Traditional Progressive Jack & Jill categories, this system guarantees that rankings are based on a balanced evaluation of your performance.

By prioritizing fairness and clarity, we aim to elevate the competitive dance experience for all participants.