Dancing,
I understand your fustration.... I too, as an amatuar competitor often get confused with all the rules, even after attending comps for a decade...

Yet, as fustrated as I become I understand the logic.... I think that the governing board is trying to do just what you suggest.... Let the judges, judge the dance rather then the costumes the dancers wear.

As you being to compete, you will find that costumes play a big part of the whole event, and the new rules are tryng to correct this... Right now it is causing alot of confusion, but it will pass. It is difficult for me because all the large $$'s I have spent on costunes... they will stay home in the closet, when I go to comps.... But after all is said and done, I would rather compete in a very basis dress and be judged for our dance ability..

Janet