When does a novice dancer have to move up to intermediate...and then on to higher grades?
I'm talking about international standard (ballroom) rules.
I'm interested because i'm trying to do a little research comparing the rules we have here in Ireland (they're published on www.dancesportireland.org )with other countries.
The I(nternational)DSF page doesn't have these rules, and they're hard to find anywhere.
So please, if you know your country's rules FOR SURE, or where to find them, please let me know

thanks

USABDA in the USA uses a proficiency point system. At this time, you must move up to the next level when you've earned three points on your current level.

You earn points as follows:

1) If there is a semi-final on your current level and you win the event, you get one point.

2) If there is a semi-final on the next level higher than your current level and you place in the top three, you get one point for your current level.

3) If there is a quarter-final on the next level higher than your current level and you make the final, you get one point for your current level.

The full USABDA rule book is available on USABDA's web site at http://www.usabda.org

Ah, the great controversy. Many pros would like to see proam comps set up a system of progression...but then again many hate the idea.

I know proam students who have competed in Bronze for 4 years or more, even though they routinely win their division! This seems to us an unfair situation. Many of our true bronze students start to feel discouraged of competing, as they never have the opportunity to place well against these hangers on.

Why would these students still be in bronze?? Usually they are from franchise or contract schools (no offense to reputable contract schools) where they are being held back from furthering their level in order to coax greater profit out of them. In addition, some teachers are a bit afraid to move on, knowing that the challenge of gracefully accepting losing doesn't sit well with some ladies (especially when they are paying exorbitant amounts for the privelege).

For now I doubt we'll see any change in NDCA regs for this. However, the reckoning will doubtless come...the industry is changing in many subtle ways.