New USAD Rules Eliminate "Novice Exception?"

[Indiana_Jay]

I was looking through the latest USAD rule book tonight and it appears that USAD has deleted the rule that previously allowed syllabus-level dancers to enter a novice event in a particular style in addition to two consecutive syllabus levels, for a total of three entries per age classification. The new rule book appears to allow only two entries per age classification per style, with no "novice exception." Can anyone here confirm this change?

 

[Joe]

It certainly does appear that way. It looks like Novice has been taken out of its previous separate track and inserted between Gold and Prechamp.

Which was its de facto position anyway.

[See 4.5.2.1 (previously 4.5.3.1).]

 

[Joe]

Maybe this thread can be used to discuss the differences between the 2007-8 rulebook and the 2008-9 rulebook. The USAD website says the rules took effect 1/1/08. The actual rulebook was hard for me to find (had to use the Search function coz the official link was FUBAR).

There's another new highlighted clause in 4.5.3 "Classification Eligibility" that talks about declaration of proficiency level, as if they are starting to officially track points (not sure if this is the case). It refers to supplemental guidelines for explanations and examples, but I have no idea where to find these supplemental guidelines.

 

[wyllo]

They've also changed the way proficiency points are awarded to a formula:

Number of couples in the semi/final - final placement = number of points awarded.

In addition, you get one proficiency point for each round you advance.

 

[wyllo]

Can anyone find how many proficiency points it takes to point out? The only reference I've found so far:

Partnerships are ineligible to dance in proficiency levels where the sum of the individual member’s points is 300 or greater.

That seems very high, even with the more liberal point system!

 

[Joe]

It's all very complex and out-of-the-blue. It's gonna take some time to process it. Can you figure out what you're supposed to do about previously-earned proficiency points?

 

[elisedance]

They've also changed the way proficiency points are awarded to a formula:

Number of couples in the semi/final - final placement = number of points awarded.

In addition, you get one proficiency point for each round you advance.

thats a bit odd - as I understand it, it means you get as many points for winning a semi final of 6 couples out of 12 as a final of 6 couples out of 6. somehow that does not seem right...

 

[Joe]

And 4.5.3.22 is unclear. Is that 300 points for the couple or 300 points for each member of the couple?

4.5.3.17 is just wacky. Are they going to issue a spreadsheet to track all this 1/2 points double rate crap?

 

[wyllo]

I don't see any mentioned of previously-earned points. Surely you don't just throw them out? But it kind of sounds like people will be asked to declare an eligibility level and just start from there. It would be helpful if USA Dance would issue a summary of the changes and how to integrate them.

At first glance, though, I do like the changes to the proficiency system as it takes into account the number of couples in an event.

 

[Indiana_Jay]

The actual rulebook was hard for me to find (had to use the Search function coz the official link was FUBAR).

I had the same problem and advised May in the central office of the broken links. For anyone who has not found the new rule book yet, here's a direct link to the PDF.

 

[wyllo]

thats a bit odd - as I understand it, it means you get as many points for winning a semi final of 6 couples out of 12 as a final of 6 couples out of 6. somehow that does not seem right...

If I understand it correctly, if you dance and win a 12 couple event, you will get 12 points.

Total number of couples in semi/final (12) - placement (1) + number of rounds advanced (1) = 12.

The second place couple would receive 11 points: 12-2+1 = 11.

Does that sound right to everyone else?

If there were fewer couples, you would get fewer points. And I think if it's a straight final you still get no points.

Actually, each couple would receive double the points since the points are awarded to individuals. So the first place couple would have 24 points, 12 points each. ??

 

[NielsenE]

but so now it will take winning over 10 times (from a full semi) to place out???? Yes non-winning still earns points, but... seems like they are going to cause even more stagnation...

 

[Egoist]

but so now it will take winning over 10 times (from a full semi) to place out???? Yes non-winning still earns points, but... seems like they are going to cause even more stagnation...

That is not necessarily bad. Novice and pre-champ will become more competitive.

 

[Katarzyna]

it might also promote participation if couples want to point out... since points will be received for participation as well.. so a couple doing ok in a level and not willing will eventually point out due to participation.. like in other countries.. but in some countries you need participation + 3 medals (top 3 placements)

 

[Egoist]

One good thing may be that an individual is not forced to dance at his/her proficiency level if the individual chooses to compete with another individual of a lower proficiency level. It will also stimulate people to do more "mixed proficiency" events (i.e. glorified pro-am).