Role-Based Progression

"Role-based progression" is the ability to progress through WSDC Jack and Jill competition levels by each role separately, instead of combining points for both roles.

Currently, WSDC rules require you to add the points you have earned as leader and the points you earned a follower together when determining which level you must compete in. WSDC also prohibits event directors and head judges from allowing competitors to petition down more than one skill level.

The combined effect of these two rules prevents All-Star dancers from starting in Intermediate and Advanced dancers from starting in Novice when they first begin to compete in their secondary role.

This discourages some All-Star and Advanced dancers from ever competing in their secondary role because they do not feel qualified to compete at the level they are required to compete in their secondary role. For example, an All-Star follower who only recently starting learning to lead in earnest may justifiably feel unqualified to compete in Advanced as a leader.

Do the current rules discourage you from competing in your secondary role? Do you wish level progression was role-based? You can make a difference by telling the WSDC Board members that the current rules affect you so that they know how many people are affected.

• Send an e-mail to the WSDC Board members at info@worldsdc.com
• Attend a WSDC Board meeting. The annual meeting is held at the US Open, and is open to the public. Check the event schedule for meeting times.