Highland Dance

Parking

• Friday: All dancers will be able to park in “any” lot at the Meadow on Friday. Please plan on arriving early.
• Sat & Sun:  All dancers will receive a parking pass to park at the Meadow (good for SAT & SUN).

The Dancer/Family Viewing Area

• Located on the grass approximately from Stage 3 to stage 2, includes shade tents.
• Entrance to viewing area may be limited to current dancer/family POD.
• All spectators in the dancer viewing area must be pre-registered, complete a waiver and purchase a GMHG entry ticket(s)/day for each attendee (to enter the “restricted/controlled” dancer viewing area).
• There will be a defined space allocated and associated with each “Dancer/Family”. i.e. if the teacher is there with 3 dancer/families’ assignment would be continuous/congruous areas

PERSONAL TENTS ARE ONLY ALLOWED IN THE WOODS IN DESIGNATED AREAS. DO NOT BLOCK STAGES IN THE GROVE.

Rules & Regulations 

• RSOBHD rules will govern all events and trophies. 
• Dancers must be in the appropriate costume to receive awards.
• All dancers must show their 2022 registration card prior to dancing and to receive any awards.
• Proof of age must be provided if requested.
• Age applies as of July 8, 2022.
• Age groups will be determined or adjusted as needed by entries received by the due date.
• The adjudicator’s decision is final.
• Medals/ribbons and trophies will be awarded in all Pre-Premier sections except Primary where medals/ribbons only will be awarded
• Entries must be received on or before June 24th, 2022, OR FEES WILL BE INCREASED.
• No field entries will be accepted
• All fees must be in US Currency.
• NO REFUNDS
• Open to all dancers

COVID Rules and Regulations- General

• Guidance and protocols from governing organizations, such as the CDC, North Carolina Department of Health, RSOBHD and SDUSA will be used as the foundation of safety protocols for all events.
• Face masks will be required for all participants, spectators, and volunteers. Extra masks will be available.
• Plastic face shields are not considered face masks and may only be worn in conjunction with a mask.
• Social distancing reminders will be visible throughout Lees MacRae Meadow and hand sanitizing stations will be stationed throughout the area.
• Female, Male, and Family changing tents/space will be available.
• In accordance with ScotDance USA policies, dancers must not change costumes in public view. Dancers must arrive fully dressed and ready to dance.
• Anyone living with a house member who is currently sick, feels sick, or shows any symptoms of COVID-19 listed by the CDC, including cough, shortness of breath, fever, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, and new loss of taste or smell, has been diagnosed or presumed positive for COVID-19, or has been around someone who has been diagnosed or presumed positive for COVID-19, currently or within the last 14 days, must stay home. Follow the CDC guidelines for isolation or quarantine.
• Anyone that develops symptoms while at the competition must immediately inform a GMHG Competition Co-Chair and comply with the procedure of removal from the competition area. They must cooperate with SDUSA and make a list of all persons whom they have been in close contact with (the CDC defines close contact as being within 6 feet of someone for 15 minutes or more in a 24-hour period), including the 48-hour period before developing symptoms.
• Dancers, teachers, spectators, special guests and volunteers will monitor themselves for symptoms of COVID-19 listed by the CDC, including cough, shortness of breath, fever, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, and new loss of taste or smell, and check their own temperature each morning, both 7 days prior to attending competition and every morning before attending competition. If the person displays any COVID-19 symptoms or a temperature of over 100° Fahrenheit, during the 7 days before competition, they must remain home. If the person displays any COVID-19 symptoms or a temperature of over 100 Fahrenheit on any morning of competition, they must remain home or in their hotel room and report their symptoms and temperature to the appropriate competition contact.
• Anyone with pre-existing conditions/compromised immune system should speak with their doctor and get clearance from their doctor before attending the competition.
• All attendees (including teachers, competitors, spectators, special guests and volunteers) will be asked to monitor their own health prior to attending an event and follow the CDC guidelines for protecting themselves and others.
• Teachers will be asked to review these rules with their dancers, parents and anyone who is attending the event.

COVID Rules and Regulations- Dancers

• Dancers must arrive in costume, completed hair and make-up.
• SDUSA 2022 Combined Waiver will need to be signed upon arrival. 
• Each Dancer must present a valid 2022 SDUSA registration card.
• Only one dancer may register at a time and must practice social distancing while waiting in line. 
• The stage may be available for warm-up (social distancing/limits). Dancer warm-up may be in either the designated family space or socially distanced outside the event perimeter. 
• Water will not be available; all dancers must provide their own water and snacks.
• Awards will be placed in individual bags with the dancer’s name and number and available for pickup at the awards table.
• Trophy winners may be awarded on stage. 
• SDUSA may require all dancers at US competitions to wear face masks over their mouth and nose when they are not dancing on the competition stage.
• All dancers must wear their mask to the marshalling area. 
• The dancer may remove their mask and place it in a paper bag (provided during registration) placed at the entrance to the competition platform or opt to compete wearing the mask, whichever is more comfortable for the dancer. 
• Dancers must wear their mask over their mouth and nose when they exit the marshalling area. 
  • During all traditional Scottish Highland and National dances, masks must be a solid color. No embellishments including but not limited to words, writing, sequins, bells or other noise makers are allowed on the mask during competitions.
  • If the dancer’s mask is deemed inappropriate, solid colored, single use masks will be available in the marshalling area.
  • A dancer’s mask may be more elaborate during a choreography.

COVID Rules and Regulations - Spectators

• Spectators are defined as immediate family members of the same household for registered dancers, and ScotDance USA and RSOBHD professionals.
• All spectators must have proper credentialing to enter the “Highland Dance Viewing” area.
• Spectators will have a designated entry and exit  for traffic flow.
• Masks must be worn at all times by all spectators when not sitting in your 'pod/family'. Extra masks will be available.

General Competition Rules and Regulations

• All dancing events will be governed by the rules and regulations of the Royal Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing (RSOBHD).
• All dancers must compete in their own category and age group based upon their age as of July 8, 2022 for all competitions.
• Dancers will retain the same category status over the 3-day event.
• Dancers will compete in reverse order of entry received.
• Where noted, the organizers will determine age groups according to the number of entries.
• The organizer reserves the right to combine, split, or delete classes on the day of the competition.
• Dancers reporting late for their dance may not be allowed to dance.
• Dancers must present a valid 2022 ScotDance USA registration card at the time of registration.
• Judges may not adjudicate any competitor that they have instructed for a period of three months. If a competitor has entered a competition with a judge with whom they have attended a class or workshop within the last three months, the dancer must step down from the competition.
• Any complaint made by an individual against the organizer or adjudication of an event must be made in writing giving the complainant’s full name and address and lodged with the Organizer, if possible, on the day of the event and certainly not later than 48 hours after the event. Such complaints must be accompanied by a fee of $25. The deposit shall be returned should the complaint be upheld.

Solo Choreography Rules

• Solo choreographies will be divided in Beginner/Novice and Intermediate/Premier groups.
• Solo choreography will be divided into age groups based upon entries received.
• Solo choreography is a maximum of 2 minutes including entrances and exits.
• Music for choreography events will be timed. Judges will be notified of overage. The penalty is a disqualification.
• Individuals may use props during their performance; either static or non-static provided they do not require set-up or takedown. Live animals are not permitted.
• The Celtic music must be on a digital device with a wired connection or on a CD. Backups are recommended.
• Per RSOBHD rules, music may include vocal or percussion selections, but in all cases must be predominantly Scottish or Celtic in style.

Special Awards

The Pat & Steve Johnston Spirit of the Dance Award is a perpetual trophy to be given by the GMHG. The winner is to be chosen by the judges. The recipient should be the dancer who best embodies the spirit and joy of highland dancing. This dancer should also captivate the audience and fill them with the joy of dance.

• Pre-Premier, Restricted Premier, Solo Choreography & Premier age groups split per entries received.
• Pre-Premier, Restricted Premier &Premier (Friday/Saturday/Sunday) - One trophy per group (No trophy for Primary)
• Best Premier Dancer Saturday (Premier) – Saturday (aggregate + **)
• Best Premier Dancer – overall 2 days (aggregate-Sat/Sun +**)
• Most Promising Beginner Dancer - Saturday (Judge’s choice)
• Most Promising Novice Dancer – Sunday (Judge’s choice)
• Best JR/SR Carolina Dancer (Premier) - (Choreography/aggregate-Sat/Sun +**) SPONSORED BY CLAN JOHNSTON/E IN AMERICAS
• Best Male Dancer (one for each PrePremier BEG/NOV/INT) - overall 2 days
• (aggregate-Saturday/Sunday - no minimum)
• Best Male Dancer (Premier)–overall 2 days (aggregate-Saturday/Sun/no min day)
• SPIRIT OF THE DANCE / Pat & Steve Johnston Memorial (Premier - Judge’s choice)

(+** requires a minimum of 6 in the age group all 3 days)