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CONTESTING RULES

Dance Contest Rules

Dance contest rules include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

  1. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for discrimination, harassment or bullying in any form. Disruptive conduct, including physical or verbal abuse toward committee members, volunteers, participants/contestants, head staff, visitors, and others, will not be tolerated and may result in disqualification.

  2. Contest will be on a point system. Points are accumulated through participation in Grand Entries, exhibitions, and contests.

  3. Contestants shall register in only one category, and once registered, cannot switch categories. It is the dancer’s responsibility to ensure they are registered in the correct category.

  4. Contestants shall register in only one committee-sponsored special (Head Man/Head Woman sponsored specials and the Tiny Tot Special are not included), and once registered, cannot switch specials. It is the dancer’s responsibility to ensure they are registered in the correct special.

  5. Contestants must dance in their respective category contests to be eligible for contest prizes.

  6. Registration will only be accepted during the set times when registration is open. (See online schedule or program for registration times.)

  7. Contestant numbers must be clearly visible on the contestant—this is the responsibility of the dancer.

  8. Contestants suspected of possessing or being under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be disqualified and removed from the Powwow grounds.

  9. A judge must disqualify themselves from judging any contests where they are related to any of the contestants. If the judge fails to disqualify themselves, the dancer whom they are related to will be disqualified for that contest session. Judges and dancers are responsible to ensure that these conflicts of interest do not happen. 

  10. Contest winners do not have to be in full regalia to receive prizes but must have their registration number during award presentations for verification purposes.

  11.  All dancers and singers are required to have a valid Social Security Number (SSN) or Social Insurance Number (SIN) before registration. Contest winners must fill out all additional paperwork upon request to receive their prize.

  12. If any major part of a contestant’s regalia falls (ie. Eagle feathers, roach, or shawl) or is dropped during a dance contest, they will be disqualified for that contest session, either voluntarily or by the Head Judge or Arena Director.

  13. Final decisions on these rules rest with the Head Judge, Arena Director, and Powwow Committee Chairs.

Drum

Contest Rules

Drum contest rules include, but are not limited to, the following:

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  1. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for discrimination, harassment or bullying in any form. Disruptive conduct, including physical or verbal abuse toward committee members, volunteers, participants/contestants, head staff, visitors, and others, will not be tolerated and may result in disqualification.

  2. Drum groups must set up at the location assigned to them by the Head Judge and must remain in the same location for each session.

  3. All singers must be at the drum and ready to sing an appropriate song when called upon.

  4. Singing contestants suspected of possessing or being under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be disqualified and removed from the Powwow grounds.

  5. No drum hopping.

  6. Drums must be present and ready for roll call – 15 minutes before each Grand Entry.

  7. Neatness, cleanliness and conduct around the drum will also be judged.

  8. Drum groups must select a representative with a valid Social Security Number (SSN) or Social Insurance Number (SIN) before registration. Winning drum groups must have their representative fill out all additional paperwork upon request to receive their prize.

  9. Final decisions on these rules rest with the Head Judge, Arena Director, and Powwow Committee Chairs.

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