Competitor Rules and Expectations

Competitors do not need a full weekend pass to participate. They only need to pay entry to the dance and the competition.
A couple consists of one lead and one follow. Leaders may be any gender. Followers may be any gender.
Contest registration closes at 8:00 pm on Friday, May 3 for the Newcomer Shag Mix and Match. The Advanced Shag Mix and Match registration closes at 1:00pm on Saturday, May 4. All contestants should pick up their competition number from the registration desk prior to the competitors meeting.

Competitors are only allowed to sign up for one mix and match per role.
Competitors who have never made a final in any shag competition in that role (mix and match or strictly) can compete in the Newcomer level. However, if they participated in a contest that did not include a prelims (or went straight to finals) and did not place in the contest, they may participate in the newcomer level.
Anyone who has ever made a final in the role that they are competiting in MUST compete at the advanced level (unless there was not a prelims for that competition. See above.)

Competitors are expected to behave in a courteous and respectful manner at all times during the event.
All competitors should be present at the competitors meetings, or they may be scratched from the competition without refund.
Numbers should be worn on the torso and not on the leg.
Competitors should keep numbers to be worn again in finals.
Finalists will be announced and posted at Dance Center Chicago and on Facebook.

Prizes

Newcomer: First, second, and third places receive medals. First place receives pass to Great Lakes Shag Escape 2025.
Advanced: First, second, and third places receive medals. and cash prizes. (First place: $150 each, Second place: $75 each, Third place: $50 each)