2. Online Meetings On-line meetings are now available in basketball and wrestling; and this spring for track, baseball and softball. Plan to have all sports on line next year We hope you will find this to be a great alternative to attending meetings in person.

3. Complete Online Registration Now Available! If you took advantage of this option – THANKS! Easy and Convenient Saves MSHSL time and $$ Give it a try!

4. Check Officials Directory Associations must only assign registered judges Schools must only used registered judges Non-registered = no contest Contest cannot be made up Be sure to check the official’s directory after the test deadline of November 3.

5. Coaches Rating Judges Change in rating system Coaches will rate from 1-7 in five separate areas The overall score will be the average of the five categories. Several adjustments in descriptions

6. Rating Judges Judges – thanks for entering schedules! Coaches thanks for rating! –For being fair and objective! Remember that this is a rating –Compare to other judges who you see

7. Judges Rating Schools Popular and useful! Only rate site mgm’t for home team Comments will be tied to the events Will make these more useful for schools Objective comments not editorials Comments that will help the school

8. Judges Rating Schools File Incident reports – any rating of 1 Thanks Judges! Fair and objective!

9. School Ratings Composite scores available to schools Use for comparisons! Use for incentives! Use for recognition! We are making a difference!

10. Tournament Card Benefit now available to Judges $25 -- good at most section & state events Get to games and watch other officials! Deadline to purchase is November 24

11. Recruit! Shortages are a challenge Judges Recruit Coaches Recruit Former athletes/dancers

12. Retain! Key to shortage of judges! Coaches – treat judges with respect! Give positive, constructive feedback Lower levels

13. State Tournament is February 13 & 14 at TARGET CENTER!! Reminder...

14. Rules & Policies Be aware of the official Bylaws for Dance Team Be aware of the official Rules and Policies for Dance Team Both are included at the end of the Dance Team Rule Book

16. Rule Interpretations The MSHSL is the sole and exclusive source of binding rule interpretations for contests involving member schools. Questions concerning rules and their official interpretations should be directed to one of the Dance Team Rule Interpreters as listed on your handout.

17. Minimum and Maximum Number of Competitors Applies to number on the performance floor – not to roster/team Minimum:HK and Jazz is 5 Maximums:HK = 34 Jazz = 26

18. Minimum/Maximum Number of Contests, continued Varsity Only Same for all three classes If not in compliance routine is not scored - does not count toward the 3-contest minimum needed for post season.

19. Penalties for Timing Violations 1 – 10 Seconds = 1 point 11 – 20 Seconds= 2 points 21 – 30 Seconds= 3 points 31 Seconds & above = 5 points

20. Jazz Requirement Minimum of one pirouette must be performed in a jazz routine, by the entire team, at the same time. Penalty – routine is not scored and does not count as a meet

21. Pirouette -- Defined A complete turn of the body on one foot in releve` The working leg must be in passe` Minimum of a single – OK to do more rotations Performed by the entire team – all at the same time!

22. 2 nd Jazz Requirement One leap or jump must be performed by the entire team at the same time. Penalty – routine is not scored and does not count as a meet

23. Scoring Systems In meets using four (4) or fewer judges, the “C” rank system will apply. Tie Breaker with four or fewer judges – add all points of the judges. If there is still a tie, the tie stands. Page 41 needs to be corrected

25. Tab Room Personnel Need to have complete working knowledge of … - each step of tabulating process - all forms - procedures to execute accurate and complete results - rules and that govern tabulators, tab room, and the tabulating process Computer programs must follow the rule book process.

26. Judges Area Judges area must be secured by a raised barrier (“theater rope”), to keep spectators separated from judges Crepe paper, signs, tape, etc. is not sufficient

27. Procedural Changes Kick Counter/Timers will count the number of competitors on the performance floor “C” Rank System

30. Try-Outs Only sport that does this – causes confusion 1 week – after state -- until June 15 Not Required You can/should have additional try-outs when the season starts Try-outs are for winter comp team – not for fall “group”

31. Summer Waiver Months of June and July File waiver with your school Allows contact with your dancers during this time Can request a waiver to have one public performance during the summer CANNOT work on choreography/winter dance during the summer.

32. Undue Influence – Bylaw 307 You CANNOT have any type of out of season requirements as a condition for membership on your team - Go to a camp or clinic - Go to a specific studio or any studio - Participate in fundraisers - Attend summer practices - Attend conditioning sessions - Participate in fall program

33. Undue Influence, continued... Penalty – to the coach: - Censure - $500 fine, 1st Offense - $750 fine, 2nd Offense - $1000 fine, 3rd Offense MSHSL Board could apply additional penalties – for example suspension from coaching.

34. Fall Programs/Groups You MAY NOT: Have direct contact with your dancers Plan and organize programs other than conditioning Select the fall team Set requirements for fall team members Attend practices Tell the fall coaches what to do

35. Fall Programs, continued You MAY: Watch team perform Plan, organize and conduct conditioning programs -- open to anyone Train fall team coaches Same rules as all other sports!

36. Choreography Cannot work on Choreography outside of the 2-week time frame Rule: May work with up to 1/3 of your team to develop choreography beginning 2 weeks prior to the first day of practice. October 6, 2008 This is an exception for Dance Team – don’t abuse this opportunity.

37. Competitive Season They may attend studio & participate Dancers can PARTICIPATE, but cannot COMPETE on a non-school team They may compete in a form of dance significantly different from Jazz or HK Can’t be required to attend studio You could have your own rule to not allow them to participate at a studio

38. Coaching You or a member of your staff cannot coach any dancer who is part of your grade 10-12 program outside of the competitive season. Can work at a studio, but not with those dancers Can work with them on dances that are significantly different from Jazz or HK

39. More Information A new FAQ will be developed to provide updated information in these areas. This information will also be available to your Activities Director Additional Information will be posted in the Dance Team area of the League website.

40. Final Comments When you have questions in any of these areas work with your Activities Director There needs to be compliance – continued problems could lead to changes in rules If it looks like a coaching, acts like coaching and sounds like coaching it is coaching!

42. Know the Score Sheet and Improve as a Coach!

43. Purpose of the Score Sheet To provide black and white tools to judges: A scale which assists in remaining consistent MSHSL-specific criteria to develop a score A scoring system to determine a team’s rank Provides 10 categorical areas of feedback from judges to coaches, which can be used to improve the routines.

44. Tools of the Score Sheet Tool 1: The Scale – Minnesota Average Tool 2: The Format Tool 3:The Criteria

45. Tool #1 – The Scale The Minnesota Average is used to keep judges consistent – meet to meet, class to class and location to location. It is based on CURRENT routines of ONLY Minnesota State High School League teams. Out of date routines and/or teams that do not participate in the MSHSL dance team program, when using the scale, skews the average and does not allow all judges in all areas to stay consistent, one to the other. Poor Below Average Average Above Average Excellent 1212343456567878910

46. The First Team Performs Judges write comments on their tally sheet detailing the components of the routine and how they are being performed while watching the team KCTs are timing the routine, counting kicks, watching to see if teams run on or off the floor and this year, will start counting the # of competitors on the floor

47. Scoring The judges look over their notes and record each category score and the final score on their tally sheet. This can take one to two minutes.

48. First Team Average Example: 53 43 55 50 49 = average score of 50 Range of Scores: 43 – 55 or 12 Points Optimal Range: 5 points on either side of the average or 45 -55 It is recommended that judges consider bringing their scores within a recommended range of the average to start the meet on scale.

49. Second Team Performs Judges record each category score and final score on their tally sheet. They check to make sure that their scores for the 1st two teams are on scale and reflect what they saw. The 1st and 2nd team’s score sheets are filled out and turned in to the runner. The runner checks to see if the team’s name on the bottom of the sheet is correct & that the judge signed the sheet. They run the 1st two sheets for all judges to the tab room After the 1st two teams, score sheets are taken to the tab room after each team is scored.

50. Score and Rank Tally After the score sheets are turned in, each judge records her/his scores on a separate tally. At the end of the meet, the judge ranks each team on this tally, based on the score. They turn this tally sheet into the superior judge at the end of the meet. The superior uses it to double check that each judge’s scores and ranks match up with the scores on the score sheet and are reflected on the ranking sheet. NOTE: Judges are not allowed to change their scores once the score sheet has gone to the tab room unless a score has been transposed incorrectly.

51. Timing & Judges’ Conferences Timing & Judges’ Conferences On average, the process of scoring takes approx. 2 ½ minutes. Occasionally, a judges’ conference will be called to discuss a potential violation or clarify a rule. Teams’ scores and placements are not discussed. Most of the time, these conferences take less than 10 seconds, but when necessary, the process could take longer. Making the correct ruling is the ultimate goal, even if it takes a little longer.

52. Tool #2 – The Format THE HEADINGS THE CATEGORIES THE CRITERIA

53. The Headings Jazz - Encompasses all styles of Jazz REQUIREMENTS OF A JAZZ ROUTINE: -No more than 5 kicks above the waist performed by the entire team while linked (connected) -A minimum of 1 pirouette performed by entire team at the same time. Definition of Pirouette: A complete turn of the body on one foot in relevé. For the purposes of this requirement, the working leg must be in passé -A minimum of 1 leap or jump performed by the entire team at the same time NOTE: 0 has been removed from score sheet because of new rule

54. Video Clip #1 3 pirouettes by 4 team members; this would NOT meet requirements

55. High Kick Definition of Precision: Exactness - not allowing for any variation REQUIREMENTS: - 50 – 75 kicks above the waist performed by all of the team members NOTE: There are no other requirements in High Kick precision (a style of hair, splits, movements or skills, specific styles of uniforms, etc.)

56. The Categories Ten, 10-point categories = 100 points Percentages are easy to understand and compute. Each category is 10 points and the scale does not change. Balance: The routine that has the greatest balance is rewarded in this score sheet. A team cannot be proficient in just one area.

57. The Criteria Specific to MSHSL Categories have specific criteria elements Balance of Objective and Subjective Criteria - Objective criteria rewards proficiency -Subjective criteria allows for creativity

58. What is NOT on the Score Sheet? Any criteria that isn’t already written on the sheet Written feedback – The scores are the team’s feedback. The uniform – only the following items should be considered: - Are the uniforms in compliance? (This is not judged in the score sheet.) - Have the uniforms stayed in place? If not, they are scored down in Presentation. (continued on next slide)

59. What is NOT on the Score Sheet? (cont.) - If the uniforms are designed for visual effectiveness, i.e., color blocking or thematic, have they been utilized effectively? (If this is a consideration, it is a SMALL consideration under visual effectiveness.) The uniform is not judged in any other respect Individual value systems or moral guidelines: There are no criteria for appropriate moves, song choices or uniforms. The requirement for teams is to have the music, lyrics, routine and uniform approved by their AD.

60. Jazz Category Highlights Criteria elements are not listed in order of performance JAZZ SKILLS: –TECHNIQUE OF TURNS –TECHNIQUE OF LEAPS/JUMPS –DIFFICULTY OF SKILLS

61. Video Clip #2 Turn Segment

62. Execution PLACEMENT, CONTROL & UNIFORMITY: Criteria to Remember: –Consistent strength behind movements –Use of proper technique DEGREE OF ACCURACY: Timing - Memory - Spacing

63. Choreography Includes two separate categories –First 2 Categories: Visual, Creative and Practical –Second 2 Categories: Difficulty

64. Choreography DEFINITION FROM WEBSTER’S DICTIONARY: Choreography - art of planning or executing dances Choreography is an “ART,” thus more subjective allowing for greater creativity

65. Video Clip #3 Arm/Block Formation

66. Choreography VISUAL EFFECTIVENESS & CREATIVITY PRACTICALITY OF CONTENT

67. Video Clip #4 Good use of ripple

68. Difficulty DEFINITION FROM WEBSTER’S DICTIONARY: Things that are hard to do or understand; hard to deal with or satisfy DEFINITION OF DANCE TEAM DIFFICULTY: Level of skill in which choreography is planned and executed

69. High Kick Highlights KICK TECHNIQUE: No kick difficulty considered in this category No height considered in this category HEIGHT, PLACEMENT & TIMING: All three criteria items are equally weighted DIFFICULTY OF KICKS: A difficulty category - technique is only a small element (continued on next slide)

70. High Kick Highlights, continued More Difficult kicks : Kicks that require a quick rotation of hips, i.e., full fans, screw, x-over, reverse fans Kicks that require different muscle use, strength & control – hinge, reverse hinge, battements (note: battements in place are harder than moving forward) (continued on next slide)

71. High Kick Highlights, continued Elements that can increase difficulty are: - Movement: moving the kicks (harder kicks are harder to move) - Fill between kicks: Footwork, Leaps/jumps, Turns - Arms: unconnected kicks, change in arm positions (arms over head, rockettes) - Combinations: Combining difficult kick elements - Pace of kicks - Long segments of kicks, distribution of kicks, variety of kicks

72. Choreography PRACTICALITY OF CONTENT:Two differences in practicality HK vs. Jazz Precision Style Used – Elements that cannot be executed in precision style are a practicality error Height Line/formations are balanced – Varying heights, especially in kick segments, are a practicality mistake. (This can also signal a lack of intricacy in transitioning)

73. Difficulty of Formations and Transitions DEFINITION OF INTRICATE: With many parts artfully combined; complex and difficult; having many interrelated elements, parts or factors HELPFUL ANALOGIES: Corn maze – can’t get from here to there without following a logical path Kaleidoscope effect – changing the look with a minimum of movement or a logical blending of one look to another

74. Difficulty of Formations and Transitions (continued) SIGNS OF LACK OF INTRICACY IN TRANSITIONS/ FORMATIONS: Dancer(s) drag attention as they are transitioning Height line or formations are not balanced – height variances are obvious THIS IS A THOUGHT CATEGORY

75. Presentation COMMON PRESENTATION ERRORS: Loss of Stamina – posture, timing and placement suffers Over projecting to the ceiling or under projecting to the coach, etc. Facial and Vocal breaks in unity –Open mouths, making faces, winking, sticking out tongue, head shaking –Singing, screaming, talking to each other, swearing

76. Presentation, continued Good recovery from mistakes does not gain points – Bad recovery could lose them NOTE: Presentation should be choreographed – just as the rest of the routine is

77. Video #5 Presentation

78. Score Sheet Training Disclaimers All video excerpts of routines are used for the purposes of illustrating specific examples. They do not, in any way, define the proficiency of a team and are a small excerpt of one section of one routine at one given meet. Routine video was selected based on its ability to illustrate specific criteria and not for any other reason. This is a brief overview of the score sheet. The training is not all encompassing. Dance team is an art form, thus, there are objective AND subjective criteria. Coaches should make choreography decisions based on their knowledge of the score sheet criteria, their team’s strengths and weaknesses and the feedback they receive via the scores rendered by officials.

80. Reminders Coaches Coach Judges Judge Respect the difficult job you each have Not adversaries You are on the same side! To serve kids!

81. Keep Working to Improve! We are Making Progress! All events a positive experience!

83. Upload Schedule & Roster

84. Post Results Immediately

85. Tuesday, February 3 DEADLINE To Certify Program Info

86. E-Mail Team Photo Certify Roster, Season Record, Photo ID

87. It’s all on the WEB… www.MSHSL.org …on your Administrative Pages

88. Judges Remember to pick up your Test Codefrom the Rules Clinician before you leave! You must have this code in order to take the on-line test! Tests must be completed by November 3!!

89. Coaches You MUST pick up an attendance code! Go on line and register your attendance! Deadline is Nov. 3! Remember to pick up the sheet!