Center of Performing Excellence
Competition Rules
To ensure a fair, fun, and professional experience for every participant, we’ve outlined the official rules and guidelines below. Please review them carefully before competing so everyone can enjoy a positive and supportive environment.
Contest Information
General Information
C.O.P.E (Center of Performing Excellence), its employees or contractors, the facility, the judges, etc., will not be responsible for theft of items during the contest, travel to/from the event, injury while at the event, or damage to property belonging to any contestant or spectator.
No Late Entries
No Refunds
No Entering on Contest Day
Title Event Awards will be announced at the end of the Contest. OPEN awards will be posted.
Title Events (Please note the information below):
· Participants must compete at their exact age on the day of the event for all TITLE events.
· Gymnastic moves are allowed for title events.
· Scoring will determine the winner and all placements in the title events. In the event of a tie, please see the specifics below to determine the proper placement.
· Age Divisions for Titles
0 – 6, 7 – 8, 9 – 10, 11 – 12, 13 – 14, 15 – 17, 18+
· Solo or 1 baton time-limits:
o Nov :30 – 2:00
o Beg 1:30 – 2:00
o INT 1:50 – 2:10
o Adv/Collegiate 2:30 – 2:30
COPE Continental Twirling Champion
Novice/Beginner = Basic Strut, Solo (1 Baton) and Artistic Twirl
Intermediate/Advanced/Collegiate = Solo (1 Baton), 2/3 Baton and Artistic Twirl
Solo level will determine the division of the participant
All ties will be broken based on the score of the Solo
All participants will receive awards for placement
COPE Continental Rhythmic Champion
Novice/Beginner = Basic Strut, Solo (1 Baton) and Rhythmic Twirl
Intermediate/Advanced/Collegiate = Solo (1 Baton), 2/3 Baton and Rhythmic Twirl
Solo level will determine the division of the participant
All ties will be broken based on the score of the Solo
All participants will receive awards for placement
COPE Majorette Queen Royalty
Novice/Beginner = Best Appearing Basic Strut, and Solo or 1 baton
Intermediate/Advanced = Best Appearing, X, L, T Strut, and Solo or 1 Baton
Best Appearing is performed with no baton and no interview, Circle “T” or similar pattern for title and OPEN Events. (time limit is 1:30 maximum),
Solo level will determine the division of the participant
All ties will be broken based on the score of the Solo
All participants will receive awards for placement
COPE Strut Royalty (Female and Male Divisions)
To perform Basic Strut individually and within a group setting based on age and skill level
All ties will be broken based on the score of the Basic Strut
All participants will receive awards for placement
COPE Multiple Baton Champion (Separate Female and Male Divisions)
The routine must contain at least 1 section with more than 1 baton.
Novice/Beginner – 1 , 2 and 3 Baton only will be allowed to be used in the routine
Intermediate/Advanced – 1, 2, 3 and 4 batons will be allowed in the routines
Collegiate – any number of batons are allowed as long as more than 1 baton is used
All participants will receive awards for placement
COPE All-Round Twirling Champion (Combined Female and Male)
Note: Women and Men will be allowed to compete against each other in this event.
Performs solo only.
Open Events:
Organization Age Divisions
· For all OPEN events, participants will adhere to the rules and age divisions of their respective organization.
· NOTE: **Men’s and Women’s Divisions will be separate for OPEN Events**
NBTA 0 – 6, 7 – 9, 10 – 12, 13 – 15, 16+
TU 0 – 6, 7 – 8, 9 – 11, 12 – 14, 15 – 18, 19+
USTA 0 – 8, 9 – 12, 13 – 16, 17 – 21, 22+
DMA 0 – 6, 7 – 8, 9 – 10, 11 – 12, 13 -14, 15+
WTA 3 – 7, 8 – 10, 11 – 13, 14+
o Only the TOP 5 placements will receive an award for OPEN Events
o All organization rules, judges and score sheets will be used on ALL Open Events. The decision of the judges will be final. All judges have the right to use the “protection rule” when they deem appropriate.
o Lanes are administered by the judges. The judge is in control of the lane numbering system and lanes are not “held open”. You, the participant, are responsible for getting to your lane at the appropriate time. If you are competing in a different lane at the same you are scheduled to appear in a different lane, please let the judge know and accommodation will be made.
Events:
Most Beautiful Costume
Best Appearing or Modeling (time limit is 1:30 maximum), performed to Director's Choice of Music
Basic Strut, Military Strut, Parade Strut, X, L, T Strut, performed to standard march music
Solo – or 1 baton, performed to Director's Choice of Music
Basic Skills I and II
2 Baton
3 Baton
Flag
Hoop
Duets
Trios
Rating Lane:
Rules Will Apply as stated above per event
On-line Events:
Rules Will Apply as stated above per event beginning in 2027
Guidelines for Choosing Division Level of Participant – NOV, BEG, and INT
Novice (NOV)
· Limited to 2 spins with various catches
· Limited to one (1) 3 spin
· Limited to Two single illusions, with or without release
· Limited to 2 gymnastic moves with no releases
· Limited to 4 continuous rolls, before changing to another continuous roll
Beginner (BEG)
· Limited to 3 spins with various catches
· Limited to one (1) 4 spin
· Limited to one double illusion
· Limited to 2 single gymnastic moves with releases
· Limited to 8 continuous rolls, before changing to another continuous roll
Intermediate (INT)
· Limited to 4 spins with various catches
· Limited to one (1) 5 spin
· Limited to double elements only
· Limited to 2 double gymnastic moves with releases
· Limited to 10 continuous rolls, before changing to another continuous roll
TEAM EVENTS
Team must consist of 4 or more members.
Props are allowed for team routines.
NOVICE (no more than two [2] 1st place wins)
BEGINNER (no more than four [4] 1st place wins)
ADVANCED (5 or more 1st place wins)
DANCE TWIRL TEAMS (3:00 MINUTES MAX)
Tiny Tot: (0-5.99) Juvenile (6-8.99) Pre-Teen (9-11.99) Junior (12-14.99) Senior (15+) Collegiate
This ensemble routine features each performer utilizing one or more batons or props, blending stationary and traveling choreography that emphasizes originality and artistic flair. With a balanced fusion of intricate baton work and expressive dance, the piece showcases technical difficulty, synchronized precision, and emotionally driven performance. The choreography includes compelling group and partner sequences, with thoughtful floor coverage, visual patterning, and dynamic formations. Proper technique in alignment and spacing enhances the overall impact, while the routine creatively interprets the selected music to establish a clear thematic or character-driven narrative. Style is consistently expressed through coordinated movement, costuming, and prop integration, with music selections tailored to suit the performers’ age and artistry.
TWIRLING TEAM (3:00 MINUTES MAX)
Tiny Tot: (0-5.99) Juvenile (6-8.99) Pre-Teen (9-11.99) Junior (12-14.99) Senior (15+) Collegiate
This team routine features each member performing with a single baton, showcasing a wide range of technical skills and intricate choreography. Emphasis is placed on the variety and difficulty of baton movements, complemented by seamless partner and group exchanges. Choreographed to traditional march music, the routine utilizes full floor coverage with sharp formations, dynamic effects, and a creative visual style. Precision in projection, technique, and unison is maintained throughout, while costume and appearance reflect the theme and tone of the performance. Props are not permitted, keeping the focus on baton mastery and team synchronization.
HALF-TIME SHOW TEAM (7:00 MINUTES MAX)
Kinder (0-7.99) Primary (8-10.99) Jr High (11-13.99) Sr High (14-17.99) Collegiate (18+)
This team routine artfully incorporates batons and/or small props to bring a thematic or character concept to life through expressive movement and storytelling. Choreography includes intricate group and partner work, with emphasis on full floor utilization, visually compelling patterns, precise spacing, and innovative formations. The routine is designed to captivate with its originality, blending technical skill and creative flair to reflect the chosen music’s emotion and narrative.
POM ROUTINES (3:00 MINUTES MAX)
Tiny Tot: (0-5.99) Juvenile (6-8.99) Pre-Teen (9-11.99) Junior (12-14.99) Senior (15+) Collegiate
This high-energy team routine is choreographed to highlight precise synchronization and powerful visual formations, utilizing pom poms as dynamic extensions of movement. Set to an upbeat, fast-tempo soundtrack, the choreography is designed to ignite excitement and amplify spirit, with sharp, rhythmic motions that emphasize unity, enthusiasm, and vibrant team presence on stage.
DANCE LINE ROUTINES (3:00 MINUTES MAX)
Tiny Tot: (0-5.99) Juvenile (6-8.99) Pr-Teen (9-11.99) Junior (12-14.99) Senior (15+) Collegiate
This team routine is choreographed with a strong thematic and character-driven approach, blending expressive movement and stylized technique to bring the music to life. Drawing from styles such as Jazz, Funk, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Modern, Tap, and Ballet, the piece showcases each dancer’s ability to embody character and narrative while maintaining precise ensemble work and dynamic stage presence. Through this fusion of genres, the choreography tells a cohesive story that amplifies the emotional impact of the music and captivates the audience from start to finish.
SHOW OR SHOW THEME CORPS (10:00 MINUTES MAX)
This large ensemble routine, featuring 10 or more performers, integrates batons, props, and visual backdrops to bring an imaginative theme to life. The choreography blends both stationary and traveling movements with creative staging, showcasing innovative use of batons and props in harmony with expressive dance. Every element—from formations to transitions—is crafted to reflect the music’s emotional and narrative depth, transforming the routine into a vivid, artistic interpretation. A cohesive stylistic vision is maintained throughout, uniting choreography, costuming, props, and staging into one dynamic, theatrical presentation.
PARADE TWIRLING CORPS (5:00 MINUTES MAX)
A group of 10 or more members performing a parade style routine. Any formation is acceptable,
Auxiliary Events
Auxiliary Solo (2:30 minutes max)
Flag, POM, rifle, Sabre or a combination of equipment in a solo routine.
Salute or pose, gymnastics permitted.
Age Divisions: 0 – 14, 15- 20, 21+
Timing starts with the first best of music until the ending note of the music.
Auxiliary Team (Single Equipment) – (Time limit 3:00 minutes max)
Age Divisions: Jr High, Sr High and Collegiate
The entire team uses the same one piece of equipment. For example, for a flag/ silk team, the entire team uses the same size flag/silk throughout the program. There are absolutely no equipment changes in any part of the team’s program.
Timing starts with the first best of music until the ending note of the music.
Auxiliary Team (Multiple Equipment) – (Time limit 3:00 minutes max)
Age Divisions: Jr High, Sr High and Collegiate
The team uses a combination of two or more pieces of equipment. Equipment changes may involve all or only selected members of the team. Equipment must be utilized for a minimum of 75% of the routine.
Timing starts with the first best of music until the ending note of the music.
Penalties for Auxiliary Events:
Drops - .5 per event
Break - .1 per event
Overtime - .1 per second
(Two handed catch with equipment is not considered a penalty)