Gen­er­al rules

I. BASIC TERMS

1. INTRODUCTION 

1.1. The association "Children's Fitness or Sports Against Drugs" (hereinafter referred to as "Children's Fitness") is a non-profit organization duly registered with the Ministry of the Interior under file number: vs/1-1/62084/05r.

1.2. The trade name "Children's Fitness or Sports Against Drugs"® is a registered trademark with the Industrial Property Office. The trademark "MiA - Motion in Action"® is also registered.

1.3. For many years, the Children's Fitness Association has been striving to build a relationship with sports in children, to fill their free time in a meaningful way, and thus to prevent negative phenomena of the present, such as drug use.

1.4. The association is the founder and sole organizer of a nationwide competition in sports dance routines in various musical styles called "MiA - Motion in Action".

1.5. An integral part of these general rules is the TORIN  = table of rules in numbers. 

2. COMPETITION

2.1. A competition is an event in which participants compete in individual disciplines and types of competition announced by the competition organizer.

2.2. The competition is open to all children and adults regardless of their athletic and physical abilities.

3. BEFORE COMPETITION

3.1. Competitors and coaches are required to carefully study these rules and abide by them.

3.2. Competitors and coaches are required to register for the competition properly and by the given deadline. It is also necessary to register in advance for the finals and grand finals; qualification alone does not constitute registration.

3.3. It is necessary to check in at each event, regardless of whether the competitor or team has paid the entry fee.

3.4. During registration (check-in), the actual number of competitors must be reported. 

3.5. A competitor may compete in a maximum of two choreographies within one competition category; an entry fee must be paid for each additional start.

3.6. The organizer is required to post the start list on the website immediately after the deadline for changes to registrations, which is 72 hours before the start of the competition. The organizer has the right to set in advance the maximum number of competition choreographies for a given competition.

3.7. Coaches or competitors are required to check whether they are included on the start list. 

3.8. In the event of any discrepancies, the competitor/coach must report this to the competition organizer before the deadline for changes/cancellations to registrations, which is usually 9 a.m. on the day before the competition. After that, it is no longer possible to register or deregister additional competitors. 

4. COURSE OF THE COMPETITION

4.1. The course of the competition, the schedule, the order of categories, and the order of individual teams shall be determined and

published in advance by the organizer.

4.2. Spatial tests shall be determined by the organizer according to availability.

4.3. If the program includes a mass start of competitors, all competitors must be ready on time. 

4.4. When the presenter announces the name of the choreography, the team must be ready to enter the competition area. 

5. DIVISION OF COMPETITIONS

5.1. Competitions are divided according to type, discipline, level, age categories, and eligibility to enter the competition (see Qualification Key).

5.2. The organizer reserves the right to hold only certain types of competitions, in certain disciplines, at certain levels, and for certain age categories.

5.3. TYPE OF COMPETITION

We distinguish between competition types based on the number of members in a single competition unit:

5.3.1. GROUPS

Group competitions, which we further divide by size into:

SMALL GROUPS –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ the number of competitors in a group is a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 12.  

MEDIUM GROUPS –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ the number of competitors in a group is a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 24.

LARGE GROUP –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ the number of competitors in a group is a minimum of 20. There is no maximum number.  

5.3.2. CUP

Competition for one to three competitors, divided into:

SOLO – 1 competitor

DUO – 2 competitors

TRIO – 3 competitors⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

5.3.3. ONE IN GROUP

Competitors do not have a prepared performance, but exercise/dance under the guidance of an instructor and try to imitate the routine performed by the instructor at that moment as best they can.

5.4. COMPETITION DISCIPLINES

5.4.1.
Aerobics

Step aerobics

Street dance

Cheerleading

Majorettes

Orient

Gypsy

Folk dances

Country dances

Gymnastics

Ballet

Latin American dances

Standard dances

Handicap

Talent

Contemporary/Modern

Rock and roll

Pole dance

Dance show

Rope skipping

Flag (Majorettes with flags)

Botoncheermix

Breakdance

Adults

Parents and children

Disco

Christmas

Original dynamic

Original slow

5.4.2. The Original dynamic and Original slow disciplines were created for the purposes of MiA competitions. These disciplines include choreography involving multiple dance styles, as well as choreography of dance styles that cannot be classified under any of the above-specified disciplines. 

5.4.3. The coach, or in the case of individuals, the parent or competitor themselves, is responsible for the correct classification of the discipline.

5.4.4. If there are fewer teams registered, the organizer reserves the right to merge disciplines. If a discipline does not have at least 10 competitors (One in Group) or 4 competitive performances (Groups, Cup), the organizer has the right not to open the discipline or to merge disciplines. Mergers are carried out according to the rules specified in the TORIN table. 

5.5. COMPETITION LEVELS

5.5.1. The competition is divided into HOBBY, ADVANCED, and PROFI levels.

5.5.2. Participants (team coaches) assign themselves to a level when registering for the competition online. If the head judge finds the classification inappropriate during the competition, they will recommend that the team be reclassified to another level in another qualifying round or will not allow them to advance to the finals. In very exceptional cases, reclassification may also be carried out on site.

5.5.3. HOBBY – a level intended for beginners and recreational dancers who dance more for fun and the joy of movement. Competitors at this level do not have much experience with competitions and are mostly just getting acquainted with the techniques and rules of the dance world. The emphasis is on basic steps, rhythm, and personal expression.

Rules for classifying dance choreography at the HOBBY level:

Basic dance techniques:

The choreography should contain simple and easy-to-execute steps and movements that correspond to the beginner level. Emphasis is placed on mastering basic dance techniques and their execution.

Choreography:

The structure of the choreography should be clear and understandable. The combinations of movements should be simple and easy to remember. In the case of group choreography, it should focus on simple synchronized elements.

Rhythm and musicality:

The choreography and complexity of the movements should be adapted so that the dancers are able to correctly perceive and capture the tempo and rhythm of the music. 

Personal expression:

The emphasis is on the joy of movement and the natural expression of the dancers. The choreography should encourage individual expression and basic work with expressions.

Physical exertion:

The choreography should be physically undemanding so that even dancers who are not in great shape or do not have much experience can manage it.

Positive experience:

The aim of this level is to promote the joy of movement and create a positive experience that motivates dancers to develop further. The choreography should be accessible to all and should correspond to the abilities of beginners and recreational dancers.

5.5.4. ADVANCED – a level intended for advanced dancers who have more training and competition experience. Competitors at this level have mastered a wider range of dance techniques and work on perfecting their choreography and the quality of their performance.

Rules for classifying dance choreography as ADVANCED:

Technical skills:

The choreography should include advanced dance techniques that the competitors have mastered. Dancers should be able to perform complex movements, transitions between elements, and combinations that require greater control, precision, and flexibility.

Complexity of choreography:

The choreography must be more demanding in terms of structure, tempo, and rhythm. It should include elements that require advanced coordination, technical execution, and the ability to adapt to different styles or dynamics.

Physical demands:

The choreography should place greater demands on the dancers' physical condition, strength, and endurance. This includes longer sequences without interruption, fast movements, jumps, turns, and other energy-intensive elements.

Interpretation and expression:

Dancers at this level should be able to perform choreography with a deeper emotional and artistic execution. The expression and interpretation of movements should be sophisticated and correspond to the story or theme of the choreography.

Quality of execution:

The choreography should be designed to allow dancers to work on the precision and clarity of their movements. Emphasis should be placed on details such as posture, synchronization, and overall visual impression.

Originality:

At this level, the choreography should contain original elements or combinations that allow dancers to showcase their skills and distinguish themselves from others.

Ability to improvise:

Dancers should be able to respond to any changes or inaccuracies without disrupting the overall impression of the choreography. 

5.5.5. PROFI – a level intended for professional dancers who have in-depth knowledge of dance and often dance at a professional level or as instructors. Competitors in this category are characterized by precise movement, exceptional technique, perfect choreography, and expressiveness. This level represents the pinnacle of competitive dance. 

Rules for classifying dance choreography at the PROFI level:

Technical knowledge and precision:

The choreography must include elements and combinations that correspond to the highest technical level and precision. Dancers should be able to perform difficult and complex movements with perfect control.

Expressiveness:

Dancers at this level must demonstrate a sophisticated interpretation with an emphasis on emotion and artistic expression.

Originality and innovation:

The choreography should be original, innovative, imaginative, and include elements that demonstrate creativity and uniqueness.

Physical and technical difficulty:

The choreography should place maximum demands on the dancers' physical condition and include complex rhythmic sequences, jumps, turns, isolations, significant tempo changes, and other technically demanding elements. Individual movements must be performed with absolute precision.

Experience in the dance world:

Competitors at this level should be professional dancers with in-depth knowledge of dance and many years of experience, whether from professional training, teaching, or competition. This level applies to dancers who are involved in dance at a professional level.

Goal and focus:

The choreography should be created to represent the highest dance standards, technical perfection, artistic performance, and the ability to inspire and captivate.

Additional criteria for inclusion in the PROFI level:

Success in competitions: Medal placement at the Czech Republic Championships organized by associations of individual dance disciplines or qualification for one of the foreign competitions with international participation (at least 5 countries). Applies to the last two years, including the day of the competition.

Performing for remuneration: Competitors in dance disciplines for remuneration, for example for public performances, theatre performances, running a dance studio or training coaches and lecturing.

Professional training: Competitors prepare for a professional dance career through daily study focused on dance.

Specific rules:

In GROUPS competitions, the rule of classification into the PROFI level applies even if 30% of the dancers in the team meet the PROFI level conditions.

Those who meet the conditions for classification into PROFI cannot compete in the HOBBY or ADVANCED levels.

5.6. AGE CATEGORIES

5.6.1. Each competitor must have their date of birth filled in on their profile on the MiA website. The coach is responsible for ensuring that the competitors' ages are correctly stated. The organizer is entitled to request a health insurance card or other valid document in order to verify the correctness of the ages stated by the competitors. Each competitor is required to have valid identification with them at the competition in case of any discrepancies. The age of competitors is automatically calculated by the system based on the date of birth provided.

5.6.2. Competitors are classified into age categories based on their age on the day of the competition. The only exception is the Aerobic Tour, in which age categories are determined by year of birth; see the Aerobic Tour rules at www.aerobictour.cz.

5.6.3. In the case of a group, the age category is determined by the mathematical average of the ages of all team members. Individuals may be older or younger; there is no upper or lower age limit. The average age of the group is calculated by the website based on the competitors' birth dates.

5.6.4. It may happen that a competitor or an entire team is placed in a different age category in the semifinals than in the finals or grand finals.

5.6.5. The average age is rounded according to the mathematical rule of rounding. 

5.6.6. Everyone who actively participates in 60% or more of the total time of the routine is included in the average age.

5.6.7. The standard age categories are:

3–5 years,

6–8 years,

9–11 years,

12–15 years,

16+ years,

adults. 

5.6.8. The age categories listed for specific competitions may differ from each other. The organizer opens age categories according to the number of registered competitors so that they are adequately filled, i.e., so that competitors have a sufficient number of competitors and have someone to compete against.

5.6.9. If an age category does not have at least 10 competitors (One in Group) or 4 competitive performances (Groups, Cup), the organizer has the right not to open the category or to merge categories. Conversely, if some age categories have too many competitive groups/competitors, the organizer also reserves the right to further divide the age categories. 

5.7. QUALIFICATION KEY

5.7.1. Competitions are divided into qualifying and non-qualifying. Anyone can register for non-qualifying competitions and semifinal rounds of qualifying competitions. Qualification is required for the finals and grand finals.

5.7.2. The number of competitors advancing to the finals and grand finals is determined by a representative of Děti fitness. 

5.7.3. Between the semifinals and finals and between the finals and grand finals, no more than 20% of the dancers in the team and no more than 20% of the music may change.

5.7.4. MIA FESTIVAL –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ advancement competition system.

SEMIFINALS –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ qualifying round.⁠ It is possible to qualify from a single semifinal round, which is awarded by the head judge based on the jury's score. It is possible to participate in more than one semifinal round of the competition, even if the competition performance has already qualified for the final or grand final.

FINAL –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ it is necessary to qualify for the final round from one of the semifinal rounds; the final is not accessible without qualification. The only exceptions are foreign participants.

GRAND FINAL –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ intended only for groups that have become the absolute winners of the blocks (i.e., they have earned the highest number of points within the competition block) across all competitions, and for those who have earned a wild card. A block is defined as a period of time in the starting list, followed by the announcement of the results.

5.7.5. MIA DANCE LEAGUE – a cycle of non-qualifying competitions. During the season, competitors earn points in individual MiA Dance League competitions for their placement and for the number of teams they defeat. At the end of the season, the points are added up and the total ranking is determined. Based on the overall results, the title of MiA League Champion and other awards are granted.

If a choreography is reclassified into another discipline during the season, this has no effect on the points and ranking in the Top 30 choreographies. Points are then counted separately (always for the given discipline) in the Top 10 choreography rankings within each discipline, so it is possible for one choreography to be ranked in two different disciplines.

6. MUSICAL ACCOMPANIMENT

6.1. The musical accompaniment must be uploaded to the system during registration. The file must be named after the choreography.

6.2. The musical accompaniment is limited in length, but there are no restrictions on the speed of the music. 

6.3. The upper and lower limits for the length of the composition and the length of the entrance and exit must be observed in accordance with the rules set out in the TORIN table. The registration system will not allow the upload of music compositions whose length does not comply with the rules.

6.4. Inappropriate expressions must not be used in music recordings.

6.5. The person who uploaded the recording to the system is fully responsible for its quality and content. The organizer cannot systematically change or modify the content of the recording. We recommend that you play back and check the recording after uploading it to the system. 

6.6. Competitors/coaches must have a recording of the musical accompaniment with them on a medium specified by the competition organizer and, if necessary, hand it over to the sound engineer immediately. The musical accompaniment for each choreography must be on a separate medium. The recording must be labeled with the name of the competitor or club and the name of the performance. The name of the performance on the medium must be the same as the name given when registering for the competition.

6.7. In some disciplines (folk dances, country dances, oriental dances), live musical accompaniment is possible. This must always be discussed with the competition organizer. 

7. AIDS AND PROPS

7.1. Props used to illustrate the theme or atmosphere of the dance are permitted provided they meet the safety criteria below.

7.2. Props should be made of materials that are not sharp, fragile, or otherwise dangerous (e.g., glass, metal spikes).

7.3. Props and scenery must be stable and must not easily tip over or fall apart during the performance.

7.4. Any use of pyrotechnics, open flames, or flammable substances is strictly prohibited.

7.5. The local electrical power supply may not be used when assembling and using props and scenery. Assembly must not acoustically or otherwise interfere with the competition in progress.

7.6. Props that in any way endanger the safety or health of competitors or spectators or damage or contaminate the dance floor are prohibited. If the dance floor is contaminated, the dancers are responsible for cleaning it and may have points deducted.

7.7. The maximum permissible size of props or scenery is 80 cm x 200 cm. However, a prop may consist of several pieces, each of which meets the maximum size requirements. It may be assembled on the dance floor or outside the dance floor and brought onto the dance floor as a whole. It is necessary to observe the time limit for arrival and departure. Competitors may be assisted by a coach or spectator, but the organizer's instructions, such as the shoe changing procedure, must be followed. Handling of props must not endanger the safety and health of competitors, spectators, or other participants in the competition.

8. REFEREES AND EVALUATION

8.1. The performances of the competitors are evaluated by an independent expert jury. The judges evaluate the performances using a scoring system.

8.2. The judges are delegated and trained by the Děti fitness association. 

8.3. Each judge evaluates individually. Since dance is not an objectively measurable sport, the judges' evaluations are to a certain extent subjective, and each judge evaluates to the best of their knowledge and belief. The head judge has the right to intervene in the evaluation if the rules have been violated. 

8.4. The jury consists of five members, each of whom evaluates specific aspects of each performance:

2 TECHNICAL REFEREES: Both technical referees evaluate four aspects: Dynamics, Synchronization (for solos with music), Technique of movement execution, and Difficulty of movement execution. Each of these aspects is scored on a scale of 1–⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠5 points, so the maximum total score from both technical judges can be 40 points.

1 AESTHETIC JUDGE: This judge evaluates the following four aspects: Choreography of floor coverage, Entrance and exit, Body posture, Makeup, costumes, and hairstyles, and Expression. Each of these aspects is scored on a scale of 1–⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠5 points, giving a maximum total of 20 points.

1 CREATIVITY JUDGE: Evaluates these four aspects: choreography covering the floor space, entrance and exit, overall creativity, show value, and musical background. Each category is scored from 1 to 5 points, giving a maximum total of 20 points.

1 HEAD JUDGE: The head judge awards points in two broad categories: Technique, which includes all technical judge categories, is scored from 1 to 10 points. Creativity and Aesthetics, which includes the aesthetic judge and creativity judge categories, is also scored from 1 to 10 points. At the professional level, the head judge also awards so-called professional points on a scale of 1–10, evaluating the athletic difficulty of the elements and their execution. The head judge also decides on any transfers between categories, disciplines, and levels. The head judge is the only one authorized to award point deductions for rule violations, as follows:

Inappropriate clothing: 1–10 points.

Inappropriate behavior throughout the competition day: 1–10 points.

Dangerous aids and props: 1–10 points.

Dangerously performed more demanding gymnastic or acrobatic elements: 1–10 points.

Inappropriate background music: 1–10 points.

8.5. The total score for the team is determined by the sum of the points from all judges.

8.6. Professional points are not counted towards the evaluation of the overall winner of each block.

8.7. EVALUATION BY PERFORMANCE LEVELS

8.7.1. GROUPS – HOBBY – 50% of the evaluation consists of the athletic part (technique of movement execution, synchronization, posture) and 50% of the non-athletic part (props and their use, scenery, costumes, makeup, hairstyles). Elements of strength, range of motion, gymnastic elements, etc. are not evaluated.

8.7.2. GROUPS – ADVANCED – 50% of the evaluation consists of the sports part (technique of movement execution, synchronisation, posture) and 50% of the non-sports part (props and their use, scenery, costumes, make-up, hairstyles). 

8.7.3. GROUPS – PROFI – 60% of the evaluation consists of the athletic part (posture, difficulty of the choreography, execution of individual elements, synchronization, possible inclusion of strength and range elements) and 40% of the non-athletic part (props and their use, scenery, costumes, makeup, hairstyles).

8.7.4. ONE IN GROUP – HOBBY – the instructor does not usually include range and strength elements. If they do, the judges do not evaluate them.

8.7.5. ONE IN GROUP – ADVANCED – the instructor does not usually include range and strength elements. If they do, the judges do not evaluate them.

8.7.6. ONE IN GROUP – PRO – the sporting aspect carries greater weight in the evaluation, and elements of range and strength are also taken into account. Competitors have more complicated routines and/or compete for longer periods of time.

9. PROTESTS

9.1. In the event of an alleged violation of the rules, a written protest may be lodged. The protester must pay a deposit of CZK 1,000/EUR 40 to lodge a protest.

9.2. Protests may only be lodged against damage to and evaluation of one's own competitor, against another competitor, and against the results of the competition. 

9.3. Protests may only be lodged by the coach of the aggrieved team. In individual competitions, the aggrieved competitor may also lodge a protest.

9.4. Protests must be lodged in writing with the chief referee or, where applicable, the jury coordinator within 20 minutes of the announcement of the discipline in question.

9.5. The decision on how to resolve the protest must always be in writing. 

9.6. There is no further appeal against the decision on the resolution of the protest, and this decision is final.

9.7. The deposit shall be taken by the chief referee or jury coordinator to whom the written protest is submitted. It shall be kept by them until the right to decide on the protest is acquired. If the protest is upheld, the deposit shall be returned immediately. If the protest is not upheld, the referee shall hand over the deposit to the organizer, who shall immediately issue a receipt to the protester. The deposit shall be forfeited to the organizer and treated as income for the organization.

9.8. A protest that has been heard and upheld cannot be withdrawn, and the competitor must accept the decision on the protest. 

10. AWARDS

10.1. Each participant will receive a commemorative certificate or diploma according to their ranking.

10.2. Groups usually receive a cup and medals for 1st to 3rd place.

10.3. Competitors who place 1st–3rd in the final competition always receive a cup, medals, a diploma for each participant and for the club, and other small prizes.

10.4. Coaches of teams that place 1st in the final competition will receive a certificate of successful coaching.

11. DECLARATION

11.1. The organizer reserves the right to use audiovisual recordings made during competitions and the names of competitors in the organization's promotional events, in the media, or on MiA's website and social networks.

11.2. The organizer undertakes to handle this data and these recordings in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of April 7, 2016, on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Directive 95/46/EC.

11.3. Each contestant or their legal representative acknowledges that by participating in competitions organized by the Děti fitness association, they confirm that they agree to the terms and conditions of the competition.