How to Host a GHSA Dance Competition

Step 1 - Apply for Sanctioning

  • On the GHSA website (https://www.ghsa.net) find the affiliate login on the upper right-hand side of the website or just go to https://app.ghsa.net to get to the MIS site.
  • Contact your AD if you do not already have a username and password.
  • Click on Sanctioned Event Application.
  • Complete and submit the form.
  • Ask your Principal to electronically sign the application.
  • Wait for GHSA approval.
  • Click on Scheduling/Contest Contracts at the top of the page in the MIS site.
  • Add your contract. Wait for GHSA approval.
  • Remember to check with other coaches and SAT schedules to insure you have chosen a good weekend to host. 
  • Deadline is Oct. 1.

Step 2 - Setup Your Competition

All competitions should be run as close as possible to the state competition format

  • The host should be a member of the school’s personnel. The director should not be a parent or booster club member.
  • The host should understand how a GHSA sanctioned dance competition should be run.
  • Contact veteran coaches who have successfully hosted events in the past when you have questions or for guidance.
  • Download the GHSA Dance Competition manual found on the website for instructions

Weeks before the competition.

  • Secure a DJ to play the music for your teams.
  • Secure security personnel and janitors for your event. Talk with your administration about emergency protocol. 
  • Contact Tourneywire for your scoring needs. https://www.tourneywire.com.  Make sure there is adequate Internet connection for your judges.
  • Make a rotation schedule and send out at least 2 weeks before your competition. (update as necessary)
  • Determine where the teams will store their things, sit during the competition when they are not competing, and an area to change costumes if necessary. 

Step 3 - Judges and Event Setup

Judges

  • Contract judges from the list of GHSA officials to judge the high school teams by contacting the booking agent- Colbie Wilson. Her email is cmwilson0120@gmail.com.
  • The judges’ fees are $11.50 per judge (1-12 teams) & $9.60 per team for any teams over 12.
  • Any competition that is not a team for a high school team (JV or V) should not be included in the high school session. 
  • Middle school, trios, duets, solos, club teams, should all be in a separate session. 

Setting up for the Day

  • Make sure you assign someone to be in charge of checking in each team as they enter your facility. 
  • Coaches should receive all the updated information you may have and have a layout of the school/venue. 
  • It is a good idea to provide a guide who can show them where to go, where to dress, how to get merch, etc.
  • If possible, have that same guide go back to get them when it is time for them to warm up.

Setup for Judges

  • Designate an area for judges’ meetings/lunch before the competition and during the day.
  • Choose “on deck” and “in the hole” designations.
  • Position the officials high in the bleachers or somewhere they can easily see formations, technique, choreography, etc. 
  • Block off areas directly in front and/or behind the judges so the fans do not have access to their information.
  • Build in breaks for the judges for restroom/snacks. 

Awards

The GHSA will offer the following awards at state beginning in 2026. Following this would create the same expectations each week. 

  • A-2A Pom
  • A-2A Hip Hop
  • A-2A Jazz
  • 3A-5A Pom
  • 3A-5A Hip Hop
  • 3A-5A Jazz
  • 6A Pom
  • 6A Hip Hop
  • 6A Jazz
  • A-6A High Kick

Hosting a Competition

Extra sessions

The GHSA sanctions Competitive Team Dance. The GHSA does not govern middle schools, club teams, studio teams, trios, duets, and solos. So, a host can choose to do awards differently.

However, all safety (NFHS safety rules) will apply and will be called. Failure to call safety violations could result in lawsuits. All music should be licensed and costumes should also be within GHSA rules.

Music

Teams will have already submitted their music for licensing procedures. The host does not have to deal with this part of competitive dance.  However, if judges ask you to turn off the music for a specific routine due to inappropriate music, teams must proceed using only counts. 
Teams who use inappropriate music will be subject to fines levied by the GHSA. 

Competition FAQ

Q: Can the host school’s dance team compete at their own competition? 
A: Yes, of course. The judges provided are GHSA judges and not local friends. There will be no biased judging just because it is the host school’s performance.

Q. What percentage of the gate goes to GHSA?
A: 5% of the gate goes to GHSA for all high school sanctioned events. There is no money due for middle school or special sessions

Q: How are the judges paid?
A: The judges must be paid by a check from the host school or booster club. It is illegal for a judge to accept payment in cash or any kind of cash app. 

Q: Who provides the Print clerk and copier?
A: The host school will provide the printer and person to collect the score sheets for the teams to be distributed.

Q: What sheets do the coaches receive at the end of the competition?
A: Their own score sheet from all performances and the master score sheet for all teams competing against them.
 

Contact Information

For questions:
Penny Mitchell: penny@ghsa.net
Associate Director
GHSA