Competition Rules

Please read ALL rules carefully!

GENERAL

  • Competitors must be associated with an aerial school, studio or club and name the club on their entry form. No self taught students will be accepted

  • Competitors must meet the age criteria of the appropriate division at the time of the competition

  • Competitors must have written consent from a parent to participate

  • Aerialists may enter up to two individuals categories OR one for duo category and One Individual

  • The judges decision is final. Once announced, no correspondence will be entered into

  • It is forbidden to correspond with the judge prior to, or during the competition

  • Performers are responsible for being present for their allotted rehearsal time, and for their allotted performance time. If you miss your performance time, you may be disqualified

  • Competitors will be issued with a whole weekend pass to support the other competitors.

  • Anyone who is determined to be unsafe during rehearsal by the organising committee will not be permitted to perform

  • The organising committee reserves the right to combine age categories due to entry numbers

  • All aerialists must have a coach, mentor or parent/guardian side stage, ready to intervene for safety reasons if necessary

  • Competitors may have one parent, guardian or support person backstage with them and they must purchase a general admission ticket. Backstage access is at the discretion of the organisers, coaches or instructors are not automatically granted access.

  • Competitors must carry a valid form of ID/proof of age with them on the day of competition

  • Competitors must sign a waiver of liability before the competition

  • Competitors must conduct themselves in a professional and proper manner at all times during the competition

  • Competitors must show up on time before the category starts competing. If late, the competitor may not be allowed to compete

  • The organisation committee reserves the right to prevent a competitor from competing if it appears the competitor is not fit to do so safely

  • Competitors may not engage in conversation with judges prior to their routine

  • Competitors must comply with organisation committee rules and regulations at all times. Failure to do so may result in disqualification

  • Competitors must represent the organisation committee and all affiliated parties/sponsors in a positive light before, during, and after the competition

  • Winners of previous years have the right to return and defend their titles

MUSIC

  • Routines have a time limit per category please refer to category rules

  • No explicit lyrics

  • Cutting a song or mixing several songs is permitted

  • All competitors are responsible for the quality and submission of their music

  • All competitors must bring a USB flash drive on the day of competition that includes their final track ONLY (no other files) labelled with their full name. This is a backup in case there is an issue with the file previously sent

  • Music must be submitted by September 1st 2025 and must be ready to use in the form of MP3, cutting and editing to be done prior to submitting the song with name, song title and category

  • 2 points will be taken off the final judging sheet if the music is not sent by the date above.

COSTUME

  • Costumes do not have to be handmade or fancy, plain leggings and tops are acceptable and will not be penalized, subsequently, no additional marks will be given for elaborate costumes. However, having a costume is fun and can add to the performance spirit!

  • Costume must cover midriff entirely

  • Costume must have full cover of the bottom throughout the entire routine

  • Tights (any colour including skin colour) must be worn underneath bikini cut leotards. Fishnet tights may only be worn if paired with tights underneath

  • Costumes must not promote an individual Aerial studio or business

  • No obvious underwear, lingerie, swimwear or bikinis

  • No transparent clothing that may inappropriately expose the body

  • Costumes must not have any zips, buttons or other elements, including jewelry that might damage the apparatus or pose a safety issue. This is at the discretion of the organising committee

  • The above rules for safety and costume coverage also apply to rehearsal time

  • Any item that is not your costume or costume that is removed is considered a prop

  • No props that include glitter, confetti, feathers, leaves, petals, etc.

  • No fire, explosives, paint, oil, water, or human props

  • All props must be pre-approved and be submitted by September 1st 2025.

  • 5 points will be taken if the costume is deemed inappropriate, including if the costume rides up and exposes the competitor inappropriately. Make sure to test the costume before the competition to ensure it is suitable.

GRIP AIDS

  • Pine Rosin is accepted as grip aid

PHOTOGRAPHY/FILMING

  • Competitors agree to be filmed and photograph and must agree to the terms and conditions upon entry

  • All photography and footage remains the property of the organising committee

  • Competitors agree that all photography and footage can be used by the organising committee for promotional, advertising, and commercial purpose

APPARATUS

  • A silver aerial silk with a swivel will be pre-rigged for all Silks competitors. Depending on the competitors preference either an 800mm or a 900mm, 25mm wide Lyra with swivel rigging will be supplied for all Lyra competitors, please confirm which size you will need by October 1st.

  • All individual Lyra competitors must use a single point Lyra.

  • A standard dance trapeze attached to a single point will be available for all performers in the trapeze categories. If your performance is static trapeze you will need to provide your own equipment and spreader bar

  • An 8m Aerial Rope will be provided for competitors.

  • The Trapeze and Lyra category can bring their own equipment, the trapeze must be able to attach to the single competition supplied carabiner

  • Duo category participants are to provide their own apparatus (apart from Silks & Lyra where they can use the ones provided). All duo apparatus must be able to hang from a single point

  • All competitor supplied apparatus will be inspected for safety before rehearsal, if deemed unsafe a generic trapeze or Lyra will be supplied

  • A single rigging point with swivel attached will be available, if using a double tab Lyra, the appropriate spreader bar and carabiners must already be attached.

  • The supplied Aerial Silk will have 5.5m of visible performance space, hanging from a 5.8m rigging point TBC

  • Competitors who have their own equipment must name tag it

  • Pre-professional competitors are allowed to bring their own apparatus (to be approved my committee).




Organizing committee members: Aerials 3, Aerial Silks NZ