National Competition Eligibility Standards
As the pole industry grows there are more competitions being produced, for various skill levels and in different genres. As we are an unregulated industry, the journey for pole competitors can be quite confusing.
In 2016 a group of established Australian competition organisers (ACO) got together to endeavour to implement a simple guide for Australian polers to understand what competitions they can enter, and have a clear path for progression through the competition circuit.
Competitions have been split into two categories: Graded Competitions and Social Competitions.
Australian Graded Competitions (AGC) – A competitors results in these competitions are used as a guide to set eligibility criteria for other Graded Competitions and social competitions.
The AGC have all got a strong history and reputation in the industry, and are either a national competition or progress to a national final. At this stage the ACO has graded Female Solo and Doubles/Group competitions.
ACO Members: Kennetta Hutchens, Amber Ray, Carlie Hunter, Michelle Shimmy, Elizabeth Domazet, Vanessa Brecht, Daisy Adelle Bastick, Natalie TeKanawa, Felix Cane, Chilli Rox, Joanna Littlewood-Johnson, Dani Blyszak, Toby J Monson and Maddie Sparkle.
Australian Graded Competitions
Amateur
Amateur
APC
Amateur State
Pole Theatre
Amateur National
Hardcore
Amateur National
Semi Pro
Semi Pro
Hardcore
Semi Pro National
Pole Candy
Semi Pro National
Pole Theatre
Semi Pro National
Miss Pole Dance
Pro Tasmania
Rising All Stars
National
APC Amateur
National
Miss Pole Dance Doubles
Semi Pro International
Pole Championship Series AU
Womens Semi Pro International
State Level Pro
State Level Pro
Miss Pole Dance
State Heats
(Other than TAS)
APC
State Professional
National/International Pro
Pole Candy
Professional
Pole Theatre
Professional
Miss Pole Dance AU
Aerial All Stars AU/NZ
Pro Tasmania
APC
Professional
Felix Cane PC
International
Miss Pole Dance Doubles
Pro International
Pole Championship Series AU
Womens Pro International
Womens Championships
Eligibility & Progression Through Graded Competitions
Amateur
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Instructors are eligible to enter
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If you have competed in a Semi-Pro or Pro competition you are no longer eligible for Amateur
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You can continue competing in Amateur Graded Competitions until you win one, which moves you up to Semi-Pro
Semi Pro
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Amateur and Semi-Pro competitors can submit an entry
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If you have competed in a Semi-Pro you can continue to enter Semi-Pro comps
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If you win a Semi-Pro you move up to Professional
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Competing in State Level Pro doesn't rule you out of Semi-Pro
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If you plane in a State Level Pro you move up to Professional.
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If you compete National Level Pro you move up to Professional
Professional
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Any level competitor is entitles to submit an entry for a Pro comp
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Once competiting in National Level Pro comps you are no longer eligible for Amateur or Semi-Pro
AUSTRALIAN POLE CHAMPIONSHIPS – STATE HEATS AND NATIONAL FINAL
APC and their related state heats have their own eligibility criteria. Please go to www.australianpolechampionships.com.au for all the details to find out which division you are eligible for. The results a competitor gains from these competitions however does affect other Graded Competitions as per above.
SOLOS VS DOUBLES & GROUPS
The progression through the graded comps is for a solo performer, or a doubles team or group. If a pro solo performer was become part of a doubles team, their ranking wouldn’t apply to the team, and vice versa if a competitor in a doubles team entered as a solo competitor.
MALE COMPETITORS – NOT YET GRADED
Male competitions are relatively new to the industry in Australia. Until that side of the industry grows and has a solid competition history, competitions targeted to male competitors won’t be graded. Until then it will be up to each competition organiser to release their own eligibility for their male competitors.
COMPETITORS WHO HAVE AN EXTENDED TIME OFF COMPETION
If a competitor has had a few years off competing and wants to enter a competition in a level lower than they previously competed at, it would be up to the discretion of individual competitions organiser they wish to enter.
INTERNATIONAL COMPETITORS
Competitors who have been competing overseas must consult with individual competition organisers to work out what level they should compete at.
COMPLIANCE
If a competitor is found to have withheld or given false information regarding their competition history and results, and that leads them to compete in the wrong level, they can have their title taken off them if they win or place.
Australian Social Competitions
There are many amazing and professionally produced competitions around Australia targeted to different styles, genres and levels, and many titles to be won which all helps a performer progress through the competitions circuit and give them the experience to grow and be accepted into other competitions.
The organisers of social competitions set their own eligibility, but competitors’ results in graded comps must be adhered to. Entering or placing in social competitions doesn’t affect a competitors eligibility in Graded Competitions. Eg: A competitor who is Semi-Pro in the graded system cannot compete in Amateur Social comps, but you can win Amateur social comps and keep competing at that level.
This is a guide only to help categorize competitions for organisers and competitors. The Australian Graded Comps table can be used as a guide for these competitions to set their eligibility.
Social Amateur
Absolute beginners - Elite students, teachers, paid performers. Competing in Amateur Graded Comps
Miss Pole - State Heat Amateur Division
Sexy's Back
Pole Now Eisteddford
Dance Filthy
Floorplay
Step Up
Pole Superstar
Pole Championship Series AU
- Womens Amateur
- Mens Open
- Masters Open
- Juniors Open
- Doubles Open
Australian Amateur Performer Competition
Hunter Valley Pole Perfection
Pole Expressions
Survivor
Frisk
Risque
Vortex
Social Semi Pro
Been competing in Semi-Pro graded comps. Won an Amateur Graded comp
Sexys Back
Frisk
Dance Filthy
Step Up
Survivor
Showstopper
Vortex
Floorplay
Pole Championship Series AU
- Womens Semi Pro
- Mens Open
- Masters Open
- Juniors Open
- Doubles Open
Social Professional
Competed at a Pro level in registered comps - state or national. Won a Semi-Pro Graded Comp
Dance Filthy
Floor Play
Frisk
Vortex
Pole Championship Series AU
- Mens Open
- Masters Open
- Juniors Open
- Doubles Open
Studio Competitions
Many studios run their own competitions open to their students only. These are a fantastic starting point for those starting out in competition. Click the button below to check out the Australian Competition Calendar to see what studio competitions are happening.
Listing Your Competition & Organiser Enquiries
The ACO would like to see all competitions listed as a Graded comp or Social comp to make it easy for the competitors.
Following the eligibility guidelines will also make it easier for competition organisers who have previously had to work out their own eligibility criteria. The ACO are not an official governing body rather a group of industry leaders with a vested interest in the growth of the pole industry in Australia. Following the guidelines is voluntary for social competitions.
If you would like to have your competitions listed or have further enquiries, please contact Leisha Perry at Pole Dance Academy by emailing info@poledanceacademy.com.au
Pole Dance Academy and its staff volunteer their time towards this initiative so there may be a slightly delayed response time depending on other commitments.
