Loss of Amateur Status a Duffers Guide

Please remember this is only a "guide" and you are recommended that as this is so important you do read the actual rules for yourself so there is no misunderstandings.

There are a number of rules relating to Amateur Status most of them are by BDC Rules.

The first rule to be aware of is
Rule 16 – “Loss of Amateur Status”,
this details a number of things that mean you have passed over to the dark side an become a “professional”

• Accepting cash in return for the use of your name as a dancer in an advert
• Declaring yourself to be professional (pretty obvious that)
• Passing a teaching exam in Ballroom branch
• Acts as a teacher of dancing with or without a fee – this is the one to be aware of. If you want to coach you must join the Coaching Scheme – then you can do so within its parameters
• Organising dances for personal profit
• Participating in a professional competition
• Acting as an MC and calling the sets
• Adjudicating at a dance competition

Perhaps the most important is
BDC Rule 19 - "Conditions that do not affect Amateur Status".

• Now this says you can enter competitions and win monetary prizes.
• This details how much assistance you can give a professional. It says you cannot assist with "technique of dance", in fact it says all you can do is make the teas and coffees, take the money at the door and put on recorded music. So even helping at your dance school and partnering in the beginners class is not allowed. In order be able to assist your teacher you must join the Coaching Scheme and coach within its parameters!! Here is more information
• You are allowed to be the secretary for the ballroom manager
• You may take charge at occasional private club or subscription dance, however for a sequence dance you are not allowed to call the sets or lead a dance (eg: demonstrate the first sequence prior to other couples joining you on the floor).
• Now this rule is a little difficult – if you hold shares and the company just happen to organise dances as part of other activities you are fine, however if you can gain an advantage that other amateurs would not have the you may be in breach and you should refer to the BDC
• It is fine to take part in a film or on stage as long as you comply with BDC Rule 12
• This is about demonstrations and is repeated in EADA Rule 27. You may not advertise yourself as available for demonstrations. For more detailed information on this please read this page
  If you are doing a demo - make sure you do the following:
  • Make sure you ask EADA for permission before you do it: dems@eada.org.uk
  • Pay the money (minus your expenses) to us - this keeps it a grant and should stop the Tax Man being after you
  • EADA will put 10% in the Trust fund under your name. If you are travelling to an IDSF event then you can claim it back. It may be possible to claim the money for other dance related expenses - contact us for advice. You will get back more than you put in and the rate is better than any bank account.
  • Make sure you only do a "demonstration" no teaching is allowed
  • Make sure any advertising by the professional booking includes the word "Amateur"
• You can take part in an Amateur Dramatic or Operatic Society stage show
• You can vote in a competition judged by ballot or popular vote – so its OK to text Strictly Come Dancing
• If you pass an elementary or higher exam in some branch other than Ballroom as part of your education does not infringe upon your amateur status unless you teach any kind of dance.

For all you budding John Travolta there is
Rule 12 – “Amateurs on Film, Television and Stage”

The good news is that this is ok and pay participates in productions for film, television and the stage provided you obtain permission before hand. You are also allowed to appear as part as a crowd scene. You can receive reasonable expenses for your appearances. Send your email for your permission to dems@eada.org.uk