What happens when a breaker falls or messes up a move?
I · Intermediate · Judging and penalties · 6 of 8The judges press a crash button, once, twice or three times by how bad it was. A slip takes 2.50 per cent off that breaker's evaluation with each judge who sees it, and a crash takes 5 per cent. A wipe-out means the set is discounted, so the round is lost unless the opponent wipes out as well.
How it works
- What it covers: "Non-intentional/accidental movement", in three degrees.
- Slip: a minor error that lowers the quality of a move but does not stop the breaker carrying on. One press: 2.50 per cent.
- Crash: a moderate error with "a significant stumble, loss of balance" or other marked loss of control. Two presses: 5.00 per cent.
- Wipe-out: a severe error where the breaker "completely fails to execute his or her intended movement" and the set is visibly interrupted. Three presses.
- After a wipe-out: that set is discounted. The breaker can win the round only if the opponent crashes as badly or worse.
- All domains: the crash button moves all six faders at once.
- Each judge decides: the button records one judge's own assessment. The deduction applies with "each Judge who sees" it.
- Keep judging: a judge must go on evaluating both performances after a wipe-out.
- Mistakes by the judge: an undo button takes back the last step.
Tricky cases
Does one slip lose the round?
No. A slip is a deduction of 2.50 per cent with the judges who saw it. The round is still decided by comparing both sets.
Both breakers wipe out in the same round. Who wins?
It depends on the rest of their sets. When both wipe out, the two sets "can be compared as usual".
A breaker falls on purpose as part of the set. Is that a crash?
No. The crash penalty is for unintended movement. The judges decide what was intended.
Does a crash in round one carry into round two?
No. Each round is voted on separately.
Why the rule exists
Breaking rewards risk, and risk means falls. Three grades let a judge tell a hand that slid from a move that collapsed. Tying the penalty to every area at once reflects what a fall does: it breaks the technique, the flow of the performance and the impression of control together.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| WDSF manual, version 4 | Slip 2.50 per cent, crash 5.00 per cent, wipe-out | BRRM 4.5.1; BRRM 4.5.3; BRRM 4.6.4 |
| The table of buttons | Calls three presses "elimination" | BRRM 4.5.1 |
| Later versions | Not read | Not checked |
From the rule book
World DanceSport Federation, Breaking Rules and Regulations Manual, version 4 (January 2023), sections 4.5.1, 4.5.3 and 4.6.4. Checked 14 October 2026. This version has been superseded; check the current manual. Official document: WDSF Breaking Rules and Regulations Manual (PDF).