What are the deductions in para dance sport?
A · Advanced · Dancing and judging · 2 of 3In the final the adjudicators vote on deductions, with the chairperson deciding a split. In conventional events a fall costs 1 point, breaking off 2, a gap in the hold 1, a foot start or stop of the chair 3 and dancing against the line 2. In freestyle, dancing out of the chair costs 5 and a prop 3.
How it works
- Who: adjudicators, by majority.
- Split: chairperson decides.
- Fall: 1 point.
- Breaking off: 2.
- Foot on the chair: 3.
- Against the line: 2.
- Out of the chair (freestyle): 5.
- Over time (freestyle): 2.
The glossary has the deductions, the conventional deductions, the freestyle deductions, the disqualification, the lowest judging and the moving the wheelchair with the feet.
Tricky cases
A couple repeats a dangerous move after a warning. Result?
Disqualification.
A couple fails to show without notice. Result?
Disqualified and barred from the next recognised competition.
Each lift after the third in freestyle?
1 point each.
Who applies deductions?
The chairperson of adjudicators.
Why the rule exists
Set deductions make penalties the same for every couple, not left to each judge.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional | Foot push 3 | R 4.4.1 |
| Freestyle | Out of chair 5 | R 4.4.2 |
| Repeat | DSQ | R 4.2.4 |
From the rule book
World Para Dance Sport, 2026 Rules and Regulations, articles 4.1.11, 4.2.4 and 4.4. Checked 15 October 2026. Official documents: WPDS 2026 Rules and Regulations and the classification pages.