TABLE OF CONTENTS
Updated 11/9/2023 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS .................................................................................................................................................................. 2
Welcome Letter .......................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Registration Changes ................................................................................................................................................................. 5
Upgrades to your Park Hopper Tickets ...................................................................................................................................... 5
Travel Discounts ......................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Transportation to/from the Airport .......................................................................................................................................... 6
Hotel Information (Hotel Travel Package only) ........................................................................................................................ 6
Early Arrival (Hotel Travel Package only) .................................................................................................................................. 6
Luggage (Hotel Travel Package only) ......................................................................................................................................... 7
Registration with UDA in Orlando ............................................................................................................................................. 7
NDTC Championship Office Hours ............................................................................................................................................. 8
Official Championship Lanyards / Credentials .......................................................................................................................... 8
Order of Competition and Schedule of Events .......................................................................................................................... 8
Competition Venues................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Venue Maps ................................................................................................................................................................................ 9
Customer Service........................................................................................................................................................................ 9
ESPN Wide World of Sports ® Single Day Spectator Tickets ..................................................................................................... 9
ESPN Wide World of Sports ® Parking ....................................................................................................................................... 9
Meal Vouchers............................................................................................................................................................................ 9
ESPN Wide World of Sports ® Food Options ............................................................................................................................. 9
Private Buses ............................................................................................................................................................................ 10
Varsity Spirit Bus Transportation to Events (Hotel Travel Package Only) .............................................................................. 10
Band Equipment & Transportation ......................................................................................................................................... 10
Event Health and Safety Information ...................................................................................................................................... 10
Walt Disney World ® Theme Park Tickets ............................................................................................................................... 10
ESPN Wide World of Sports ® Access ...................................................................................................................................... 11
Friday Night Theme Park Extended Hours (Hotel Travel Package Only) ................................................................................ 11
Sunday Night Championship Celebration Party ...................................................................................................................... 11
Varsity Shop.............................................................................................................................................................................. 11
Sportsmanship .......................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Photography and Video Policy ................................................................................................................................................. 12
UEP Photography ..................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Championship Event Coverage ................................................................................................................................................ 12
COACHES ONLY ......................................................................................................................................................................... 13
Updated 11/9/2023 3
School Teams – USA Cheer Membership / Access to Warmup and Backstage Area ............................................................. 13
All Star Teams – USASF Roster Verification / Wristbands ...................................................................................................... 13
Pre-Ordered Meals (Resorts and ESPN Wide World of Sports) .............................................................................................. 13
Performance Areas ................................................................................................................................................................... 13
Inclement Weather .................................................................................................................................................................. 14
Communication during the Championship ............................................................................................................................. 14
Optional Open Practice ............................................................................................................................................................ 14
Arrival and Competition Flow .................................................................................................................................................. 15
Warmup and Stretching ........................................................................................................................................................... 15
Dressing Rooms and Personal Belongings ............................................................................................................................... 15
Divisions, Rules & Scoring ........................................................................................................................................................ 15
Preliminaries, Semi-Finals and Finals ...................................................................................................................................... 16
Order of Competition ............................................................................................................................................................... 16
Advancements and Results ...................................................................................................................................................... 16
Coaches Questions and Score Sheets ...................................................................................................................................... 17
Coaches Webinar...................................................................................................................................................................... 17
World School & Performance Cheer Championships ............................................................................................................. 17
Updated 11/9/2023 4
Welcome Letter
We are so excited to see you and your team in Orlando for the National Dance Team Championship! We can’t wait
to bring this championship experience to you and your team as safely as possible, while still capturing the Disney
magic you’ve come to know and expect from UDA.
This information guide contains VERY IMPORTANT information for you to go over with everyone traveling to
Orlando with you. We suggest giving a copy of this guide to every participant to share with their parents even if
they have been to the National Dance Team Championship in the past. There are some things that are “coming
soon” and when we have those, we will update this link.
Use the Table of Contents below to access information by clicking on the link. That link will take you directly to
that page and information.
If you have any questions or need anything, please contact your Registration Specialist or call us at 1-800-
DANCEUDA (326-2383).
Melanie Berry
Senior Vice President
Competitions & Special Events
Catherine Morris
Vice President
Competitions & Special Events
Updated 11/9/2023 5
Registration Changes
Any and all registration changes must be requested through the link on your MyVarsity account. Changes will be
processed in the order they are received. We cannot take change requests via email. Please contact your registration
specialist for questions only. Terms and Conditions for the event can be found HERE.
Schools/All Star Programs A-M: Lisa Holder [email protected]om
Upgrades to your Park Hopper Tickets
You may upgrade your Park Hopper tickets and add additional days to them. This MUST be done prior to paying in full.
You can request to upgrade your ticket by submitting a change request through your MyVarsity account.
Ticket Upgrade Pricing:
• For 3 Night and 4 Night Packages: $106 (3 Day to 4 Day), $141 (3 Day to 5 Day)
• For Commuters and 2 Night Packages: $47 (2 Day to 3 Day), $153 (2 Day to 4 Day), $188 (2 Day to 5 Day)
Travel Discounts
Varsity Spirit has partnered with several airlines and rental car companies to offer travel discounts to teams. See below for
more information.
Airline Discounts:
• American Airlines
o Booking Instructions
o Authorization Code: A9813DL
o The discount can be booked on-line at aa.com for AA/AE flights only, without a ticketing charge, allow at
least 1 business hour for AA.com loading. Use the Authorization Number noted above without the
preceding A as the AA.com Promotion Code. May not apply to some contracts.
• Delta Airlines
o When booking online at www.delta.com/meetings , select ‘Book Your Flight’ and enter your Meeting Code
NMVZP
• Southwest Airlines
o CLICK HERE to view Southwest booking information.
• United Airlines
o 2023 Event Booking Instructions
o To make flight reservations online, please use the discount code ZMCN360948
Rental Car Discounts:
• Avis: Click HERE to view Avis Booking information. If you are asked for AVIS proof of company association, CLICK
HERE for a document that can be shown to the desk agent.
Updated 11/9/2023 6
Transportation to/from the Airport
Transportation to and from the airport is not included in the Hotel Travel Package. It is about a 30-minute trip
from the Orlando Airport (MCO) to Disney.
If you are interested in booking transportation through Mears Connect, rates are below including a 10% discount.
ONE WAY:
• From Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Hotel:
o Adult = $16.00
o Child (Ages 3 – 9) = $13.00
• From Hotel to Orlando International Airport (MCO):
o Adult=$14.40
o Child (Ages 3 – 9): $11.70
ROUND TRIP:
• Adult = $30.40
• Child (Ages 3 – 9) = $24.70
If you would like to book transportation through Mears Connect, please click HERE. You can book transportation
through whoever you wish but wanted to offer Mears Connect as an option.
Hotel Information (Hotel Travel Package only)
For those staying on the hotel travel package, approximately three weeks before the Championship you will receive an
email with your hotel assignment.
The hotels we are using for this Championship are:
VALUE RESORTS:
Disney’s All Star Sports Resort Disney’s All Star Music Resort
1701 West Buena Vista Drive 1801 West Buena Vista Drive
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
MODERATE RESORT:
Coronado Springs Resort
1000 West Buena Vista Drive
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
When you arrive at the Walt Disney World Resort, you should be dropped off at the front desk of your assigned
hotel. Then ONE PERSON, the main contact on the room reservation, will check in and receive room keys for the
group. Once you receive your keys, you can take your luggage to your rooms and get settled in. Just a reminder
that hotel quiet hours are 11:00 pm until 7:00 am.
Early Arrival (Hotel Travel Package only)
It is very important that you know ahead of time that rooms are not guaranteed to be ready until after 4:00 pm. If
you arrive earlier, the hotel will gladly store your luggage so that you can go out and enjoy the day shopping at
Disney Springs, hanging out by the pool, or visiting a Theme Park, etc.
Updated 11/9/2023 7
Luggage (Hotel Travel Package only)
Be sure to label each bag with your team name and hotel for easy identification. It is also highly recommended
that you pack your competition uniform and any other necessary items in your carry-on bags in case your
checked luggage gets delayed.
Registration with UDA in Orlando
Coaches will receive an email about three weeks prior to the Championship with specific information about
registration onsite in Orlando and a link to sign up for a time to register on site with UDA. Here you will meet
with the Varsity staff to complete your registration for the event.
Coaches will need to bring to registration:
• signed copies of the release waivers for each athlete and coach
• printed copy of music provider/music licensing information
During Registration, Coaches will receive:
• Name tags and lanyards
• Coaches will receive ESPN Wide World of Sports credentials for all athletes and coaches on their
roster. See below under ESPN Wide World of Sports Access for more information.
• Celebration Party wristbands (for those on the hotel travel package)
• Friday night Extended Hours wristbands (for those on the hotel travel package)
• Any additional meal vouchers, Celebration Party tickets that were ordered outside of the standard
hotel package.
Friends and Family that are on the hotel travel package that registered separately from the team, will also
receive an email about three weeks prior to the Championship with a link to sign up for a registration time.
During registration you will receive:
• Name tags and lanyards
• Celebration Party wristbands
• Friday night Extended Hours wristbands
Friends and Family who ONLY purchased Theme Park tickets DO NOT need to register for a time. Their
ticket numbers are sent via email once they are paid in full so there is no need to check in with Varsity.
Friends and Family who purchased Celebration Party wristbands or meal vouchers do NOT need to sign up
for a registration time to pick those up in Orlando. You can just come to Celebrity Hall during Office Hours to
pick them up.
Registration days are listed below, and times will be announced about three weeks prior to the Championships.
Wednesday, January 31
Thursday, February 1
Friday, February 2
If you are delayed in your arrival and cannot make your check-in appointment time, please come to the
Championship office at your hotel during scheduled registration hours to reschedule your appointment.
Updated 11/9/2023 8
NDTC Championship Office Hours
During the Championship, the Championship office will be open for any questions or assistance you might need.
Championship Office locations are:
• Disney’s All Star Resorts: Celebrity Hall at Disney’s All Star Sport/Music
• Coronado Springs Resort: North Registration Desk in the Convention Center
The Championship office will be open Wednesday, January 31-Monday, February 5
th
. Exact hours will be announced in
your final information packet.
Official Championship Lanyards / Credentials
Each registered participant, coach, and any hotel travel package spectator will receive an official Championship lanyard at
registration. Coach and Participant lanyards MUST be worn to gain entrance in and out of Championship Venues including
practice areas. Hotel Travel Package attendees will have a different lanyard than Commuter Athletes and Coaches. The
hotel travel package lanyard will be your ticket to ride Championship buses to and from the venues and Celebration Party.
Order of Competition and Schedule of Events
The tentative order of competition will be released approximately one month prior to the Championship. You may view
the tentative NDTC Block schedule and Order of Competition below. Please note that the block schedule is tentative and subject
to change depending on registrations including what divisions are on what days. We suggest that teams stay through Monday
morning as the Championship will conclude Sunday night.
NDTC BLOCK SCHEDULE
NDTC ORDER OF COMPETITION (available approx. four weeks prior to the event)
Competition Venues
This year's competition will take place in four different venues:
• The AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World of Sports ® Complex
o East Quad and West Quad
• Athletic Center (formerly the Visa Center)
• The State Farm Field House (formerly HP Field House)
Admission into ESPN Wide World of Sports is included only for those on the NDTC hotel travel package , anyone
on the Commuter Package AND anyone purchasing Disney tickets from Varsity Spirit.
Priority Fan Viewing will be available in the State Farm Field House and the Athletic Center. See the maps below
for the line up areas and flow. There is no Priority Fan Viewing in the Arena.
Please click HERE for a few general Walt Disney World Property Rules that include ESPN Wide World of Sports.
Few additional reminders:
• There are also no wheelchair rentals at the Complex
• Confetti inside or outside the venues is not allowed
• No artificial noisemakers
• Alcoholic beverages may not be brought into ESPN Wide World of Sports ® Complex.
• Drones are not allowed
• Strollers/wagons can be used inside ESPN Wide World of Sports ® Complex but cannot be taken inside the
competition venues.
Updated 11/9/2023 9
Venue Maps
Click on each map below for more information about the layout and flow of each venue.
• Overall ESPN Wide World of Sports ® (Coming Soon!)
• AdventHealth Arena (Coming Soon!)
• Athletic Center (formerly the Visa Athletic Center) (Coming Soon!)
• State Farm Field House (formerly the HP Field House) (Coming Soon!)
Customer Service
There will be two Customer Service locations at ESPN Wide World of Sports. One will be in the Box Office outside of the
Advent Health Arena and the second will be right in front of the Stadium across from the State Farm Field House. These
locations will be able to answer general questions or assist you in getting to the correct location to ask those questions.
ESPN Wide World of Sports ® Single Day Spectator Tickets
Anyone not on the hotel travel package or who has not purchased Walt Disney World Theme Park tickets from Varsity who
needs to purchase tickets into ESPN Wide World of Sports ® can purchase them for $45 per day. Please pre-purchase these
online prior to arriving in Orlando. Once you purchase your ticket online, you will receive an email from ESPN Wide World
of Sports ® with your tickets. When you arrive at the Sports Complex, you will show your ticket barcode to enter. The
$45.00 admission per day will get you into all Championship venues. NEW THIS YEAR: Please keep in mind that the tickets
are date specific so only purchase the days you need.
Ticket link will be available approximately two weeks prior to the Championship.
PURCHASE SINGLE DAY TICKETS (Available approximately two weeks prior to the Championship)
ESPN Wide World of Sports ® Parking
There is free parking available at ESPN Wide World of Sports. There are two additional priority levels of parking
available for purchase. ESPN will have Platinum and Premium Parking available for purchase. This is first come,
first served, and has limited availability. Please click HERE to see the different areas.
Parking can be purchased from ESPN Wide World of Sports by clicking HERE. (Available about one month prior to
the Championship)
Meal Vouchers
Meal Vouchers are available for purchase at the Championships for $19 each. Each meal voucher is good for lunch or
dinner at select locations on property. They are not valid for breakfast. Click HERE for the list of locations where these can
be redeemed.
ESPN Wide World of Sports ® Food Options
While at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, there are several food options available. Field 20 (between the State
Farm Field House and the Athletic Center) will have several food trucks throughout the weekend. There are also food
options inside the State Farm Field House and the Athletic Center. There are also multiple concession stands in the
AdventHealth Arena and also inside the Stadium. About a week before the Championship, we will post the exact times and
which food locations will be open.
Updated 11/9/2023 10
Private Buses
If your team is bringing a chartered bus or renting a bus during your trip, for those staying on the hotel travel
package, please have them pick your team up in the parking lot closest to your hotel rooms. Disney will not allow
buses to pull into the front lobby areas and hold for any amount of time.
At the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, private chartered buses will be directed to load and unload in the
private bus parking lot.
Varsity Spirit Bus Transportation to Events (Hotel Travel Package Only)
For those on the hotel travel package, transportation to and from all Varsity events is included in your package. You must
wear your Blue Championship name tag to ride the championship buses. Your name tag and lanyard are your ticket to use
this special transportation. Commuters may not use Varsity buses to the Championships. CLICK HERE to view the Bus
Schedule.
Band Equipment & Transportation
If your band is attending NDTC and you have a trailer or equipment that needs to be dropped off or stored, please email
[email protected]om with your needs. Once we receive the request, we will get back with you on scheduling a drop off time
and location. Please make this request by January 19, 2024.
Event Health and Safety Information
Your health and safety is always our #1 priority. Before arriving to the championship, be sure to talk to your team’s Safety
Champion for updates. Each team must have a Safety Champion who is 18 years or older and who is not the coach. Each
Safety Champion must complete the Safety Champion training sent out before the event. If you have multiple teams, you
must have a different Safety Champion for each team. You should have listed your Safety Champion when you registered
for the Championship.
Walt Disney World ® Theme Park Tickets
Once you are paid in full, you will receive an email from Varsity Spirit with your theme park ticket number for each
person on your invoice. You will then need to complete the steps below to enter any Theme Park. If you have paid in
full and have not received your ticket number email, please contact your Registration Specialist. If you do not complete
the steps below, it could delay you and your team getting into a Theme Park. Please be sure to assign the person’s
name listed next to the ticket number to that person.
Ticket Linking and Park Reservations
• Download the MyDisney Experience app
• Create account (if you do not have one already)
• Link your theme park tickets
• Make a Theme Park Reservation
• Create a MagicMobile Pass to save to your wallet
As a reminder, we highly recommend that Guests make their theme park reservations as soon as they receive their ticket
confirmation, as park availability can change and is limited. CLICK HERE to view the Disney How-To Guide for ticket
linking!
IMPORTANT NOTE WHEN PURCHASING THEME PARK TICKETS: The reselling or the transferring of theme park tickets in
the state of Florida is a crime as described under Florida state laws; Florida Statutes s. 817.361 and Florida Statutes s.
817.36
If you have any issues or trouble linking your Walt Disney World tickets, please contact the Disney Guest Help Desk at
407-939-4357.
Updated 11/9/2023 11
ESPN Wide World of Sports ® Access
All Athletes and Coaches will receive a hard ticket to enter ESPN Wide World of Sports at registration. You will use
these to enter ESPN Wide World of Sports for Competition.
• Please have all athletes take a picture of the back of their credential. If this ticket is lost, the Box Office at ESPN
Wide World of Sports can replace it with this picture.
• Credentials that are lost and do not have picture can only be replaced at a Championship Office.
All Friends and Family on the hotel travel package or those who purchased theme park tickets from Varsity, will need to
link their theme park tickets as indicated above and connect to MagicMobile. They will then use MagicMobile to enter
ESPN Wide World of Sports and all Theme Parks. It is important that you link the ticket assigned to your name. A hard
ticket is not required for friends and family.
Friday Night Theme Park Extended Hours (Hotel Travel Package Only)
We are thrilled to be able to offer Friday Night Extended hours at Magic Kingdom ® for everyone on the UDA Hotel Travel
package only. It will be Friday, February 2 and exact hours will be announced closer to the Championship. Anyone on the
hotel travel package will receive a wristband at registration that they will need to wear to get into the extended hours.
To enter the park, you can do one of the following:
• Make Park Pass Reservations to that theme park
• Make Park Pass Reservations to one of the other theme parks; experience that park first, then park hop to the
extended hours park
For all scenarios, you will need an event wristband and it WILL utilize a day from your Theme Park Ticket whether you stay
all day or only an hour. You will receive this wristband at registration. We are not able to sell extra wristbands for this
event.
Sunday Night Championship Celebration Party
We are so excited to have our Celebration Party Sunday night at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. We will have DJ’s and select
food and beverage locations will be open as well. Times, exact rides and food and beverage locations will be announced
closer to the Championship.
Dress is casual. The cost of the Celebration Party is included in the three- and four-night hotel travel package and
wristbands will be given out at registration. You do not need a Park Reservation to attend this Party and it does not take a
day off your Theme Park ticket.
For those teams or family members who did not purchase the hotel travel package, admission into the Celebration Party is
$55.00. Extra tickets (wristbands) are limited and will be for sale by credit card only, no cash and only during the
registration times listed in this letter. Wristbands will NOT be sold the night of the party at the park.
TRANSPORTATION IS NOT PROVIDED FOR THOSE PURCHASING EXTRA TICKETS. Walt Disney World buses DO NOT shuttle
to the theme park this evening due to the park being closed to the public. Those purchasing extra wristbands must provide
their OWN TRANSPORTATION.
PLEASE NOTE: Each group of minors attending the Celebration Party must be accompanied by an adult chaperone (21
years or older) to be allowed into the Party. No liquids of any kind will be allowed in the park. Liquid medication should be
reported to the front gate Disney Cast Members.
Varsity Shop
The Varsity Shop will be set up with event merchandise at ESPN Wide World of Sports. The days and times the Varsity
Shop will be open will be announced about two weeks before the Championship. The Varsity Shop will be cashless.
Updated 11/9/2023 12
Sportsmanship
UDA encourages and supports sportsmanship, integrity and fairness among participants and coaches in all facets of dance
team including, but not limited to, team/squad practice and performance. We strive to uphold the highest standards and
promote this to the best of our abilities and believe that coaches are instrumental in promoting and instilling this among
their respective team members.
To ensure the most positive experience for all attendees, UDA asks that the following Code of Conduct be adhered to at
the National Championship:
1. Any questions or concerns that affect a team’s performance or experience must be communicated by the coach to
the Event Director. The appropriate Official will then be called to discuss the situation with the coach.
2. Participants, coaches, or spectators are prohibited from contacting the Judges during the competition.
3. Judges’ rulings are final related to deductions, final team placements and legalities.
4. Any unruly, aggressive, or belligerent behavior by participants, coaches or spectators toward any other attendee or
Event Staff will result in a deduction, potential team disqualification, removal from the event and/or barred
participation from future UDA Regionals and Championships.
5. Varsity Spirit reserves the right to remove any person from a competition for unsafe or unsportsmanlike conduct.
Photography and Video Policy
The safety and security of our participants is our top priority. If you or any members of your team suspect that anyone
is taking unauthorized photos or videos of our participants, please contact one of our Event Staff immediately. Team
photographers can request clearance to photograph their team only by completing this form no later than January 3,
2024.
All press requests must be vetted, and a contract must be signed one week before the event for clearance to be
considered. To inquire about a media request, please complete this media form. Thank you for your cooperation and
support.
UEP Photography
Universal Event Photography has your team covered! UEP is offering contactless pre-orders for their very popular
action photo digital files package. Get all the action photos from your routine for one price and share them with your
team! Your order will be delivered via an email link after the event. Bring home the best action photos of your team’s
performance with the quality you can trust, only with UEP!
Championship Event Coverage
You will find detailed information on the championship plus tips on how to make the most of your championship
experience at the Walt Disney World Resort on Channel 77 or Channel 60 in your room. Stay up to date with full
coverage of the championship including routine videos, results, behind the scenes features and more on Varsity
TV.
Be sure to join the 2024 Spectator BAND Group for important updates and information during the
competition weekend.
The NDTC Spectator BAND (coming soon)
Updated 11/9/2023 13
COACHES ONLY
School Teams – USA Cheer Membership / Access to Warmup and Backstage Area
This is just a reminder that ANY coach, choreographer, band directors, athletic trainer, administration, or any personnel
wishing to access the warmup area, backstage or coaches’ box must have a USA Cheer Coach, Dance, Professional or STUNT
Membership and must be registered with the event and have a lanyard. When coaches register on arrival day, each person
wanting access will have to be present and show a photo ID and proof of membership for each person from your school who
wants access to receive their wristband. Once your membership is complete, you can print your membership card, or save and
display it on your mobile device at the event. CLICK HERE to learn more and to complete the steps required before you arrive
in Orlando. There will be no exceptions to this requirement, so please complete it before arriving in Orlando.
All Star Teams – USASF Roster Verification / Wristbands
All Star Coaches and Gym Owners must be registered as a coach at NDTC. Any registered coach or gym owner wishing to
access the warmup area, backstage or coaches’ box must have a wristband. Please have all coaches who need to show
their USASF Coaches ID and Coaches Lanyard to get their wristband.
All Star Personnel - Any personnel or choreographer wishing to access the warmup area, backstage or coaches’ box must
have a wristband. Only TWO persons listed on the Personnel Roster per team will be permitted in the warm-up room.
Personnel do not have to be registered for the event but will need admission to the complex either with a park hopper or
single day admission. Please have all personnel come to roster verification to show their USASF ID to receive a
wristband.
The wristband must be worn for the duration of the event. Wristbands will not be shared or transferred for ANY REASON.
Transferring a wristband to another person that does not meet the warm-up room requirements will result in immediate
action for the person or persons involved and the program they represent. Such action may include, but is not limited to,
removal from the venue, disqualification of a team or multiple teams from the organization, and disciplinary action for the
program.
Pre-Ordered Meals (Resorts and ESPN Wide World of Sports)
Disney will be offering the option to pre-order meals at the resorts. It is highly suggested that if you are planning on eating
a team meal, that you pre-order them. If you are interested in pre-ordering, please click HERE (coming soon) to see the
menus and pricing. Meals must be ordered at least 5 days prior to when you would like them. Once you place your order,
you will receive a Banquet Event Order from Disney that will include information on your order and where to pick it up.
NEW THIS YEAR! ESPN Wide World of Sports will be offering pre-ordered meals. We hope to have more information
about that soon and will update here.
There will also be several food trucks, the ESPN Grill will be open and concessions stands in each venue. We will post in
the BAND group the concession stands and food trucks that will be open at ESPN Wide World of Sports as well as hours
closer to the event.
Performance Areas
The performance surface for all main floors will have 10 panels of marley floor, each panel approximately 5 feet 3.5 inches
wide, making the full floor approximately 53.5 x 53.5. All rehearsal areas will ONLY hold 8 panels of marley. All performers
(unless injured) must remain within the performance area throughout the entire routine. Dancers can only enter the
performance area through the designated entry at the beginning of the routine and exit at the designated exit at the end
of the routine. Athletes will not be penalized for leaving the performance surface but must stay within the performance
area throughout the duration of the routine.
Updated 11/9/2023 14
Inclement Weather
While we all love sunny Orlando, we know that it does sometimes rain or get chilly during the early part of the year.
Please be sure to check the local Orlando TV stations for weather the week leading up to the Championship. We suggest
being prepared for rain including umbrellas and ponchos as well as for cooler weather. Competition will continue to
happen and any changes in that will be communicated through the BAND groups and also in the Complex.
Communication during the Championship
Throughout the Championship weekend, we will be sending updates and announcements through the BAND app.
We suggest that each Coach and Assistant Coach join this group.
The NDTC Coaches BAND (coming soon)
Optional Open Practice
We will be offering open practice at ESPN Wide World of Sports in the Arena warm up rooms on Wednesday, January 31st
and Thursday, February 1st. Practice is first come, first served and availability is limited. Those teams on the Hotel Travel
package will be able to sign up first, followed by commuter teams a few days later.
We will send out an email on the days below with a link to sign up.
Travel Package Teams will be able to sign up on January 3, 2024
Commuter Package Teams will be able to sign up on January 5, 2024
All requests need to be made by January 8, 2024 by 4:00 pm Central time.
For those on the hotel travel package only, UDA will provide transportation from the event hotels to ESPN Wide World of
Sports. You must complete your registration with UDA prior to coming to Open Practice and must scan your athlete or
coach credential card to get into ESPN Wide World of Sports. You will need to wear your event lanyard to get on the bus.
The times will be listed on the bus schedule.
Teams will have 15 minutes on a warmup floor for each team performance they have. You will request a 2-hour time block
and then we will assign you within that time. The final schedule will come out around January 12
th
.
•
Open Practice will be at ESPN Wide World of Sports in the Arena warmup areas. The Complex will be closed so
please only go to the AdventHealth Arena.
•
Disney will be scanning tickets to get into Open Practice so please bring that with you.
•
Do not arrive at the Complex more than 20 minutes before your scheduled open practice time. When you
arrive, please go to the Arena and enter through the doors between the two staircases.
•
Once your rehearsal is done, please leave the complex within 30 minutes. The Complex will be closed so you
cannot stay to practice outside.
•
A head coach must be present with each team. All coaches must have their USA membership wristband to
gain access to the practice facility. Only the rostered team and coaches are allowed - Spectators will not be
allowed
•
Water will not be provided for teams. Please plan to bring a water bottle for each athlete.
•
Sound systems will be provided for music, but coaches will be responsible for having any adapters/dongles.
Updated 11/9/2023 15
Arrival and Competition Flow
We suggest you arrive no more than 45 minutes prior to your warm up time. When you arrive at ESPN Wide World of
Sports Complex, you will need to enter the gates using your athlete or coach credential card that you will get at check in
with UDA.
• If you would like to do any pre-warm up time, you can do that on Field 18 which is right behind the Athletic
Center.
• You will need to report to your warm up venue at the scheduled check in time.
• Once you check in, you will have your team picture made
• You will then have your warm up time on a marley floor
• Once your warm up is complete, you will report backstage (see maps in earlier section for flow) for
competition.
• The coach will then be directed to the music table where they will play the music.
• After your performance, the team and coach will meet backstage and watch a replay together of your teams
performance.
• You will then gather your bags and exit the venue.
• Please see the event schedule for times and locations of advancement announcements.
Warmup and Stretching
Field 18 is the designated stretching and warm up areas for the Championship. Please do not use any other area, including
the inside of the Baseball Stadium. You will have a designated warm up in the Competition Venue warm up room prior to
your performance as well. That time is listed on the Event Order of Competition.
Dressing Rooms and Personal Belongings
There are limited changing areas at ESPN Wide World of Sports. There are some areas in each of the competition venues.
• State Farm Field House: Restrooms for changing are located on the lower level in the hall behind the judges
platform.
• Athletic Center: There are a few small locker rooms for quick changes behind the Judges Platform.
• AdventHealth Arena: There are limited restrooms on the lower level as well as restrooms on the main concourse.
When changing in these areas, please utilize them as quick changing areas and please do not stay in the area for an
extended time. UDA accepts no responsibility for lost or stolen items. We recommend that each team designate someone
to keep an eye on its possessions. Please do not leave any of your bags unattended as they could be seen as unattended
bags and security could be called.
Divisions, Rules & Scoring
Please be sure that as you prepare for the Championship that you are familiar with the Divisions, Rules and Scoring. For
more information about this please CLICK HERE.
Updated 11/9/2023 16
Preliminaries, Semi-Finals and Finals
• UDA reserves the right to determine if a preliminary, semi-final, or final round will be necessary; this will be
determined by the following guidelines for Varsity teams ONLY:
o 0-30 teams - 2 rounds (Semis/Finals)
o 31-44 teams - 3 rounds (Prelims, Semis, Finals) 1 Semi-Final group
o 45 or more teams - 3 rounds (Prelims, Semis, Finals) A/B Semi-Finals and a C/D Semi-Finals
• From each round of competition, 50% of the teams in each round/group will advance.
• The top team in each preliminary will automatically advance to the finals in their respective division unless otherwise
listed below.
• Final rounds of competition will be confirmed two weeks prior to the championship; however, all advancements will
be based on the final number of teams that perform in each round/group. A minimum of 3 teams will advance to the
finals round of the competition.
• All divisions with only one round prior to the finals will be classified as a semi-final. In the event of a tie for the final
spot advancing, both teams that are tied will move on.
• If there is a tie for first in the preliminary round, both teams will automatically advance to the final round.
Tournament officials will have full authority to make the final determination of the number of teams selected to
advance to the next round.
Order of Competition
• Teams will be broken up into preliminary and/or semi-final groups based on the guidelines above.
• All groups will have teams seeded into them based on final rankings from the previous year. All teams who
advanced to finals will be seeded by their final placement and all teams who advanced to a semi-final round from a
preliminary will be seeded as a semi-finalist.
• Teams who are new to NDTC will be placed into a group randomly while keeping groups as even as possible with
total teams.
• Order of Competition is done by a random draw.
• Once the order of competition is released, changes will only be made for division changes or to fix a conflict.
• To submit a Order of Competition change request, please click HERE (coming soon).
Advancements and Results
• All advancements will be announced live in the Stadium at ESPN Wide World of Sports as well as be streamed on
Varsity TV. The draw for order of competition for the next round will take place live during these announcements.
• All awards will be LIVE and available to watch on Varsity TV.
• Awards times and location can be found on the Order of Competition.
• All teams will receive a participation banner during registration.
• Athletes will receive drawstring bags that will be handed out after your first performance.
• All teams in the final round of competition will receive a trophy. Teams who rank first, second, or third place will
also receive a bronze, silver, or gold medallion. National Champion teams will receive a White Jacket (School) or
Black Jacket (All Star)
• Please be aware that you may be interviewed and/or appear on television during an event. With that, appropriate
attire is always required, including during officially designated practice times, performance and awards ceremonies.
Updated 11/9/2023 17
Coaches Questions and Score Sheets
Deductions and Legality sheets will be emailed out about 15-20 minutes after the team’s performance. Score Sheets will
be emailed following the results being announced. If you have not received your score sheets 30 minutes after the results
are announced, please submit a score sheet resend request HERE (coming soon).
If coaches have any scoring questions, they can go to UDA Scoring Questions
• Step 1 - Complete a form.
• Step 2 – A response will be sent to quickly respond to your questions.
• Step 3 - A meeting will be scheduled if questions cannot be answered digitally.
• We will have someone to assist you throughout the weekend at the Scoring Review area located in the lower level
of the State Farm Field House on the exit side of the judges stand.
When you registered, it asked you to enter three coaches names to be displayed on the video wall. The three coaches
names listed are the contacts that score sheets will be sent to. Each contact must have an email associated to their
account. We will be emailing out for you to verify those names and emails in late December.
As always, our Event Staff is here to assist you, so if you need something, ask someone in a black Event Staff t-shirt. If they
cannot assist, they will find someone who can.
Coaches Webinar
Instead of having coaches meetings on site at the resorts, coaches will receive a video webinar approximately two weeks
prior to the Championship. This will allow you to prepare for your trip and to share information with all your coaches. Once
you arrive in Orlando, we will have a separate coaches’ registration and UDA representatives available for any questions
you may have.
World School & Performance Cheer Championships
The World School & Performance Cheerleading Championships (WSPC) is held in conjunction with the National Dance
Team Championship (NDTC) and will take place on Sunday of the Championship. All U.S. teams must follow all Rules and
Regulations of the NDTC. Teams who placed in the Top 10 from the 2023 NDTC in the Jazz, Pom, Hip Hop or High Kick
divisions are eligible to compete in the divisions offered. All Star teams are eligible to compete regardless of attendance or
placement in the 2023 NDTC. If you are eligible to compete at the 2024 WSPC, you are able to enter into any dance
category. Example: if you were a Jazz finalist in 2023 at NDTC, you can also enter into Hip Hop when registering for the
2024 WSPC.
Due to the size of the NDTC – Intermediate divisions and Game Day divisions will not be offered in the WSPC. Novice and
Prep will not be offered for All Star teams. The NDTC will attempt to ensure teams will not have overlapping performance /
warmup with WSPC. However, The NDTC cannot guarantee that a performance overlap will not occur during the final
schedule.
Teams must be registered participants of the National Dance Team Championship to be eligible. The cost to enter the
World School Performance Cheer Championship is $50 per dancer. If you are eligible and would like to add this event,
please contact your Registration Specialist.
