Pietro Braga

WDSF Adjudicator Congress in Sydney: Educational Milestone for Oceania

adjudicators congress sidney 2025

The World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) successfully held the WDSF AJS24 Methods of Judging and Assessment Course in Sydney, Australia, on 13–14 September 2025.

This marked the first in-person WDSF Adjudicator Congress in Sydney since 5–6 December 2018, making it a historic return to Oceania after nearly seven years. The congress reaffirmed WDSF’s commitment to raising standards of adjudication worldwide and played a pivotal role in advancing the professional development of adjudicators across the region.

The Sydney congress carried deep significance for DanceSport in Oceania. The previous in-person adjudicator congress in 2018 had already laid the groundwork for stronger education and professional alignment in the region. The 2025 edition built on that foundation, introducing the AJS24 – Absolute Judgement System, which represented the latest step in modernising adjudication methods in both Standard and Latin disciplines.

Over two days, participants engaged in a rich timetable of lectures, updates, and examinations:

  • Technical Qualities, Partnering Skills, Movement to Music, and Choreography & Presentation were analysed in depth by Karina Rubio and Pietro Braga.
  • Sports Updates were presented by Sergey Nifontov.
  • Features and Improvements of AJS24 and the Introduction to Absolute Judgement were delivered by Dallas Williams.

The program provided a balanced mix of education and evaluation, equipping adjudicators with the tools needed to apply global judging standards with fairness and accuracy.

Reflecting on the success of the event, WDSF President Shawn Tay stated:

“The Sydney congress was a landmark occasion not only for Oceania but for the entire DanceSport community. It demonstrated the unity of our global family and our collective dedication to raising judging standards to the highest level. This return to Sydney underlined how far we have come and how much more we can achieve together.”

Shawn Tay, who also chairs the WDSF Academy, added:

“The AJS24 system represents a breakthrough in the consistency, transparency, and fairness of adjudication. It was inspiring to see adjudicators in Sydney embracing this evolution with professionalism and enthusiasm. The congress highlighted the importance of continuous education in ensuring that our sport thrives in every corner of the world.” The WDSF extended its heartfelt thanks to DanceSport Australia, whose dedication and partnership were instrumental in making the Sydney congress a success. Special appreciation was conveyed to Madeleine Zoanetti, President of DanceSport Australia, and Dallas Williams , CEO of DanceSport Australia, for their tireless efforts in ensuring the smooth organisation and delivery of the event.

The Sydney congress left a lasting legacy by providing adjudicators with advanced training, valuable insights, and examinations aligned with the latest WDSF standards. More than a professional development event, it was a milestone in the continuing growth of DanceSport in Oceania, reinforcing the region’s integral role in the global DanceSport movement.

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congress australia adjudicators Shawn Tay Sergey Nifontov sidney WDSF Academy Karina Rubio Pietro Braga
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