Pharoah Step Classic

the annual Pharoah Step Classic

The objective of the 13th Annual Pharaoh Step Classic is to create scholarships and funds for local high school step teams as well as to provide a positive social environment for the Greater Phoenix Valley and its communities. Stepping has roots in African traditions of dance and song, which have always been an important part of African American culture. The 13th Annual Pharaoh Step Classic aims at bringing this wonderful art form back to the community while supporting the future academic endeavors of the Phoenix youth.

Pharaoh Step Classic Official Rules

REGISTRATION

  • All teams participating must be registered in the PHARAOH STEP CLASSIC in order to compete for a prize. A team must submit both the completed registration form as well as pay the registration fee of $25.00 to be properly registered
  • If any registration documentation and/or registration fees are not submitted by the due date, Mu Eta Chapter may extend the deadline on a per case basis. In such a case, if the needed documentation/fees are not submitted on time; any and all prizes won or negotiated will be forfeited
  • All members of participating teams agree to sign an insurance waiver provided by Mu Eta Chapter stating they are participating in the PHARAOH STEP CLASSIC at their own risk
  • The PHARAOH STEP CLASSIC reserves the right to refuse entry to any team for any reason at any time. If the team has paid a registration fee, the fee shall be refunded

ELIGIBILITY

  • Any organized collegiate or high school step team from within the United States and United States territories

PERFORMANCE

  • Teams arriving after the show has begun will not participate in the PHARAOH STEP CLASSIC and will forfeit their registration fee
  • Rehearsals will be scheduled and open prior to the show. Any team arriving late to their scheduled rehearsal run the risk of forfeiting any on stage rehearsal
  • Any performance longer than fifteen (15) minutes in length will be subject to penalty. There will be an indication to the performing team when time has been exceeded
  • Performances that contain sexually explicit language, indecent or obscene costumes, excessive “crack steps” or consistent verbal attacks on any particular organizations or group of organizations will be subject to penalty
  • All special effects, props or other special equipment must be approved by a PHARAOH STEP CLASSIC Official prior to performing and is the sole responsibility of the performing team
  • Any accompanying music must be presented to a PHARAOH STEP CLASSIC Official at the check-in site with detailed instructions on cueing instructions. It is strongly recommended that all teams have a specified individual familiar with lighting and cueing instructions for backstage reference. All music must be on a standard audiocassette tape or CD

JUDGING

  • Each of the ASU NPHC organizations and one non NPHC organization will be asked to submit one (1) member from their respective graduate chapters to serve as a judge. Although the PHARAOH STEP CLASSIC will make every attempt to ensure all judges are present, it is the responsibility of each organization to make sure their choice honors his / her commitment. There will be ten (10) judges total. Judges arriving late to the check in site may be replaced by a “non-Greek” chosen by a PHARAOH CLASSIC Official
  • Judging will be based on a point scale of one hundred (100) points and will be broken into the following categories (please note there is not mandatory theme):
    • Introduction (10)
    • Transitions (10)
    • Traditional Step (10)
    • Creativity (10)
    • Complexity (15)
    • Synchronization (15)
    • Enthusiasm (5)
    • Vocal Clarity (5)
    • Overall Performance (20)
  • The scores will be totaled, penalties subtracted (if applicable), and both the highest and lowest scores discarded. The sum of the remaining eight (8) scores less any time penalty will be team’s final score
  • All teams will be given their respective scoring sheets including the discarded scores at the end of the show
  • The judge’s sheets will be reviewed after each performance by a PHARAOH STEP CLASSIC Official to be certain each judging category is completed and signed. Corrections will not be allowed after the score sheet is initially turned in
  • Penalties will be assessed at five (5) points per violation for sexually explicit language and three (3) points for every thirty (30) seconds a team goes over 15 minutes. Fifteen (15) second intervals will be rounded up to the nearest thirty seconds. EX: A team going over by 12 seconds receives no penalty. A team going over by 21 seconds will receive a penalty. Likewise, a team going over 40 seconds receives one penalty, while a team going over 47 seconds will receive two penalties
  • Time penalties shall only be assessed by a PHARAOH STEP CLASSIC Official and will be subtracted from the team’s final score. All other penalties are subject to the judge’s discretion

AWARDS AND PRIZES

  • There are two categories of competition for prize money: 1st place Fraternity and 1st place Sorority
  • The highest team score will be awarded the 1st prize in each category
  • A tie for first between two (2) or more teams will result in the prize being equally split or the teams can agree to a step off. In the event of a step off each team will have fifteen (15) minutes to create a different routine than that already performed
  • If the first place team has paid its registration fee by check, the PHARAOH STEP CLASSIC reserves the right to deduct the registration fee from the awarded prize and return the check to that team
  • Prize money will be paid to the winning teams within three (3) business days after the show
  • All awards are final

OPERATIONS AND PRODUCTION

  • All performing members plus up to two (2) stage hands will be allowed backstage
  • All persons backstage must have a pass issued by the PHARAOH STEP CLASSIC
  • Performing teams will be allowed backstage two (2) acts prior to their performance and will be issued a dressing room at the time
  • Any damages to the venue occurring as a result of any team or its stage hands will be paid by the responsible parties. If a team that has caused any damages places first, the cost of damages will be deducted from that team’s award
  • Any team or team member found attempting to sneak people, alcohol, drugs or other contraband into the show will have their team forfeited from the competition