Official Rules & Competition Policy – Unlock the Borough

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This event is a skill-based competition where talent, technique, and performance are the key deciding factors. All participants must use caution and common sense during the competition to ensure their safety and the safety of others. Respect and sportsmanship are expected at all times to maintain a positive and inclusive competitive environment. Any misconduct may result in immediate disqualification. The competition is conducted as a series of in-person battles, where dancers go head-to-head in single-elimination rounds. Anyone who feels unwell, has a temperature of 100.4°F or higher, or has been in contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 should refrain from attending. Participants are required to follow all health and safety protocols, including local regulations and CDC guidelines, to minimize any risks. Face masks and social distancing may be required depending on current health advisories.

All participants and spectators must adhere to competition guidelines, including appropriate conduct, venue safety protocols, and intellectual property restrictions. Dancers must not use any third-party trademarks, logos, or promotional material in their performance attire, music, or choreography unless explicitly permitted by the event organizers. Any violation of these rules may result in disqualification. The competition is open to legal residents of the United States who are at least 16 years old at the time of entry and have completed all registration requirements. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Individuals affiliated with event sponsors, staff, or affiliates are not eligible to participate. This event is subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws. The event organizers are not responsible for lost, late, or misdirected entries. By entering the competition, participants agree to abide by the official rules, as well as the event’s privacy policy. If a competitor is a minor, their legal guardian must complete all necessary documentation on their behalf. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in disqualification.

2. ELIGIBILITY
The competition is open to legal residents of the United States who are at least 16 years of age on the date of entry. Minors under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian present or provide a signed and notarized waiver. Employees, directors, officers, and immediate family members of the event sponsors or affiliates are not eligible to compete.

3. REGISTRATION
Competitors must complete registration and payment before the event date. Registration is first-come, first-served, and will close once 50 -100 competitors have signed up. No refunds will be issued once registered. All competitors must check in at least 30 minutes before their scheduled battle time.

4. COMPETITION FORMAT
The competition consists of head-to-head dance battles in a single-elimination format determined through a random bracket system. Each battle consists of two rounds, with the final battle consisting of two or three rounds. Dancers will perform to randomly selected music. Judges will score competitors based on rhythm, musicality, movement, technique, creativity, expression, and charisma. The competitor with the highest score in the final round is crowned the "Grand Key Champion."

5. JUDGING CRITERIA
Competitors will be judged on the following equally weighted criteria:

• Rhythm & Musicality – Ability to stay on beat and interpret music.
• Movement & Technicality – Execution of technique and physical control.
• Creativity & Storytelling – Unique movements and expressive storytelling.
• Expression & Charisma – Stage presence, confidence, and crowd engagement.

6. SAFETY & CODE OF CONDUCT
Competitors must show respect for other dancers, judges, and event staff. Any aggressive, violent, or unsportsmanlike conduct will result in immediate disqualification. Dancers must not engage in dangerous moves that could cause injury. Any competitor feeling unwell or exhibiting symptoms of illness should stay home.

All competitors and attendees must adhere to venue safety guidelines, including emergency evacuation procedures. Medical personnel will be available on-site in case of injury or health emergencies. Participants must wear proper footwear and attire to minimize the risk of injury. Any competitor found under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be disqualified immediately.

7. LIABILITY & CONSENT
By entering, competitors acknowledge they participate at their own risk. The event organizers are not liable for injuries, lost property, or other damages. Competitors grant event organizers the right to use their name, image, and performance footage for promotional purposes without additional compensation.

The event venue and organizers are not responsible for lost or stolen items; competitors should secure personal belongings. Competitors assume all risks associated with participation, including but not limited to physical injury, loss, or damages. Competitors waive any legal claims against event organizers, sponsors, judges, staff, and affiliates arising from participation in the competition. Additionally, by participating, competitors agree to abide by all event safety protocols, venue policies, and any local, state, or federal laws applicable to the event. The event organizers reserve the right to remove any participant or spectator who poses a safety risk, disrupts the event, or fails to comply with established rules.

Competitors acknowledge that participation in a live event carries inherent risks, including but not limited to accidental injury, physical exertion, and unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of event organizers. It is the responsibility of each competitor to ensure they are in good physical health and capable of performing safely.

8. ENTRIES & REPRESENTATIONS
All competitors are responsible for ensuring that their dance performance (each, an "Entry") abides by all laws, regulations, and ordinances. Entries must not endanger or harm any person, including the competitor, nor should they involve any destruction of property. Competitors must maintain the highest level of professionalism in their performance.

Entries must meet the following criteria:

• Must not infringe on copyrights, trademarks, or rights of privacy or publicity.
• If any individual under 18 is featured, a signed parental/legal guardian waiver is required.
• Must not contain unauthorized branding, logos, or promotional content.
• Must be suitable for public viewing and free from obscene, defamatory, or illegal content.
• Any entry that violates these terms may result in immediate disqualification.

By submitting an entry, competitors grant event organizers a worldwide, perpetual, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, modify, and distribute their performance footage for promotional purposes.

9. PRIZES
The Grand Key Champion will receive a title, trophy, and cash prize (amount TBD). Additional prizes may be awarded at the discretion of the event organizers. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours of notification after the competition, they forfeit their prize, and the runner-up may be awarded the title and prize at the discretion of the event organizers.

10. RULE MODIFICATIONS & DISQUALIFICATION
Event organizers reserve the right to modify rules as needed. Any attempt to manipulate competition outcomes, violate rules, or exhibit inappropriate behavior will result in disqualification. Decisions of judges and event organizers are final.

11. IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The event is subject to cancellation or rescheduling due to unforeseen circumstances. Spectators may be allowed, but space is limited and subject to venue restrictions. No outside food or beverages are permitted inside the competition venue. Photography and video recording by attendees must not interfere with performances. The event will proceed rain or shine unless otherwise notified by organizers.

12. PUBLICITY & MARKETING
By submitting an entry and participating in the competition, competitors grant the event organizers permission to use their name, likeness, image, voice, and other identifiable attributes for promotional purposes. This includes, but is not limited to, advertising, social media, press releases, and event-related materials, in any medium, without additional compensation or approval, unless prohibited by law. Competitors acknowledge that providing contact information as part of their entry registration constitutes consent for event organizers to use this information for event administration and marketing purposes. This may include communication about future competitions, promotions, or opportunities.

Participants may opt-out of marketing communications at any time by following the unsubscribe instructions provided in promotional emails or by contacting the event organizers directly. The personal information collected will be handled in accordance with the event's privacy policy.

13. WINNER NOTIFICATION & PRIZE CLAIM
Winners will be announced at the conclusion of the event. Each winner must respond to the notification within forty-eight (48) hours of the initial contact attempt. Failure to do so will result in forfeiture of the prize, and an alternate winner may be selected at the discretion of the event organizers. To claim a prize, winners may be required to complete and return certain legal documents, including an Affidavit of Eligibility, Liability Release, and Publicity Release. Some documents may require notarization or submission of a social security number. All required forms must be submitted within five (5) days from the date indicated on the provided documents.

If the winner is a minor, their parent or legal guardian must complete and submit the necessary paperwork on their behalf. Event organizers reserve the right to request official identification, such as a valid photo ID, before awarding any prize.

If a winner cannot be reached, does not comply with the prize claim process, or is found to be ineligible, the event organizers may select an alternate winner from the remaining eligible competitors. In the event of an administrative or printing error that results in more prizes being claimed than available, a random drawing will determine the rightful recipient(s). Under no circumstances will more prizes be awarded than those outlined in the official rules.

14. OTHER TERMS
All decisions made by the event organizers regarding the competition are final and binding. The organizers reserve the right to cancel or modify the event at any time for any reason, including but not limited to fraud, technical failures, or any situation that compromises the fairness or integrity of the competition.

Any participant suspected of fraud, tampering, or violating the competition rules may be disqualified at the discretion of the event organizers. In cases of misconduct, cheating, or interference with the event’s administration, event organizers have the right to take appropriate legal action.

WARNING: Any attempt to deliberately sabotage or disrupt the competition, whether through technical means or other forms of misconduct, may be a violation of both criminal and civil laws. The event organizers reserve the right to pursue legal action and seek damages from any individual found engaging in such behavior to the fullest extent permitted by law.

In the final round of the competition, the winner will be decided using a combination of judge scores and crowd participation. The judges’ evaluation will account for 60% of the final score, while the crowd’s response will make up the remaining 40%. Crowd input may be measured through cheering, applause, or other methods determined by the event host. Judges’ decisions are final and cannot be contested. For all other rounds leading up to the final, judges will make the final call based solely on their scoring criteria.

16. Music Selection Process

All music played during the battles will be selected by the event’s official DJ and kept secret until the moment it is played. This ensures that dancers are truly freestyling and not performing pre-choreographed routines. The music genres may range from hip-hop, house, funk, and afrobeat to pop and experimental beats. No personal playlists, song requests, or pre-submitted tracks will be accepted. Dancers are expected to adapt on the spot, demonstrating their musicality and versatility.

17. Code of Inclusion & Non-Discrimination

Unlock the Borough and the Maliek Community Arts Foundation are committed to creating a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive space for all participants and attendees. Discrimination or harassment based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, ability, or identity is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate removal from the event. Our community thrives on diversity and mutual respect, and we expect all participants to uphold these values throughout the competition.

18. Merchandise & Vendor Disclaimer

During the event, there may be vendors selling merchandise, food, drinks, or other items. These vendors operate independently from the Maliek Community Arts Foundation. MCAF is not responsible for the quality, pricing, or policies related to third-party vendors, including returns or exchanges. Participants and attendees are encouraged to support vendors at their own discretion and are responsible for any transactions made.

We encourage all participants and attendees to help spread the excitement of Unlock the Borough by sharing their experience on social media. Use the official hashtags to join the conversation and showcase your photos and videos from the event:

• #UnlockTheBorough
• #ComeTakeTheKeys
• #MCAF

Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram: @MaliekCommunityArtsFoundation. You may be featured in event recaps, photo galleries, or highlight reels.

For any questions about registration, competition details, or event policies, please contact us at:

• Email: Nasir@maliek.org
• Website: www.maliek.org

We’re here to support you every step of the way and ensure a smooth and inspiring experience for all involved.