Manipulation In DanceSport

This second instalment of "Kampf gegen Manipulation" (Fight Against Manipulation) is also a translation of the author's original text. One passage has been omitted, however, as it makes reference to a case of alleged manipulation that is currently under investigation.

The third and final part will be published tomorrow.

Read the full text in German in dance!

Part II

Trainers who officiate as adjudicators have different options to manipulate a competition.

... (Omitted!)

Aside from outright favouring his or her own couples with marks, an adjudicator could also influence the results of opposing couples by denying them marks. Both methods could benefit the trainer and/or his/her colleagues.

Additionally, trainers are able to influence adjudicators whom they are particularly friendly with. One hand washes the other … One is still able to observe trainers looking to engage in conversation with adjudicators, who are officiating at the competition in question, and compromising them. If a trainer acts as an organiser of competitions, he or she can secure “friendly support” for his or her couples by composing the panels accordingly. 

An Approach to Solutions

The (Competition Manipulation) Task Force will have a stony path ahead of it – through the thicket of personal interests, dependencies and alliances that mark this “family of dancers.” But to ensure the ethics and the integrity of sporting competitions, effective measures are mandatory.

More stringent rules and stricter controls will need to be put in place. And more transparency is required. Those who get caught contravening rules and codes will have to be suspended from an involvement in the sport: either temporarily or for life.

In addition to investigating alleged incidents of manipulation, new solutions are also to be developed in order to prevent manipulation already at the core. The following could be considered:

Professional Adjudicators

There are deliberations in progress to work with a pool of professional adjudicators, who would be prohibited from working as trainers. Similar models are being used in gymnastics. However, this would imply that the adjudicators would need to be paid professionally so that their previous income as trainers could be compensated. But despite the financial independence, the human factors and things like “friendship services” would still be a threat.

Published on 28 November 2016