Youth Competition Rules

  1. Registration will close 30 minutes before Grand Entry on Friday July 10, 2026.
    No points are being taken at Grand Entry’s.
  2. Each category must have three contestants to compete. The Head Judge does
    have the jurisdiction to combine categories.
  3. Youth Competition will take place at the Kids Powwow and on Southern and
    Northern nights.
  4. Contestants may enter one Northern and one Southern Style contest.
  5. Contestants must have full dance regalia to compete along with the appropriate
    head gear. The contestants’ regalia must be suitable and appropriate for the
    division in which they compete.
  6. If any major part of a contestant’s regalia falls or is dropped during a dance
    contest, she or he will be disqualified voluntarily or by the Head Judge and Arena
    Director. Example, Dyed hackles or plumes are not considered a major part of
    the regalia. Neither is a single jingle cone. NPW Judges discretion.
  7. The contestant’s number issued by the registrar must always be visible on their
    regalia during their contest category.
  8. Monetary donations from spectators during the contest will disqualify the
    contestant for that session.
  9. NPW Head Judge will select 2 other judges for the competition.
  10. The Head Judge while working with the Arena Director may “split the dance floor”
    to allow two dance competitions to happen with the same song. For example,
    Men’s Grass and Northern Traditional would have a song and Men’s Grass would
    dance on the right side and Men’s Traditional would dance on the left side of the
    arbor.
  11. The NPW Head Judge along with the National Powwow Committee have final
    say. Questions should be directed to these individuals.
  12. By registering, you are giving NPW (nonprofit 501-c-3) permission to use your
    photo/image as part of our public relations material.
  13. Contestants suspected of consuming alcohol/drugs or displaying inappropriate
    behavior will be disqualified by the Committee, Contest Judges, Head Judge,
    MC, or Arena Director. We have a zero tolerance for discriminations in any form,
    verbal abuse of committee/volunteers/participants/fairgrounds staff, or any other
    unprofessional behavior.
  14. Subject to changes. Final competition rules will be made available at time of
    registration.