pole movements rules for 2026
This is an open working document, subject to change.
Please note that not all specific moves are listed as this is a guide of the movement levels for each division.
It will generally also include variations of movements.
Please seek clarification/guidance from us if you are unsure
as performing moves banned in the division will be penalised with a points loss.
Please note that not all specific moves are listed as this is a guide of the movement levels for each division.
It will generally also include variations of movements.
Please seek clarification/guidance from us if you are unsure
as performing moves banned in the division will be penalised with a points loss.
Artist, Advanced and Masters Movements not allowed: Any trick considered “elite”. No extreme acro/flex.
Somersault style flips on or off the pole (IE saults, full flips off pole. EXCLUDED- Shoulder mount, Butterfly flip, Sweeper pop and Ragdoll pop over style flips allowed)
Extreme flex - Rainbow Marchenko, Spatchcock, Eagle & Inverted Eagle
Shoulder pops (up the pole. Hand over hand downwards OK)
Phoenix
Bird of Paradise
Fonji and Kamikaze
Satellite
Bui bend/Moony
Choker jade
Back elbow grip Iguana/Daryl Hannah without supporting hand
Intermediate movements not allowed: Any trick considered “advanced”/extreme flex
3 points of contact must be maintained at all times while inverted with the exception of a layback. There are some inverted movements that have more than 3 points of contact but are still not allowed so please check if unsure.
Ayesha & Handsprings – Butterfly and variations allowed
Knee grip without point of contact assist (IE One hand must remain in moves like ‘Marley’, ‘Jeanie’ and ‘Jasmine’ and ‘Trapeze’)
Drops and tumbles, Flips (basic slides OK. IE- NO Holly, Jade, Martini drop. Lowering down into movement ok, but no dynamic drops/tumbles with the exception of a “bomb drop”)
Suspended walks (while rising or lowering. IE-Shoulder mounting or staircase spin)
Elbow grips while inverted and inverted elbow tricks (This includes elbow with the use of bicep/forearm as well. Upright movements allowed with 2nd point of contact assist; IE vortex. Double embrace and unicorn allowed)
Suicide spins
Gargoyle, Super passe
Russian layback. Remi layback (Remi seat OK)
Caterpillar inverted climbing, Pantera climb
Parallel handstands using one arm (pole rest/twist allowed with both hands on floor – point of contact must rest against the pole at all times except entry and exit, must not perform walkovers)
Pole cartwheels (parallel to pole OR shoulder mount)
Chest Press (shoulder mounted)
Yogini, Reverse pit grips
Iron X and advanced strength; Press ups, Levers, Deadlifts, Hunter press, Flag lifts. (any holds must be 3 seconds or less)
Tulip, Bow and Arrow, Archer
Russian split
Tabletops, Back hold/support when inverted (planches, dragon tail etc)
Marion Amber/Trapped split
Broken doll/Jallegra style movements
Inverted hand near face/back of the neck grips (IE Football grip and Pegasus style grips)
Machine gun, Janiero
Cocoon
Unassisted hold cupid (Hand must remain on pole or leg)
Stomach grip without hand assist/Hiplock roll to Jade
Shoulder pops (Downwards, hand over hand)
Flag hold to brass position pressup
Brass bridge
Choker split
Iguana/Daryl Hannah in any variation
Twisted sister
Beginner- movements not allowed: Any trick considered “intermediate”
One hand must remain on the pole during moves with the exception of crucifix hold and twisted seat
Hips must remain level or below shoulders. No extreme acro/flex.
Ragdoll spin, Sunwheel spins, Ankle hold side spin, Flares
Superman
Hood ornament with pit grip (one hand must remain)
Elbow spins and upright elbow use (IE Martini, Elbow grip side spin)
Pit grips and Teddy holds
Handstands (Headstands allowed)
Stomach grips/Hip grips without both hand support
Reiko split, Banana split, Vertical split on pole
Chopstix
Flag arm hold variations (pit tuck with hand and down grip only. No full side extension or side straddle. Front straddle and side passe OK)
Hip lock/Bomb drops
Stargazer (with release of hand)
Thread throughs of any type
Somersault style flips on or off the pole (IE saults, full flips off pole. EXCLUDED- Shoulder mount, Butterfly flip, Sweeper pop and Ragdoll pop over style flips allowed)
Extreme flex - Rainbow Marchenko, Spatchcock, Eagle & Inverted Eagle
Shoulder pops (up the pole. Hand over hand downwards OK)
Phoenix
Bird of Paradise
Fonji and Kamikaze
Satellite
Bui bend/Moony
Choker jade
Back elbow grip Iguana/Daryl Hannah without supporting hand
Intermediate movements not allowed: Any trick considered “advanced”/extreme flex
3 points of contact must be maintained at all times while inverted with the exception of a layback. There are some inverted movements that have more than 3 points of contact but are still not allowed so please check if unsure.
Ayesha & Handsprings – Butterfly and variations allowed
Knee grip without point of contact assist (IE One hand must remain in moves like ‘Marley’, ‘Jeanie’ and ‘Jasmine’ and ‘Trapeze’)
Drops and tumbles, Flips (basic slides OK. IE- NO Holly, Jade, Martini drop. Lowering down into movement ok, but no dynamic drops/tumbles with the exception of a “bomb drop”)
Suspended walks (while rising or lowering. IE-Shoulder mounting or staircase spin)
Elbow grips while inverted and inverted elbow tricks (This includes elbow with the use of bicep/forearm as well. Upright movements allowed with 2nd point of contact assist; IE vortex. Double embrace and unicorn allowed)
Suicide spins
Gargoyle, Super passe
Russian layback. Remi layback (Remi seat OK)
Caterpillar inverted climbing, Pantera climb
Parallel handstands using one arm (pole rest/twist allowed with both hands on floor – point of contact must rest against the pole at all times except entry and exit, must not perform walkovers)
Pole cartwheels (parallel to pole OR shoulder mount)
Chest Press (shoulder mounted)
Yogini, Reverse pit grips
Iron X and advanced strength; Press ups, Levers, Deadlifts, Hunter press, Flag lifts. (any holds must be 3 seconds or less)
Tulip, Bow and Arrow, Archer
Russian split
Tabletops, Back hold/support when inverted (planches, dragon tail etc)
Marion Amber/Trapped split
Broken doll/Jallegra style movements
Inverted hand near face/back of the neck grips (IE Football grip and Pegasus style grips)
Machine gun, Janiero
Cocoon
Unassisted hold cupid (Hand must remain on pole or leg)
Stomach grip without hand assist/Hiplock roll to Jade
Shoulder pops (Downwards, hand over hand)
Flag hold to brass position pressup
Brass bridge
Choker split
Iguana/Daryl Hannah in any variation
Twisted sister
Beginner- movements not allowed: Any trick considered “intermediate”
One hand must remain on the pole during moves with the exception of crucifix hold and twisted seat
Hips must remain level or below shoulders. No extreme acro/flex.
Ragdoll spin, Sunwheel spins, Ankle hold side spin, Flares
Superman
Hood ornament with pit grip (one hand must remain)
Elbow spins and upright elbow use (IE Martini, Elbow grip side spin)
Pit grips and Teddy holds
Handstands (Headstands allowed)
Stomach grips/Hip grips without both hand support
Reiko split, Banana split, Vertical split on pole
Chopstix
Flag arm hold variations (pit tuck with hand and down grip only. No full side extension or side straddle. Front straddle and side passe OK)
Hip lock/Bomb drops
Stargazer (with release of hand)
Thread throughs of any type
