The Coimisiún was set up to preserve and promote Irish Dancing. The Coimisiún was slightly alarmed at some of the costumes dancers were starting to wear and a sub-committee was set up to produce rules in relation to the dress code acceptable in competition.

These rules have now been adopted in full by An Coimisiún and any infringement of these rules will result in the dancers being refused the right to compete.

It should be stressed however, that these rules refer solely to costumes worn in competitions and do not refer to, nor are they intended as a criticism in any way of less traditional forms of costume made popular by stage shows.

The rules in relation to costumes are as follows:

• Costumes must consist of a full front and back section i.e. cut away styles are not acceptable

• Materials must be of equivalent weight to that used in the more traditional costumes, e.g. dress velvet, trevira, gaberdine, wool-mix, etc.

• Skirt lengths - the minimum skirt length is not more than four inches above the knee level. It is hoped that the introduction of this rule will prevent excessively short skirt lengths

• Neck lines must be of collar bone level or above. This does not preclude the use of alternative fabrics, e.g. lace, as an insert

• Where chiffon or lace material is used as sleeves, the sleeves must start at the shoulder line and end at the cuff

• Appropriate underwear must be worn. Where tights are worn they must be of a denier of not less than 70

• Dance-drama costumes must be in keeping with the theme of the story portrayed and conform to the rules above for solo and team competitions particularly in the area of fabric, hem and neck-lines

The purpose of these rules is to ensure that public competitions are run in a manner designed to show Irish dancing to its best advantage and to ensure the rights of all those who compete are protected.