A dancer who plans to compete must register with FUSTA at the regional level and obtain an SOBHD Worldwide registration card. This card indicates the competition level of the dancer: Primary, Beginner, Novice, Intermediate, or Premier. In the Beginner and Novice categories, a competition win of at least one 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place medal entitles the dancer to receive a stamp on their registration card. When a dancer has six stamps, or has been in the category for six months (whichever is longer), she/he progresses to the next level.
Intermediate dancers remain in the category for one calendar year from the date of the first intermediate competition entered, whether they compete at it or not. After that time period is up, regardless of how many wins, the dancer moves into the highest and most prestigious category, Premier, where they will remain the rest of their dancing career. All dancers are required to re-register every year. Primary dancers do not get their cards stamped until they turn seven years old and enter the Beginner category.
Dancers must present their registration cards at each competition in order to receive their awards. This registration scheme is a very effective way of keeping track of the dancer's progress, and ensures that every dancer has the opportunity to compete with others of comparable ability throughout the world.
Information sited from
FUSTA