top of page

National Ranking System

UNITED STATES SALSA FEDERATION

PREMIER NATIONAL RANKING SYSTEM

​

1. Purpose of the National Ranking System

The USSalsa Premier National Ranking System establishes:

  • The official national pathway for U.S. salsa athletes.

  • The criteria for earning national ranking points.

  • The qualification requirements for the United States Salsa Championships.

  • The official national standings recognized by the World Salsa Federation (WSF).

This system is the exclusive national ranking structure for the United States.

 

2. Event Classification (Tier System)

All sanctioned competitions fall into one of three tiers:

Tier 1 — National Qualifiers (Highest Points)

WSF/USSalsa‑sanctioned major events. Examples:

  • United States Salsa Open

  • American Latin Dance Championships

  • Royal Latin Dance Cup (U.S. Divisions)

Tier 2 — Regional Championships

State or multi‑state championships sanctioned by USSalsa. Examples:

  • Florida State Salsa Championships

  • California Regional Latin Dance Cup

  • Northeast Salsa Championships

Tier 3 — Academy & Local Championships

Studio‑level or city‑level events sanctioned by USSalsa. Examples:

  • Local studio competitions

  • Academy invitationals

  • City championships

3. Official National Point Table

Tier 1 — National Qualifiers

  • 1st Place — 100 pts

  • 2nd Place — 80 pts

  • 3rd Place — 65 pts

  • Finalist — 50 pts

  • Semifinalist — 30 pts

  • Quarterfinalist — 15 pts

​

Tier 2 — Regional Championships

  • 1st Place — 60 pts

  • 2nd Place — 45 pts

  • 3rd Place — 35 pts

  • Finalist — 25 pts

  • Semifinalist — 15 pts

Tier 3 — Academy / Local Championships

  • 1st Place — 30 pts

  • 2nd Place — 20 pts

  • 3rd Place — 15 pts

  • Finalist — 10 pts

4. Bonus Points (Optional for Promoters)

USSalsa may authorize bonus points for special recognitions:

  • Best Technique — +5 pts

  • Best Timing — +5 pts

  • Best Costume — +3 pts

  • Best Lift Execution (Cabaret) — +5 pts

  • Audience Favorite — +3 pts

5. Official Competitive Categories

Each category maintains its own national ranking list:

  • Salsa On1

  • Salsa On2

  • Salsa Cabaret

  • Salsa Teams

  • Salsa Duos

  • Salsa Solos (Men / Women)

  • Pro‑Am

  • Youth / Junior / Adult / Senior

  • Masters (40+)

6. Athlete Eligibility

To earn points:

  • Athletes must compete in a USSalsa‑sanctioned event.

  • Athletes must be U.S. citizens or legal residents for national titles.

  • International athletes may earn points but are listed separately unless representing a U.S. academy.

7. Promoter Requirements

All sanctioned promoters must submit:

  • Full results

  • Category lists

  • Judge sheets

  • Participant rosters

  • Final placements

USSalsa verifies results and updates the national leaderboard.

​

8. National Leaderboard Publication

USSalsa publishes:

United States Salsa National Rankings

Updated monthly.

Each athlete listing includes:

  • Name

  • Academy

  • City / State

  • Category

  • Total Points

  • Events Competed

This becomes the official national standings recognized by WSF.

9. Qualification for the United States Salsa Championships

To qualify for Nationals:

  • Minimum 120 points

  • Participation in at least 2 sanctioned events

  • Participation in at least 1 Tier 1 event

  • Compliance with USSalsa athlete registration requirements

10. Governance & Authority

This ranking system is issued under:

World Salsa Federation (WSF) International Governing Body for Salsa Dance

and administered by:

United States Salsa Federation (USSalsa) Official National Governing Body for the United States

​

​

bottom of page