The top three prize-winners in each championship, and Premierships under 6 and 6-8 will be invited to take part in these "step down the line" format competitions. There will be one overall winner in each competition. Those taking part will perform a light dance step (reel or slip jig) and a heavy dance step (jig or hornpipe). Under 6 and under 8 competitors in the dance-off competition may dance two light dance steps (reel or slipjig and light jig) if they wish. All six adjudicators will judge these competitions. Each adjudicator will choose one competitor and the competitor with the most votes will be deemed the winner. In the event of a tie, each judge will disclose their second place dancer and so on until a clear winner emerges. There will not be any conferring by the adjudicators. The awards will comprise a pair of Plates called the Junior City of Dublin Plate and the Senior City of Dublin Plate, respectively.


The Junior dance-off will incorporate all ages up to and including under 14. The Senior will incorporate all ages over 14.


Competitors in the Dance-Off events must wear all black outfits. Regular costumes will not be permitted. The simpler the black outfit the better! This also applies to the male competitors.