PSO 2026/27 Rule Changes: Everything You Need to Know
Pole Sport Organization has announced a series of important updates to their rules that go into effect September 1st. Changes for the new season span four key areas: refined judging criteria designed to bring greater clarity and consistency to scoring, updated process changes that streamline how competitions are run, revised level rules to ensure fair and appropriate competition tiers, and new Ethical Guidelines introducing a formal commitment to Responsible Artistry. Together, these updates reflect the organization’s ongoing effort to support fair, transparent, and meaningful competition for every participant. Read on for a full breakdown of what’s changing and what it means for competitors.
Judging Criteria
Clarity of Concept has been updated for Sensual and After Dark categories. This scoring element is being renamed to Sensual Energy (which feels like a super appropriate and needed change) and is defined (and judged) as:
- Body language conveys sensuality/passion/flirtatiousness
- Facial expressions match the body language/energy of the routine
- Movement and trick choices exhibit understanding of sensual energy, as well as the category description
Stage Etiquette requirements for Virtual events no longer include the need to acknowledge the audience at the end of the routine.
Process Changes
Competitor addition to a division after the competition schedule has been posted will also include a shuffling of performance order.
Level Rule Changes
- A dismount through a flag grip where the competitor is not holding an ayesha is currently a deduction for Levels 2 and 3. For the upcoming season,
- We are leaving it as a deduction for Level 2.
- We are removing it as a deduction for Level 3.
- An arch back in a stargazer, where the competitor’s shoulders or head are below the hips is currently a deduction. Next season, it is an exception for Level 1, and would not be a deduction.
Organization Updates
PSO states that these changes have already been implemented.
Guidelines around responsible artistry have been added to the rules – specifically surrounding industry roots to strippers and sex workers.
Judges are recognized publicly on the schedule prior to the event. This allows for conflicts to be identified and reported.
Flying Pole and Chains are being added to select PSO events on a trial basis. We’ve received report that they will NOT be added to Southwest in Dallas.
PSO Europe will be getting a Finals event and past level 5 winners will be invited to compete. Amateur division will have open signups at this event.
Name pronunciation guide will be continued to help ensure that competitor names are pronounced correctly at competition.
Updated Ethical Guidelines
PSO’s responsible artist guidelines outline responsible artistry best practices for competitors. These guidelines cover: censorship and banned subject matter, sensitive content, cultural appropriation and content warnings.
Read PSO’s full rule update on their website.
