Section 2: Equipment
2.1 Dance Floor Surface
The competition floor must be a smooth, flat, non-slip surface suitable for dynamic movement. WDSF-approved floor materials include vinyl sport flooring, polished hardwood, or specialized dance surface overlays. The floor must provide consistent grip and controlled slide characteristics across its entire area. Joints or seams in modular flooring must be flush and securely fastened to prevent tripping hazards.
2.2 Footwear
Athletes must wear athletic footwear appropriate for breaking. Sneakers with flat, non-marking rubber soles are standard. Footwear must be clean and free of debris that could damage the floor surface. Shoes with exposed metal components (such as steel-toed boots or cleats) are prohibited. Athletes may not compete barefoot. Footwear must be securely fastened and may not come off during a round — a shoe loss during a throwdown does not halt the round but may affect the athlete's performance score.
2.3 Clothing and Appearance
Athletes may wear clothing that reflects their personal style and cultural identity, consistent with breaking's expressive tradition. However, the following restrictions apply:
- Clothing must not contain offensive, discriminatory, or political messaging
- No sharp, hard, or protruding accessories (buckles, chains, spikes, rings, or jewelry that could cause injury)
- Headwear (hats, beanies, bandanas) is permitted provided it does not obstruct the view of judges or pose a safety risk
- Athletes must display their competition bib number clearly and visibly at all times during battles
- Gloves are permitted but must not extend beyond the wrist
- Knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards are permitted at the athlete's discretion
2.4 Prohibited Items
Athletes may not bring props, objects, or external devices into the battle area. This includes but is not limited to flags, signs, electronic devices, and any item thrown or placed on the floor during a round. Violation results in a warning or disqualification at the head judge's discretion.