THON Weekend Guide
February 15-17, 2013
Section 1: Dancer Registration
 To successfully register dancers in THON 2013 you must:
o Complete online pre-registration
o Dancer Questionnaire
o In-Person Registration Timeslot
 Attend your respective In-Person Dancer Registration night
o Monday, January 28, 2013 - Independent Dancers and Lottery Organization Couples (including Commonwealth
Campuses in the lottery)
o Tuesday, January 29, 2013 - General and Special Interest Organization Couples
o Wednesday, January 30, 2013 - Greek and Commonwealth Campuses
 Paired organizations must register in the same time slot
 All In-Person Registration nights will be held in 129 HUB from 7-10 PM
 What to Bring to In-Person Dancer Registration:
o Both members of the Dancer Couple + One THON Chair
o Penn State Student ID
o All Dancer Registration Forms
 EMS & Dancer Registration
 Dancer A and B forms separate
o $80 Dancer Registration Fee
 Cash, Check, or ASA Transfer made out to Penn State Dancer Marathon. If you do not have this
payment, you will not be able to register
Note: All organizations must have raised $2,600 by their respective In-Person Dancer Registration Night
Section II: Pass System Information
 PASS List Submission
o Submitted online at THINK.psu.edu
o Submissions will close on February 3rd at 11:59 pm
 ABSOLUTELY NO PASS LISTS WILL BE ADDED AFTER THIS DATE
o Chairs are able to add/edit until deadline
o Be sure to arrange with dancers to include family and friends
o General Org Passes
 Used during the first 42 hours of THON
 15 names per pass
 Expire after 3 hours
o Finale Passes
 Used during the final four hours of THON
 One (1) name per pass
o No organization members can use Corporate Passes or Four Diamonds Family Passes
 Will result in Pass List suspension for organization
 What are the requirements for getting a hold of a pass?
o You will need to be on a Pass List and will need to provide a form of photo identification. Your ID will be
held by the Rules and Regulations Committee and will be returned once you have returned your pass.
 No credit cards will be accepted as photo identification.
 Student organizations of THON are instructed to register a list of individuals who they would like to
offer a pass to prior to THON Weekend.
o Children under the age of 16 will be able to get a pass without photo ID but must be accompanied by an adult,
who is also on the Pass List.
 What is the process for acquiring my pass and accessing the event level?
o PASS Info Booth/Mobile PASS
Spectators may check and see if they have a pass available by going to the computers located by gate A
and having a Rules & Regulations Committee Member look up their name in the System. If they have a
pass available, they may proceed to get in the line, which begins forming at portal 14.
 Spectators may also check if they have a pass available from their smartphone, by going to pass13.org
and entering their Organization’s name in the “Search” location. This will show them how many passes
are currently available for their Organization. Again, if this says they have a pass available, they may
proceed to get in the line that begins forming at portal 14.
 Spectators who do not have a pass available should not get in line, but should return to enjoying
THON and check back later to see if there is a pass available at that time.
Floor Access Tables
 Once you check and have a pass available, you can proceed to get in the Pass Line that begins forming
at portal 14. The Floor Access tables are located at Portal 14 on the Concourse level. A valid form of
ID (PSU ID or driver's license if not a PSU student) is required to obtain your pass. Once you receive
your pass you may proceed down the spectator stairs to the event level.
 Because the Pass Line may be shut down for an extended period of time during the weekend, inform
any other passholders of the delay since it will alter your timetable for organization passholder access
to the event level.
 Passes are valid for a maximum of 3 hours, at which time there will be a Pass Sweep to get all expired
passes checked off so more spectators can enjoy the event level.
What times am I allowed onto the floor?
 Your pass will be eligible for a maximum time period of approximately three hours from the time
you receive your pass. The amount of time allowed per pass depends on the time the pass was
received and events occurring on the floor.
 The Rules & Regulations Committee does NOT have control over an organization’s Pass List
timetable; this is handled strictly by members of organizations (i.e. THON Chairs)
 The Rules & Regulations Committee reserves the right to alter any allotted time per pass as deemed
necessary.
Where am I allowed to go with my pass?
 Your pass will grant you access to the dance floor and to Dancer Storage areas. Please keep in mind
that you may only enter the Dancer Storage area of your same sex.
What do I do once I’m ready to leave the floor?
 Exit the floor using the same stairs you used to enter. You will be directed through the Floor Exit
pass tables to hand in your pass and retrieve your photo ID.
THINGS TO REMEMBER:
 NO additional names and/or passes will be added to a Pass List after the deadline for submissions or
during THON weekend.
 No photo ID = no pass.
 Once you receive your pass, you must proceed directly onto the floor.
 A restroom will NOT be available for use on the floor. You must return to the Concourse
level and check off your pass to use a restroom.
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If anyone in the BJC is under the influence of alcohol or is causing a disturbance for others, they will be
removed from the BJC and pass privileges will be revoked from the organization in violation.
Section III: Dancer Information
 Dancer Drop Off:
o Dancer Meeting #1: Wednesday, February 6th at 7pm in the IM Building, Gym 3
o Dancer Meeting #2 – Friday, February 15th, Multi-Sports Complex
 Dancers should NOT drive themselves to THON Weekend
 Doors will open at 3:00pm, and all dancers must arrive by 3:30pm in the Multi-Sport Complex on
Porter Road just south of the BJC.
 The Human Tunnel into the BJC will follow the meeting. Dancers should bring everything that they’ll
need with them for THON Weekend to this meeting.
 NO MEAL WILL BE SERVED AT DANCER MEETING #2!
 Dancer Medication
o Any medication that you MUST take during THON must be registered with the School of Nursing.
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You are not permitted to take any medications that have not been registered and given to you by the School
of Nursing Staff during THON Weekend.
 This includes any prescription drugs that you are currently taking
o Pre-THON Dancer Medication Drop-off: Monday, February 11th from 10am-5pm in 325 HUB
 Driver License and prescription bottle with medication should be brought to Medication Collection
Days.
 DO NOT PLACE INDIVIDUAL DOSAGES INTO BAGS BEFORE ARRIVING. THIS WILL BE
COMPLETED BY THE SCHOOL OF NURSING.
Dancer Support:
o Each dancer is paired with a Morale Committee Member who supports their dancer throughout the weekend.
 Morale Committee Members are trained throughout the year in order to ensure the safety and
wellbeing of the dancers.
 They will be on the floor intermittently to provide motivation, emotional and physical support,
including massages, toys, and anything else that their dancer requests.
 Exchange contact information with your dancers’ Moralers so that you can keep each other updated
on the status of your dancers throughout the weekend.
o Every minute in THON is an important time to support your dancer.
 On both nights of THON Weekend, the stands are the least full between midnight and early morning.
Dancers take notice that there are far fewer supporters, so be there to pep them up and keep them
company!
o Always give your dancers positive feedback. Tell them they look great throughout the weekend, and refrain
from commenting about how tired they may appear.
o Encourage dancers to participate in the Line Dance and other activities on the floor to keep them moving,
stretching, and alert.
o Update your organization on how your dancers are doing throughout the weekend. If a member comes in
knowing that a dancer has had a rough couple of hours and could really use a new toy or a different type of
snack, he or she will be prepared and able to provide extra motivation.
o Dancers are not permitted to leave the floor for ANY reason!
What to bring your dancer
o Dollar Store toys, such as a Yo-yo’s
o Puzzles, Crosswords, Su-Do-Ku
o Magazines, books
o Velcro balls & mitts, tennis balls
o Play-Doh
o Baby powder
o Headbands, socks, or other gear
o Disposable camera
What not to bring your dancer:
o Water guns
o Anything messy (paints, glitter, bubbles, etc.)
o Caffeine
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Section IV: Weekend Events
 Human tunnel from the Multi-Sport Complex to the doors of the BJC
o Arrive no later than 4:20pm on Friday; Captains will show you where to stand.
 Pre-THON Show
 Learning the Line Dance
 Kids’ Fashion Show
 Family Variety Shows
 Kids Mail Call
 Pep Rally
 Dancer Mail Call
 Color Wars
 Family Hour
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Note: THON’s finale contains some of the most treasured moments of the weekend. Make sure to
arrive early to cheer on the dancers as the weekend draws to a close! Remember you CANNOT save
seats.
Section V: Interacting with Four Diamonds Families
 Be respectful to all families and children.
o Ask for permission before picking up any child,
o Never walk away with a child.
 Avoid any sad discussions, especially about a child’s illness unless the family brings it up. Remember, THON is a
chance for the kids to be kids!
 Don’t hesitate to re-introduce yourself to a family. There are many students for families to remember, so don’t be
offended if a family doesn’t remember you. Remember to also interact with Four Diamonds siblings and parents.
Section VI: Spectator Information
 Important information for the BJC:
o To ensure proper BJC security, all large bags and backpacks will be checked upon entrance to the BJC. Plan
accordingly and try to leave valuables at home!
o DO NOT tape signs to the stands. Signs are not to be used to block seats.
 BJC Entrance Plan
o To ensure the safe and speedy entry of spectators and pass holders at the beginning of THON Weekend, all
individuals are expected to abide by the following:
 Spectators will be permitted to line up outside on the access road to the Beaver Stadium West parking
lot starting at 1pm on Friday. If anyone tries to line up before this time, they will be asked to leave.
 At 4pm, spectators will be allowed to line up in the gated queue at either Gate A or Gate B and follow
the instructions of Captains, Committee Members, and the Police.
 No climbing over the gates or cutting in line. Once you are within the gated queue, you must forfeit
your spot if you plan on leaving.
o Once the doors open, in an orderly fashion, file into the Bryce Jordan Center. The Rules and Regulations
Committee will be allowing groups of 20 to enter at one time. After the 20th person has entered, the Captain
on duty will momentarily stop more people from entering. This is to ensure that there is no mad rush in to the
BJC stands. PLEASE WALK.
 If anybody begins to push, shove, or cause any other sort of safety hazard, they will be taken out of the
line and their affiliated organization will lose all floor passes for the entirety of THON
Weekend. Additionally, the Police may respond to this situation. The safety of every person must be
in the interest of all.
 General BJC Rules
o Absolutely no alcohol is allowed in the BJC
 Any organization member found to have been drinking will result in Pass Suspension
o During the hours of 11:00pm-4:00am only gate B will be open
 No unsealed liquids will be permitted at this time
 No large containers are allowed in the BJC.
 This includes pizza boxes, water cases, duffel bags, t-shirt boxes, plastic containers etc.
 Saving seats is not allowed
 No throwing/passing objects from the stands to the floor
 No standing on the seats
 No standing in the portals or aisles
 No sitting in seats
 No charging cell phones using BJC Outlets
Section VII: Additional Information
 Alternative Fundraiser Proceeds & Donations:
o Alternative Fundraisers: All Alternative Fundraisers must be turned in by 5PM, February 11th.
o Donations: To be credited towards your organization’s total for the THON 2013, you must turn in any
donations by 11:59pm on Saturday of THON Weekend.
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After the THON Office closes on Thursday, February 14th at 5 pm, all money can be turned in at the
Info Booths, located at Gates A-D in the BJC.
o Donations and pledges turned in after the above times will still be accepted, but will not be
credited towards your organization’s total for THON 2013.
THON Store
o There are 3 THON Stores in the BJC:
o 1 large Store (near Gate A) open 5pm Fri – 10:30am Sun
o 2 smaller Stores (next to Gates C&D) open 5pm Fri – 12am Sat and 8am Sat – 8pm Sat
o Prices of merchandise range from $1-50 (t-shirts are $15, sweatshirts $35-$45)
Raffle Tickets:
o Cost $5 and are on sale in the THON Office from 9am-5pm, Monday through Friday. Ticket sales can be
credited to your Organization’s THON 2013 total until 11:59pm on February 11, 2013. Tickets will also be
sold throughout THON Weekend near Gate A and in the stands/concourse during THON Weekend
o Prizes this year include a Graduation Tour provided by the Penn State Alumni Association and a brand new
Dell XPS 12 convertible touch screen lap top
o A smaller prize may be announced soon!
Concession Stands:
o 20% of all proceeds made in concessions throughout THON Weekend will be donated to this year’s THON
total! Stand 700 (large concession stand across from Portal 7): Open all of THON Weekend starting at 4pm
Friday
o Stand 300 (small concessions across from Portal 25): Open 4pm – 9pm Friday and 9:30pm – 1am Saturday in
to Sunday
o Mobile Stand (Creamery across from Portal 10 and Dippin’ Dots across from Portal 4): Open 4pm – 11pm
Friday and 11am – 1am Saturday in to Sunday
Emergency Contact Information:
o For any emergencies during THON Weekend please contact: Jenna Adams, Communications Overall,, at 610462-9291
University Excuse:
o Please note that THON is NOT a University Excuse for missing class and assignments for either the Friday
before or the Monday after THON. Make sure that all of your organization members know this as well.
Seating area conduct:
o There is no sitting in the stands, ANYWHERE, ANYTIME.
o If you see adults sitting, encourage them to stand to support the dancers.
 HOWEVER, be respectful of the elderly and disabled persons who may need to sit for medical
reasons.
o Do NOT stand on the seats. This is important to the safety of everybody in the stands.
o When standing together, be respectful to other organizations. All organizations are a part of THON, whether
big or small, and everyone deserves a spot to support dancers.
o Be active: cheers, waves, and any other movement in general give dancers a lot to look at!
Maintaining Cleanliness
o Clean up after yourself
o Use trash receptacles and recycling bins
o If there is a spill, look for a volunteer in navy blue logo shirt
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