"swing"ing tunes

Is there a rule when you should and should not “swing” a tune? I’ve heard variations of the same song, for example “Cooley’s Reel” done as straight eigth notes and in a swing (dotted eigth) style. It seems that people learn them different ways and play it according to that style. I was just wondering if there is some standard of how to play them.

There’s a similar thread on the Trad. Music Board:

http://chiffboard.mati.ca/viewtopic.php?t=18897

-Max

Wonderful! I don’t read that board, but will start now. Thank you for the link.

-jeff