CHAMPIONSHIP FREESTYLE SCORING CRITERIA

Technical Execution (T.E.) Scoring for Prelims & Finals:
The Championship Division freestyle judges shall judge a contestant’s Technical Execution according to the following scoring criteria.

Positive Point Awards:
Positive points shall be awarded for advanced level tricks or trick elements performed successfully. Variations of tricks and elements shall be fully scored.

Repeated tricks, repeated trick elements and repeated mounts may be scored at a lower value or not be scored at all.

Transitions between tricks shall be scored.

Additional points shall be awarded based on the difficulty level of a trick element. The base level (simplest advanced level tricks) trick would normally score one-point while more difficult tricks would be granted multiple points as the judge feels is warranted.

The number of points a judge awards for a particular trick element may also vary depending on how well the trick element is performed. For example, the same type of catch of an off-string” yo-yo may be given more points if the launch was extremely high as opposed to a launch where the yo-yo barely leaves the string. Similarly, a very basic Eli Hop may not even be scored if the yo-yo is only hopped a few inches off the string (because a particular judge feels it is not an advanced level trick element) while one with a high toss would be scored.

Other factors, besides difficulty level, that may increase the basic value of a trick element include but are not limited to: speed, amplitude, control, blind catches, and movement (i.e. turning while an off-string yo-yo is in the air before catching the yo-yo.)

Negative Point Assessments:
In all divisions, 1-point shall be deducted for each trick or trick element missed including but not limited to: missed string hits/catches, missed slacks, missed lacerations, missed binds, missed 5A counterweight/string catches, failed 4A launches. In all divisions, 1-point shall be deducted for each loss of control Repeated efforts to regain control of a yo-yo, such as but not limited to: repeated unsuccessful binds, repeated unsuccessful launches, and excessive uncontrolled loops or punches shall result in additional deductions. In 2A and 3A (and in 4A and 5A when two or more yo-yos are in play), each yo-yo is judged separately. Loss of control that results in a restart shall be a mandatory 2-point deduction per yo-yo. Therefore, in 2A and 3A (and in 4A and 5A when two yo-yos are in play) if both yo-yos need to be restarted a mandatory 4-point deduction shall be assessed. Note that each 2-point deduction includes the initial 1-point deduction for loss of control leading to the restart. If a contestant chooses to replace a yo-yo rather than to restart it, it is still a mandatory 2-point deduction. In all divisions, replacing one yo-yo with another, shall count as a mandatory 3-point deduction if the yo-yo becomes unplayable due to a jammed, broken or knotted yo-yo string or due to a malfunction of the yo-yo. Voluntarily replacing a yo-yo (or yo-yos) which does not require a restart or which is not unplayable does not incur a deduction. In all divisions, a mandatory 3-point deduction shall be assessed for any yo-yos that leave the stage for unintentional reasons including but not limited to: broken strings, broken yo-yos, failed aerial catches in 4A and 5A, or yo-yos that come a part. In 2A and 3A (and in 4A and 5A when two yo-yos are in play), replacing both yo-yos at the same time, shall count as a 6-point deduction if both yo-yo are tangled or otherwise unplayable. Note that each 3-point deduction includes the initial 1-point deduction already assessed for loss of control leading to the yo-yo replacement. In 4A and 5A, if more than two yo-yos are in play each additional yo-yo shall be judged separately and each additional yo-yo shall be subject to the mandatory 1, 2 and 3-point deductions described above.

Intentionally launching, throwing or otherwise discarding a yo-yo off the stage or into the audience shall result in a mandatory 5-point deduction. Repeated violations of this rule may lead to a disqualification if the actions are considered disruptive or dangerous. Note that this rule is in effect before, during, and after the freestyle time period.

Performance Style (P.S.) Scoring-Finals Only:

Performance sore will be tabulated using a 5-item categorized list. Each of the 5 categories will score from 0 to 4 points for a total of 20 points available for the performance score. These are general categories that judges have been looking for when clicking in performance scores. We are now specifically identifying what scores.

The 5 performance style categories that will be scored are:

  1. Choreography and Stage Use
  2. Freestyle Construction
  3. Cleanliness and Presentation of Tricks
  4. Variation and Risk of Tricks
  5. Overall Impression

Scoring Details:

Choreography and Stage Use:
Does the performance and the tricks performed fit the chosen music? Does the player move on the stage in a way that will enhance their performance?