CANADA JUDGING
General Overview Judging Professionalism Practice in advance Appropriate attire Bring your own documents Arrive at the event early as the judges room/ stand may take time to locate No phone on the judging table Avoid negative facial expressions or overly enthusiastic positive ones Do not leave the stand without permission of head judge/event manager Avoid conversations with coaches and athletes during the event Unless responding to an official score review with a coach as per EP If this is your first event with an EP or PSO see if they have additional requirements
General Overview Level Appropriate Skills (LAS) and Elite Level Appropriate Skills (ELAS) Get to know them! LAS is a non-exhaustive list ELAS is an exhaustive list Even if the skill performed is harder than what is listed as an ELAS, it is not ELAS unless on the ELAS list Scholastic there are no requirements to include ELAS Scholastic Advanced and Scholastic Premier do not perfectly align to their allstar counter-parts (level 4 and 6)
General Overview Read descriptions carefully Does the range require skills to be cumulative or at the same time Does the range require skills to be done by Majority vs Most Talk to your judging partner Learn to script Practice!
Technique NEW TECHNIQUE! This technique system is used for ALL technique scores this season EMPHASIS on team Technique is a team s ability to execute the skills with excellent precision and form Stylistic preferences do not impact the score
Technique Scores start at the maximum and the drivers will be used to subtract from the value The drivers for technique vary per area If one driver is causing the issues with the other, it may only be applicable to remove one driver. STUNTS/PYRAMID TOSS JUMPS TUMBLING Top Person Top Person Arm Placement Approach Bases/Spotters Bases/Spotters Leg Placement Speed Transitions/Dismounts Height Hyperextension/Height Body Control Obvious Mistakes Cradle Landings Landings Synchronization Synchronization/Timing Synchronization Synchronization
Technique Noticeable or Widespread For most of the drivers there are three options If driver was done with excellent precision and form by the team no points will be subtracted If driver had noticeable issues the lowest value will be subtracted -0.2 in all star & scholastic jumps -0.4 in scholastic building and tumbling If driver had widespread issues the highest value will be subtracted -0.3 in all star & scholastic jumps -0.6 in scholastic building and tumbling EXCEPTION is obvious mistake in building and pyramid Obvious mistake is any fall or an uncontrolled lowering Balance checks and missed skills do not count as obvious mistakes. The team will have the full value of the obvious mistake driver applied as well as a deduction if necessary
Technique Technique Comments If subtracting points for a driver you must note what driver the value being subtracted specific area of the routine where the issue was Do not explain how to fix the issue Example Running tumbling: -0.3 body control, -0.2 synchronization. During the opening running tumbling there were widespread issues with athlete body control demonstrated through bent arms and open legs in BHS and arched backs by most in the sets of the tucks. During the corner pod section tumbling synchronization was off in the first two pods starting with their ROs carrying through the rest of the pass.
Technique Technique Notes Always take into consideration how many skills or participants are taking part in the area to assess if the issue is noticeable or widespread Ex. If an issue is present with a team with 1 group only performing four skills, this would be more widespread than a team with 4 groups performing six skills For toss technique do not be over punitive as a toss typically last 1/47 th of a routine. If only one toss is being thrown by one group, the team will either get -0.3 or nothing. It is not possible to assess the team -0.2
All-Star Building
All-Star Building Difficulty Ranges for Stunt, Pyramid & Toss Skills only receive credit if they show control through the pop, transition to another skill or dismount Must know/have: Level appropriate skills list Majority/Most Chart
All-Star Building Difficulty Ranges for Stunt BELOW (3.0 3.5) Skills performed do not meet LOW requirements LOW (3.5 4.0) 4 different level appropriate skills performed by most of the team MID (4.0 4.5) 4 different level appropriate skills performed by most of the team, 1 of which is Elite level appropriate HIGH (4.5 5.0) 4 different level appropriate skills performed by most of the team, 2 of which is Elite level appropriate Difficulty Ranges for Pyramid BELOW (3.0 3.5) Skills performed do not meet LOW requirements LOW (3.5 4.0) 2 different level appropriate skills, 2 structures performed by most MID (4.0 4.5) 3 different level appropriate skills, 2 structures performed by most HIGH (4.5 5.0) 4 different level appropriate skills, 2 structures performed by most
All-Star Building Difficulty Ranges for Toss This is a capped score. If the team satisfies the requirements for the range, they achieve the set value Note level 1 teams do not perform a toss, therefore, their total score will not include a toss difficulty or toss technique score 4.0 Less than a Majority of the team performs a toss 4.5 Majority of the team performs a level appropriate toss 5.0 Majority of the team performs a level appropriate toss rippled or synchronized in the same section
All-Star Building Stunt & Pyramid Difficulty Once range is set, use the difficulty drivers to establish the score in the range Difficulty drivers: Difficulty of the skills Percent of team participation Variety of skills Combination of skills (level and non-level appropriate) Pace of skills performed For each driver think Is there just enough to be in range? 4.5 4.6 Was there plenty? 4.7 4.8 Was it wow? 4.9 5.0
All-Star Building Example Application ABC All Stars have 16 athletes on their team. They complete 8 ELAS (4 synchronized, 4 synchronized), 8 LAS (4 LAS connected to 4 LAS) Difficulty of skills Just enough Plenty Wow 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.9 5.0 Percent of team participation Just enough Plenty Wow 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.9 5.0 Variety of skills Just enough Plenty Wow 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.9 5.0 Combination of skills Just enough Plenty Wow 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.9 5.0 Pace of skills Just enough Plenty Wow 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.9 5.0 Therefore they hypothetically should score 4.7 4.8 in stunt difficulty (remember most is 3 of a team of 16)
All-Star Building Quantity This stunt quantity chart is used to determine the stunt quantity score ONLY for teams to required to use the co-ed chart. These divisions may include any number of males but the stunt quantity still applies: Mini, Tiny, Youth, Junior, Senior 1, 2, 4.2. Stunt skills will only receive full credit if they show control through the pop or transition to another skill. The stunt for the stunt quantity score must be done with a traditional group of 4 which includes two bases, a flyer and a backspot as a minimum. This group MAY include a front spot as long as the # of stunts performed to achieve the stunt quantity skill aligns with appropriate 'Majority' or 'Most'. If the stunt quantity chart refers to an Elite skill, all groups counted towards 'Majority' or 'Most' must be performing the same Elite skill. If the skills are rippled they must be in the same section and not have any one athlete perform in more than one stunt group to satisfy stunt quantity score. If no stunt is performed in a traditional group of 4, the stunt quantity score would be 0.
All-Star Building Co-ed Quantity Same entry Controlled dismount (pop down or cradle) Entire skill unassisted for unassisted credit Base must be directly under the stunt If assisted the base and spotter may not be chest to chest. Must take place in the same section The co-ed stunt must have full contact with the foot and the hand/foot connect must pause momentarily. Touching the bottom of the foot does not automatically constitute a skill, but, the effort may qualify for a 3.5 to be given instead of 0. If a fall occurs in a co-ed stunt, the obvious driver mistake still is applies
All-Star Tumbling
All-Star Tumbling Difficulty Ranges for Standing Tumbling, Running Tumbling & Jumps Must know/have: Level appropriate skills list Majority/Most Chart Skills only receive credit if they land on their feet This Tumbling/Jump chart requirements has decreased from the 2017/18 season, ensure you are always working with this season s documents
All-Star Tumbling Difficulty Ranges for Standing Tumbling BELOW (3.0 3.5) Skills performed do not meet LOW requirements LOW (3.5 4.0) Most of the team perform a level appropriate pass MID (4.0 4.5) Majority performs the same level appropriate pass synchronized from the initiation of the pass WORLDS divisions: Majority performs an elite level appropriate pass HIGH (4.5 5.0) Most performs the same level appropriate pass synchronized from the initiation of the pass AND Majority performs an additional level appropriate pass WORLDS divisions: Most performs an elite level appropriate pass in the same section Difficulty Ranges for Running Tumbling BELOW (3.0 3.5) Skills performed do not meet LOW requirements LOW (3.5 4.0) Less than a Majority performs a level appropriate pass WORLDS divisions: Majority performs a level appropriate pass MID (4.0 4.5) Majority performs a level appropriate pass Worlds divisions: Most performs a level appropriate pass HIGH (4.5 5.0) Most performs a level appropriate pass Worlds divisions: Majority performs an Elite level appropriate pass
All-Star Tumbling Difficulty Ranges for Jumps This is a capped score. If the team satisfies the requirements for the range, they achieve the set value All approaches within the jumps must use a whip approach to be considered connected Basic jumps: Spread Eagle, Tuck Jump Advanced jumps: Pike, Hurdler (R/L/F/S), Toe Touch A variety requires at least 2 different jump types (direction of leg is not considered variety) 3.5 Skills performed do not meet 4.0 requirement 4.0 Most of the team performs 1 advanced jump 4.5 Most of the team performs 2 connected advanced jumps, must be synchronized and include a variety 5.0 Most of the team performs 3 connected advanced jumps or 2 connected advanced jumps plus 1 additional advanced jump. Must be synchronized and include a variety
All-Star Tumbling Standing Difficulty Once range is set, use the following chart to set the score for level 1 Restricted 5 (not Senior and International 5 or 6) There are now multiple was to receive a 5.0 in standing tumbling difficulty Degree of difficulty Variety Satisfies/exceeds quantity requirement using grouped or synchronized passes 0.1 0.2 0.3 Yes (0.1) Example ABC All Stars have 16 athletes on their level 1 team. They complete 9 front rolls synchronized at the initiation of the roll. In a different section they do 12 back walkovers cumulatively. They would receive 4.8 Degree of difficulty 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.3 Yes (0.1) Variety 0.1 Quantity Requirement 0.1
All-Star Tumbling Running Tumbling Difficulty Running tumbling is cumulative Once range is set, use the following drivers to set the score Difficulty of the passes throughout the routine Percentage of team participation Combination of skills (level and non-level appropriate) Pace and speed of skills performed Remember that synchronization and specialty passes are not required but may be rewarded
Performance Performance In Cheer Canada the Building, Tumbling and Overall judge all judge performance and assess their own score. Performance no longer has to have all three panel areas be within the same range Tumbling and buildings judge(s) may only comment on performance during their section No skills required Encourage genuine and appropriate athletic expression Unofficial ranges 9.0 9.4: Less than 50% 9.4 9.7: 50-75% 9.7 10.0: 75%+ NOTE for Global cheer divisions: no performance score is given. The cheer score replaces performance.
Performance Performance & Image policy/inappropriate choreography Image policy & inappropriate choreography is a deduction. However, teams issued a.25 deduction or a warning for this will also have a penalization to their performance score. The performance score will be capped at 9.5. Therefore they can be given 9.0-9.5 for their performance score ONLY The panel must unanimous to issue a deduction and a comment must be included. If not unanimous a warning will be given and a comment must be included. If warned on Day 1 of an event and no change is made for Day 2, the deduction will be given on Day 2 and a comment must be included. IMPORTANT: this deduction has been used this season both in Canada and the USA. It is a priority for this season.
All-Star Overall
All-Star Overall Stunt and Pyramid Creativity Motions of the flyer is not creativity Creativity does not mean you have not seen it before Combination of skills that are visual, unique and innovative Something creative at the start of the season, will still be considered creative at the end of the season Includes level and non-level elements Additional lifts throughout the routine should impact stunt creativity score Use words and phrases from the rubric but try to be specific Ex: Above average creative content in the first stunt section. Entry was innovative and visual. Use of non-level appropriate lifts were eye catching. However, second stunt section lacked variation and dynamic elements in entries, transitions and dismounts.
All-Star Overall Routine composition How the routine was put together (not overall impression) Score can change day 1 to day 2, based on timing and execution which may enhance the visuals that were choreographed Things to consider Precise spacing and formation (including technical skill areas) Seamless patterns of movement in transitions Innovative, visual and intricate ideas Including additional skills (think level and non-leveled skills) Unofficial range 9.0 9.4: Less than 50% 9.4 9.7: 50 75% 9.7 10.0: 75% +
All-Star Overall Dance Unique category as it includes technique and difficulty combined into one score Comments and weighting should include both equally Things to consider for difficulty Things to consider for technique High energy Perfection High entertainment Synchronization Visual elements Pace Levels Unofficial range Formations/Transitions 9.0 9.4 Partner work 9.4 9.7 Foot work Floor work 9.7 10.0 Intricacy
All-Star Prep Differences No HIGH difficulty for Jumps Standing tumbling Running tumbling Stunts Pyramid Focus is on technique & learning NEW this season is that MID range is now available in difficulty ranges
Recreation Rated Outstanding, Excellent and Superior. Not evaluated on difficulty and therefore, there are no rubrics for difficulty. Mini, Youth, Junior and Senior recreation divisions follow the level 1 rules. Tiny Recreation are not allowed building skills. Tiny Recreation are only allowed to do forward rolls and cartwheels, however, they are not evaluated on them as a tumbling skill if performed (will be included as part of routine composition) A basic (spread eagle, tuck jump) or advanced jump (pike, hurdler (left, right, front or side), toe touch) is required. There is no requirement for variety or connected jumps.
Scholastic Differences Cheer requirement all panel judges judge this section No stunt/co-ed quantity requirement Difficulty ranges change: No elite level appropriate skills required in stunting or tumbling Tosses are included in the stunt section NOTE: a toss is not required Standing and running tumbling are combined Technique is emphasized Same principle to apply, just valued higher Creativity and Routine composition are combined Performance range is bigger (8-10 instead of 9-10) Do NOT expect an all-star routine
Scholastic Building
Scholastic Tumbling
Scholastic Overall
Scholastic Cheer Stunts and tumbling included in the cheer section only count within the cheer score above. They do not contribute towards your building or tumbling difficulty Props are required but they do not have to be professionally made. We recommend handmade signs if you do not already own props. The key is how effective the props are used Skill incorporation does not require the skills to be difficult, merely that they visually emphasize the cheer.
Deductions Goal: keep it safe! Safety of the athletes first Recognize that your role in point deduction is reminding and demonstrating to the team that the the skill was executed was not safe ie. Top falling to the floor from an extended stunt Fair and consistent Don t allow your experience/perception of how a coach/gym owner will react impact your ruling A deduction is a deduction regardless of the age or level of the team Be specific When in doubt don t give it out (except for image policy and inappropriate choreography where it is discussed by the panel)
Deductions Be clear if you are a legality judge, point deduction judge, both or switching between each per panel Bring with your deduction scoring system, stop watch (make sure you check it/practice with it before you start) and your score tracking system/script sheet If you are on deductions and legalities the deductions are the first priority. Watch for legalities but only use the time you have (do not over think) Communication Tell panel judge if there was something questionable but you are not deducting Be prepared for a panel judge to ask if you are deducting However do not allow a panel judge to explain why they think you should deduct- stay consistent to what you have been doing that day
Deductions Use the abbreviation guide Mark if it is jumps, tumbling, stunt or pyramid Keep your language simple without unnecessary details ie. BF in stunt (mark general area of floor and approximate time) Do not write: Heel stretch in back left fell
Deductions
Deductions Athlete Fall -0.25 Drops to the performance surface during tumbling and/or jump skill Includes (but not limited to) hand(s), knee(s), head down in tumbling or jump skills Watch for: Was it choreographed (team BHS, then kneel etc) Was it technique issue (BWO kickover) Was it an omission Does not include a drop to the performance surface in a non-skill transition
Deductions Building Fall -0.75 Drops to a cradle and/or load in position from a stunt, pyramid and/or toss Includes (but not limited to) base or spotter drops to the performance surface during a building skill Includes drops to own feet (fall to pop down) Watch for: Was it technique issue that made the stunt, pyramid and/or toss look off vs an actual fall Typically mistake UP into a skill are technique, but, if the skill goes UP and then comes down it is typically a fall Was it an omission? Multiple attempts by the same stunt group = multiple falls If a stunt falls out of bounds team receives a building fall AND boundary violation Basket toss CAN be building fall extreme travel, flailing, unsafe catch
Deductions Major Building Fall -1.25 Drops to the performance surface from from a stunt, pyramid and/or toss by the Top and/or the Bases/Spotters Includes (but not limited to) Top drops to the performance surface, multiple Bases/Spotters drop to the performance surface, Top lands on Base/Spotters who drop to performance surface If any combination of two people are on the performing surface it is a MF Examples: Base(s) miss catching and Top slips through arms to floor Top person drops to own feet (think Top jumping/stepping out) Top is caught but the top bears own weight on the floor during catch
Deductions Maximum -1.75 When multiple deductions should be assessed during a stunt or toss by a single group OR during a pyramid sequence Then the sum of those deductions will not be greater than 1.75 Two separate pyramids will result in separate deductions. The MAX deduction for a pyramid will not exceed 3.5 Watch for: Only two stunt falls? Then just give two BF as less than MAX Same group 3+ attempts will = MAX
Deductions Boundary Violation -0.25 A -0.25 deduction will be assessed per occurrence for an athlete that makes contact with both feet outside the boundary. If the competition floor has a safety border- that is included as part of the competition boundary Does not include stepping on the line or foot just past the white tape If athlete is on the floor outside the boundary, but, on their back or in seated position with their feet are still within the boundary- this still is a boundary violation If an entire stunt group is out of bounds, only one boundary violation is given If an athlete runs off the floor for sickness/injury and then returns (if routine doesn t stop) still a deduction
Deductions Routine Interruption Sick/bleeding/injured You do have authority to stop the routine (speak to your EP on procedure at judges meeting before the start of the event if you are unsure) Steps 1. Note the time 2. Deduct for the fall (if that was what caused the routine to stop) 3. In second performance the team must still do a full out but only score from the routine stoppage time onwards (do not rescore portion before the injury)
Deductions Time limit violation -0.25 1 or more seconds over time will result in a -0.25 Judges will use a stop watch/device to measure official time. Knowing potential variance from human reaction speed/sound system, judges will not issue a deduction until their official time exceeds 2 seconds past max time Scholastic teams that have cheers shorter than the minimum time also receive a time violation Timing starts at the start of the music NOT at the time a team does their first movement/vocal Still encourage teams to walk onto the floor and just wait for music to help with the timing of the event
Deductions Safety -0.5 for tumbling out of level -1.0 for building out of level Image Policy -0.25 Inappropriate choreography, uniform and/or music, as well as violations that break the image policy will be issued a -0.25 deduction See details listed previously as this deduction also impacts performance This is a key focus for this season
Deductions Unsportsmanlike conduct -1.0 Not usually given by you (likely event staff), speak to EP/head judge prior to deducting Includes Inappropriate and deliberate physical contact between athlete during the event Abuse of equipment or any items associated with the event Using language/gesture that is obscene/offence/insulting Using language/gesture that offends race/religion/colour/descent/national/ethnic origin Failing to perform a routine Excessive appealing Showing dissent towards a scoring official decision by word/action Threat of assault to an event official Public criticism of an event related incident/event official
Deductions Minimum Athlete Requirement Have the EP check registration If minimum requirement for division was registered no deduction but panel judges will assess team based on mandatory minimum (from majority/most chart etc) and will not be eligible for and bids to an end-of-season event If minimum requirement for division was NOT registered the team is disqualified
THANK YOU Additional updates will be added as necessary through the season