Freestyle General Rules
GENERAL FREESTYLE RULES
The general rules for music and stage use apply to all freestyle divisions. Specific considerations for each style of play are toward the bottom of the page.
MUSIC
IMPORTANT: Music must be brought on a CD. No other formats will be accepted. CDs must be labeled with the first and last name of contestant. Each CD is to contain only one track. If you are planning to do multiple freestyles, you will need multiple CDs.
Each competitor shall have 2-minutes to perform a freestyle routine to his or her choice of music for the freestyle finals, and 1-minute for the semi-finals.
The freestyle time period starts when the CD is started by the sound manager.
No points shall be scored for either Technical Execution or Performance Style for any reason before the music starts, or after the designated time has elapsed.
Music shall start from the beginning of the track and shall be played for the designated time limit where it shall be cut off. Contestants can feel free to edit the music so that it fades out or ends at the appropriate time.
Music that terminates prior to the designated time period will be considered to end the freestyle performance unless the competitor notifies the sound manager and contest director prior to the freestyle so the judges may be informed.
All music must be considered G-rated (appropriate for all audiences) and shall not contain offensive lyrics including but not limited to: obscenities, ethnic or sexual slurs, violence advocacy, etc. If you are unsure about your music, a judge will be available to listen to your music and make sure it is appropriate. With the concurrence of the Contest Director and the Head Judge, use of inappropriate music by a competitor shall result in their disqualification.
STAGE USE
All actions of a competitor must be G-rated (appropriate for all audiences) and take into account the safety of the audience, facility, and the competitor. With the concurrence of the Contest Director and the Head Judge, dangerous or inappropriate behavior by a competitor shall result in their disqualification.
No assistants are allowed on stage while a competitor is performing. All extra yo-yos that are to be used by a competitor shall be ready to use and must be brought on stage, before their freestyle starts on a tray supplied by the Contest. Yo-yos that leave the stage during a freestyle shall not be returned to the stage and no others shall be accepted by the competitor from the audience or an assistant. If a competitor uses a yo-yo in violation of this rule, the judges will not award any points for Technical Execution or Performance Style while that yo-yo is in play, but shall deduct points for any mistakes, loss of control restarts, yo-yo replacements, etc.
No props are allowed on stage or to be used in the competition without the prior approval of the Contest Director and the Head Judge. Hats and glasses are excepted and do not require approval as long as they are not significantly altered. All reasonable requests for props will be considered if they are presented prior to the start of the competition.
Yo-Yos with Hub Stacks (or similar side hub bearings) or rim bearings are allowed in all divisions.
DIVISION SPECIFIC RULES
SPECIFIC RULES FOR 1A FREESTYLES
In a 1A freestyle, at no time shall there be more than one yo-yo in play (including slave or prop yo-yos) at the same time. During any periods of time that this rule is violated, the judges shall not grant any points for Technical Execution or Performance Style but shall deduct points for any mistakes, loss of control restarts, yo-yo replacements, etc. In a 1A freestyle, (except for the “Mobius style and Skyrocket type tricks provisions below”) at no time shall the yo-yo be removed from the string (i.e. no offstring tricks are allowed). During any periods of time that this rule is violated, the judges shall not grant any points for Technical Execution or Performance Style but shall deduct points for any mistakes, loss of control restarts, yo-yo replacements, etc. In a 1A freestyle, Mobius style is allowed. Skyrocket type tricks are also allowed. In a 1A freestyle, typical scoring elements include but are not limited to: mounts, dismounts, string hits, hops, grinds, lacerations, release catches (like suicides/Iron Whips), slack catches, regenerations and binds.
SPECIFIC RULES FOR 2A AND 3A FREESTYLES
In a 2A or 3A freestyle, the judges shall not grant any points for Technical Execution or Performance Style unless both yo-yos are in play simultaneously. In a 2A or 3A freestyle, at no time shall there be more than two yo-yos in play (including slave or prop yo-yos) at the same time. During any periods of time that this rule is violated, the judges shall not grant any points for Technical Execution or Performance Style but shall deduct points for any mistakes, loss of control restarts, yo-yo replacements, etc. In a 2A freestyle, typical scoring elements include but are not limited to: loops, punches, wraps, tanglers, moons, hops, stalls, worlds, transitions, regenerations and various combinations and/or variations of these elements. In a 3A freestyle, typical scoring elements include but are not limited to: 1A type string tricks that involve both yo-yo’s simultaneously, however transitions between tricks may involve tanglers, worlds, grinds, wraps and similar elements.
SPECIFIC RULES FOR 4A AND 5A FREESTYLES
In a 4A and 5A freestyle there is no restriction on the number of yo-yos that may be in play at the same time. In a 4A freestyle, typical scoring elements include but are not limited to: launches, tosses, catches, regenerations, grinds, intentional bounces off body parts or the stage back to a catch, boingys or other types of bounces between strings. In a 4A freestyle, trick elements performed with a pinched string that mimic 1A trick elements, where the yo-yo never leaves the string for the entire duration of the trick element, may be scored at a lower value than high risk off string moves. Similarly, 4A railing style tricks (sliding along the string) may be scored at a lower value than high risk off string moves. In a 5A freestyle, points shall only be awarded only while the counter weight (or multiple counter weights) is in play, or in the act of being moved from hand to hand. Any trick done while the counterweight is being held for the entire duration of the trick shall be considered 1A trick, and shall not be scored.
Freestyle Judging Details
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?
Points Description of evaluation
0-1 Music appears to be irrelevant for the most part as if any music could have been played. Tricks and moves do not seem to be timed to correlate with the music. Player basically stands in one spot and grinds out tricks.
2 Some effort seen to match tricks and moves to the music. Some movement on stage but it is limited.
3 Tricks appear to be timed and planned with the music but timing is not perfect. Movement on stage helps to keep performance interesting.
4 Tricks are obviously timed to the music with styles mirroring the music as well as large dramatic moves hitting with the music. Movement on the stage is dynamic and keeps the people with video cameras working hard to keep up.
Freestyle Construction:
Is there an overall theme through the entire freestyle that connects movements, tricks, music and does the player present a routine with an obvious beginning, middle, and end?
Points Description of evaluation
0-1 Little or no apparent theme and little or no obvious segments to the performance.
2 Some apparent effort put toward a common theme and with stylistic portions of the performance grouped somewhat.
3 A theme is seen that links music, trick styles, and movement on stage. The performance has obvious portions.
4 An obvious thematic element is present that links music, tricks, stage movement, and outfit. A clear beginning, middle, and end of the routine is presented with tricks, movement and music that reinforce each other.
Cleanliness and Presentation of Tricks:
Are the tricks performed fluid and smooth? Does the player make it look easy? Are the tricks presented with consideration of how the trick appears to the audience?
Points Description of evaluation
0-1 Player can land the tricks but it is casual with more an appearance of luck than of practice and precision. Little or no thought seems to be given to how the trick looks to anyone besides the player or how to show the tricks to an audience.
2 Tricks appear solid and obviously practiced. The player remembers to show tricks in a manner that the audience can see what the player is doing.
3 Tricks are well practiced with missed elements being handled very well. Player presents the tricks to the audience so they can see the intricacies of the elements.
4 Performance of tricks is fluid and refined. Event the hardest and riskiest maneuvers are handled with grace and made to look easy. Player moves on the stage to show off the tricks to the audience and judges with extra attention given to perspective and body direction.
Variation and Risk of Tricks
Does the performance contain a variety of trick elements covering all the major variations within that division? Are the ticks performed ones that have high consequences if missed?
Points Description of evaluation
0-1 Same or similar basic trick elements are performed in most tricks. Tricks have minimal or no risk involved and are unlikely to be missed.
2 Some variation in trick elements presented. Some tricks are risky but most do not demonstrate significant risk.
3 Good variation of different elements shown demonstrating broad ability to perform different stylistic elements. Many tricks are risky and are completed successfully.
4 Great variation in stylistic elements demonstrating the ability to perform essentially all the stylistic variations in that division. Tricks are consistently risky with high consequences and are completed successfully with few exceptions.
Overall Impression:
Taking all factors into consideration and any others not specifically addressed in the other categories, what is the overall impression of the performance. This is the “wow” factor as others have called it.
Points Description of evaluation
0-1 Competent freestyle but nothing very memorable from a performance viewpoint. Does not leave a lasting impression.
2 Fun freestyle to watch but needs work to really catch everyone’s attention. People will probably ask to see the video posted online a few weeks after the event.
3 A memorable performance that captured attention. Players will be talking about this one on the chat boards and asking for a video to be posted within hours.
4 Professional quality performance that would be showcased for National or International media. Judges, audience, and rival competitors think “Wow…that was impressive…”
CHAMPIONSHIP FREESTYLE SCORING SYSTEM
The judges will score Technical Execution (T.E.) elements as they see them occurring in real time. Performance Style (P.S.) will be separately assigned at the end of the freestyle.
Technical Execution (T.E.) And Performance Style (P.S.) Judges scoring:
A contestant’s final freestyle score shall consist of the algebraic sum of their average normalized score for Technical Execution (Maximum score of 80) plus their points for Performance Style (Maximum score of 20).
FINAL SCORE:
The highest contestant’s Technical Execution raw score from each judge will first be normalized to 100 points and the other scores from that judge determined by multiplying 100 times a contestant’s raw score divided by the highest contestant’s raw score. The average Technical Execution score for each contestant shall be determined by discarding their highest and lowest normalized scores from the judging pane and averaging the remaining normalized scores to the nearest hundredth of a point. This normalized and averaged final technical score will count as 80% of the contestant’s final score – or up to a maximum of 80 points (i.e. T.E. = 0.80 times normalized score).
The final Performance Style score for a player shall be determined by discarding their highest and lowest Performance Style scores from the judging pane and averaging the remaining scores to the nearest hundredth of a point. This may total up to a maximum of 20 points.
The Final Score is then calculated by adding the averaged final Technical Execution score and the averaged final Performance Style score.
In the event of a tie for first, second or third place, the Head Judges and the Contest Director may declare a tie, or the average normalized scores will be recalculated for the tied contestants using the previously discarded highest and lowest normalized scores. The contestant with the highest recalculated average normalized score (to the nearest hundredth of a point.) will win the tie
