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The STACK Rule Book

V. JUDGES CRITERIA AND SCORING


[ please take note of the 1996 amendments !]


Table of Contents


V. JUDGES CRITERIA AND SCORING

A. General

1. This section describes each Competition Event, the judging criteria established for that event, the scoring system, and weighting factors used in the computation of scores.

2. Judging Panels

a. All sanctioned competitions must have a minimum of three judges per heat (with no maximum number) and five judges for all finals (with no maximum number).

b. Event organizers are encourages to use five-judge panels when experienced judges are available. Five-judge panels should have a minimum of three experienced judges. Larger judging panels should have a minimum of no less than 50% experienced judges. Generally, if 5 or more judges are used, the high and low scores for each component will be deleted from the final score, and if 3 judges are used, all the scores will be included. However, the Chief Judge may decide that due to the mix of judging experience on the panel, all scores may be retained.

c. One a judging panel starts a Competition Event, that panel must remain constant until the entire event is completed. In the instance where a judge does not complete the competition event, all scores from that judge are dropped and all other judges' scores are counted (e.g., a 5- judge Panel will count all four remaining judges scores, and a 3-judge Panel will count both of the remaining scores).

3. Scoring Elements: In each event the scoring elements have been assigned a weighting factor expressed in terms of percentage of the total score. The maximum score possible from any one judge is 100. Each competitor's final score will be in the range of 0 to 100, calculated by simple averaging (adding the judges' scores together and dividing by the number of judges).

4. Each of the scoring components are scored in one-tenth (.1) point increments from 0 through 10.

B. Ties

When two or more competitors are tied after the scorers tabulate the final scores, the following methods will be used to break ties, in descending order:

1. If a 5-judge panel was used, the high and low scores (which were excluded from the initial tabulations) are added back in to determine the final standings.

2. If at this point a tie still exists, or if a 3-judge panel was used, the next level of tie-breaking is:

a. In Precision and Free Style events, the competitor receiving the highest technical score is the winner.

b. In Ballet, the competitor with the hgihest choreography score is the winner.

3. If a tie still exists at this point record the tie.

C. Events Information

1. Precision Events

Precision events may be run using either the standard or league-style format. Full descriptions for each are listed below. Event organizers may choose either of the two styles for any class at their competition. Competitors must be notified which format will be used at least 30 days in advance of the competition.

a. Standard Format

Standard Precision events have two components, Compulsory & Freestyle. The Compulsory component tests the competitor's skill at flying a pre-selected maneuver or figure. Competitors will be advised of the compulsory manoeuvers in advance of the meet. The Freestyle component tests the contestant's ability in the prcision flying of sport kites. the choice of manoeuvers is at the descretion of the individual pilot or team. The scoring focus is on the pilot's ability to plan and demonstrate a sense of program -- one that includes transitions from one maneuver or series of manoeuvers to the next, one that uses manoeuvers with varying degrees of difficulty, one that reflects the competitor's overall skill level, etc. Both components are flown without musical accompaniment.

Organizers decide wether the compulsory or freestyle component is flown first; however, once a competition event begins, the same format must be used for all competitors at that event.

b. League-Style Format

The purpose of League-Style Precision is twofold. First is to save time for events with a large field of competitors. League-Styel takes half the amount of time of the standard Precision event. Second, creating a new approach to the event may re-spark interest in Precision flying.

The Event Organizer assigns four compulsory figures for each class and notifies the competitors what they are when they register for the event. These figures are flown in the order in which they are presented, one after the other, with transition moves in between. This creates a mini routine with a beginning, middle an end, much like a precision freestyle. Time limit for the routine is 3 minutes. this gives the competitors more overall flying time than in the regular Precision event and cuts down the majority of judging time.

Transition moves are created by the competitor and should be designed to flow with the compulsory figures. It is the intention of league-style competition to encourage the competitor to be creative in the composition of the transition moves. Direct lines from one figure to another may be acceptable, but a well thought out transition will score higher. The more creative the routine, the higher the score.

Compulsory figures are scored as they have always been. An additional score is received for the transition moves between figures. This is called the continuity score and is equal in points to one of the compulsory figures. Four figures and a continuity score are recorded by the judges, the scores are totalled and the total is divided by 5 to acquire the final score.

2 Ballet events

Ballet events are free flight performances to musical accompaniment that must be performed within specified time limits.

a. Audio Tapes for Musical Accompaniment

1) Competitors are required to supply their own audio tapes in standard cassette format. Music with lyrics that are sexually explicit will result in the immediate termination of the routine and the disqualification of the competitor. The tapes must be cued to the start position, labelled with the competitor's nameand clearly marked as to which side to play. Tpaes that contain narratives that do not relate specifically to the music are prohibited. (Note: competitors wishing to use compact disks should check with the Event Organizer prior to the competition to determine whether a compact disk player will be available).

2) Audio tapes (or disks) are collected by the Field Director during the Pre-Flight meeting roll call. The Field Director gives the audio tapes to the Sound Engineer at the end of the roll call. Competitors who do not attend the roll call will be responsible for assuring that their music is given to the Sound Engineer.

3) Competitors may submit up to two separate pieces of music. Where multiple tapes are submitted, competitors must decide if they want to change the original tape choice to the backup choice and communicate such change through the Pit Boss, before they are next up in the Stage-In Area. (Exception: competitors may change the tape originally selected if a Wind Rule Delay [II.D.5.c] has been called. In this instance, a competitor may request that the Sound Technician use an alternate tape. However, once a Wind Rule delay has been lifted, no further substitutions can be made).

4) Tapes are to be picked up by competitors from the Sound Engineer immediately following their event.

3 Free Style Event

This competition event format includes the judging of both competitor and kite(s). they may be flown with or without musical accompaniment and may invlove numerous props and costumes and drama. Free style replaces the Innovative event. it is the latest attempt by sport kite innovators to provide more a greater focus on entertainment. The competitor has a total of 15 minutes for set-up, performance and breakdown and the actual performance is not to exceed 5 minutes. Unlike its predecessor Innovative, there are no preflight meetings to brief the judges. Competitors may have as many on-field assistants as they choose, but the assistants may not fly any kite during the routine. Judging will be conducted by a panel of 3 experienced judges plus an audience panel of 5-10 additional judges to judge the entertainment value of the routine. The Audience panel will judge the performance on clarity of expression and theme. Where the event is spread out over an extended time period, the audience panel can be comprised of Novice and Intermediate competitors.

D Event Highlights

1. Standard individual Precision Events (Dual-Line and Quad-Line):

a. No. of Compulsory Figures: 3 to 5

b. Duration/Freestyle Component: 30 seconds to 2 minutes

c. Scoring Components:

Compulsory Manoeuvers 60% of total

Freestyle Technical 30% of total

Freestyle Artistic 10% of total

d. Components Highlights:

1) Compulsory Manoeuvers

Individuals may fly the figures from either direction; entry direction should be indicated. Each element of the figure should be in correct proportion to each other element as indicated in the drawing or diagram for that figure. The compulsory figures (cumulatively) are worth 60% of the total score (e.g. if three manoeuvers are used, each maneuver is worth 20% of the total score).

2) Freestyle Technical

The elements of Technical are:

Execution Accuracy, control, timing, spacing. How well each individual identifiable maneuver was performed. Worth 1/2 of the Technical score.

Difficulty Complexity of manoeuvers, daring manoeuvers, technically demanding manoeuvers. Worth 1/2 of the technical score.

3) Freestyle Artistic

The elements of Artistic are:

Content Variety, creativety, number of different manoeuvers. Worth 1/2 of the artistic score.

Continuity Composition ("flow") of the routine from one maneuver to another. Worth 1/2 of the artistic score.

2. League-Style Individual Precision Events (Dual-Line and Quad-Line):

a. No. of Compulsory figures 4

b. Duration/Freestyle Component 30 seconds to 3 minutes

c. Scoring Components:

Compulsory Manoeuvers 80% of total

Continuity 20% of total

d. Component Highlights:

The purpose of League-Style Precision is to assist the competitor in developing a complete, creative, and entertaining routine.

1) Compulsory Manoeuvers

The compulsory manoeuvers are to be flown in the order presented and as drawn. Each element of the figure should be in correct proportion to each other element as indicated in the diagram. For all compulsory figures shown on the grid it is required that the size of the figure flown reflects the size indicated on the grid.

2) Continuity

The continuity score is for the transition moves between compulsory figures. The more creative the transitions, the higher the score. Each transition is not scored individually. the total of all transition moves are given a single score equal to the score for 1 compulsory figure. There are no restrictions on the types of moves developed for the transitions. The only restriction is in the time element, all compulsory figures must be completed before the 3 minute maximum.

Penalties for ground touches while performing the required figure is the same as in "Standard Individual Precision. "Improper Endings" (section IV.D.) also applies.

3. Team Precision Events (Dual-Line and Quad-Line):

a. No. of Compulsory Figures: 2 to 3

b. Duration/Freestyle Component: 2 to 5 minutes

c. Scoring Components:

Compulsory Manoeuvers 30% of total

Freestyle Technical 45% of total

Freestyle Artistic 25% of total

d. Components Highlights:

1) Compulsory Manoeuvers

Teams may fly the figures from either direction; entry direction should be indicated. Each element of the figure should be in correct proportion to each other element as indicated in the drawing or diagram for that figure. Each team member's kite must be in correct orientation to each other team member's kite (i.e. proper spacing and relationship) The compulsory figures (cumulatively) are worth 30% of the total score (e.g. if two manoeuvers are used, each maneuver is worth 15% of the total score).

2) Freestyle Technical

The elements of Technical are:

Execution Accuracy, control, timing, spacing. How well each individual identifiable maneuver was performed. Worth 1/2 of the Technical score.

Difficulty Complexity of manoeuvers, daring manoeuvers, technically demanding manoeuvers. Worth 1/2 of the technical score.

3) Freestyle Artistic

The elements of Artistic are:

Content Variety, creativety, number of different manoeuvers. Worth 3/4 of the artistic score.

Continuity Composition ("flow") of the routine from one maneuver to another. Worth 1/4 of the artistic score.

Special Note: The number of competitors on a team, in and of itself, does not indicate a higher score. Teams are viewed and judged as a single entity.

4. Ballet Events (Dual-Line and Quad-Line)

a. Scoring Components:

Execution 40% of total

Choreography 60% of total

b. Time Duration: Minimum of 2 minutes

Maximum of 4 minutes (Individual)

Maximum of 5 minutes (Pairs/Team)

c. Component Highlights:

1) Choreography The composition or flow of the routine. How well transitions from one program element to the next are made. How well the routine interprets the music, its tempo and mood. the effectiveness of the music in the development of a kite routine. The creativety and imagination demonstrated in the use of selected kite movements or actions.

2) Execution How well the competitor controls the kite throughout the routine (control) and how well kite actions are set to the music (timing).

For Pairs/teams, how well the kites are spaced throughout the entire routine (consistency) and how well each identifiable movement or action was performed (accuracy)

Special Note: For Team ballet, the number of competitors on a team, in and of itself, does not indicate a higher score. Teams and Pairs are viewed and judged as a single entity.

5. Free Style Event

a. Scoring Components: Elements 30%

Style 30%

Performance 20%

Audience 20%

b. Time Duration Minimum of 3 minutes

Maximum of 5 minutes (performance part only)

c. Components Highlights

1) Program Elements The competitor is allowed to use music and assorted props to create a cohesive thematic routine. When judging program elements, consideration is given to performance. The effectiveness of each element is judged according to how it contributes to the whole routine. When music is used it may convey a storyline, or set an appropriate background for the performance. When music is used succesfully so that it will add to the score under Program Elements. In all cases, elements of the program will be determined by how they lend to the value of a performance, by supporting as theme.

2) Style Style is defined as the way a performance is presented. It is made up of the components of choreography, execution, and cohesiveness. Style is the interpretation of the theme: how the competitor interacts with the program elements, how the elements are put together, the control the flier displays, and the relationship to theme are the components of judging. Style molds the elements into a program.

3) Performance Performance is the "total visual impact" of the routine. The clarity, the statement, the theme and how they are expressed is what is judged here. This element measures the entertainment value of a routine. Overall impact is considered, since the routine is judged on the whole. What does the spectator see and feel? The emotional impact, the crative expression, the performance. This cumulative result of combining the style components with the program element.

d. Audience Criteria

1) Entertainment The audience panel scores the performance for excitement, taking into consideration how interesting and captivating a performance is.

Scoring ranges from Excellent to Poor

2) Theme The panel grades a routine on whether or not the routine has a recognizable theme. A performance might convey a message, or demonstrate a new style of flying, or be held together by centering around one idea.

Scoring ranges from Excellent to Poor

3) Clarity The panel evaluates how well the them is conveyed and whether the flier has expressed the ideas with clarity, within the routine.

Scoring ranges from Excellent to Poor

[note: scoring -from excellent to poor- is recalculated into the odd numbers -excellent = 9; poor = 1- to combine with judges scores. See also Appendix; example score sheet ]