Part 6
Freestyle: Artistic

6A  Overview

6A.1  Definition

In Artistic Freestyle, riders perform to music, with costumes, props and any kinds of unicycles. Riders are judged not only on skill, but also on how well they entertain and put on a show. There are Individual, Pair, and Group Freestyle events.

6A.2  Rider Summary

This section is intended as an overview of the rules, but does not substitute for the actual rules.

• No safety gear is needed.
• Any number or type of unicycle is allowed.
• Be aware of advance registration requirements.
• Be aware of the time limits for your events.
• Be aware of judging criteria when creating an artistic routine.

6B  Competitor Rules

6B.1  Safety

No safety gear is needed.

6B.2  Unicycles

Any type and any number.

6B.3  Rider Identification

No rider identification is required.

6B.3.1  Removal of Convention Wristband

If, at Unicon, all of the following conditions are met:

• Competitors are given a wristband to show their registration status.
• The wristband is of a non-removable type, or removing the wristband damages it.
• The rider is competing in a Junior Expert or Expert Individual or Pair Freestyle competition.
• The wristband interferes with the competitor’s costume or other aspect of their performance.

Then the competitor may remove this wristband on the same day prior to their competition, and shall be given a new wristband, on the same day, by the event organizers following their competition.

6B.4  Protests

Protests must be filed on an official form within 15 minutes of the posting of event results. Protest is only possible against mistakes in calculation or other mistakes not connected to a judge’s subjective score. Protest against judges’ scores is not permissible. The Chief Judge must resolve all protests within 30 minutes of receipt of the written form.

6B.5  Deadline For Signing Up

These events have a deadline for entry, which must be specified in the registration form. If not specified in the registration form, the deadline is one month before the official convention start date. A maximum of ten Individuals, ten Pairs routines, and two groups will be allowed to be added after this time to account for difficulties in travel planning or other valid reasons that are communicated about in advance. These will be added in the order of their request to the Chief Judge and Convention Director via email or fax. Participants who attempt to sign up less than 36 hours prior to the beginning of the specified competition will not be allowed to enter.

Changing pairs partners is allowed up to 24 hours prior to the actual competition as long as the category does not change. For Group Freestyle, it is recommended to sign up alternates for the routine. In the case of injury or illness, groups with alternates signed up may substitute riders up until the start of the routine. If a group does not have alternates signed up, then they must get the permission of the Chief Judge to substitute riders and this is only allowed up to 24 hours prior to the start of that competition. If a group adds or subtracts riders so that they must change from Large Group to Small Group (or vice versa), this is allowed as long as it doesn’t violate the per-country limitations for the competition and it is done at least 24 hours before the event. The Chief Judge must be notified of any changes or substitutions to be made.

6B.6  Competitions

6B.6.1  Group Freestyle Restrictions

Group Freestyle is divided in Large Groups and Small Groups Each rider may enter each competition (Small Group, Large Group) only once. For example: a rider can be in one small group routine and one large group routine but not two small group routines.

A rider may appear in a second Group Freestyle performance (Small Group, Large Group) with permission of the Chief Judge, to replace a rider due to illness, injury or other mishap.

6B.6.1.1 Small Group

Minimum of three riders, maximum of eight.

6B.6.1.2 Large Group

Minimum of nine riders, no maximum number of riders and it may include one registered Head Coach.

6B.7  Categories

Artistic Freestyle competitions are organized either by age group (Age Group, Junior Expert, and Expert) or by category (Novice, Intermediate, and Expert) as determined by the host.

6B.7.1  Choosing Categories

Categories are determined by skill level. The IUF Skill Levels are used as a guide to determine level of skill. Skill level testing is not required; these numbers are just used as a point of reference.

For Pairs Freestyle the skill levels of the two riders should be averaged to determine category placement.

Riders may enter the competition category they wish according to the approximate skill level of the skills planned for the routine. Riders who wish to enter a category that falls outside the guidelines must communicate their choice and reasons to the Chief Judge before the competition. The Chief Judge will review the choices to assure that riders enter categories that match their skills.

6B.7.2  Promoting Rider(s) to a Higher Category

Because these categories are determined based on skill level and not age, it can be difficult to determine the correct category for any given routine. Therefore, there may be a need to promote routines to a higher category after they have been evaluated.

Routines are allowed to have a maximum of some successfully performed skills that are deemed to be higher than the allowed level for the category. Skills successfully performed is defined as performing the skill for a reasonable distance without falling, given the choreography of the routine. Individual routines are allowed to have a maximum of three such skills and pairs routines are allowed to have a maximum of six such skills. When this limit is exceeded, the routine is to be promoted to the next most difficult level. Clearly the skill levels are not an inclusive list of all the skills that may be performed in any given routine. Therefore, the approximate difficulty level of each skill performed in any routine must be evaluated to determine whether or not the skill is too difficult for the given category.

It is up to the discretion of the Chief Judge as to whether or not a routine is promoted to a higher category. The Chief Judge should take into account the opinions of the other judges when making this decision.

6B.8  Event Flow

6B.8.1  Time Limits

The maximum for routine lengths are:

• Individual: 3 min
• Pair: 3 min
• Group: 5 min

IUF Sanctioned & Endorsed events: Time limits are enforced.

Other events (eg. Newcomer Freestyle events that welcome first timers) can allow shorter durations to lower the entrance barrier for first timers. The maximum routine length must be announced with tender/bidding for each event.

6B.8.2  Judging Method

6B.8.2.1 Judging Method: Individual

Riders’ scores are divided into three parts called Technical, Performance, and Dismounts. Read the Artistic Freestyle Judging section to learn more.

6B.8.2.2 Judging Method: Pair

Same as Individual Freestyle. In Pairs, there is extra emphasis on teamwork; two person skills, etc. (See Judging Criteria for a full description.)

6B.8.2.3 Judging Method: Group

Same as Individual Freestyle, but with additional emphasis on teamwork and multiple person skills, such as formation riding. Extra consideration will be given to account for widely different group sizes, relative skill levels, and relative ages of riders. (See Judging Criteria for a full description.)

6B.8.2.4 Music Preparation

In Artistic Freestyle events, music is included in the judging and competitors should use it. Competitors must provide their music in a type that is supported, and has been announced by the Artistic Director. It is required to have at least one backup copy of all music in case of loss or damage. This backup copy must be provided in a format which is supported at the competition. All music must be clearly labeled with the competitor name(s), age group or category, event type (such as Pairs), and if needed, the track number. For recordable disks (CDs), competitors are also recommended to test their music on multiple players to make sure it will work at competition time.

6B.8.3  Props and Decorations

Props are all items which are used by the rider in his/her performance and require a technical handling by the rider (for example typical objects like clubs, ribbons, hoop, etc.). These items can be used to do a unicycling trick, like rope skipping with the unicycle. However, they can also be employed to show a non-unicycling skill which supports and enhances the choreography, like the elaborate use of a hat. Props have to be presented by the rider. It is not mandatory to include props in the performance. If none are used, the score will not be lower.

Decoration: In contrast to props, decoration is used to present the rider or clarify the theme of the performance. Decoration does not require a technical handling by the rider. For example other persons in costumes and background images. Decoration is no personal contribution of the rider and therefore effects of the Decorations should not be judged. On the contrary, Decorations can also be judged negatively if it distracts from the rider’s performance. For Junior Expert and Expert categories at Unicon, it is forbidden to use decorations (including people) that are too large, which the competitor cannot carry and/or put on by oneself.

For Props and Decoration neither fire nor sharp objects (such as juggling knives) are allowed.

6B.8.4  Riders Must Be Ready

Riders who are not ready at their scheduled performance time may or may not be allowed to perform after the last competitor in their age group or category. The Chief Judge will remember to consider language barriers, and that riders may be engaged in convention work to slow them down. A rider may not perform before a different set of judges than those that judged the rest of their age group or category.

6B.9  Performance Set-Up

Competitors are allowed a maximum of two minutes to set up their unicycles and props in the performing area. Competitors who take too long risk being disqualified. An extension of the set-up time can be given only by the Chief Judge and must be requested in advance. Competitors must show a legitimate need when requesting more time, such as numerous props or complicated special effects.

6B.9.1  Start Of Performance

The judging, the stopwatch, and the ‘performance’ all start at the same time. The Timer starts the watch at the beginning of the music, or at a signal from competitors, whichever comes first. The signal can be a nod, wave, bow, verbal cue (“Start!”) or any clearly understandable means. Any non-unicycling activities such as dancing, posing, acrobatics, etc., must be included within the time limit of the routine to be judged.

6B.9.2  End Of Performance

The performance ends at a signal from the rider, such as a bow or “Thank you,” an obvious endpoint, or at the end of the time limit. Nothing that occurs after the time limit may affect judging scores.

An acoustic signal will indicate the end of the time limit. This acoustic signal can be a generated sound from a computer/device, a buzzer, or a whistle. This acoustic signal must be clearly audible to the competitor(s), judges, and officials. Any figures or performing that are done after the end of the time limit will not be judged Performing past the time limit will reduce the rider’s score. All time limits are maximums. Riders need not fill the entire time, but a routine that is very short may suffer in points over a routine with more content. However, a routine that is boring, repetitive or ‘padded’ may lose points for being too long. The rider must decide what makes the best performance.

6B.9.3  Clean-Up

In unicycling, a clean, dry riding surface is essential. After a performance, the riding area must be left the way it was before the performance. Riders and their helpers must clear all props, unicycles, and debris from the performing area within two minutes. The next rider may also be setting up during this time.

6B.9.4  Messy Performing Area

Riders who are thinking of using messy props in their performances must carefully consider the above rule. Popping balloons, dirt or powder, confetti, water, pies, etc. may take longer than two minutes to remove. Special permission must be received from the Chief Judge or Artistic Director before any such props are used. Competitors who make messes they are unable to remove may be disqualified from the event.

6C  Judges and Officials Rules

6C.1  Artistic Officials

Artistic Director: The head organizer and administrator of artistic events. The Artistic Director’s job starts well before the convention, arranging equipment for the gyms (or performing areas) and recruiting the other artistic officials. With the Convention Host, the Artistic Director determines the operating systems, paperwork and methods to be used to run the events. With the Chief Judge, the Artistic Director is in charge of keeping events running on schedule, and answers all questions not pertaining to rules and judging. The Artistic Director is the highest authority on everything to do with the artistic events, except for decisions on rules and results.

Chief Judge: Like the Referee, the Chief Judge should be a thoroughly experienced person who must above all be objective and favor neither local, nor outside riders. The Chief Judge must be thoroughly familiar with all of the artistic officials’ jobs and all aspects of artistic rules. The Chief Judge oversees everything, deals with protests, and answers all rules and judging questions. The Chief Judge is responsible for seeing that all artistic officials are trained and ready, and that the artistic riding areas are correctly measured and marked on the floor. The Chief Judge is also responsible for the accuracy of all judging point tabulations and calculations.

Timer: Keeps the time for all performances, and makes acoustic signals at key points in performances.

Judge: Rates the performances. The various artistic categories require different judging qualities, and may use different judges. All judges must be completely impartial, and must understand the rules and judging criteria.

Announcer: Operates sound system with DJ, and announces all upcoming riders and results of competitions. May also provide color commentary between performances.

DJ: Operates sound system, plays all performance music, and keeps track of riders’ music media and any special instructions.

6C.2  Training Officials

Competitions cannot be started until all key artistic officials have been trained and understand their tasks. For Artistic events, the Chief Judge is in charge. For certain artistic events, a minimum level of judging experience is required. See section 6C.4.

6C.3  Interruption Of Judging

An interruption of judging can result from material damage, injury or sudden illness of a competitor, or interference with a competitor by a person or object. If this happens, the Chief Judge determines the amount of time left and whether any damage may be the fault of the competitor. Re-admittance into competition must happen within the regulatory competition time. If a routine is continued and the competitor was not at fault for the interruption, all devaluations coming forth from the interruption will be withdrawn.

6C.4  Freestyle Judging Panel

At Unicon and continental championships there must be a minimum of five judges each of Technical and Performance for Age Group, Jr. Expert and Expert competitions (including Group). At Unicon a minimum of four Dismount judges are required for group routines. For smaller competitions there must be a minimum of three judges for Technical and Performance, and a minimum of two Dismount judges. There must be an equal number of Technical and Performance judges. All judges must attend a workshop provided as part of the convention schedule before the start of the Artistic Freestyle competitions. Exceptions to workshop attendance are granted by the Chief Judge if judging rules have not changed since the previous judging experience and the judge has high Accuracy Scores.Unless otherwise noted, judges at a Unicon must either speak English or have translation assistance for the specified language while judging. Judges at other unicycle conventions should speak the dominant language of that convention or have translation assistance.

Judges’ names must be provided to the Chief Judge (via email, FAX, or postal mail) by at least one month prior to the start of the unicycle convention and include the number of Freestyle conventions where they have been a competitor, judge, or simply in the audience.See section 6C.4.8 for description of which teams/countries are required to provide judges. Judges must be at least 14 years of age at the start of the event. Judges are recommended to be a current Freestyle competitor, a former Freestyle competitor, an active coach of Freestyle routines, a proven judge at prior competitions, or an avid spectator who has observed many Freestyle routines.

Anything that happens in the course of the judging process (including, but not limited to, judge scores and discussions with the Chief Judge) is confidential and can not be discussed or shared.

6C.4.1  Selecting Judges

A person should not judge an event if the person is:

• A parent, child or sibling of a rider competing in the event.
• An individual or team coach, manager, trainer, colleague who is member of the same club specified in the registration form, colleague’s family etc. of a rider competing in the event.
• A sponsor, part of a sponsoring organization or connected to an organization sponsoring any riders in the group to be judged.
• A family member of another judge on the judging panel.

If the judging pool is too limited by the above criteria, restrictions can be eliminated starting from the bottom of the list and working upward as necessary only until enough judges are available.

6C.4.2  Assignment Of Age Group and Category Judges

Judges will be chosen from the list of judges as provided in section 6C.4.8. Judges who are competing in the event just before or just after the current category are strongly suggested to be eliminated from the list. Judges will also be eliminated from the list for the current category as described in section 6C.4.5. The final selection of judges will be chosen based on their accuracy scores from the remaining list.

6C.4.3  Assignment Of Expert (And Junior Expert) Judges

Assignments for Expert and Jr. Expert judges will be made by the Chief Judge using the most qualified of all judges available. Qualifications are determined in the following order of importance:

• Highest judging accuracy scores obtained while judging age group (age groups judges must have a minimum of five entrants) or other Jr. Expert and Expert events.
• Greatest amount of Jr. Expert and Expert judging experience.
• Greatest amount of international judging experience.
• Greatest number of Freestyle competition experienced (viewed, judged, or as a competitor).

Judges who are competing in the event just before or just after the current category are eliminated from the list. Judges will also be eliminated from the list for the current category as described in section 6C.4.1. Judges will also be eliminated from the list if they exhibit Judging weaknesses during their Age Group judging as described in Section 6C.4.5. At Unicons, if more than five judges each of Technical and Performance remain, judges who have not judged at a previous Unicon will be removed from the list. If there are still more than five each then the final list of judges for the category will be chosen by accuracy scores as defined in section 6C.4.7.

6C.4.4  Judging Panel May Not Change

The individual members of the judging panel must remain the same for the entirety of an age groups or category; for example one judge may not be replaced by another except between age groups or categories In the event of a medical or other emergency, this rule can be waived by the Chief Judge.

6C.4.5  Rating Judge Performance

Judges are rated by comparing their scores to those of other judges at previous competitions. Characteristics of Judging Weaknesses

• Excessive Ties: A judge should be able to differentiate between competitors. Though tying is most definitely acceptable, excessive use of tying defeats the purpose of judging.
• Group Bias: If a judge places members of a certain group or nation significantly different from the other judges. This includes a judge placing members significantly higher or significantly lower (a judge may be harsher on his or her own group members) than the other judges.
• Inconsistent Placing: If a judge places a large number of riders significantly different from the average of the other judges.

6C.4.6  Reinstating Judges

If a judge has been labeled as having a Judging Weakness, they may have a chance to be reinstated on the list by:

• Discuss with the Chief Judge the scores that were Tied, Biased, or Inconsistent.
• Practice judge on at least two categories with at least 4 competitors.

If the practice judging shows no further examples of Judging Weakness, they may be reinstated on approval by the Chief Judge and Artistic Director. If the Chief Judge and Artistic Director are the same person, then the next highest-ranking official must agree to the reinstatement.

6C.4.7  Calculating Accuracy Scores

The Chief judge should decide to replace a judge if he/she shows signs of weakness. To find the right decision, the chief judge may use heuristics, statistical analytics, etc. as indicators.

6C.4.8  Nominating Freestyle Judges

Parties (Countries/Clubs) that participate at competitions must nominate judges in relation to the number of Artistic Freestyle participants they send (see table below). For the purpose of counting judges, an “Artistic Freestyle participant” is defined as a routine. (For example: If Country A has 3 Individual routines, 2 sets of Pairs routines, and 1 Small Group, then they have 6 participants and will need 2 judges.) After registration finishes, the chief judge will send a request to all parties. The request contains the compiled number of minimum judges per party and a question to nominate the candidates. Judge nominations include the experience of the judges (such as previous competitions, how long he/she has been judging, age group/expert judging or other relevant qualifications such as educations).

6C.4.9  Not Providing Judges

At Competitions, parties that are unable to provide their required number of judges (either Group or Individual/Pairs) may have their competitors removed from that competition. Exceptions will be granted on a special basis with a letter to the Chief Judge, Artistic Director, and Convention Director. Note: A party that isn’t able to nominate their minimum judges can ask a party that has more than the required number of minimum judges to nominate their additional judges as their own.

6C.4.10  Judges Workshop

Judges should have read the rules prior to the start of the workshop. The workshop will include a practice judging session. Each judge will be required to sign a statement indicating they have read the rules, attended the workshop, agree to follow the rules, and will accept being removed from the list of available judges if their judging accuracy scores show Judging Weaknesses.

6C.5  Scoring

To tabulate the scores in Artistic Freestyle competitions, the scores per judging part (Performance, Technical and Dismount) are averaged for all judges. For the published results, athletes will receive one value per judging part and the total score. Athletes are ranked based on the total score.

Performance Score = AVG(Performance score of all judges)
Technical Score = AVG(Technical score of all judges)
Dismount Score = AVG(Dismount score of all judges)

These scores are weighted for the total score:

45% Performance Score
45% Technical Score
10% Dismount Score

Total Score = (Performance Score * 0.45 / 30 + Technical Score * 0.45 / 30 + Dismount Score * 0.1 / 10) * 100

The total score is rounded to three fraction digits. The formula for total score respects the weighted scores but normalizes them to 100 pts maximum. For example a rider scoring 30 pts in performance and technical and 10 pts in dismount would have 100 pts as total score.

Example for tabulated results*:

6C.5.1  Scope of Ranking

As routines are judged with scores, the results can be ranked per class and/or age group, see 6E.5 which ranking(s) will be used.

6C.5.2  Removing Scores

The highest and lowest scores for Performance and Technical may be removed to increase accuracy of final results. A minimum of five judges per judging part is required.

IUF Sanctioned and Endorsed events: The removal of highest and lowest scores is compulsory.

6D  Artistic Freestyle Judging

6D.1  Introduction

Judging for Individual, Pairs, and Group Freestyle is divided into three components, Technical, Performance, and Dismounts. They are weighted as follows:

Qualified judges may judge one or more components (Technical, Performance, Dismounts) per competition category, except in the case of group freestyle. For each component, there are subcategories each of which is always scored out of 10 points (for the ease of judging). High scores are better. Scores such as 2.0, 2.2, or even 2.25 are encouraged to help differentiate between riders of similar ability. The subcategories for each component may be weighted differently as described below.

6D.1.1  Pairs and Group Freestyle – Additional Judging Criteria

The judging criteria listed in the following sections applies to Individual, Pairs, and Group Freestyle. In many sections, there is additional judging criteria for Pairs and/or Group Freestyle that judges also need to consider.

6D.2  Technical Score

The Technical part of the judging is broken into three subcategories. These subcategories are weighted by a factor as follows:

6D.2.1  Quantity of Unicycling Skills and Transitions

Quantity is the number of unicycling skills and transitions successfully executed. Transitions, before and after the skill, should also be counted. If a dismount happens during transition but after a skill was successfully executed, only the completed skill is counted and the failed transition should not be counted. For example, if a dismount happens during stand up gliding, only the transition from riding to stand up is counted. If a dismount happens after stand up gliding and during the transition from the stand up gliding to riding, the previous transition into stand up and the stand up gliding are counted.

Only ‘unicycling skills’ will be counted (see definition in chapter 1D.1). For example, if a rider is juggling while idling, idling is counted as a unicycling skill and juggling will affect the Interpretation: Props and other Performance scores. Performing many short skills with quick transitions can increase this score, but will decrease the score as related to the Duration score.

Variety: Different variations of the same type of skill are counted separately. Skills should be chosen to work with the style of the performance, but performing exactly the same skill multiple times will decrease this score.

Examples:

• ‘Drag seat in front’ and ‘drag seat in back’ are counted independently.

• The following variations of ‘stand up gliding one foot’ will be counted differently;

  • Arabesque (The free leg is extended behind the body above hip height – at least a 90 degree angle)
  • Knee hold (one hand supporting the knee of the free leg)
  • Y-character balance (holding a straightened leg up with one hand and using other hand to form a Y shape)
  • Catch-foot (the free leg being held in one or both hands)
  • Biellmann (the free leg grasped from behind and pulled overhead in the Biellmann position)
• Face up spins are different from normal upright spins
• Combinations of one-rotation spins/turns are different from continuous spins

Originality: Skills with unique variations that are completely new or with new approaches will get more points. Originality is mainly judged in Performance (section 6D.3).

6D.2.1.1 Pairs Freestyle:

Number of skills should be counted for each rider separately. If a rider is not riding a unicycle and performing non-unicycling skills while the other rider doing unicycling skills, only one skill for a rider is counted.

Pairs Vs. Doubles: ‘Doubles’ refers to two riders on one unicycle. In case of Doubles, the Quantity is counted as same as the skill by a single rider.

6D.2.1.2 Group Freestyle:

Approximate number of skills may be counted for all members in total. The number of skills should be weighted by the number of unicycling riders in the group. If some riders are not on unicycles or are performing non-unicycling skills while the other riders doing unicycling skills, the count is reduced accordingly.

6D.2.2  Mastery And Quality of Execution

Mastery is the amount of control shown by the rider(s) during their execution of the skills and transitions. The body form should demonstrate good control and Mastery of the unicycle. If a rider is showing good style during difficult skills, the Mastery score should be high. Mastery of the unicycling skills is also required to perform the “additional non-unicycling skills”, such as juggling, dancing, and acrobatics.

There are several viewpoints to check the Quality of Execution, such as Stability, Duration, Speed, Synchronization, and Fluidity of Transition. These viewpoints don’t have to be evenly weighted, but required to check.

Duration: Holding a skill for a longer amount of time and distance also indicates a higher level of mastery and difficulty for that skill.

Stability: High scores should not be given if unintentional jerky body movement, or a wandering spin or pirouette is shown occasionally.

Speed: High score is given when the rider controls the speed (faster or slower) of turns, spins, and transitions excellently.

Synchronization: Being synchronized with the rhythm of the music and timing accuracy should be judged. High scores are awarded for a routine if timing of the skills is well planned and accurate.

Fluidity of Transition: High scores are given for transitions when the rider performs a skill straight into another skill quickly. Low scores are given for transitions if several revolutions, idles, hops (or other setup-type skill) need to be performed before performing the more difficult skill – unless it is obvious that these are used to increase the overall choreography and timing of the routine.

6D.2.2.1 Pairs and Group Freestyle:

Synchronization: Timing-synchronization with each other should be judged in Pairs and Group routines. High scores awarded for a routine if timing of every skills are well planed and accurate. Even though riders do not do the same skill/movement at the same timing intentionally, timing accuracy of each movement can be measured as synchronization with rhythm of the music, in a manner similar to individual routines.

6D.2.3  Difficulty And Duration

The level of Difficulty is taken into account for successfully executed skills including transitions. High scores are awarded for a routine packed with a number of skills all with high difficulty. High scores should not be given if only one or two of the skills are of a high level. Generally:

• Backward skills are more difficult than the same type of Forward skills.
• ‘Seat against body’ is easier than ‘Seat not touching body’.
• Faster spins/turns with smaller diameter are more difficult than slower spins/turns with larger diameter.
• ‘Stand up with a hand touching the seat’ is easier than ‘stand up with neither hand touching the seat’.
• ‘Jump up from the pedals to the frame removing both feet simultaneously’ is more difficult than ‘Standup with one or both feet on the frame’.

Only ‘unicycling skills’ will be judged; non-unicycling skills only affect Performance scores. Dancing, juggling, and other non-unicycling skills can only affect the Performance score, and have no influence on this score. However, if a rider is juggling while idling, for example, the difficulty of idling does not carry the same difficulty as idling without juggling. The same applies for dancing and acrobatics.

Duration: Holding a skill for a longer amount of time and distance also indicates a higher level of mastery and difficulty for that skill.

6D.2.3.1 Pairs Freestyle:

The Difficulty level of a multiple person act is determined by the overall level of difficulty displayed by the pair, not by the difficulty of feats presented by a single rider. If one rider’s skill level is a great deal higher than the other, judges must keep the Difficulty score somewhere between the levels of the two riders. Number of skills should be counted for each rider separately. If a rider is not riding a unicycle and performing non-unicycling skills while the other rider doing unicycling skills, only one skill for a rider is counted. A skill in which the two riders obviously support each other will score lower than the same skill performed separately. Judges must be able to distinguish between ‘support’ and ‘artistic contact.’ Riders who are merely holding hands may not be supporting each other, but if their arms are locked, they probably are.

Note: Some skills are more difficult with riders holding hands, such as one foot riding, side-by-side.

Pairs Vs. Doubles: ‘Doubles’ refers to two riders on one unicycle. In case of Doubles, the Quantity is counted as same as the skill by a single rider. Some Pairs performers use lots of doubles moves, with lifting, strength, and the associated difficulty. Other Pairs acts use no doubles moves at all. How to compare them? Remember that the skill level of both riders is being judged. If the ‘top’ rider does not display much unicycling skill when riding, judges must keep that in mind, and rate their average difficulty accordingly. If the top rider never rides, one can argue that this is not a Pairs act, and give a major points reduction. Doubles moves are difficult for both persons, but must be weighed carefully against non-doubles performances.

Duration can be increased if a rider pulls or pushes another rider with holding hands, but will decrease the score as related to Quantity.

6D.2.3.2 Group Freestyle:

As in Pairs, judges must seek to find the average Level of Difficulty of what may be a widely varied group of riders. Top level skills done by only one rider cannot bring the Difficulty score up to top level. High scores should not be given if only one or two of the skills are of a high level even if done by all riders or with skills that are the same type but with minor variations. All riders in the routine must be used effectively. This means that if one or more riders are at a beginner level, they can still ride around in circles, carry banners, be carried by other riders, etc. Riders should not be left standing on the side.

Small Group Vs. Large Group: Some groups will be much smaller or larger than others, and judges must include this information in their decisions. Large groups may have a tendency toward formation riding and patterns, while smaller groups may focus more on difficult skills. With so many possibilities, judges must compare many different factors to get an adequate judgment. Large numbers alone should not earn a high difficulty score, and neither should a few difficult skills performed by a small number. The judges must consider the group’s size as a part of the overall performance, including the advantages or limitations that size has on the types of skills being performed.

6D.3  Performance Score

The Performance part of the judging is broken into three subcategories. These subcategories are weighted by a factor as follows:

Below you can find a definition of each subcategory as well criteria to be considered by the judges.

6D.3.1  Presence/Execution

There are two parts to this section. Each part does not need to be evenly weighted, but judges are required to consider both parts.

Presence: involvement of the rider physically, emotionally and intellectually as they translate the intent of the music and choreography.

Execution: quality of movement and precision in delivery. This includes harmony of movement.

Criteria:

• Physical, emotional and intellectual presence
• Carriage
• Authenticity (individuality/personality)
• Clarity of movement
• Variety and contrast
• Projection

6D.3.1.1 Pairs Freestyle:

Additional Criteria:

• Unison and “oneness”
• Balance in performance between partners
• Spatial awareness between partners

6D.3.1.2 Group Freestyle:

Additional Criteria:

• Teamwork and cooperation
• Use of all riders effectively

6D.3.2  Composition/Choreography

An intentional, developed and/or original arrangement of all types of movements according to the principles of proportion, unity, space, pattern, structure and phrasing.

Criteria:

• Purpose (Movements, tricks, costume and music to match for a unified experienced)
• Harmony (Interaction between tricks and body movements)
• Utilization (Utilization of space and pattern usage for proper floor coverage)
• Dynamics
• Imaginativeness (Imaginative, originality and inventiveness of purpose, movement and design)

6D.3.2.1 Pairs Freestyle:

Additional Criteria:

• Unity
• Shared responsibility in achieving purpose by both

6D.3.2.2 Group Freestyle:

Additional Criteria:

• Uniform coverage of the performance area

6D.3.3  Interpretation of the Music/Timing

The personal and creative musical realization of the rhythm, character and content of music to movement in the performance area.

Criteria:

• Continuity and musical representation (Effortless proper musical realization to artfully characterize the routine)
• Expression of the music’s style, character and rhythm
• Use of finesse to reflect the nuances of the music
• Timing

Musical realization can occur in four different ways:

• Analog: Representing the highlights/cues in the music through movements
• Congruent: Representing every beat/tone/note in the music through movements
• Contrastive: Movement that is contrary to the music (fast movements to slow music or vice versa) or putting moves on the off-beat
• Autonomy: Movement and music are independent. Music and movements don’t need to match, yet can. This offers the artist the most freedom in his creative process

Finesse is the refined, artful manipulation of nuances by the rider(s). Nuances are the personal artistic ways of bringing variations to the intensity, tempo, and dynamics of the music made by the composer and/or musicians.

6D.3.3.1 Pairs Freestyle:

Additional Criteria:

• Relationship between the partners reflecting the character of the music

6D.4  Dismount Score

The Dismount Score is calculated based on the number of major and minor falls as outlined below. Judges need to be able to differentiate between a planned dismount and an unplanned dismount.

Major dismounts are when the unicycle falls and/or a hand or any body part other than the rider’s foot or feet touch the floor. Major dismounts are also when the choreography of a rider’s routine is clearly affected.

Minor dismounts are when the unicycle does not fall, only the rider’s foot or feet touch down and the choreography of a rider’s routine is not affected. A minor dismount may also be counted when Judges cannot differentiate between a planned dismount and an unplanned dismount.

Exception: Dismounts that occur while the rider is performing a seat drag skill have to be evaluated somewhat differently since the unicycle is already on the ground. For these dismounts, the judges should use the current above language regarding minor and major dismounts but disregard the parts talking about the unicycle. For example, if a rider is performing seat drag in back and steps off the unicycle with only their feet touching the ground, it would be considered a minor dismount unless the choreography of the routine is plainly affected.

Individual and Pairs Freestyle Dismount Score Calculation:

6D.4.0.1 Group Freestyle:

At Unicon a minimum of four dismount judges must be appointed by the Chief Judge to count falls for group routines. At smaller competitions a minimum of two dismount judges should be appointed by the Chief Judge to count falls for group routines. These judges should be chosen to fairly represent the different groups present (e.g. four judges from four different countries). Neither Performance nor Technical judges should count falls for group freestyle. Each dismount judge should count all of the major and minor dismounts of a group, not only dismounts in one part of the floor. The counts from each judge should be averaged to create the dismount score for a group.

Group Freestyle Dismount Score Calculation: The number of dismounts should be weighted by the number of riders in the group. The following formula is used:

The Final Dismount Score cannot be lower than 0.

6E  Event Organizer Rules

6E.1  Venue

Traditionally a gymnasium is used. Artistic competitions are also possible in an auditorium, if the stage is large enough. If this is done, a gym must also be available for practice, and possibly for group competition. There must also be enough room for judges and spectators. Seating must be provided for spectators, and a practice area must be provided for riders. Ideally, this practice area would be in a separate gym. The primary practice area cannot be outdoors, as wet or extreme weather would prevent riders from warming up and exchanging skills. If necessary, the practice area can be behind a curtain in the competition gym, or behind the spectator seating. Neither of these solutions is as desirable, due to the distraction that is unavoidably caused by riders using these areas.

The gym or riding surface must be marked with the boundaries of all riding areas for events in which they are required. In some facilities black tires, metal pedals, untaped wooden hockey sticks, etc. might not be allowed. The host must make sure the participants are informed of this in advance. All performing and practice areas must be in well-lit places that are protected from the weather, or have fallback locations in case the weather is bad.

It is very important that a good quality public address system be available for announcements, and to play competition music. At least two music-playing devices must be provided (one as a backup or test machine). These should be compatible with all the media types specified for the various events to be held there.

6E.1.1  Size Of Performing Areas

The minimum size for an Artistic Freestyle event must be 28 x 15 meters. Hosts must publicize the dimensions of the available performing area as far in advance of the competition as possible, and organizers of international championships at least three months prior to the event.

6E.2  Officials

The host must designate the following officials for Artistic Freestyle:

• Artistic Director
• Chief Judge

6E.3  Communication

6E.3.1  Announcing Of Results

At Unicon and Continental Championships, final results will be announced at the awards ceremony. The protest period begins at the conclusion of the awards ceremony.

At other events, hosts can choose to announce results and the awards ceremony or continuously announce and/or post them for public view. If this second option is chosen, Results Sheets will be posted after each age category of an event. The protest period begins at this point.

Results Sheets show a summary of the overall results for each category. The summary includes the percentage each competitor received out of a total 100% (all competitors together) for Performance, Technical, and Overall, along with the number of major and minor falls from the Dismount category. Judge scores will never be shared. A sample Result Sheet can be found here.

6E.4  Judges Workshop

The hosts of the convention must provide for a judge’s workshop at least 24 hours prior to the start of the Artistic Freestyle competition. A minimum of 2 hours must be set aside, in a classroom or similar environment.If possible, it is strongly recommended to have more than one workshop to accommodate schedules.Variations on this can be approved by the Chief Judge. Workshop schedule(s) must be announced to all judges at least three weeks prior to the start of the competition.

6E.5  Age Groups and Categories

Age groups and categories may be different for different types of events. The minimum allowable age groups and categories are listed for each event. Convention hosts are free to add more age groups but additional categories can only be added when agreed upon by the Artistic Director, Chief Judge, and Event Host. Categories may not be added or removed at a Unicon without approval by the IUF Board. Age group is determined by the rider’s age on the first day of the convention. Junior Expert is open to all riders 0-14. Expert is open to riders of any age, including 0-14. Riders must state the category in which they are entering for each Freestyle event in which they participate.

Example: Riders who enter Individual Freestyle as Experts can enter Pairs in another category if they wish. Riders are divided into male and female in Individual Freestyle, but not in Pairs or Group.

6E.5.1  Minimum Age Groups: Individual

Unicon and Continental Championships: 0-14, 15-UP, Jr. Expert, Expert.

Other competitions: 0-14, 15-UP, Expert.

The decision to enter as Expert or Jr. Expert (if used) is optional, but must be stated in advance.

6E.5.2  Minimum Age Groups: Pair

Unicon and Continental Championships: 0-14, 15-UP, Jr. Expert, Expert.

Other competitions: Age Group (all ages), Expert.

Each rider may enter only once. The age of the older rider determines the age group for the pair. The decision to enter as Expert or Jr. Expert (if used) is optional, but must be stated in advance.

6E.5.3  Minimum Age Groups: Group

Small Group: Jr. Expert, Expert. Large Group: none.

6E.6  Categories for Smaller Competitions

At competitions where the number of Artistic Freestyle competitors is low, the Event Host may choose to only offer categories and no age groups. This decision would be made to encourage a competition that is fair and engaging for both spectators and competitors. See 6B.7.1 for a description of recommended categories.

6E.7  Pre-Event Practice Time

In order to give fair practice time in the Freestyle competition venue to the high level competitors, thirty minutes for practice must be reserved immediately before each Jr. Expert and Expert competition. During each thirty minute warm-up period, only the competitors for that event are allowed to be on the competition floor.

Each group that is competing also must be given time to rehearse on the competition floor. The Artistic Director is responsible for publishing a rehearsal schedule at least two weeks before the competition day. The amount of time allotted to each group is to be determined by the Artistic Director, however, each group must be given the same amount of rehearsal time and it cannot be less than fifteen minutes.

6E.8  Order Of Performance

Performance order for Jr. Expert and Expert in Pairs/Individual/Group Freestyle are defined by an open drawing without a computer.The drawing/selection should be done publicly and transparently, at a time that is announced ahead of time so people can witness it. The method to randomly determine performance order for age groups is completely up to the Artistic Director.

6E.8.1  Media Types

The Artistic Director is responsible for announcing what media types will be supported, and making sure the necessary equipment is provided.

6E.8.2  Music Volume

Volume level is controlled by the DJ, at instructions from the Chief Judge. The base volume for Freestyle music should be loud enough to sound clear, and be heard by all. Some competitors’ music may start with especially loud or quiet sections, and the DJ should be advised of these so volume levels do not get compensated in the wrong direction. Some competitors may request that their music be played at lower levels. These requests can be made directly to the DJ. Requests for higher volumes must be approved by the Chief Judge, who has the option of passing this responsibility to the DJ.

6E.8.3  Special Music Instructions

Some competitors may have special music instructions, such as stopping or starting the music at a visual cue, changing volume level during the performance, etc. The DJ is not responsible for errors carrying out these instructions. For best results, the competitor should supply a person to coach the DJ during the performance, so there are no mistakes. If the DJ receives instructions that sound unusual, the Chief Judge should be consulted for approval.

6E.9  Limiting Competitors

6E.9.1  Maximum Number of Competitors for Jr. Expert and Expert: Individual

Non-Unicon: Organizers of non-Unicon events can choose to limit the number of competitors using the guidelines below, come up with their own limit guidelines, or have no limit.

Unicon: Each country can submit a maximum of three individuals in each category to compete at Unicon in the Individual Freestyle events (three in Jr. Expert Men, three in Jr. Expert Women, three in Expert Men, three in Expert Women). If a country has placed 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in Individual Freestyle at the previous Unicon, they can submit one additional competitor for each placing in that category. For example, if Country-A wins first place in Expert Men at the previous Unicon, they may submit up to four individuals for Expert Men at the current Unicon. If Country-B wins second and third place in Jr. Expert Women at the previous Unicon, they may submit up to five individuals in Jr. Expert Women at the current Unicon.

6E.9.2  Method for Limiting the Competitors at Unicon: Individual

A country that has more interested individuals than allowed should select individuals by their own way. Any type of competition using the IUF judging methods to determine their competitors is recommended. If a country is unable to hold a competition, a country can choose individuals by their own rating method. For example, if a country has placed 1st, 2nd or 3rd in Individual Freestyle at the previous Unicon, it can give these individuals a higher rating, because they brought additional number of individuals to a country. If a country did not place in the top three, it can give only the highest placing individual a higher rating. It is strongly recommended to complete the selection at least three months prior to the start of the Unicon. If a country cannot select by then, the method and schedule of the selection must be communicated to the Chief Judge and Artistic Director at least three months prior to the start of the Unicon.

6E.9.3  Maximum Number of Competitors for Jr. Expert and Expert: Pair

Non-Unicon: Organizers of non-Unicon events can choose to limit the number of competitors using the guidelines below, come up with their own limit guidelines, or have no limit.

Unicon: Each country can submit a maximum of three pairs in each category to compete at Unicon in the Pairs Freestyle events (three in Jr Expert Pairs, three in Expert Pairs). If a country has placed 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in Pairs Freestyle at the previous Unicon, they can submit one additional competitor for each placing in that category. For example, if Country-A wins first place in Expert Pairs at the previous Unicon, they may submit up to four Pairs for Expert Pairs at the current Unicon. If Country-B wins second and third place in Jr Expert Pairs at the previous Unicon, they may submit up to five pairs in Jr Expert Pairs at the current Unicon. If a pairs team is submitted consisting of members from two countries, that team must choose one of their two countries to represent.

6E.9.4  Method for Limiting the Competitors at Unicon: Pair

A country that has more interested pairs than allowed should select pairs by their own way. Any type of competition using the IUF judging methods to determine their competitors is recommended. If a country is unable to hold a competition, a country can choose pairs by their own rating method. For example, if a country has placed 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in Pairs Freestyle at the previous Unicon, it can give these pairs a higher rating if BOTH partners from the previous Unicon still be pairs, because they brought additional number of pairs to a country. If a country did not place in the top three, it can give only the highest placing pairs a higher rating. It is strongly recommended to complete the selection at least three months prior to the start of the Unicon. If a country cannot select by then, the method and schedule of the selection must be communicated to the Chief Judge and Artistic Director at least three months prior to the start of the Unicon.

6E.9.5  Maximum Number of Competitors for Jr. Expert and Expert: Group

Non-Unicon: Organizers of non-Unicon events can choose to limit the number of competitors using the guidelines below, come up with their own limit guidelines, or have no limit.

Unicon: Each country can submit a maximum of three groups to compete at Unicon in each of the following categories: Expert Small Group, Jr. Expert Small Group, Expert Large Group, and Jr. Expert Large Group.

6E.9.6  Method for Limiting the Competitors at Unicon

A country that has more interested groups than allowed should select group by their own way. Any type of competition using the IUF judging methods to determine their groups is recommended. If a country is unable to hold a competition, a country can choose groups by their own rating method. It is strongly recommended to complete the selection at least three months prior to the start of the Unicon. If a country cannot select by then, the method and schedule of the selection must be communicated to the Chief Judge and Artistic Director at least three months prior to the start of the Unicon.

6F  Judging Grids

6F.1  Technical Judging Grid

6F.2  Performance Judging Grid: Execution/Presence

6F.3  Performance Judging Grid: Choreography/Composition

6F.4  Performance Judging Grid: Music and Timing