Judge Panels & Roles
Learn how USASF judge panels work, what each judge evaluates, and how scores are aggregated to ensure fairness and consistency.
Judge Panel Structure
Multiple Judges per Performance
Building Judge
Focuses on partner stunts and pyramids.
- Stunt difficulty and execution
- Pyramid difficulty and execution
- Toss difficulty and execution
- Building deductions (falls, bobbles)
Tumbling Judge
Focuses on tumbling passes and skills.
- Standing tumbling difficulty and execution
- Running tumbling difficulty and execution
- Tumbling DOD and MPD drivers
- Athlete fall deductions
Performance Judge
Evaluates overall routine quality and performance elements.
- Jumps difficulty and execution
- Dance difficulty and execution
- Routine creativity
- Formations and transitions
- Showmanship
Deduction Judge
Watches for rule violations and safety issues.
- Building falls and bobbles
- Athlete falls
- Boundary violations
- Time limit violations
- Division/level violations
The Scoring Process
Real-Time Scoring
Judges score each category in real-time during your 2:30 performance. They use digital scoring tablets to enter scores immediately as skills are performed.
Score Aggregation
After your routine, category scores from all judges are aggregated. For categories with multiple judges, scores may be averaged or the highest/lowest scores dropped to ensure fairness.
Deduction Review
Deduction judges review any falls, violations, or safety concerns. Deductions are verified and applied to the total score.
Final Score Calculation
The scoring system calculates your final score by adding all category scores and subtracting deductions. Results are typically posted within minutes of your performance.
Consistency & Fairness
Judge Training
All USASF judges complete extensive training and certification. They must pass written exams, attend seminars, and demonstrate consistent scoring ability before judging at sanctioned events.
Scoring Calibration
Before each competition, judges participate in calibration sessions to align their scoring. This ensures consistency across all performances and minimizes subjective bias.
Video Review
Most competitions record all performances. If there is a scoring dispute, the head judge can review video footage to verify deductions or clarify questionable skills.
Multiple Perspectives
Using multiple judges ensures no single judge's bias affects your score. With 4-8 sets of eyes watching, every skill and element is seen and evaluated fairly.
What This Means For You
Every skill matters. With multiple judges watching different areas, you cannot hide mistakes. Make sure every section of your routine is performance-ready.
Judges see everything. Even small details like pointed toes, tight body positions, and synchronized timing are noticed and scored.
Deductions are objective. Falls and violations are clear-cut. Focus on clean execution to minimize deductions.
Performance matters. The performance judge is specifically watching your energy, facials, and showmanship. Perform with confidence!