Freestyle Division Details

1 Minute Preliminary Freestyle Judging
In the 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, and 5A divisions there may be a 1-minute preliminary freestyle to qualify the top players into the freestyle finals.(depending on the # of players entered into that division. The top qualifying players in each division will be advanced to the 2-minute Final Freestyle. Each competitor will have 1-minute on stage to perform a freestyle in the style of play in the division they have entered. Players may enter more than one division.

Players who will be competing in the preliminary freestyle of any championship division must be prepared with an appropriate music CD if they wish to use their own music. This CD must meet all of the requirements shown in the MWR rules.

Scoring will be done exactly like the finals, there will be technical execution points, as well as performance score.

2 Minute Finals Freestyle Judging
Freestyle scores will be based on the accumulated point total of two components: Technical Execution and Performance Style.
A net score will be calculated for each contestant based on the algebraic sum of the plus and minus scores as determined below.

Technical Execution -
Positive points may be awarded for advanced level tricks performed successfully, including string hits, pops, wraps, transitions, regenerations, release catches, whip catches, and other yo-yo maneuvers. The styles of tricks should be representative of the division in which the player is competing. Tricks, which a contestant has already completed, will not be scored in a second attempt.
Additional points may be awarded for difficulty, originality, long sequences on same spin, extreme amplitude of a maneuver, and similar yo-yo moves.
Negative points may be deducted for trick misses, loss of control, and restarts. The substitution of a yo-yo for another will count as a multiple deduction if the yo-yo string becomes jammed or knotted. Generally a single point deduction is taken for each miss, loss of control, unsuccessful bind, or similar error. Two points are generally deducted for rewinding/restarting the yo-yo. Three points are deducted for changing out a yo-yo.
No points shall be awarded for any tricks or antics done before the start of the 3-minute freestyle or after the three minutes has elapsed.

Performance Style -
A contestant, while performing advanced level trick elements, may earn points for, but not limited to:
• Stage Presence
• Choreography
• Amplitude
• Elegance of control and maturity of yo-yo maneuvers
• Comprehensive trick style. Use of more then one type of trick throughout the freestyle. (i.e. slack, grinds, whips, lacerations, pops, etc)
• Movement (and use of "yo-yo space" up, down, back and forth)
Crowd reaction does NOT help. Entertaining antics, or other elements, which occur when not performing with a yo-yo, do not add to the performance style points.

Final Score
The total points accumulated from the combination of technical and performance points (minus any deductions) will be independently normalized for each judge. The scores will be averaged to reach the players final score.
Ties will be broken based on which contestant has the highest preliminary score. In the extremely unlikely event that there is still a tie, the judges have the ability to devise an appropriate tiebreaker, or can declare a tie. The judge's decision is final.