Score Cards

Score Cards

Basic Overview Information

These are the score cards used by the CPFA educated judges for CPFA provincial and national competitions. These cards begin with the category descriptions and guidelines for scoring. Please note that these are written to the judges and the verbiage indicates such.

For CPFA sanctioned competitions, there are to be 6 judges. The judges will be responsible for only ONE category of the score card. Competition Judging Categories will be as follows:

* ARTISTRY – 2 Judges = 20 Points Maximum Per Competitor

* PRESENTATION – 2 Judges = 20 Points Maximum Per Competitor

* TECHNIQUE JUDGING – As the CPFA competitions are focused on Pole Fitness, the score card for each Technique Judge is multiplied by 2, resulting in a potential high score of 40 points from each Technique Judge.

*Within this system a perfect score would be 160 points.

Please note that there are different descriptions for the Duo category.

Score Cards and Description 

In regards to the Restricted Moves in the Amateur Division

The first purpose behind restricting certain moves in the Amateur Division is to allow the division to be more accessible to a wider and less experienced pool of competitors. The second purpose is to remove the extreme flexibility and strength moves so less experienced athletes are discouraged from training skills beyond their ability in order to attain higher technical scores. Skills that are encompassed in this restricted category are skills that go beyond the average level of flexibility or require abnormal amounts of strength to perform. To see a full list of restricted moves CLICK HERE.

Course of judge’s action if any “restricted” moves are performed in the Amateur Division only of the competition…

1. Write down on your score card the move you think is restricted, any judge from any category can and should bring to discussion a move in question.

2. At the end of the routine, confer with all judges. If even one judge has seen the same move, the head judge will check it against the guideline of restricted moves, if the move is not listed, a judgment will be made on whether or not it requires extreme strength or flexibility (defining criteria for restricted moves).

3. If the move in question is deemed restricted, the technical judge(s) will then deduct 5 points for each restricted move.

4. All technical judges will mark this deduction, but ONLY the technical judges.

Pro, Semi-Pro, Amateur, Men’s & Master’s

Value Continuum

Each category is evaluated on a 1through 5 continuum. A score of 1 is the least amount of points scored. A competitor would score a 1 if they at least completed the routine, demonstrated some attempt at skills, but showed a gross lack of competency. A score of 3 is the middle of the continuum and should be awarded if a competitor shows an average level of competency. A score of 5 is the highest score of the continuum and should be awarded if the competitor shows an unusually high competency (to the point of perfection) in a category. Quarter and Half points can and should be used.

ARTISTRY to a Maximum of 20 points

COSTUME & THEME – 5 Points

Demonstrates a consistent theme throughout re: Costume, Character, Movement, while showing Time and Creativity in the development of Costume, Makeup and Hair.

DANCE – 5 Points

Demonstrates Fluid Movement both on and off the pole as well as between poles, more than just walking or rolling on the floor, look for movements “between” tricks. Are they connected to the theme and are they telling a story? Not looking for professional dance, but while looking for ‘thoughtful’ movement.

TRANSITIONS – 5 Points

Evaluating both movements on the floor between poles as well as movements between tricks on the pole, competitor should move fluidly from trick to trick without an apparent “pause” to stop or start any movement.

MUSICALITY – 5 Points

Demonstrates the ability to use the high/low, weak/strong points of the music, planned movements to specific points in the song. Is the movement specific to this song or could we replace with any other song? Is it incorporated into the movement or is it just background sound?

TECHNIQUE to a Maximum of 40 points

SELECTION – 5 Points

This category is dedicated to evaluating the tricks/moves a competitor selects to present for their strength and flexibility. The competitor should show confidence and conditioning adequate for each skill presented. Tricks are performed with no hesitation or wobble, tricks are performed with lifting, controlled energy, no momentum swinging unless dictated by the skill performed. A competitor will score highly in this category if

they are demonstrating the strength/flexibility required for the skill they choose (i.e. perfectly flat split in a jade, smooth/strong lift into handsprings). The competitor will score low here if they are presenting moves that they do not have the appropriate flexibility/strength for the moves they chose.

LINES and POINT – 5 Points

Looking for full extension in all joints in every trick and floor movement, toes must be pointed in all movements unless deliberately flexed for style. Are they using full extension of their spine and body to present each move when possible?

DIFFICULTY – 5 Points

Aside from strength or flexibility, how difficult are the moves the competitor is presenting? Are they demonstrating floor moves that are challenging? Such as; handsprings, phoenix, tumbling on pole, janeiro – these are all more difficult than leg hangs, laybacks, and two handed spins.

Evaluation of this category should award competitors points for difficulty if they are able to complete the skill presented. Can you tell what they are trying to present? If the execution is off, that will be evaluated elsewhere, movement should look safe even if it not perfect in order to be considered, if there is a fail in the attempt of the skill, it will not be considered when giving the difficulty score.

EXECUTION – 5 Points

Looking for safe technique when entering, during, and exiting each skill while asking ‘are joints fully extended?’ Are they holding the skill with their body rather than throwing the skill up and hoping it will stay? Are they in complete control with every movement? Are they conditioned enough for the entire routine?

MISSED SKILLS – Maximum of 3

Did they attempt a move and fail? Was there a gross uncontrolled slip or fall? One point per occurrence can be deducted up to a maximum of 3.

PERFORMING RESTRICTED AMATEUR MOVES will be a 5 point deduction for each occurrence.

*Please see the order of operation for handling this situation in the section titled: “AMATEUR RESTRICTED MOVES”

PRESENTATION – Maximum of 20 points

BALANCED CHOREOGRAPHY – 5 Points

Where applicable, is competitor using the static and stationary poles equally? Are tricks placed evenly throughout routine (not front loaded)? Are they using the depth of the stage (coming to audience)? Competitors should be presenting unique skills throughout routine, not repeating skills, unless intentional for style.

CONFIDENCE – 5 Points

Do they look ready and confident? Evaluation beings from the stage entrance all the way to the stage exit. Body posture and language should speak to confidence, is their head held high or are they looking at the floor? Do they look frightened, disengaged or excited and composed as well as ‘present’?

ORIGINALITY – 5 Points

Is the routine original? Look for the overall theme, music, costume (not whether it is good or not, but is it original?) Are their tricks and transitions unique or have you seen them performed the same way many times before?

AUDIENCE CONNECTION – 5 Points

Are they connecting with audience in any way (eye contact, emotion)? Are they engaging or entertaining? Do they keep the audience’s attention? Do they turn their energy to the audience at least occasionally? Do they make the audience “feel” something?

DISQUALIFICATION

In the event that nudity of any sort (nipple, labia, bum crack) or touching of the red zones (rubbing of breasts/crotch) whether accidental or not, a judge will place an X near their name and a word of what they saw and you will continue scoring their performance as if it had not happened. At the end of the performance, you will ask if another judge saw it as well. If 2 or more judges saw the same thing, a D with a circle around it will be placed by their name and the competitor will be disqualified.

Duo Category Only

Value Continuum

Each category is evaluated on a 1 through 5 continuum. A score of 1 is the least amount of points scored. A competitor would score a 1 if they at least completed the routine, demonstrated some attempt at skills, but showed a gross lack of competency. A score of 3 is the middle of the continuum and should be awarded if a competitor shows an average level of competency. A score of 5 is the highest score of the continuum and should be awarded if the competitor shows an unusually high competency (to the point of perfection) in a category. Quarter and Half points can and should be used.

ARTISTRY – To a Maximum of 20 points

COSTUME & THEME – 5 Points

Demonstrates a consistent theme throughout in costume, character, and movement, showing time and creativity in development of costume, makeup and hair.

DANCE – 5 Points

Demonstrates fluid movement on and off the pole as well as between poles which are more than just walking or rolling on the floor, look for the movements “between” the tricks. Are they connected to the theme and are they telling a story? Not looking for professional dance, but we are looking for thoughtful movement.

TRANSITIONS – 5 Points

Evaluating both the movements on the floor between poles as well as the movements between tricks on the pole, competitors should move fluidly from trick to trick without an apparent “pause” to stop or start any movement, this will be applied as well if they are performing hand to hand Acro Skills.

MUSICALITY – 5 Points

Duo should demonstrate the ability to use the high/low, weak/strong points of the music, you should be able to see them hitting movements to specific points in the song. Is their movement specific to this song or could we replace with any other song? Is it incorporated into the movement or is it just background sound?

TECHNIQUE – To a Maximum of 20 points

SELECTION – 5 Points

This category is dedicated to evaluating the tricks/moves a competitor selects to present for their strength and flexibility. The competitor should show confidence and conditioning adequate for each skill presented. Tricks are performed with no hesitation or wobble, tricks are performed with lifting, controlled energy, no momentum swinging unless dictated by the skill performed. A competitor will score highly in this category if they are demonstrating the strength/flexibility required for the skill they choose (i.e. perfectly flat split in a jade, smooth/strong lift into handsprings). The competitor will score low here if they are presenting moves that they do not have the appropriate flexibility/strength for the moves they chose.

LINES & POINT – 5 Points

Looking for full extension in all joints in every trick and floor movement, toes pointed in all movements unless deliberately flexed for style, using full extension of their spine and body to present each move when possible.

DIFFICULTY – 5 Points

Aside from strength or flexibility, how difficult are the moves they are presenting? Are they demonstrating floor moves that are challenging? Pole moves? Handsprings, phoenix, tumbling on pole, Janeiro are all more difficult than leg hangs, laybacks, or two handed spins. High point value can be given for hand to hand Acro Skills both on or off the pole.

Evaluation of this category should award competitors points for difficulty if they are able to complete the skill presented (can you tell what they are trying to present), if the execution is off, that will be evaluated elsewhere, movement should look safe even if it not perfect in order to be considered, if there is a fail in the attempt of the skill, it will not be considered when giving the difficulty score.

EXECUTION – 5 Points

Looking for safe technique when entering, during, and exiting each skill, are joints fully extended? Are they holding the skill with their body rather than throwing the skill up and hoping it will stay? In complete control with every movement? If they are performing skills in synchro, are they actually synchronized? There is no requirement for synchronicity, however if it is performed at the competition, it must be performed well. Conditioned enough for the entire routine?

MISSED SKILLS – Maximum of 3 Points

Did they attempt a move and fail? Was there a gross uncontrolled slip or fall? One point per occurrence can be deducted up to a maximum of 3.

PRESENTATION – Maximum of 20 Points

BALANCED CHOREOGRAPHY – 5 Points

Is the duo performing and interacting together, as one or does it look like they are performing 2 solo pieces at the same time? Tricks placed evenly throughout routine (not front loaded)? Using the depth of the stage – coming to audience? Using the full height of the poles? Presenting unique skills throughout routine, not repeating skills, unless intentional for style. Most of the performance should take place on the poles, not on the floor showing Acro Movements.

CONFIDENCE – 5 Points

Do they look ready and confident? Evaluation begins from the stage entrance all the way to the stage exit. Body posture and language should speak to confidence, is their head held high or are they looking at the floor? Do they look frightened and disengaged or excited and composed as well as present?

ORIGINALITY – 5 Points

Is the routine original? Look for the overall theme, music, costume (not whether it is good or not, but is it original?). Are their tricks/transitions unique or have you seen them performed the same way many times before?

AUDIENCE CONNECTION – 5 Points

Are they connecting with audience in any way (eye contact, emotion)? Are they engaging or entertaining? Do they keep the audience’s attention? Do they turn their energy to the audience at least occasionally? Do they make the audience “feel” something?

DISQUALIFICATION

In the event that nudity of any sort (nipple, labia, bum crack) or touching of the red zones (rubbing of breasts/crotch) whether accidental or not, a judge will place an X near their name and a word of what they saw and you will continue scoring their performance as if it had not happened. At the end of the performance, you will ask if another judge saw it as well. If 2 or more judges saw the same thing, a D with a circle around it will be placed by their name and the competitor will be disqualified.

Pole Art Division

ARTISTRY – Maximum of 3 Points (Category is multiplied by 2 = 20 x 2

COSTUME AND PROPS – 10 Points Same minimum costume coverage required as all other CPFA divisions. This division should be creative, multi-textured and innovative. Does the costume portray the theme/character/story presented throughout? Multiple textiles should be used to create an effective translation of the theme. Time and thorough planning should be readily demonstrated. IF competitor is using props they should show thoughtful use of such prop. It should be used to demonstrate a feeling, idea, or concept and should not become just a static item on stage. The prop should be referred to or used throughout the performance. PROPS ARE NOT REQUIRED.

THEME/STORY – 5 Points A clear, cohesive theme, story or character should be present. Competitor should show a considerable effort in developing their theme throughout the entire performance. This theme should be a prominent part of their performance, not just an afterthought. The audience should feel gripped or drawn in or entertained by the theme.

MUSICALITY – 5 Points The music chosen should be engaging, not flat. The music is an integral framework that the performance is built around, competitor should use the high/low points and accents of the song.

PRESENTATION – Maximum of 20 Points

ORIGINALITY – 10 Points Competitor should show a significant ability to present their theme/story/ character in a unique and original way. Choice of costume and props should show an effort in finding original expression. Movements on the floor, with props and on the pole, should be

presented in a unique fashion (in reference to what is currently happening in the industry).

ENTERTAINMENT– 5 Points Performance should hold the attention of the audience from beginning to end (no flat/boring spots). The audience should feel something when viewing the performance (an emotion, impact, excitement). The competitor should show effort in developing facial expressions and in using props/costume and placement of skills within the routine to create an entertaining effect.

EXPRESSION – 5 Points Competitor should use body language, facial expressions and costumes or props to specifically convey a feeling, idea or emotion. Facial expressions and body movements should contain a variety of expression, not the same face the whole time or ballet arms the whole time. The audience should feel/react to the competitor’s ability to express well.

TECHNICAL – To a Maximum of 20 points

Note that there is no sub-division for difficulty. Tricks are not given credit for level of difficulty; instead the competitor should focus on choosing skills and combinations that are fluid, polished and directly relate/portray their theme/story/character regardless of level of difficulty.

SELECTION – 5 Points This category is dedicated to evaluating the tricks/moves a competitor selects to present for their strength and flexibility. The competitor should show confidence and conditioning adequate for each skill presented, tricks should be performed with no hesitation or wobble; tricks are to be performed with lifting, controlled energy, no momentum swinging unless dictated by the skill performed. A competitor will score highly in this category if they are demonstrating the strength/flexibility required for the skill they choose (i.e. perfectly flat split in a Jade, smooth/strong lift into Handsprings). The competitor will score low here if they are presenting moves that they do not have the appropriate flexibility/ strength for the moves they chose.

LINES & POINT – 5 Points Looking for full extension in all joints in every trick and floor movement, toes are to be pointed in all movements unless deliberately flexed for style, using full extension of their spine and body to present each move when possible.

EXECUTION – 5 Points

Looking for safe technique when entering, during, and exiting each skill on the pole and on the floor. Are their joints fully extended? Are they holding the skill with their body rather than throwing the skill up and hoping it will stay? Are they in complete control with every movement? Are they conditioned enough for the entire routine?

TRANSITIONS – 5 Points All transitions both on the floor and in the air should be smooth. Do they carry their theme/character onto the pole or does it disappear once? Competitor should show effort in making all pole skills reflect their theme character and that all transitions between skills are smooth and seamless.

ENTRY LEVEL DIVISION

ARTISTRY – Maximum 20 Points

COSTUME & THEME – 5 Points Competitor should demonstrate a consistent theme throughout costume, character, and movement, showing time and creativity in development of costume, makeup and hair.

DANCE – 5 Points Competitor should demonstrate fluid movement both on and off the pole as well as between poles, more than just walking or rolling on the floor. Look for movements “between” tricks, are they connected to the theme and are they telling a story? We are not looking for professional dance, but for thoughtful movement transitions. Evaluate both movements on the floor between poles as well as movements between tricks on the pole. Competitor should move fluidly from trick to trick without an apparent “pause” to stop or start any movement.

MUSICALITY – 5 Points Competitor should demonstrate the ability to use the high/low, weak/strong points of the music. They should have planned movements to specific points in the song. Is their movement specific to this song or could we replace it with any other song? Is it incorporated into the movement or is it just background sound?

TECHNIQUE – Maximum 40 Points (Category is multiplied by 2 = 20 x 2)

SELECTION – 5 Points This category is dedicated to evaluating the tricks/moves a competitor selects to present for their strength and flexibility. The competitor should show confidence and conditioning adequate for each skill presented, tricks are performed with no hesitation or wobble; tricks are performed with lifting, controlled energy, no momentum swinging unless dictated by the skill performed. A competitor will score highly in this category if they are demonstrating the strength/flexibility required for the skill they choose (i.e. perfectly flat split in a jade, smooth/strong lift into handsprings). The competitor will score low here if they are presenting moves that they do not have the appropriate flexibility/ strength for the moves they chose.

LINES & POINT – 5 Points Looking for full extension in all joints in every trick and floor movement, toes must be pointed in all movements unless deliberately flexed for style, are they using full extension of their spine and body to present each move when possible?

CREATIVITY IN POLE FLOOR WORK – 5 Points As this division limits the use of inversions and other skills that require high levels of difficulty, in this subcategory competitors are awarded high points for creatively using spins, floor work, and transitions, not just completing spin after spin but using the pole and floor as creative canvas for movement, it’s not how artistic the movements are but how creative/innovative.

EXECUTION – 5 Points Looking for safe technique when entering, during, and exiting each skill. Are joints fully extended? Are they holding the skill with their body rather than throwing the skill up and hoping it will stay? Are they in complete control with every movement? Are they conditioned enough for the entire routine?

MISSED SKILLS – Maximum of -3 Did they attempt a move and fail? Was there a gross uncontrolled slip or fall? One point per occurrence can be deducted up to a maximum of 3

RESTRICTED MOVES DEDUCTION -5 for each occurrence There are strict parameters around pole skills in this division. Competitor can climb, spin or sit on the pole. If the feet are off the floor, competitor must keep the head above the hips at all times, the only aerial skills allowed are pole sits (pole between the legs with one or both hands connected and head above or in line with hips and supine, or in an armpit hold (feet can be free of pole, head must remain above hips). No other positions are allowed aerially on the pole. For each restricted move performed, the competitor will earn a 5 point deduction from each Technique Judge.

PRESENTATION – Maximum 20 Points

BALANCED CHOREOGRAPHY – 5 Points Where applicable, is competitor using the static and stationary poles equally? Are tricks placed evenly throughout routine (not front loaded)? Are they using the depth of the stage (coming to audience)? Competitors should be presenting unique skills throughout routine, not repeating skills, unless intentional for style.

CONFIDENCE – 5 Points Do they look ready/confident? Evaluation beings from the stage entrance all the way to the stage exit. Body posture and language should speak to confidence, is their head held high or are they looking at the floor? Do they look frightened/disengaged or excited/composed/present?

ORIGINALITY – 5 Points Is the routine original? Look for the overall theme, music, costume (not whether it is good or not, but is it original?). Are their tricks/transitions unique or have you seen them performed the same way many times before?

AUDIENCE CONNECTION – 5 Points Are they connecting with audience in any way (eye contact, emotion)? Are they engaging or entertaining? Do they keep the audience’s attention? Do they turn their energy to the audience at least occasionally? Do they make the audience feel something?