Routines are scored staring at 100. Deductions and points are taken off from there. Most teams focus on maxing out their scores when preparing for competitions. This is done by having multiple elite elements (or skills) that are the most difficult for the division the team is competing in.

Stunt Scoring

Stunts are scored based on three main things: difficulty, execution, and creativity. The difficulty of the stunt depends on which level or division one is competing in. A team would want to perform the most difficult stunt for their level to score high in the difficulty section (these stunts are also known as elite stunts).

BUT…

It’s important that the team is able to execute the stunt properly as well. If it’s sloppy and done with poor technique, the difficulty of the stunt won’t matter. The judges look at the bases grips and hand placements to make sure they are in the correct position. They also look at the flyer’s position in the air and whether or not they are stable. Legality of the stunts are also important in the execution section. The stunt must fit under the rules for the division the team is competing in, otherwise it is illegal to perform.

The final section, creativity, is exactly what it sounds like. The judges will score a team’s stunts based on how creative or different they are. That being said, a team does NOT want to have a simple and basic stunt, or one that other teams will also perform.

The image above shows a pyramid structure: multiple stunts connected. This is also a part of the stunt scoring and a major climax in the routine.

Tumbling & Jumps Scoring

Tumbling and Jumps are scored on both team execution and difficulty. Tumbling is usually split into two sections: running and standing. Running tumbling involves a running or power start and usually involves connecting multiple skills. Standing tumbling can also connect skills, but it involves less power and a fewer amount of skills. Execution for tumbling involves proper technique and body positions. The team needs to have pointed toes, feet together, straight legs (when applicable), and a clean finish in order to score high in this section. The timing is also an important factor. Difficulty is similar to how stunting is judged. Teams want to have a certain number of elite tumbling passes in order to max out their score.

Execution in jumps require pointed toes and the proper body positions. It’s important for the team jumps to have good timing. Teams score best when all jumps are at least level with their body. Difficulty in jumps usually requires having a jump followed or preceded by a tumbling skill and a double or triple jump.

Performance Scoring

The last main section of the score sheet includes performance, routine, and dance. The choreography throughout the routine involves difficulty. A team doesn’t want to have a slow routine. It’s important to have clean and constant motions to engage the crowd and judges. Performance includes technique and visual appeal. Facials are a must have. A constant change in facial expression is engaging and gives a good performance.

Deductions

When a team hits zero, it means they have zero deductions taken from their routine. Deductions come from tumbling and stunt falls, stunt drops, and pyramid collapses. When an athlete’s hands/knees, head, shoulders, or back touches the ground, it is counted as a deduction on the score sheet. If a tumbling pass does not go, it isn’t counted as a deduction; the team just loses points in the tumbling area. A stunt fall and a stunt drop are different. A stunt fall is a controlled fall to a cradle or to the ground. A stunt drop is when the flyer falls from the top or bases/spots hit the ground. Stunt drops are larger deductions than stunt falls because they are more dangerous. A pyramid collapse is when connected stunts fall from their choreographed position.