Competition Judging General Guidelines: Fairness, Kindness, and Constructive Feedback
As a judge in an aerial arts competition, your role is pivotal in supporting the growth and confidence of each performer. While judging inherently involves subjective preferences, it’s essential to maintain fairness, focus on key performance elements, and offer feedback that is constructive and encouraging. Here are guidelines to help ensure your judgment is balanced, kind, and fosters a positive atmosphere for all competitors.
1. Safety and Technique
Objective: Prioritize safe execution and correct technique above all else.
Key Points
• Safe Transitions: Note how performers move into and out of positions, ensuring smooth, controlled, and secure transitions.
• Execution of Moves: Are the moves being executed with proper form? Look for clean lines, pointed toes, proper engagement of muscles, and a solid grip.
• Consistency: Consistent execution throughout the performance is key to maintaining safety and control.
• Risk Management: Consider the difficulty of tricks performed, but more importantly, how safely they are executed.
• Feedback Tips: If technique needs improvement, avoid harsh language like “wrong” or “dangerous.” Instead, offer guidance: “Improving your grip during this trick will help ensure safety and control.”
2. Stage Presence and Performance Quality
Objective: Assess the performer’s ability to engage the audience and communicate their artistry.
Key Points:
• Expression and Emotion: Does the performer convey a clear emotional or artistic expression through their movements?
• Musicality and Timing: Is the performer moving in time with the music, or in a way that complements it?
• Flow and Creativity: Consider how well the performance flows as a whole, and how creatively the performer incorporates movement and transitions.
• Feedback Tips: Offer positive reinforcement by focusing on strengths like stage presence or artistic expression. If there are areas for improvement, frame feedback as a suggestion for future performances, e.g., “Your expression is wonderful; next time, consider exploring how your movements can further connect with the music.”
3. Overall Performance and Impact
Objective: Evaluate the overall effect of the performance, taking into account emotional impact, creativity, and cohesion.
Key Points:
• Cohesion of Routine: Was there a clear structure or narrative? Did the piece feel well-rounded and complete?
• Originality: How creative or unique was the performer’s approach to their routine?
• Emotional Impact: How engaging was the performance? Did it leave a lasting impression?
• Feedback Tips: Offer specific, positive observations that acknowledge what worked well, such as “Your performance was captivating, particularly during the dynamic transitions.” If something lacked impact, phrase suggestions constructively: “Exploring a stronger climax at the end could elevate your routine.”
4. Kindness and Encouragement
Objective: Encourage each performer to grow in their craft, regardless of skill level, through kind, thoughtful feedback.
Key Points:
• Positive Reinforcement: Always begin with positive comments about what the performer did well, to build confidence.
• Growth-Oriented Language: Frame critiques as opportunities for growth, offering actionable advice that empowers the performer to improve.
• Compassion: Recognize the vulnerability that comes with performance. Acknowledge the courage it takes to perform in front of an audience and judges.
• Feedback Tips: After delivering critiques, offer something uplifting to conclude: “You have great potential. I’m excited to see how you continue to develop as an aerialist.”
General Guidelines for Fairness:
• Avoid Personal Bias: Be mindful of any personal preferences that might skew your judgment. Focus on the criteria, not just your style or taste.
• Stay Consistent: Apply the same standards across all competitors, regardless of their experience level, to ensure fairness.
• Be Open-Minded: Remember that aerial arts is diverse, and there is no single “right” way to perform. Celebrate innovation and diversity in performances.
• Collaborative Judging: If you’re judging with others, engage in respectful discussions and align your feedback with the collective criteria rather than individual biases.
By approaching the judging process with kindness, clarity, and fairness, you help foster an environment where performers feel supported, challenged, and excited to continue their journey in aerial arts.