How to Become a Scooter Judge
Ethics code, PZSW certification, and practical judging skills
Becoming a competitive scootering judge requires completing an official PZSW judging course, knowledge of the scoring system (4 criteria: difficulty, variety, flow, style), and strict adherence to the code of ethics. The course covers theory and practice, including hands-on work with judging software. Completion authorizes judging all official PZSW competitions with a valid license.
The Path to Certification — Step by Step
Becoming an officially certified competitive scootering judge is a structured process based on international World Skate standards:
- Sport knowledge — deep understanding of the discipline, competition formats, and scoring system
- PZSW judging course, training covering theory (rules, ethics, scoring) and practice (live judging, software operation)
- Examination, a test verifying acquired knowledge
- License, upon completion, judges receive authorization to judge all official PZSW competitions
At official PZSW-sanctioned events, judge compensation starts at a minimum of 500 PLN net (approximately $125 USD).
Judge's Code of Conduct — Ethics and Principles
All judges certified by PZSW must strictly follow the judges' code of conduct:
Impartiality and Objectivity
- Maintain full impartiality — do not be influenced by relationships with riders, their past results, or popularity
- Objectively evaluate the technical level of each run, without being swayed by fashion, protective gear, or clothing
- "We judge the rider's run, not the rider and their appearance"
Professionalism
- Behave in a dignified manner appropriate to the judging function
- Maintain a "stone face" — do not show emotions triggered by runs or individual tricks
- Must not be under the influence of alcohol or prohibited substances during judging
Confidentiality
- Maintain confidentiality of discussions between judges regarding the skatepark, potential runs, and competition level
- Limit external communication to a minimum during judging
Integrity
- Do not discriminate based on race, gender, age, nationality, disability, or sexual orientation
- Remain free from bribes, bets, or attempts to manipulate results
- Do not engage in any form of harassment or violence
Score it automatically.
Judges' scores and the live ranking — without spreadsheets.
Judging Objectivity — What to Watch For
The scoring format is not meant to standardize what is correct or incorrect — it teaches how to evaluate runs, not how to ride correctly.
What to Avoid
Judges must remain objective, avoiding viewing riders through the lens of:
- Positive or negative relationships with the rider
- A rider's return from injury (sympathy must not influence scoring)
- Results from previous competitions (each event is scored fresh)
- Clothing style or lifestyle
Scooter Size Matters
"The scooter should always match the rider." Scooter size is relevant to scoring when it affects the overall presentation across all four criteria. For example:
- Handlebars too tall for a short rider may affect style
- A deck too small for a large foot may affect flow and control
- A light scooter with small wheels causing a hunched posture may lower the style score
Considering the Skatepark
Judges must account for the type of skatepark and obstacle characteristics — not every park has the same obstacles and lines.
Judge Panel Communication
The judging panel should function as one unified body with clear internal communication:
Communication Rules
- Judges should maintain constant communication — even during breaks between categories
- Any inconsistencies or uncertainties should be discussed with the head judge immediately after the run, before confirming the score in the app
- Every judge has the right to express their opinion (group consultation when in doubt)
What's Not Allowed
- Communication between the audience or riders and judges during runs is prohibited
- Judges must maintain confidentiality of shared information
- External communication must be kept to a minimum
Practical Judging Skills
Documenting Run Details
Record key elements of each run: trick count, number of pushes, stumbles, unclean landings, and exceptional use of the skatepark. Everything that helps with the final, objective score calculation.
Managing the Score Scale
- Low starting baseline — the initial scoring threshold for the first rider should be low, leaving room for higher scores for better runs
- Score reserve, the 95-100 point range is reserved for the best runs by top-level riders
- Calibration, especially important in younger categories to avoid approaching the maximum ceiling
Personal Judging Techniques
Each judge may develop their own techniques while maintaining the overall judging principles:
- "Top-down" judging — start with a high score and deduct for errors
- "Bottom-up" judging, build the score from zero by adding for individual elements
Judging Software Operation
The practical portion of the course includes training on judging software such as the JudgeMate system — a configurable judging app built for scooter competitions.
Rider Briefing System
Rider briefings are a key element of top-level competitions:
Day-of Briefing
- Held immediately after registration closes
- Riders must receive information about: competition format, scoring criteria, and what judges will focus on
- The briefing is essential — it prevents disputes and post-run arguments
- Judges must be prepared to answer rider questions about judging aspects
Online Briefing (Before the Event)
- Should be published at least one week in advance
- In PDF format on the PZSW website and on the event page (e.g., Facebook)
- Contains the scoring system, competition format, and other guidelines
- May be condensed regarding the specific focus areas of judges
Score Clarification Procedure
Main Principle
Once the head judge approves and publishes results, they are final and not subject to appeal.
However, riders may request a clarification regarding judging:
Who Can Submit a Request
- Riders or the national team manager
- For minors — a legal guardian must sign the request
Deadline and Format
- At any point during the competition or within 24 hours of its conclusion
- On a dedicated form at the competition office or online (email: biuro@pzsw.org)
Required Information
- Rider's full name, country
- Date, time, and competition phase
- Detailed description of the clarification request
- Email contact and signature
Processing Time
- 24 hours from submission if the competition is ongoing
- Up to one week from the end of the competition if submitted afterward
Worked Example: A Judge's Day at a Competition
Here's what a typical day looks like for a scootering competition judge:
Before the Competition:
- Review the skatepark and identify obstacles
- Judging panel meeting with the head judge — establishing scoring standards
- Rider briefing, presenting the format and criteria
During the Competition:
- Each run: note tricks, errors, skatepark utilization
- After each run: assign scores across 4 categories (D: 30, V: 25, F: 25, S: 20)
- When in doubt: immediate consultation with the head judge BEFORE confirming the score
- Maintain the "stone face" — zero visible emotions
- No contact with the audience or riders
After the Competition:
- Head judge approves and publishes official results
- Judges remain available for the clarification procedure (24h)
- Confidentiality — no comments about runs or judging discussions
Judging by hand? Let the system do the math.
JudgeMate adds up every judge's score live. The classification updates itself and athletes follow it from their phones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Primary Sources
- ISA Scootering Officials and Judging Resources — ISA Scootering
- World Skate Judges and Officials Pathway — World Skate
- ISA Scootering Rulebook — ISA Scootering
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