What requirements must I meet to become a scootering judge?

You need to complete the official **PZSW judging course**, which covers theory (rules, ethics, scoring system) and practice (live judging, judging software operation). After passing the exam, you receive a license authorizing you to judge all official PZSW competitions.

What is the 'stone face' rule in judging?

The "stone face" rule means judges **must not show emotions** during runs or after individual tricks. This ensures objectivity and prevents signaling to riders or the audience how a run is being scored.

Can a judge evaluate a rider they know personally?

Yes, but they must maintain **full objectivity**. The judges' code explicitly prohibits being influenced by positive or negative relationships with a rider. Only the quality of the run is evaluated, not the person.

How do judges communicate during a competition?

Judges operate as **one team**. Doubts are discussed with the head judge immediately after a run, before confirming the score. Communication with the audience or riders during runs is strictly prohibited.

What does the practical part of the judging course involve?

The practical portion includes: **live run evaluation** from Park and Street categories, analysis of example runs with specific error breakdowns, learning the **JudgeMate judging application**, and a skills assessment test.

How to Become a Scooter Judge

Q: How much does a scootering judge earn?

At official events under PZSW patronage, judge compensation starts at a **minimum of 500 PLN net** (approximately $125 USD). Rates may be higher depending on the competition's prestige.

Ethics code, PZSW certification, and practical skills — everything you need to know

Last updated: March 1, 2026

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.

See it in action

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

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 offers the same opportunities.

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 the JudgeMate system — the professional judging application used at PZSW competitions.

Rider Briefing System

Rider briefings are a key element of professional competitions:

Day-of Briefing

Held immediately after registration closes
Riders must receive information about: competition format, scoring criteria, and what judges will focus on
This element is essential to avoid disputes and unnecessary 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 results are approved by the head judge and published, 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

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Guides

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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

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 offers the same opportunities.

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

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 the JudgeMate system — the professional judging application used at PZSW competitions.

Rider Briefing System

Rider briefings are a key element of professional competitions:

Day-of Briefing

Held immediately after registration closes
Riders must receive information about: competition format, scoring criteria, and what judges will focus on
This element is essential to avoid disputes and unnecessary 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 results are approved by the head judge and published, 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

How to Become a Scooter Judge

The Path to Certification — Step by Step

Judge's Code of Conduct — Ethics and Principles

Impartiality and Objectivity

Professionalism

Confidentiality

Integrity

Judging Objectivity — What to Watch For

What to Avoid

Scooter Size Matters

Considering the Skatepark

Judge Panel Communication

Communication Rules

What's Not Allowed

Practical Judging Skills

Documenting Run Details

Managing the Score Scale

Personal Judging Techniques

Judging Software Operation

Rider Briefing System

Day-of Briefing

Online Briefing (Before the Event)

Score Clarification Procedure

Main Principle

Who Can Submit a Request

Deadline and Format

Required Information

Processing Time

Worked Example: A Judge's Day at a Competition

Frequently Asked Questions

What requirements must I meet to become a scootering judge?

How much does a scootering judge earn?

What is the 'stone face' rule in judging?

Can a judge evaluate a rider they know personally?

How do judges communicate during a competition?

What does the practical part of the judging course involve?

Related Guides

How Is Competitive Scootering Scored?

Scooter Park vs Street Competitions

Scooter Judging Criteria Explained

Scootering Competition Rules for Athletes

Try JudgeMate Free

How to Become a Scooter Judge

The Path to Certification — Step by Step

Judge's Code of Conduct — Ethics and Principles

Impartiality and Objectivity

Professionalism

Confidentiality

Integrity

Judging Objectivity — What to Watch For

What to Avoid

Scooter Size Matters

Considering the Skatepark

Judge Panel Communication

Communication Rules

What's Not Allowed

Practical Judging Skills

Documenting Run Details

Managing the Score Scale

Personal Judging Techniques

Judging Software Operation

Rider Briefing System

Day-of Briefing

Online Briefing (Before the Event)

Score Clarification Procedure

Main Principle

Who Can Submit a Request

Deadline and Format

Required Information

Processing Time

Worked Example: A Judge's Day at a Competition

Frequently Asked Questions

What requirements must I meet to become a scootering judge?

How much does a scootering judge earn?

What is the 'stone face' rule in judging?

Can a judge evaluate a rider they know personally?

How do judges communicate during a competition?

What does the practical part of the judging course involve?

Related Guides

How Is Competitive Scootering Scored?