Scooter Judging Criteria Explained

Every competitive scootering run is evaluated across four categories with different point weights:

Judges evaluate runs holistically while considering each of these categories. A top score requires excellence across all four — being great in just one isn't enough.

Difficulty carries the highest weight in the scoring system (30 of 100 pts). Judges evaluate the execution of difficult, complex, and risky tricks that are performed consistently throughout the run and stand out from other competitors.

What Raises the Difficulty Score

• Complex trick combinations (e.g., combos with rotation and flip tricks)
• Risky tricks on large obstacles
• Consistency — maintaining a high difficulty level throughout the entire run
• Tricks that stand out compared to other riders in the same age category

What Lowers the Difficulty Score

• Repeating the same tricks (even difficult ones)
• Performing only simple, safe maneuvers
• No difficulty progression in the run
• Attempted difficult tricks that end in falls (though this also affects flow)

Context Is Key

Difficulty is evaluated in context — the same trick may be scored higher for a younger rider than a pro if it stands out within their group. Judges compare difficulty against the overall competition level.

Variety covers both the mix of tricks and skatepark utilization. This criterion rewards versatile riders and penalizes monotonous runs.

What Raises the Variety Score

• Trick diversity — mix of rotations, flips, grinds, ramp maneuvers, and obstacle tricks
• Full skatepark utilization — riding across different sections, not just one ramp
• Combining obstacles — creative lines linking park or street obstacles together
• Original lines — unconventional approach to the skatepark, surprising combinations
• Versatile skills — showing different aspects of riding, not just one trick type

What Lowers the Variety Score

• Repeating the same type of tricks (e.g., only rotations or only grind tricks)
• Riding only one obstacle or in one section of the skatepark
• Lack of creativity in riding lines
• Showing only one aspect of ability

Variety vs Difficulty

Sometimes riders sacrifice variety for difficulty — repeating one very hard trick multiple times. The scoring system penalizes this: a versatile run of medium difficulty beats a monotonous run with one extremely hard trick.

Flow is the criterion easiest to lose — every visible error reduces the score. Judges evaluate riding stability and the absence of elements that disrupt the run's continuity.

Negative Elements — What Reduces Flow

Style is the most subjective criterion, but judges evaluate it based on clearly defined elements:

What Contributes to Style

• Clean landings — confident, stable ride-away after each trick with no wobbles
• Height / amplitude — tricks performed high, with visible "airtime"
• Effortless execution — tricks appear light, natural, without visible strain
• Speed and fluidity — maintaining appropriate pace throughout the run

Style Is NOT

• The rider's clothing style
• Belonging to the "street" or "park" scene
• The rider's social media popularity
• Using a specific equipment brand

How Style Affects the Final Score

If two riders perform the same trick, the higher score goes to the rider who executes it:

• Higher (greater amplitude)
• Better (cleaner execution)
• More smoothly (more natural transition)
• With correct position on the scooter after landing

Style is what separates a good rider from a great one — technique can be identical, but style adds that extra something.

According to PZSW guidelines, the ideal run combines excellence across all four categories:

Consistent execution of difficult or risky tricks throughout the run that stand out from other competitors, maintaining high speed and high amplitude. Tricks should appear light, effortless, and be landed correctly.

Typical Scenarios

Scenario A: High Difficulty, Low Flow Rider attempts extremely hard tricks but falls twice and has unstable landings. → Difficulty: 26/30 | Variety: 18/25 | Flow: 12/25 | Style: 13/20 = 69 pts

Scenario B: Medium Difficulty, Perfect Flow Rider performs medium-difficulty tricks but everything is clean, varied, and with excellent style. → Difficulty: 18/30 | Variety: 22/25 | Flow: 24/25 | Style: 18/20 = 82 pts

Scenario C: Balanced Run Rider combines difficult tricks with clean execution, good variety, and high style. → Difficulty: 24/30 | Variety: 21/25 | Flow: 22/25 | Style: 17/20 = 84 pts

Conclusion: A balanced run almost always beats a one-dimensional one. The scoring system intentionally enforces this through its weight distribution.