Skateboarding Competition Formats Explained
From Olympic Street & Park to Jam Sessions, Best Trick, and Game of SKATE — Every Format Compared
Last updated: March 17, 2026
Skateboarding competitions use several distinct formats depending on the level, discipline, and event goals. Olympic Street uses 2 runs + 5 best tricks (max 300 points). Olympic Park uses 3 runs with only the best counting (max 100). SLS uses a ranked knockout system. Jam Sessions put multiple skaters on the course simultaneously. Best Trick contests focus on single-trick attempts. Game of SKATE is a head-to-head trick-matching format. Each format serves different purposes — this guide explains how they all work, when to use them, and how JudgeMate supports each one.
Olympic Street Format (2 Runs + 5 Tricks)
The Olympic street format, developed by World Skate and used at Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024, is the gold standard for professional street skateboarding competition.
How it works
- Two 45-second runs: Each skater performs two timed runs on the street course, linking multiple tricks into flowing sequences. Each run is scored independently on a 0–100 scale.
- Five best trick attempts: After the runs, each skater gets five individual trick attempts on any obstacle. Each attempt is scored independently.
- Final score calculation: Best single run score + two highest trick scores = max 300 points.
Why this format works
Only 3 of 7 performances count toward the final score. A skater can have one poor run and three failed trick attempts without impact. This encourages calculated risk-taking in the best trick round — skaters often attempt progressively harder tricks knowing they have multiple chances. Runs reward consistency and flow, while best tricks reward peak difficulty and execution.
Tie-breaking
If two skaters have the same final total: the higher best run score wins. If still tied: the higher single trick score decides.
JudgeMate support
JudgeMate natively implements this format with automatic trimmed-mean calculation across 5 judges, automatic identification of the best run and top 2 tricks, and real-time leaderboard updates after every performance.
Olympic Park Format (3 Runs, Best Counts)
The Olympic park format is simpler than street but places enormous pressure on consistency.
How it works
- Three 45-second runs: Each skater performs three timed runs on the bowl/park course.
- Best run wins: Only the highest-scoring run counts as the final score. Max 100 points.
- No best trick round: Unlike street, park competition has no individual trick attempts.
Why this format works
With three chances to deliver one great run, skaters can take bigger risks knowing they have backup attempts. Falls are particularly costly in park because the entire run is evaluated as one piece — there's no way to separate a great section from a fall. The format rewards bold, complete runs over cautious consistency. A skater who takes risks and lands at least one spectacular performance scores higher than one who plays it safe across all three runs.
Tie-breaking
If two skaters have the same best run score: the second-best run score breaks the tie. If still tied: the third run score decides.
Scoring emphasis
Park judging values amplitude (height above coping), flow through transitions, speed maintenance, and variety of aerial tricks across different sections of the bowl.
Street League Skateboarding (SLS) Format
Street League is the premier professional street competition series, founded in 2010. SLS has evolved its format several times — this is the pragmatic evolution of how a series develops.
Current format (since 2023): Ranked System
Skaters perform runs and tricks across multiple knockout rounds. Each performance is scored on a 0.0–10.0 scale. Scores are ranked against other competitors in each section. The competition progressively narrows the field through knockouts to a final.
Historical format (2010–2018): 2 Runs + 5 Tricks
The original SLS format was similar to the Olympic format: Two runs scored on 0.0–10.0, five individual trick attempts, best run + two best tricks combined. This format directly influenced the Olympic format adopted later.
What makes SLS unique
Standardized courses: SLS builds consistent course designs at every stop, ensuring fair comparison across the season. Head-to-head competition: The ranked format creates direct competition between skaters in each round, increasing intensity and strategic decision-making. Season-long ranking: Results across multiple SLS events determine an overall champion, encouraging consistency across the year.
Jam Session Format
The Jam Session is one of skateboarding's most accessible and exciting competition formats, particularly popular at local and grassroots events.
How it works
Multiple skaters (typically 3–6) ride the course simultaneously for a set time period (usually 5–15 minutes per jam). Judges watch all skaters at once and score each one based on their overall performance during the session. There are no individual runs or trick attempts — the scoring is based on the entire session's output.
Why this format works
Energy and atmosphere: Multiple skaters feeding off each other's energy creates an exciting, spectator-friendly environment. Natural flow: Skaters can take their time, choose their moments, and build sequences organically. Inclusivity: Less pressure than individual runs, making it great for beginner and intermediate competitions. Efficiency: More skaters can compete in less time compared to individual run formats.
Judging challenges
Judges must track multiple skaters simultaneously, which requires experience and concentration. It can be difficult to give equal attention to all skaters, especially if one dominates a section of the course. Consistent note-taking or digital scoring is essential to avoid recency bias.
When to use this format
Jam sessions work best for local competitions, grassroots events, youth categories, or as qualifying rounds to narrow a large field before individual runs in the finals.
Best Trick Contest Format
Best Trick contests isolate the pure excitement of skateboarding's most impressive individual moments.
How it works
A specific obstacle is designated (e.g., the big rail, the stair set, or a particular gap). Each skater gets a set number of individual attempts (typically 3–5) to perform their best trick on that obstacle. Each attempt is scored independently. Only the highest-scoring attempt counts.
Variations
Single obstacle: All skaters attempt tricks on the same feature — the most common format. Open course best trick: Skaters can choose any obstacle for each attempt (used in Olympic street format as part of the combined scoring). Timed best trick: A set time window (e.g., 10 minutes) where skaters rotate through attempts rather than having a fixed number.
Scoring considerations
Obstacle-relative difficulty: The same trick scores differently on different obstacles. A backside smith grind on a low ledge is fundamentally different from one on a 12-stair kinked handrail. Progression: If the same skater lands progressively harder tricks, each should be scored higher to reflect the increasing difficulty and commitment. Clean execution is essential: With only one trick to evaluate, even minor execution flaws are visible and impactful.
JudgeMate's Best Trick support
JudgeMate handles configurable best trick rounds — organizers can set the number of attempts, whether it's single-obstacle or open-course, and how many top scores count toward the final total.
Game of SKATE
Game of SKATE is skateboarding's equivalent of basketball's H-O-R-S-E — a head-to-head trick-matching competition that tests pure flat-ground trick repertoire.
How it works
- Two skaters face off on flat ground (no obstacles).
- Skater A performs any flat-ground trick of their choice.
- Skater B must land the exact same trick. If they fail, they receive a letter (S, then K, then A, then T, then E).
- If Skater B lands the trick, Skater A receives no penalty, and Skater B becomes the setter for the next round.
- A skater who accumulates all five letters (S-K-A-T-E) is eliminated.
Rules
Only flat-ground tricks are allowed — no obstacles, no grinds, no aerials. The setter's trick must be clearly defined — if there's ambiguity about what was attempted, the responding skater and a judge clarify. The responding skater must perform the same trick (same flip direction, same rotation, same stance). Similar but different tricks don't count. A clean landing is required — rolling away cleanly without touching the ground.
Competition use
Game of SKATE is popular as a side event at larger competitions, as standalone events (e.g., Berrics Battle at the Berrics), or as warm-up entertainment. It's accessible to all skill levels and requires no course infrastructure.
Vert Competition Format
Vertical ramp (halfpipe) competitions showcase high-amplitude aerial skateboarding. While less common than street and park today, vert remains popular at X Games and specialty events.
How it works
Skaters perform timed runs (typically 45–60 seconds) on a halfpipe (typically 10–14 feet tall). 2–3 runs per skater, with the best run counting as the final score. Judging uses the same 0–100 scale and Overall Impression philosophy.
Judging emphasis
Amplitude: How high above the coping the skater gets on each air. Higher airs demonstrate power, commitment, and control. Trick difficulty: Rotational tricks (540s, 720s, 900s), grab variations (indy, melon, mute, stalefish), and combinations. Consistency: Maintaining flow from wall to wall without losing speed or pausing. Variety: Using different grabs, rotations, and lip tricks across both walls of the ramp. Risk and commitment: Bigger, more committed airs with difficult tricks score higher than safe, controlled mediocrity.
Historical significance
Vert was skateboarding's dominant competitive format in the 1980s and 1990s, with legends like Tony Hawk, Christian Hosoi, and Danny Way defining the discipline. Tony Hawk's first 900 at the 1999 X Games remains one of skateboarding's most iconic moments.
Choosing the Right Format for Your Event
The best format depends on your event's goals, participant level, venue, and available time.
For professional and sanctioned events: Use the Olympic street or park format for maximum credibility and consistency. These formats are well-understood by experienced skaters and align with international standards.
For local and grassroots events: Jam sessions work well for qualifying rounds with large participant numbers. Consider individual runs for finals to give each skater their moment. Best trick contests make excellent standalone events or finale attractions.
For youth and beginner events: Jam sessions reduce pressure and create a supportive atmosphere. Longer run times (60 seconds instead of 45) give less experienced skaters more time to demonstrate their abilities.
For entertainment and spectator events: Best trick contests on a single dramatic obstacle create the most crowd excitement. Game of SKATE is highly engaging and easy for non-skaters to understand.
JudgeMate supports all formats — organizers can configure run count, trick attempts, scoring method (best run, sum of runs, or average), and which scores count toward the final total.
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