Judging
Our Judging Philosophy
Judges are an essential part of the Aerialympics community. Our judging philosophy centers on providing supportive, meaningful feedback that helps performers grow and develop their artistry. We believe that every competitor deserves constructive guidance that celebrates their strengths while offering clear pathways for improvement.
At the Aerialympics, we recognize that aerial arts encompass both technical excellence and artistic expression. Our judges evaluate performances with an understanding that aerial competition is about more than just executing skills—it's about storytelling, emotion, and the unique perspective each performer brings to their apparatus.
We are committed to maintaining high standards of judging excellence while fostering an inclusive, encouraging environment where performers of all levels can thrive. Our judges can evaluate routines from anywhere in the world, bringing diverse perspectives and expertise to ensure fair, comprehensive assessments for every competitor.
What We Value
Supportive Feedback: Our judges provide constructive criticism that empowers performers to improve
Expertise Across Disciplines: Judges with comprehensive understanding of various apparatus and skill levels
Community-Focused Approach: We listen to feedback from judges, competitors, coaches, parents, and studio owners to continually improve
Accessibility: Remote judging opportunities allow us to bring world-class expertise to every event
Meaningful Recognition: Each performer receives detailed judge feedback from a panel of three judges
Our Judges
Aerialympics is proud to work with a diverse panel of world-class judges who bring expertise from professional performing, teaching, choreography, and competition across multiple apparatus and disciplines.
How Judging Works
Every Aerialympics performance is evaluated by a panel of three qualified judges who assess the routine based on standardized criteria outlined in the Judging Manual. Videos of performances are shared with judges around the world, allowing us to draw from a wide pool of highly skilled judges, who have experience in the apparatus they are judging. When judges are able to attend events, we make accommodations for evaluation to be conducted in person, and encourage judges to travel to Nationals for this purpose. We average a pool of 30 judges per event.
What Judges Evaluate
Our judges assess performances across multiple dimensions, including but not limited to:
Technical Execution: Skill level, proper form, and control throughout the routine
Difficulty: Complexity and challenge level of skills performed
Artistry: Musicality, choreography, emotion, and performance quality
Flow and Transitions: Smoothness between skills and overall routine composition
Apparatus Mastery: Comprehensive understanding and creative use of the apparatus
Presentation: Stage presence, costuming, and overall production value
Scoring and Feedback
After each performance, judges provide:
Numerical Scores: Quantitative assessment based on the judging criteria
Written Feedback: Detailed comments highlighting strengths and areas for growth
Constructive Guidance: Specific suggestions for improvement and skill development
All performers receive their judge feedback within 2-3 weeks of the event, allowing them to learn and improve for future competitions.
Judge Ranking
Judges are placed into the following categories. More senior judges are invited to judge our events by priority.
Provisional Judges: Judges who meet all qualification criteria but have not yet taken our judging qualification exam
Certified Judges: Judges who meet all qualification criteria and have successfully passed our judging qualification exam
Judge Oversight Team: Judges with extensive experience with the Aerialympics who oversee judging quality, mentor judges, and evaluate applications
Judging Manual
The Aerialympics Judging Manual is the comprehensive guide that ensures consistency and fairness across all competitions.
What's in the Manual
Complete judging criteria and scoring rubrics
Guidelines for each apparatus and division level
Instructions for completing judge sheets
Best practices for providing constructive feedback
Deduction guidelines and penalty structures
Requirements for different skill levels and age divisions
Note: The manual is regularly updated to reflect feedback from the Aerialympics community. Judges should always reference the most current version.
How to Become a Judge
Aerialympics welcomes experienced performers, instructors, and judges who are passionate about supporting the aerial arts community. You can judge from anywhere in the world!
Judging Criteria
Judges are required to meet a meaningful number of the following criteria.
Competition Experience: Demonstrated experience competing in aerial arts
Professional Performance Experience: Extensive performance experience in aerial arts
Teaching Experience: Background in coaching or instructing aerial arts
Judging Experience: Prior judging experience (in aerial arts or related disciplines)
Apparatus Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of the specific apparatus and levels you wish to judge
Communication Skills: Ability to offer supportive, meaningful feedback to competitors
Continual Improvement: Willingness to accept correction from the Judge Oversight Team to help you align with Aerialympics rules, guidelines, and values