Cloud Dancer

1993 Official WFF Freestyle
Rules & Guidelines

Attention: The current rules for freestyle are different from these rules. The 1993 rules are included here only for those interested in reviewing the rules that were used at the 1993 World Skyblazin' Championships held in Spain--Centro de Paracaidismo Costa Brava on September 29 through October 3, 1993.

These rules are currently OUT-OF-DATE and are included here only for archival purposes.

GENERAL

DEFINITIONS

Team--One Freestylist and one Camera Flyer participating in a competition There are separate divisions for women and men freestylists. Camera Flyers may participate in two divisions or categories at any one event.

Jump--A single skydive by a team.

Routine--A combination of moves performed from exit of the aircraft until a set time limit after exit. Moves performed after the time limit are not part of the judged routine.

Round--A sequence of one or more jumps during which judging is performed and scores determined.

Freestyle--performance of three-dimensional free flight maneuvers by a person with no rigid props and/or surfaces attached to the body.

Sanctioned--A competition event organized and directed by the WFF.

Endorsed--A competition event organized and directed by independent organizers adhering to the current Official Rules and Guidelines.

Chapter 1 - COMPETITOR LEVELS

There are three different levels of competition. Entry into each level is based on the general level of experience, past competition record and proficiency level of the individual competitors. Both team members must meet the criteria of the level entered.

1.1 ADVANCED LEVEL

Entry in the Advanced level is open to anyone holding a valid FAI "D" license or can demonstrate to the Meet Director before the time of entry, evidence of the equivalent skill and proficiency standards required of a FAI "D" license.

1.2 INTERMEDIATE LEVEL

Entry in the Intermediate level is open to anyone holding a valid FAI "C" license or can demonstrate to the Meet Director before the time of entry, evidence of the equivalent skill and proficiency standards required of a FAI "C1" license. Medalists of previous WFF Advanced and Intermediate level events are not eligible.

Intermediate level competitions must be staged at existing paracenters or locations with landing zones suitable for the "C" license experience of the participants.

1.3 NOVICE LEVEL

Entry in the Novice level is open to anyone holding a valid FAI "B" license or can demonstrate to the Meet Director before the time of entry, evidence of the equivalent skill and proficiency standards required of a FAI "B" license. All medalists from previous WFF events are not eligible. If a Novice level meet is staged at a Class I or II event, the Novice competition will be conducted as a Class III event (free round only-choose one to be judged.)

Novice level competitions may only be staged at existing paracenters with landing zones suitable for the "B" license experience of the participants.

CHAPTER 2 - EVENT CLASSES

Any class of event may stage Advanced, Intermediate and/or Novice levels of competition

2.1 CLASS I EVENT

Class I (world or continental) events are required to stage an Advanced level meet. Intermediate and Novice levels are optional.

The competition consists of a compulsory and free round. Each jump is judged and scored by a panel of five judges. Each score is to be posted before the team is required to make their next jump.

Rules are to be published 120 days before an event. Rules are subject to change to suit Sponsor, television or other funding specifications up to 30 days before an event.

2.2 CLASS II EVENT

Class II (national or regional) events have the option of staging any or all levels, with guidance from the WFF. (Large nations and regional events consisting of multiple nations, will be required to stage an Advanced level. Smaller nations or regional events consisting of Portions of a nation may not be required to stage an Advanced level contest.)

The competition consists of a compulsory and free round. Each jump is judged and scored by a panel of three or five judges. Scores are to be posted as soon as possible.

Rules are to be published 60 days before an event. Rules are subject to change to suit sponsor, television or other funding specifications up to 30 days before an event.

2.3 CLASS III EVENT

Class III (regional or local) events are required to stage a Novice level meet. Advanced and Intermediate levels are optional.

The competition consists of a free round only. After all jumps are made, each team selects one jump to submit to a panel of three or five judges. Rules are to be published 30 days before an event.

EVENT CLASSES & COMPETITION LEVELS
EVENT CLASSADVANCED LEVELINTERMEDIATE LEVELNOVICE LEVEL
CLASS IRequiredOptional Optional
CLASS IIOptionalOptionalOptional
CLASS IIIOptionalOptionalRequired

CHAPTER 3 - COMPETITION

3.1 COMPULSORY ROUND

The compulsory round is a routine consisting of 5 compulsory moves performed by the Freestylist. A team may choose any 5 moves from the compulsory move pool listed in Chapter 4. The moves may be performed in any sequence during the routine.

Two jumps comprise the round. Judging of each jump takes place immediately upon landing. After the jump the choice and sequence of all 5 moves must be submitted in writing with the tape.

Each compulsory routine is scored in three categories for a total of 0 to 100 Points maximum. Scores are posted once judged and before the team is required to make their next jump in Class l events. The higher score of the 2 jumps is used for tabulating the final total. The score from the compulsory round counts for one-third of the final total score.

A. Compulsory moves: 50 points

Each move will be judged for body position, control and effortlessness of presentation. Advanced level teams may choose A-D rated moves. Intermediate level teams may choose A-C rated moves. The relative difficulty of each move is scored for the following maximum values:

ADVANCEDINTERMEDIATE
Maximum for each A rated move performed7pts8pts
Maximum for each B rated move performed8pts9pts
Maximum for each C rated move performed9pts10pts
Maximum for each D rated move performed10ptsN/A

B. Creativity: 25 points

Judged on visual appeal and presentation of the team's overall routine and individual moves of the Freestylist. The routine is scored for the following maximum values:

5 pts--Creative approach to the beginning and ending of routine

10 pts--Aesthetic appeal of the overall presentation, visual appeal of the gear/costume

10 pts--Originality of transitions, choreography and the overall flow of the routine

C. Camera: 25 points

Judged on the quality, stability and creativity of the image on the part of the Camera Flyer. The routine is scored for the following maximum values:

10 pts--Basics: composition, smoothness and stability, use of sun line

10 pts--Positioning: the ability to bow each move from the most effective position or angle, including the closeness maintained

5 pts--Originality & creativity of angles or movements that enhance the presentation

3.2 FREE ROUND

The free round consists of a free routine determined solely by the team. Four jumps comprise the round. At Class I and II events, judging of each jump takes place immediately upon landing.

After the jump, the sequence must be submitted in writing with the tape. Each free routine is scored in four categories for a total of 0 to 100 points maximum. Scores are posted once judged.

At Class I events, scores must be posted before teams are required to make their next jump. The highest score of the 4 jumps is used for tabulating the final total. The score from the free round counts for two thirds of the final total score.

At Class III events, teams have 30 minutes after landing from their final jump to select, cue and submit the one jump they with to have judged.

A. Control: 25 points

Judged for the body position and orientation, smoothness and effortlessness on the part of the Freestylist. The routine is scored for the following maximum values:

10 pts--Body position and form

10 pts--Fluidity and smoothness of movement

5 pts--Control of headings and angles

B. Creativity: 25 points

Judged on visual appeal and presentation of the team's overall routine and individual moves of the Freestylist. The routine is scored for the following maximum values:

5 pts--Creative approach to the beginning and ending of routine

10 pts--Aesthetic appeal of the overall presentation, visual appeal of the gear/costume

10 pts--Originality of transitions, choreography and the overall flow of the routine

C. Difficulty: 25 Points

Based on published difficulty ratings and the judges' interpretation of the complexity and level of challenge presented by the team to perform the overall routine and individual moves. The routine is scored for the following maximum values:

10 pts--low difficulty of the overall routine

15 pts--Average difficulty of the overall routine

20 pts--High difficulty of the overall routine

25 pts--High difficulty of the overall routine with extra difficult moves included

D. Camera: 25 points

Judged on the quality, stability and creativity of the image on the part of the Camera Flyer. The routine is scored for the following maximum values:

10 pts--Basics: composition, smoothness and stability, use of sun line

10 pts--Positioning: the ability to bow each move from the most effective position or angle, including the closeness maintained

5 pts--Originality & creativity of angles or movements that enhance the presentation

CHAPTER 4 - COMPULSORY MOVE POOL

To standardize definitions of individual moves, "The Aerial Freestyle Guidebook"* will be used as the 1993 definition source of the following compulsory moves.

The moves are divided into four rating levels of difficulty. The pool is identical for all levels, but Advanced and Intermediate levels have different point values assigned to each move.

MAXIMUM POINT VALUES FOR COMPETITOR LEVELS
Difficulty RatingAdvanced LevelIntermediate Level
A7 pts8 pts
B8 pts9 pts
C9 pts10 pts
D10 ptsN/A

*The official WFF policy is not to endorse books, videos and other materials produced by active competitors. However, our sport is so new that multiple sources of professionally published reference materials, especially those produced by the WFF, do not yet exist.

--A--
V Seat
Back Split Loop
Knee Stand-up
Tee Switch
Daffy

--B--
Daffy Reverse
Daffy Switch
Daffy Swivel
Pinwheel
Two Identical Front Loops
Two Identical Back Loops
Inverted Tee

--C--
Straddle Stand-up
Cartwheel
Front Layout w/half Twist
Back Layout w/half Twist
Front Layout w/Full Twist
Back Layout w/Full Twist
Side Loop

--D--
Side Loop with Half Twist
Side Loop with Full Twist
Front Loop w/1 1/2 Twist
Back Loop w/1 1/2 Twist
Front Loop w/Double Twist
Back Loop w/Double Twist

CHAPTER 5 - TECHNICAL

5.1 EQUIPMENT

Each team is responsible for outfitting themselves in safe and appropriate gear and clothing necessary for the performance required. Each Advanced level team member shall be required to use an audible and/or a visual altimeter. Intermediate and Novice level competitors are required to use both audible and visual altimeters.

In the Advanced level, carried items which may be accidentally dropped, or are deemed unsafe by the WFF Meet Director, are prohibited. All props and carried items are prohibited in the intermediate and Novice levels.

Rigid items attached to the Freestylist's body that effectively create artificial airflow deflection or propulsion are prohibited.

Functioning automatic activation devices are recommended for all participants and are required for participants not holding the equivalent of a "C" license.

5.2 SPOTTING

If a designated meet spotter or loran is not available, each team is responsible for their own spot, staying clear of clouds and landing in the designated landing area.

5.3 MANIFEST

Manifest order for the first round shall be determined by a random draw. At Class I events, this determination will be posted at a team meeting to be held at least 12 hours before the start of the meet. Class II and III manifests will be posted at least 2 hours before the competition begins.

Standings from the compulsory round are used to determine the manifest order for the free round in descending order, #1 exits first, #2 exits second, etc.

Each team is responsible for meeting the aircraft they are assigned to. Once the exit order is determined, manifest cannot be delayed or altered in order to accommodate competitors who are entered on more than one team.

5.4 WEATHER

Safety guidelines concerning weather conditions will conform with the FAI standards used for Formation Skydiving.

Any team uncomfortable with weather conditions that the Meet Director deems acceptable may elect to postpone their jump until a later time in the round. This is done with the full understanding that when the round ends officially, no more jumps will be made for that round, regardless of the number each team has made.

In the event the Meet Director determines that weather or other conditions should halt jump activity, a meet is deemed complete after all teams have made 2 jumps in the free round.

5.5 JUDGING AND SCORING

Five judges will score competition at Class I events. Class II and III events may elect to use only three judges. Each routine will be scored from 0 to 100 points by each judge. If five judges are used, the high and low scores from among the individual judges will be discarded. The remaining 3 scores will be added together and divided by 3. The averaged score will be rounded to the nearest tenth point result in a posted score from 0 to 100 in tenth point increments. Once judging of each jump is complete, the results are to be posted as soon as possible and in Class I events, must be posted before the competitor's next jump.

At Class I and II events, the final scores are calculated by taking the highest of the 4 free round scores,doubling it and adding to that total, the higher of the 2 compulsory scores for a possible score of 300 points. At Class III events, only the free round is judged for a possible score of 100 points.

In the event of a tie using five judges, the discarded high and low free round scores will be used to re-calculate an averaged 1-100 free round score based on all five judges. If a tie should occur using three judges, the tie will stand.

5.6 VIDEO

At Class I and II events, each team will be responsible for immediately delivering their unscreened videotape to a designated meet video coordinator upon landing.

The original recording will be played once and dubbed to multiple sources for team review, judging and screening. Team name, round and jump number will be labeled on each dub for identification. One personal review dub will be provided to each team before their next jump.

CHAPTER 6 - AIRCRAFT

6.1 AIRCRAFT SPECIFICATIONS

Class I events shall be serviced by aircraft with similar capacity and similar door configuration/size as a DH-6 Twin Otter.

6.2 MULTIPLE AIRCRAFT

If multiple aircraft are required to service the meet, aircraft with similar door size and orientation shall be used. If identical aircraft cannot be secured, teams shall rotate equally between the available aircraft.

6.3 EXIT SPEED

The Meet Director and the Chief Pilot will designate a standardized range of exit speed for all jumps, practice and competition.

CHAPTER 7-PROTESTS

Jumps where an outside event causes a disruption to the team's performance during a competitive routine may be requested for a re-jump review.

A jury of 3 or 5 non-partisan officials shall be appointed before the meet by the Meet Director. The jury members may elect to remain anonymous. The jury may not include current judges or the Meet Director. The same jury settles all disputes.

A written request for such a review must occur within 30 minutes of the alleged interference. A deposit equivalent to $100 USD must accompany the written request. If a re-jump is awarded, the deposit is refunded. Only one review request per jump. After the time period expires, no further action can be taken.

By majority vote, the jury will rule on the review within one hour of the filing. If the settlement is in the team's favor, a re-jump will be allowed to be submitted in place of the affected jump. Execution will be at the Meet Director's discretion. If the review is invalid, no further action is taken.

Examples of possible causes for reQjump renew.
--Documented interference by a non-team member.
--Documented abrupt maneuvering of the aircraft during climbout and/or exit.
--Documented unsafe conditions during freefall making it necessary to abort the performance and take survival measures.
--Gear, video equipment or spotting problems are not valid grounds for a re-jump.

CHAPTER 8 - GUIDELINES

--All participants will conduct themselves in a professional manner both on and off the DZ throughout the course of the event. Conduct deemed unprofessional, inappropriate or causing a negative reflection upon the event shall result in the immediate expulsion of the parties involved.

--The recommended composition of the judging panel should include at least one accomplished Freestylist and one accomplished Camera flyer.

8.1 WORKING TIME

Exit altitude is l3,000' AGL with a 50 second working time for Class I and II events. For Class III events, working time shall be no more than 50 seconds and no less than 40 seconds based on the mean sea level of the landing zone and allowing for the minimum recommended break-off altitude.

Recommended break off altitude for Advanced and Intermediate level competitors is 3,500' AGL. Recommended break off altitude for Novice level competitors is 4,000' AGL.

In no case shall the exit altitude exceed 15,000' above sea level without appropriate extra safety equipment provided for each participant.

Where working time is to be less than 50 seconds, notice will be posted on site or published in at least one of the skydiving magazines at least 30 days before the event.

8.2 CAMERA SETTINGS

Recommended settings for all Camera flyers:

--Wide angle adapters should not cause a "vignette" effect, where the corners of the frame are obscured. (Determined while viewing on a monitor that has an "underscan" mode.)

--Acceptable shutter speed range is between 1/30 and 1/125. (If neutral density is desired, use appropriate neutral density filters.)

--The date/time or any other superimposed titling should not be active.

--In-camera effects should not be active.

8.3 SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS DURING WFF TV COVERAGE

--The above camera settings are required. Hi-8 recording systems are preferred.

--All original recordings are to be treated as film negative and are not to be reviewed. Any team found in violation will be penalized by the deduction of 25 points from their total score.

--Teams may be taped by an additional Camera Flyer shooting for the WFF television production of the event. In general, the leading 5 Advanced level teams of each division can expect to be taped during a teleproduction, but any team may be accompanied by a TV CF during their routine.

A team will be notified that they will be taped by a TV CF no later than the 15 minute boarding call. The TV CF will exit the same aircraft and will have the first option of exiting from the "rear rear float" position on a Twin Otter style door. The team shall be responsible for coordinating the exit with the TV CF before boarding. This can be verbal, signed or through rehearsal, i.e. door jams.

While the non Jumping TV production crew members on the aircraft will make every effort not to interfere with the competitors, the TV crew may or may not be experienced skydivers and should be accorded the consideration and extra safety concerns normally given to non-jumping observers.

8.4 RIGHTS TO IMAGES

During events where WFF television coverage is not present, the images created are the exclusive property of the author, the Camera flyer recording the images.

During events where WFF television coverage is present, the WFF owns and reserves the exclusive rights to all images, in all formats, of the competition jumps, practice jumps onto the finals competition site and any other jumps during the meet from a WFF chartered aircraft.

8.5 COMMERCIAL ENDORSEMENTS

During events where WFF television coverage is not present, the exhibition of commercial endorsements or sponsor ID on a competitor's apparel and equipment is at the sole discretion of each individual competitor.

During events where WFF television coverage is present, any and all commercial endorsements are subject to contractual conditions between the WFF, its sponsor(s) and the televising entity(s).

For such televised events, any and all endorsements are required to have written approval at the time of entry. In addition to personal sponsor ID, competitors may also be required to exhibit the event sponsor(s) ID on their personal apparel or equipment.

8.6 SUBSTITUTIONS AND ALTERNATES

Upon the medical incapacitation of a competing team member between the time of entry and conclusion of the meet, any qualified person may be substituted by notifying the Meet Director before the substitute makes their first team jump. Parachute or video equipment problems are not grounds for substitution

Should a substitution involve a winning team, equal awards will be made to all members of the team who made at least one jump during the course of the competition.

Teams may designate an official alternate at the time of entry. An officially designated alternate may not actively compete with a third party and still retain their alternate status.

All substitutions will be reviewed by the protest jury for just cause.

Cloud Dancer