Course diagrams & freestyle illustrations at the bottom of the page!
THE FREESTYLE EVENT
Freestyle competition consists of a series of acrobatic parachute swoops across a body of water focusing on the approach, execution and landing. Freestyle swooping highlights the acrobatic abilities of the world’s best canopy pilots on the Pro Swooping Tour.
SCORING PROCEDURES
The competitor’s performance will be judged on the following basic components.
Approach-15%
Time on Water-15%
Execution-50%
Landing-20%
Degree of Difficulty-Multiplied times approach 3pts max, time on water 3pts max, execution 10pts max & landing 4pts max
APPROACH (15% of total score)
The approach score begins when the competitor starts the final turn (at the initiation point) during the set up and stops with the competitor’s first point of contact with the surface of the water.
0 points
Loss of control and/or unsafe flight
0.6 points
Some smooth flight, some radical moves, indecisive turns, noticeable corrections required
1.2 points
Some smooth flight, control of turn with at least 180 degrees turn
1.8 points
Smooth flight, control of turn with at least 270 degrees turn
2.4 points
Smooth flight, control of turn with at least 450 degrees turn
3 points
Smooth flight, control of turn with 630 plus degrees of turn
EXECUTION (50% of total score)
The execution begins with the competitor’s first point of contact with the surface of the water and stops after exiting the water area just prior to the first point of contact with the surface of the ground. Freestyle moves are defined to a maximum point value of 10 points. Pilots who fail to execute freestyle maneuvers as they are defined are issued less than 10 points depending on their overall performance during the execution of the move.
0 points
Failure to perform
2 points
Poor performance
4 points
Average performance
6 points
Good performance
8 points
Very good performance
10 points
Excellent performance
DEFINITION OF FREESTYLE MOVES FOR EXECUTION
Look Away:
The head turns away from the line of flight, either left or right.
-The pilot turns head either left or right away from the line of flight.
-The head should be turned as far as possible to prevent seeing the direction of travel.
Look Back:
The head lifts skyward and back away from the direction of flight.
-The pilot lifts head skyward and back as far as possible.
-The head should be lifted to prevent seeing the direction of travel.
Crane:
The body is straight with one foot dragging and the other leg bent as much as possible above the surface.
-The body should be straight and rigid from the head to the dragging foot.
-The knee should be locked on the leg that is dragging the surface.
-The non-dragging leg should be bent at the knee as much as possible placing with the foot near the knee or thigh of dragging leg.
-The body should be leaning forward as much as possible
Split:
The pilot drags both feet on the surface with the feet spread wide apart while keeping the body vertical.
-The body should be vertical and straight from the head to the feet with knees locked.
-Both feet should be dragging and positioned as far apart as possible.
“T”:
The pilot’s body is vertical with one foot dragging, and the other leg extended and horizontal to the surface.
-The upper body should be straight and vertical to the surface.
-The leg of the dragging foot should be extended and locked at the knee.
-The non-dragging leg should be extended straight out from the body, horizontal to the surface and locked at the knee.
Cross-Up:
The pilot positions himself with both feet underneath the body (inline) and crossed while dragging the surface.
-The upper body should be vertical to the surface and straight.
-The legs and feet are inline with the body.
-The knees are slightly bent and legs should be crossed below the knees with both feet dragging the surface
Can Can:
The pilot extends both legs to one side of the body (not underneath the body) with feet apart while dragging at least one foot on the surface.
-The upper body should remain square to the line of flight with chest and shoulders facing forward, not upward.
-The pilot should extend the legs and push feet out to one side as much as possible with the knees locked.
-The feet should be as far apart as possible.
Superman:
The pilot’s body is straight and horizontal with both feet dragging the surface while facing forward.
-The body should be straight and rigid from the head to the feet.
-The body should be horizontal and low to the surface.
-The legs and feet should be together and dragging the surface.
Nac Nac:
The pilot drags both feet inline with the body at the same time with the forward foot dragging heel side and the trailing foot dragging toe side.
-The upper torso should be vertical to the surface and facing forward.
-The body should be positioned close to the surface.
-Both feet should be dragging inline with the body, no wider than the shoulders.
-Feet can be dragging on their sides but the forward foot must be heel side and the trailing foot toe side.
Boomerang:
The pilot carves while keeping contact with the surface.
-The upper body should remain square to the line of flight with shoulders facing forward, not upward.
-The lower body should be positioned close to the surface.
-The pilot must drag at least one foot on the surface.
Splice:
The pilot drags the surface with both feet apart and extended out in front of the body.
-The body should be horizontal and low to the surface with upper torso facing up.
-The body should be straight and rigid from the head to the feet.
-The legs and feet should be apart and dragging the surface.
Walnut:
The pilot’s feet are behind the body and above the surface while dragging both knees.
-The upper body is leaning forward with Shoulders Square to the line of flight.
-The legs are inline with the body with both knees dragging the surface.
-The knees are bent as much as possible with the feet positioned near the buttocks.
Flex head:
The Pilot positions the body and buttocks low to the surface with one leg extended out in front dragging a foot heel side while the other leg is bent at the knee dragging a foot on the surface near the buttocks.
-The upper body should be vertical with the buttocks close to the surface.
-One leg should be extended out in front with the knee locked while dragging the foot heel side.
-One leg should be bent at the knee with the foot dragging the surface near the buttocks.
Method:
The pilot twists the lower body at least 90 degrees from the upper torso with feet apart and dragging on the surface.
-The upper body should be vertical and remain forward with shoulder square to the direction of flight.
-The lower body can be twisted in either direction but must rotate at least 90 degrees from upper torso.
-The feet should be as far apart as possible.
Lazy Boy:
The pilot’s body is horizontal with the legs extended out in front with the body while dragging both feet on the surface.
-The body should be horizontal and facing upwards while low to the surface.
-The body should be straight and rigid from the head to the feet.
-The legs and feet should be together with the knees locked while dragging the surface.
Blind man:
The pilot twists the entire body 180 degrees in the harness from the direction of flight while dragging the surface with at least one foot.
-The body should rotate a full 180 degrees from the direction of flight.
-The body should be vertical with knees slightly bent.
-The pilot should rotate without losing contact with the surface.
Ghost rider:
The pilot takes hands completely off the controls (toggle and risers) while facing forward with feet underneath the body and dragging at least one foot on the surface.
-The upper body should be vertical.
-The hands must be off the controls and extended out to the sides during the execution.
Wingover:
The pilot executes a carving maneuver so that one end cell of the canopy makes contact with the surface.
-The body should be positioned low to the surface.
-A wingtip must make contact with the surface while simultaneously dragging a part of the body.
Switchblade:
The pilot places both toggles in one hand and in front of the body.
-The upper body should face forward of the direction of flight.
-Both toggles must be in one hand only and in front of the body while dragging at least one foot on the surface.
Cowboy:
The pilot takes one hand off the controls and drags it on the surface while dragging at least one foot.
-The body is vertical and low to the surface with the shoulders square to the direction of flight.
-The hand must drag the surface while dragging at least on foot.
-The hand dragging the surface must be completely off the controls with no toggle in hand.
Switchback:
The pilot places both toggles in one hand and behind the body.
-The upper body should face forward of the direction of flight.
-Both toggles must be in one hand only and positioned behind the body while dragging at least one foot on the surface.
Tick Jockey:
The pilot places both toggles in one hand and in front of the body (switchblade) while using the free hand to hold a leg behind the body while dragging a foot on the surface.
-The upper body should be straight and vertical.
-Both toggles must be in one hand only and in front of the body.
-The free hand should be holding the ankle of one leg, which is bent at the knee and behind the body near the buttocks.
DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY
The degree of difficulty is multiplied by a competitor’s total score, which is combined (added) from approach, execution, time on water & the landing scores.
Competitors must pre-declare their routines to the chief judge the day before the competition begins, but may make changes in a timely manner. However, pilots are responsible to ensure the chief judge fully understands the routine. The competitor is responsible for any miscommunication and there will be no re-jumps or protests awarded for such. Competitors who fail to achieve declared moves or drawn moves will forfeit the value of the DD for that move and be penalized in the execution score for each incomplete move.
DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY CHART AND MULTIPLIERS
Base degree of difficulty (DD) for jumps=1.50 may be adjusted depending on venue location and overall skill level of the competitors. Any possible combination of the below offered tricks may be combined to form a maneuver in a single swoop with the consequent DD to be added the base.
*New moves or combinations with more than two moves must be pre-declared and demonstrated to the chief judge prior to competition so a proper DD can be issued for the routine.
TIME ON WATER (15% of total score)
0 points
No time on water
0.6 points
Short duration, less than 100ft on water
1.2 points
Medium duration, between 100 & 150ft on water
1.8 points
Long duration, between 150 & 200ft on water
2.4 points
Big duration, between 200ft & 250ft on water
3 points
Floater, more than 250ft on the water
LANDING (20% of total score)
The landing performance score begins when the competitor makes the first point of contact with the surface of the ground and ends when all the competitor’s momentum has stopped.
0 points
Lands in water
0.8 points
Crash on the surface of the ground, no control of body
1.6 points
Contact with the surface with hands or knees
2.4 points
Walks, runs or slides but stays on feet without touching the ground with hands or knees
3.2 points
Lands with feet only and takes only one or two additional steps
4 points
Lands on one or both feet with no additional steps or sliding
NEW MOVES FOR FREESTYLE X (Free routines)
New moves must be pre-declared and demonstrated to the chief judge prior to the competition. The chief judge will issue the new move or combination a “DD” based on its difficulty compared to other similar existing freestyle moves or combinations. New moves must be pre-declared and the pilot must receive a landing score of 2.4 points or higher during the routine for the move to be declared “new” and added to the official list of freestyle maneuvers.
Freestyle rules, moves, descriptions and scoring procedures outlined in this document are the intellectual property of the Pro Swooping Tour created for international canopy piloting competition. All rights reserved CPC™ and Pro Swooping Tour®
SPEED, DISTANCE & ZONE ACCURACY
1. PST AUTHORITY
1.1. The competition will be conducted under the authority granted by the Pro Swooping Tour (PST).
2. DEFINITIONS OF WORDS AND PHRASES USED IN THESE RULES
2.1. Course: The designated path that competitors must navigate as indicated by a series of course markers or course outline.
2.2. Gate: Consists of two markers or electronic sensors separated laterally by a variable distance. Gates are used to define
the flight path of the course.
2.2.1. Entry Gate: The first gate set at the beginning of the course.
2.2.2. Exit Gate: The last gate set at the end of the course.
2.2.3. Water Gates: The series of gates positioned on the water portion of the course.
2.3. Course markers: Objects to mark and indicate the boundaries of the course. The construction of all markers must be
acceptable to the Chief Judge, the Course Technical Director and the Meet Director.
2.4. Body: All or any part of the human anatomical structure, including normal prosthetic appendages, that make up a
competitor’s physical being.
2.5. Vertical Extension: A penalty is assessed when a competitor passes between but above the course markers of a gate, so
that no part of the body breaks the imaginary plane between the two markers that make up that gate.
2.6. Marker Strike Penalty: Assessed in the Speed Event when any part of the competitor’s body or equipment contacts the
course marker and causes the marker to become non-functional or to need repair of any description.
2.7. Zones: In the Zone Accuracy Event, zones are landing areas that have assigned point values.
2.8. Maximum Penalty: The minimum score for a round
Distance: 0 points
Zone Accuracy: 0 points
Speed: 0 points
2.9. Closing the course: For any reason, such as excessive wind speeds or an accident, the course will be closed with a red
cross, or other suitable signaling device, preferably a smoke canister, placed at the beginning of the course or other
location mentioned during the pre-event competitors’ briefing. In this case, the next competitor is not allowed to navigate
the course. The competitor should stay outside the course, but if an alternative landing area is not available, the
competitor may make a non-aggressive landing on the course. If the competitor does not follow this procedure, the
competitor will receive the minimum points for that round.
2.10. Course Technical Director: A person proficient in course planning. The Course Technical Director is responsible for planning, setup and maintenance of the courses before and during the competition.
2.11. Safety zones: Zones outside the course as specified in Addendum A.
2.12. Stand-up landing: A landing performed where no other part of the body but the feet come in contact with the surface.
2.13. Surface Contact: The point at which any part of the competitor’s body or equipment (except the pilot-chute, where
separately stated) comes in contact with any part of the earth’s surface, including grass, ground, trees, water, etc.
2.14. Kited (Kiting): A situation in the Speed Event in which the competitor keeps the canopy (excluding the pilot chute)
flying without it coming in contact with any part of the earth’s surface.
3. THE EVENTS
3.1. Event Descriptions
3.1.1. Speed: The competitor navigates his parachute through a course as fast as possible.
3.1.2. Distance: The competitor navigates his parachute through a course for the longest distance possible.
3.1.3. Zone Accuracy: The competitor navigates his parachute through a course collecting points for contacting the
surface of the water and for a precision landing.
3.2. Objective of the Events
3.2.1. Objective of Speed Event: To navigate a parachute through an entry gate and continue flying the parachute through
the course and through the exit gate in as fast a time as possible.
3.2.2. Objective of Distance Event: To navigate a parachute through an entry gate and continue flying for as far a distance
as possible before touching any part of the earth’s surface.
3.2.3. Objective of the Zone Accuracy Event: To navigate a parachute through an entry gate contacting the water surface
through as many of the water gates as possible before flying to a precision landing in the landing zones.
3.3. Determination of the winners
3.3.1. Speed Event: The winner is the competitor with the highest cumulative score for all of the completed Speed Event
rounds.
3.3.2. Distance Event: The winner is the competitor with the highest cumulative score for all of the completed Distance
Event rounds.
3.3.3. Zone Accuracy Event: The winner is the competitor with the highest cumulative score for all of the completed Zone
Accuracy event rounds.
4. GENERAL RULES
4.1. Equipment
4.1.1. Hard shell protective head covering must be worn by all competitors.
4.1.2. Footwear that covers the whole foot must be worn by all competitors.
4.1.3. Failure to wear protective head covering and footwear as per 4.1.1. and 4.1.2. while navigating a competition course
will result in the minimum score for that round.
4.1.4. Protective body equipment may be worn and is strongly recommended. This must be of the type that will not hinder
the competitor’s parachute equipment or compromise safety.
The competitor’s normal dressed weight, including parachute equipment, but not including additional weights, is
used as a basis to define the maximum amount of additional weight. Random checks of maximum weight allowed
will be performed either before or after a jump and recorded by a person designated by the PST and any
competitor in excess of their allowed maximum weight will receive minimum score for that round. The maximum
amount of additional weight, in accordance with addendum E, is calculated in relation to the competitors dressed
weight and parachuting equipment. A competitor will be allowed one additional kilogram of weight above the
maximum amount shown in Addendum E. The organizer must provide the scale used for weight checks.
4.1.5. Additional weight must have quick releases, not come loose by itself and must be acceptable to the PST.
4.2. Safety violations
4.2.1. The first safety violation by a competitor will result in a yellow flag or card warning from the Chief Judge to that
competitor. Yellow flags or cards will be issued for unsafe actions such as (but not limited to): low turns or low
approaches into the course, crowding or cutting off of lower competitor, erratic canopy control and striking the
electronic measuring device transmitters, sensors or mountings, causing them to become non-functional or to need
repair of any description.
4.2.2. A second safety violation, resulting in a second yellow flag or card, is the equivalent of the issuance of a red flag or
card. (see 4.2.3 below)
The issuance of a red flag or card will result in the disqualification of the competitor, which eliminates the
competitor from further jumping in the competition. A red flag or card can be issued without a prior yellow flag or
card warning for any action that presents immediate danger to the competitor or others on the ground. Examples of
this include low approaches over the crowd or flying the canopy in an uncontrolled manner into any person outside
the course.
4.2.3. Notwithstanding and in addition to the above, a competitor may be disqualified from any event, at any time, by the
mutual agreement of the meet director and the Chief Judge, if it is determined that the competitor is performing in
an unsafe manner. Safety violations observed during official practice jumps may also result in the issuance of
yellow or red cards or flags.
4.3. Jumping Order
4.3.1. With the agreement of the Meet Director and Chief Judge, one event may be completed prior to the beginning of
another. No event holds priority.
4.3.2. Each competition day the order of exit passes will be rotated by 20%, rounded down. If convenient, by decision of
the Meet Director, the order of exit passes will be rotated also between events, applying the same procedure.
4.3.3. All competitors should have the opportunity on the official practice day(s) to make at least one orientation jump on
both a straight course and a Speed Event course, weather permitting.
4.4. Exit Order
4.4.1. A random draw is performed to determine aircraft load and pass assignment.
4.4.2. Within an exit pass, the exit order will be determined by the competitors, supervised and recorded by a person
designated by the Chief Judge. The Meet Director or Chief Judge must be notified of any change prior to boarding.
4.4.3. There will be a maximum of four (4) competitors per exit pass.
4.4.4. The exit delay between competitors must be such so as to ensure safe separation and time to allow for any judging.
4.4.5. Competitors must enter the course in order of exit. Any competitor willfully violating this rule will be issued the
minimum score and possibly a yellow or red flag or card warning. In circumstances beyond the control of the
competitor, provided there will be no conflict with other competitors, he may enter the course and receive the
assessed score.
4.4.6. The aircraft pilot will signal the competitors when they are clear to exit. All the competitors will be briefed on the
specific exit and spotting signals at the pre-event competitors’ meeting.
4.5. Exit Altitude
4.5.1. The minimum exit altitude with 2 - 4 competitors on one pass shall be 1500 meters AGL.
4.5.2. The minimum exit altitude with one (1) competitor on one pass shall be 1200 meters AGL.
4.6. Scoring Gates: The entry gate is scored when any part of the competitor’s body or equipment breaks or passes through
the imaginary plane between the two markers forming the entry gate, or breaks the electronic beam. Failure to do this by
vertical extension or by missing the entry gate will result in the minimum score for that round.
4.7. Malfunctions: A competitor experiencing a control problem or malfunction requiring the use of the reserve canopy must
make no attempt to navigate the course and must utilize an alternate landing area if accessible. A competitor will be
granted only one re-jump during the competition, by reason of the above-mentioned problems.
4.8. Re-jumps
Re-jumps due to weather conditions: If the winds exceed the maximum limit, at any time after the competitor
begins their turn to final approach and ending 10 seconds after a competitor enters the course, the competitor will be
offered a re-jump by the Chief Judge or Event Judge, or may accept the score. If the competitor experiences adverse weather conditions, as determined by the Chief Judge or Event Judge, the
competitor may be offered a re-jump.
A competition may be suspended if the Chief Judge or meet director deems that the existing wind or weather
conditions may pose a danger to competitors.
4.8.1. Re-jumps due to interference: A competitor who suffers interference from other competitors, jumpers or aircraft,
either on the ground or in the air, may be offered a re-jump by a decision of the Chief Judge or Event Judge.
After landing, competitors shall exit the course immediately. If a competitor does not comply with this rule the
competitor will get a minimum score for that round unless the circumstances are beyond the competitors’ control as
determined by the Chief Judge or the Event Judge. Any other competitor suffering interference as a result of a
competitor not clearing the course immediately may be issued a re-jump, at the sole discretion of the Chief Judge or
Event Judge.
If two or more competitors approach and/or enter the course close together and in the process create interference
between each other, a re-jump may be awarded to one or more competitors, at the sole discretion of the Chief Judge
or Event Judge.
4.9. Wind Speeds
4.9.1. The maximum allowable wind speed as measured by the anemometer (as mentioned in 4.9.2) in Canopy Piloting is
7 m/s in any direction on the competition course.
4.9.2. At the landing area, near the course, there shall be an anemometric wind measuring system that shall be checked at
10-minute intervals. If the winds exceed 5 meters per second they shall be monitored constantly. The height of the
anemometer head is decided by the Judges, but must be at a minimum height of 6 meters above ground level. The
Organizer must provide evidence that the equipment has been calibrated by competent authorities. The Chief Judge
will decide its position, which is not reason for protest.
A windsock shall be positioned within 50 meters of the course and must be fully visible for competitors approaching
the course. The windsock must be capable of responding to winds of at least 3 m/s and shall be acceptable to the
Chief Judge. The Chief Judge will decide its position, which is not reason for protest.
A wind direction indicator (streamer) mounted on a pole, which is capable of responding to winds of less than 3 m/s
will be placed by the Chief Judge or Event Judge within 20 meters of the course. The Chief Judge or Event Judge
will decide the position, which is not reason for protest.
5. RULES SPECIFIC TO THE SPEED EVENT
5.1. The course must be laid out as specified in these rules.
5.2. Any part of the competitor’s body must pass between the course markers to score the entry gate, and at least part of the
competitor’s body must remain within the boundaries of the course, as defined by the course markers, to obtain a score.
A vertical extension will result in the minimum score in that round.
5.3. The time – measured to the thousandth of a second - starts when any part of the competitor’s body or equipment breaks
the electronic beam at the entry gate. Electronic sensors shall be placed inside (after) the entry gate and outside (after)
the exit gate, maintaining the prescribed length of the course (distance between sensors).
5.4. The time stops when the competitor’s body breaks the electronic beam at the exit gate. The competitor must clear the
way as soon as possible.
5.5. A marker strike penalty (see 2.6) of 1 second will be added to the competitor’s time for each marker strike assessed in
each round. This penalty may also be assessed after the time has stopped. A maximum of two marker strike penalties
may be awarded in each round.
5.6. There is no penalty for landing before the end of the course; however the competitor must keep the canopy flying kited
as any part of his body passes through the exit gate to receive a time.
5.7. If at any time before the competitor passes through the exit gate the canopy (excluding the pilot chute) comes in contact
with the surface or at any time comes in contact with a course exit marker, transmitter or sensor including fixation
devices, causing one or all to become non functional, the run is over and the competitor will receive the minimum score
for that round. (also see 4.2.1)
5.8. After squaring the recorded time score, the final score for the speed event is the cumulative number of points out of all
completed speed rounds, resulting in a maximum of 300 points per competitor for the speed event.
1) The minimum score of each round is 0 points.
2) The maximum points for each round is 100 points.
3) Calculation procedure for each round - see 9.3.
6. RULES SPECIFIC TO THE DISTANCE EVENT
6.1. The course must be laid out as specified in these rules.
6.2. Any part of the competitor’s body must pass between the course markers to score the entry gate, and at least part of the
competitor’s body must remain within the boundaries of the course, as defined by the course markers, to obtain a score.
After scoring the entry gate there is no penalty for vertical extensions.
6.3. The first point of contact with the surface, within the course, is marked as the distance. Sidelines are considered to be
part of the course. If it is determined that the first point of contact is within the course, the competitor may exit the
course in any manner.
6.4. If the first point of contact with the surface is outside the course the competitor will receive the minimum score for that
round.
6.5. The final score for the distance event is the cumulative number of points out of all completed distance rounds, resulting
in a maximum of 300 points /competitor for the distance event.
1) The minimum score of each round is 0 points.
2) The maximum points for each round is 100 points.
3) Calculation procedure for each round see 9.3.
7. RULES SPECIFIC TO THE ZONE ACCURACY EVENT
7.1. The course must be laid out as specified in these rules.
7.2. Any part of the competitor’s body must pass between the course markers to score the entry gate, and at least part of the
competitor’s body must remain within the boundaries of the course, as defined by the course markers, to obtain a score.
After scoring the entry gate there is no penalty for vertical extensions.
7.3. The competitor’s score for a round is the sum of water-gate points and landing zone points.
7.4. Water-Gates
7.4.1. The competitor earns gate points for each water-gate when he drags any part of his body through the imaginary line
running across the surface of the water between the markers of that water-gate.
7.4.2. The water-gates have the following points:
Water-gate 1 = 28 points
Water-gate 2 = 13 points
Water-gate 3 = 17 points
Water-gate 4 = 42 points
7.5. Landing zones
7.5.1. Zone 0 is any part of the surface outside the defined zones 1- 6 other than the water.
7.5.2. The landing zone points earned by a competitor are equal to the point value of the zone within which the competitor
first makes contact with surface.
7.5.3. The landing zones have the following points:
Zone 1 = - 26 points
Zone 2 = - 21 points
Zone 3 = - 16 points
Zone 4 = - 9 points
Zone 5 = - 37 points
Zone 6 = - 50 points
Center zone = -0 points
7.5.4.
The line between zone 0 &1 is defined as part of zone 0.
The line between zone 1 & 2 is defined as part of zone 1.
The line between zone 2 & 3 is defined as part of zone 2.
The line between zone 3 & 4 is defined as part of zone 3.
The line between zone 4 & 5 is defined as part of zone 5.
The line between zone 5 & 6 is defined as part of zone 6.
The line around the Center zone is defined as part of zone 4.
The sidelines are defined as part of the zones.
7.6. If the competitor fails to make a stand up landing, a penalty of 10 points will be deducted from the total earned points for
that round.
7.7. If the competitor has earned water gate points, makes contact in one landing zone, but comes to a complete stop within
another landing zone with greater penalty, the competitor will receive the points of this greater zone.
7.8. If the body of the competitor stops outside the landing zones the competitor will receive the minimum score for that
round.
7.9. If the competitor’s first point of contact with the surface, other than the water, is within zone 0 the competitor will
receive the minimum score for that round.
7.10. The final score for this event is the cumulative number of points of all completed zone accuracy rounds, resulting in a
maximum of 300 points per competitor for the zone accuracy event.
1) The minimum score of each round is 0 points.
2) The maximum score for each round is 100 points.
3) Calculation procedure for each round Section 9.3
8. JUDGING
8.1. Each performance shall be assessed by at least 6 PST Judges.
8.2. All Judges must be approved by the PST. PST Judges in Training, provided they are under the direct supervision of the Chief of Judge Training or his designee, having attended the Judge’s Conference, may be used in addition to the Official Panel of Judges.
8.3. For all events there must be one primary digital PAL video camera plus one back-up camera set up on tripods or other
fixed platforms at the exact height of the entry gate. The cameras must be operated by experienced videographers
appointed by the organizer and approved by the Chief Judge. An PST Judge shall be positioned at this point and shall be responsible for determining, subject to video review, whether a vertical extension penalty shall be given for the entry gate. The primary video systems must be capable of reduced speed playback.
The competitor numbers and names shall be recorded on the digital recording media. For the Zone Accuracy
Event there shall be, in addition to camera(s) at the entry gate, a camera for use at the end of Zone 6, elevated if possible.
For the Distance Event, in addition to the entry gate camera(s), a camera for scanning the water section of the course
shall be used placed on the edge of the course, on the shoreline, facing the entry gate. If available, at the discretion of the
Chief Judge, additional video cameras may be used.
8.4. The Judges must also note if the competitor flies outside of the course or violates other rules. This shall be noted and
recorded on the score sheets.
8.5. The scores will not be final until the data and/or tapes have been reviewed, if needed. The Chief Judge shall be
responsible for determining a competitor’s final score and placing.
8.6. Video review: In the event a recording sheet has been noted as requiring a video review, the Chief Judge or Event Judge
and at least one other judge, at the earliest opportunity, shall review the jump in question and render a decision. If
needed, the score sheet shall be adjusted and the adjusted score will then be entered on the master score sheet. A review
cycle is comprised of three viewings of the jump in question – reduced speed playback may be used.
8.7. Judging Speed: An electronic scoring system will be used in the speed event. Malfunctions of the electronic scoring
system will result in a re-jump to those competitors affected.
8.8. Judging Distance
8.8.1. The Judges must be positioned along the perimeter of the ground portion of the course. Judges may also be assigned
to video the entry gate or other portions of the course to record video for later review, if needed.
8.8.2. The Judges, positioned outside the course, will determine the point of first contact with the surface, which shall be
recorded as the distance scored. If the first point of contact with the surface is the determined to be on a sideline of
the course that shall be recorded as the distance scored.
8.8.3. If available, an electronic measuring system will be used in the distance event. If unavailable a metric measuring
tape will be used.
8.8.4. The score will be recorded in meters to two decimal places.
8.9. Judging Zone Accuracy
8.9.1. In addition to a Judge monitoring the entry gate, there will be one Judge assigned to each water gate. There will also
be at least two Judges assisting the Chief Judge or Event Judge in the landing zones.
8.9.2. Judges at the water gates will be in line with the gate they are judging. They are responsible for determining
whether part of the competitor’s body stayed in contact with the surface of the water when passing through the
imaginary line between the markers at the surface.
When a competitor earns points for a gate the Judge will indicate this by holding up a card showing the number of
points for that gate. A Judge or a recorder must also record the information on an observing sheet. One of the
Judges working with the Chief Judge must also record this information.
The Judges are responsible for determining the first point of contact with the surface and where the competitor
stops. If the first point of contact with the surface is determined to be on a sideline of the course and the competitor
remains within the course, the competitor shall be scored as having landed in the zone in which the contact took
place.
8.9.3. Judges assigned to landing zones may be positioned so that they are able to evaluate more than one zone.
8.9.4. After the competitor lands those assigned to course maintenance will quickly adjust or repair the zones, if
necessary, and everyone will clear the course to prepare for the next competitor.
8.10. Other judging responsibilities
8.10.1. All Judges shall watch for unsafe canopy flight by competitors. If a Judge witnesses what they feel was an unsafe
act they shall inform the Chief Judge, so a yellow or red flag or card may be issued, if appropriate.
8.10.2. During all events, a Judge or other person appointed by the Chief Judge, shall be positioned on or near the course to
warn of approaching competitors. This person shall be equipped with an audible warning device of sufficient
decibel levels that all Judges and support staff are aware of possible danger.
8.10.3. The Chief Judge must organize a Judges’ conference prior to the start of the competition. All Judges shall attend the
conference.
8.10.4. During official practice the Chief judge will announce a time period per event during which that event can be
judged and practiced.
9. DETERMINATION OF COMPETITION CHAMPIONS
9.1. Champion of each Event: The competitor with the highest total number of points after completed rounds in each event. If
two or more competitors have the same cumulative total number of points the competitor with the highest score in any
round of the event will have the higher standing.
9.2. Combined Champion will be the competitor with the highest total number of points out of 3 valid events. The maximum
number is 900 points.
9.3. The calculation to turn measured results of each round into points is as:
1. The competitors are ranked in each round of each event in order of the actual result collated for this round
(Distance and Zone Accuracy, highest score first, Speed, lowest score first).
2. The result of the top ranked competitor in each round is set to 100 %, expressed as 100 points. The remaining
competitors' scores of the round are calculated as a percentage of the top ranked competitor's result – expressed in
points, calculated to the third decimal place.
If two or more competitors have the same cumulative total number of points the competitor with higher placing in
the events will have the higher standing (i.e. two 1st’s and a 3rd beat one 1st and two 2nd’s). The second tiebreaker
is the single longest distance scored in the distance event.
9.4. Awards
Medals will be given for the following:
Combined: 1st Place, 2nd Place, 3rd Place
10. RULES SPECIFIC TO THE COMPETITION
10.1. Aims of the Competition
10.1.1. To determine the best canopy pilots on the tour
10.1.2. To promote safety and develop canopy piloting training and competition.
10.1.3. To exchange ideas and strengthen friendly relations between sport parachutists, judges and support personnel of all
nations.
10.1.4. To allow participants to share and exchange experience, knowledge, and information.
10.1.5. To improve judging methods and practices.
10.2. Get exposure
10.2.1. Attract sponsors
10.2.2. Program of Events: The competition shall be comprised of three rounds in each event.
10.2.3. The minimum number of rounds required for a valid event is one round. A valid competition requires one valid
event.
ADDENDUM A – GENERAL COURSE SPECIFICATIONS
1. All courses must be 10 meters wide over the total length of the course.
2. All courses must begin over a body of water as specified in these rules.
2.1. The body of water must be at least 15 meters wide, at least 65 meters long and at least 60 cm deep over this area. If the
water is more than 1.5 meters deep a safety boat and rescue personnel are mandatory.
2.2. For all events, the body of water must include at least 20 meters of safety area before the entry gate and be at least 60
cm deep over this area.
3. All courses must have a 5-meter wide safety zone along both sides and at the end of the course between the course outline
and the spectator areas.
4. Course Markers
4.1. All course markers must be 1.5 meters high above the surface.
4.2. Course markers must be designed in such a manner that they cannot injure competitors, must be able to breakaway
and/or be flexible.
4.3. Safety zone markers must not be higher than five (5) meters.
4.4. The course outline must be indicated by lines or markings clearly visible from above.
5. All courses must be accepted by the Course Technical Director.
ADDENDUM B – SPEED COURSE
1. The Speed course must have an angle of 75° and shall be 70 meters long measured along the centerline of the course (see
addendum F). This measurement is taken between electronic sensors. The carving course must have a radius of 53.48 meters.
2. The direction of the carve must be specified in the accepted organization bid. There shall be 5 pairs of course markers,
including entry and exit gates. The course markers on the inside of the course shall be of contrasting color visible from
above.
3. At least 10 meters at the end of the course must be out of the water.
ADDENDUM C – DISTANCE COURSE SPECIFICATIONS
1. The measuring device (metric tape) must run down the edge of the land portion of the course laid flat on the surface with
attaching devices placed at each end and at least every five (5) meters. The measuring tape and attachments must not create
an obstacle for the competitors or judging staff. Position of the measuring tape must be acceptable to the Chief Judge. The
distance from the entry gate to the shoreline shall be measured and marked as acceptable to the Chief Judge.
2. The Distance course must be 50 meters longer then the current World record.
3. A clearly visible course outline must extend from the entry gate to the end of the course.
ADDENDUM D – ZONE ACCURACY COURSE SPECIFICATIONS
1. The body of water will cover 44 (+/- 1m) meters from entry gate to shoreline.
2. Water gates: Two rows of course markers that form a series of four gates on the surface of the water. The distance between
the water gates must be 12 meters. The distance from water gate number four to the shoreline shall be 8 meters +/- 1 meter.
3. Landing zones
3.1. The shape and dimensions of the landing zones must be laid out as described in these rules.
3.2. The depth of the zones must be:
Zone 0 - 6 meters
Zone 1, 2 and 3 - 6 meters
Zone 4 - 4 meters
Zone 5 and 6 - 3 meters
The center zone must be 2 x 2 meters.
3.3. Lines must mark the area separating each zone so they are clearly visible. The lines should be approximately 8
centimeters in width, designed to minimize injury, fast to repair and acceptable to the Course Technical Director and
Chief Judge.
3.4. The zones must be covered with a material designed to minimize injury and must be acceptable to the Course Technical
Director.
