Showing It To The Judges

Posted Sunday, April 28, 2002

By Jack Jefferies

Showing It To The Judges It’s not what you do it’s what the judges see, that scores points. This may seem obvious, but it is surprising how often it is overlooked. It is specifically stated in the IPC rules that it is the responsibility of the competitors to show the formations and separation to the judges. With the new rules allowing the judges only two viewings of the jump in real time, they can no longer labour over the monitor, playing the video in slow motion, trying to see the point.

This makes the cleanliness of the skydiving even more critical. In this section, we will look at ways of skydiving that show the points to the judges. It must be remembered that the techniques stated here must be trained until they become second nature. You must concern yourself with this issue early on, to ensure the proper habits at the meet.

Synchronicity

Synchronicity in movement will make very clear to the judges the team’s intent. Synchronicity in breaks and grips along with formations that are momentarily still, makes the pictures very understandable. It is an added bonus that, these things also make things more understandable for the competitors, which helps them to understand what is happening within the skydive. It is critical that all four team members are off grips at the same time. There are many moves, which are so short that the length of time one is off grips can be very little, therefore everyone must break together.

Flashing

Flashing your arms away from potential separation issues is another technique, which must be learned. There are many instances where you will be picking up the same grip in consecutive formations. During these transitions, you must ensure that your hand is clear of the grip far and long enough that the judges can see the separation.

There are two basic ways to flash: inside and outside. The inside flash is one where you pull your hand in towards your face. The outside flash is where you extend your arm until the elbow is straight. Each particular instance will require one of these two techniques. Use the flash that takes your hand away from the grip in question. It is important that the team’s flashes are synchronous as well. It will do no good if the flashes occur at different times, because the separation you are showing will not be simultaneous. It is a good idea if the entire team agrees to flash immediately on the break: simultaneous break, simultaneous flash and separation.

Communication

I have found that judges are very reasonable and willing to meet on common ground if we are willing to communicate with them. Unfortunately, most team to judge communications occur after the fact and take the form of attack and defend, rather than productive discussion.

Think about possible problems before the meet, bring them to the attention of the judges and, if there truly is a problem, you must resolve it, either with a change in the judges interpretation or a change in your plan. Communicate with the judges before the meet and you will encounter fewer unpleasant surprises during the meet.

Airspeed 4-Way Training Work Book
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Showing It To The Judges

Synchronicity

Flashing

Communication

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