General Information
There are three types of aerobics competition: individual for men and women; mixed pair; and trio, in which a three-person team may be made of any combination of men and women.
Major competition is conducted in an area 23 feet square, but local and regional events may use a 20 by 20 area.
Each competitor performs a 1-minute, 45-second aerobics sequence, with three compulsory exercises: Four consecutive high leg kicks, four consecutive push-ups, and a phase beginning with four jumping jacks and comprising 32 counts of standing movements and patterns.
In addition to the compulsories, a maximum of ten elements are allowed in a performance. There must be at least element from each of four families:
- Dynamic strength (push-ups)
- Static strength (supports and balances)
- Kicks and splits
- Power (jumps and leaps)
About 30 movements are prohibited, including handsprings, handstands, back flips, and aerial somersaults.
Judging
For major competitions, the judging panel is made up of a head judge, two line judges, two difficulty judges, four technical merit judges, and four artistic merit judges.
In advance of a competition, competitors must submit a routine documentation listing all elements to be performed, in sequence of performance. They also have to perform the routine for the head judge and difficulty judges so the difficulty score of the routine can be determined.
During the actual performance, technical merit judges evaluate competitors on execution, intensity, coordination, and the balance of strength and flexibility displayed. Artistic merit judges rate the performance on the basis of choreography, musicality, and showmanship. A perfect score for either technical or artistic merit is 10.
The technical and artistic scores are averaged and each average counts toward 45 percent of the total score. The difficulty score accounts for the other 10 percent.
Line judges can make deductions from the total score if a competitor has touched the floor outside the competitive area.