LDC Sat, Dec 5, 2026 · Northside Field House Registration open · closes Sat, Nov 28, 2026 · 60 days to go

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LDCSat, Dec 5, 2026 · Milwaukee, WI

Contest rules

Rules

Lakeshore Diabolo Classic 2026 · Sat, Dec 5, 2026 · Milwaukee, WI

Contest rules

Contest Ruleset

Diabolo contests don't share one rulebook, so here's exactly how this one works. It uses a typical freestyle format: a timed routine to music, judged on difficulty, execution, and performance.

Freestyle Format

  • Routine lengths are listed with each division on the Register page.
  • Your routine starts with the music and ends when the music stops.
  • Music must be suitable for all ages. No explicit lyrics.
  • Be ready when you're called. Missing your slot may forfeit your spot.

Multi-Diabolo & Styles

  • Pick one style when you register: 2D, 3D+, Vertax, or fixed axle.
  • Each routine is judged against what's hard in its own style, so styles can share a division.
  • The head judge may move you to another style if your routine is mostly a different one.

Trick Ladder

  • Judges call tricks in order, from easier to harder.
  • You get a set number of attempts per trick, announced at the briefing.
  • Land the trick to move up. Miss every attempt and your run ends.
  • Ties are broken by a sudden-death trick chosen by the judges.

Equipment

  • Any diabolo and hand sticks you're comfortable with.
  • Check your string before you compete. Replace it if it's frayed.
  • Judges may inspect equipment before you compete.
  • Keep spare string and a backup diabolo nearby.

Safety

  • Look up before you toss. Low ceilings, lights, and banners are pointed out at the briefing.
  • A toss that hits the ceiling or a fixture counts as a drop.
  • Stay inside the marked stage area. No tosses toward the audience.
  • Warm up only in the practice area.

Judging & Conduct

  • Judge decisions are final.
  • Respectful conduct is required. Unsportsmanlike behavior may mean disqualification.
  • Organizers may adjust the format based on registration numbers.

These rules can change before registration opens. Questions? Email contest@example.org.

Judging

How Judging Works

Each judge scores three categories for every freestyle. Scores are averaged across the panel. How much each category counts is announced at the rules briefing.

Difficulty

  • How hard the tricks are, and how many different kinds you show.
  • Harder combinations and smooth transitions score higher than repeats.

Execution

  • Clean catches, control, and recoveries.
  • Drops and unplanned stops cost points. Pick it up and keep going.

Performance

  • Use of the stage and connection with the audience.
  • Musicality: hitting the beats and changes in your song.
  • Construction: how the routine fits together from start to finish.