Contest rules
Rules
Riverside Juggling Open 2026 · Sat, Dec 12, 2026 · Richmond, VA
Contest rules
Contest Ruleset
Juggling contests don't share one rulebook, so here's how this one works. It follows a typical format for each division, confirmed at the safety briefing.
Freestyle & Team Routines
- Routine lengths are listed with each division on the Register page.
- Timing starts with your music or your first throw, whichever comes first.
- Any props are welcome. Tell us your props when you register.
- Music must be suitable for all ages. No explicit lyrics.
- Be ready when you're called. Missing your slot may forfeit your spot.
Numbers Endurance
- Pick a category (prop and object count) when you register. Each category is ranked on its own.
- The count starts at the first catch. A run ends at the first drop, or when you stop.
- You get three attempts. Your best run counts.
- A judge counts catches out loud, and the judge's count is final.
- Tied players get one more attempt.
Juggling Battle
- Two players juggle the same called pattern side by side, starting on the referee's signal.
- The first to drop, or to break the pattern, loses the battle.
- The referee calls a harder pattern each round.
- Single elimination. The two semifinal losers play a match for 3rd place.
Safety
- Look before you throw. Keep every pattern inside the marked stage area.
- No fire, knives, or other sharp or burning props indoors.
- Team passing: throw only to your partners, below the ceiling and away from the audience.
- Warm up only in the practice area, never in walkways or near spectators.
- A prop that leaves the stage stays down until staff hand it back.
- Staff may stop any routine that puts people at risk.
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 Routines Are Judged
A panel of judges scores each freestyle and team routine on the criteria listed for its division below. Scores are averaged across the panel.
Difficulty
- How hard the patterns, tricks, and object counts are, and how many different kinds you show.
- Harder transitions score higher than repeats.
Execution
- Clean throws and catches, control, and recoveries.
- Drops cost points. Pick it up and keep going.
Choreography & Presentation
- Use of the stage, connection with the audience, and musicality.
- How the routine fits together from start to finish.
Teamwork (Team Routine)
- Timing and sync between partners.
- Passing patterns and how well the team works as one.
The criteria and points on this page are a typical starting point, not any organization's official rules. Change them to match your judging sheet.
Divisions
How Each Division Works
Individual Freestyle
A panel of judges scores each routine on set criteria.
- Panel judged · 4 judging criteria · 100 points
- 3-min freestyle
| Criterion | Points |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | 30 |
| Execution | 30 |
| Choreography | 20 |
| Presentation | 20 |
| Total | 100 |
Team Routine
A panel of judges scores each routine on set criteria.
- Panel judged · 4 judging criteria · 100 points
- Team · 2–6 players · entry fee per team
- 4-min routine
| Criterion | Points |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | 25 |
| Execution | 25 |
| Teamwork | 25 |
| Presentation | 25 |
| Total | 100 |
Numbers Endurance
A measured result decides the placing. Every attempt is measured, and your best one counts.
- Scored · measured in catches · highest wins · best of 3 attempts
Juggling Battle
Head-to-head battles. Win a battle to move on to the next round.
- Bracket · single elimination battles · last one juggling wins · 3rd-place match
Showcase
A performance for the crowd. Not judged and not ranked.
- Showcase · not judged
- Solo or group · 1–8 players
- Up to 4 min