Contest rules
Rules
Tri-County Skill Toy Open 2026 · Sat, Oct 24, 2026 · Harrisburg, PA
Contest rules
Contest Ruleset
Every toy has its own division and is judged only against the same toy, except Artistic Performance, which every toy shares. Freestyles use a typical three-part judging sheet, Artistic Performance uses its own criteria, and the kendama ladder is scored by the tricks you land.
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.
Kendama 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.
Artistic Performance & Showcase
- Artistic Performance is judged on the criteria listed on this page, not on trick difficulty alone.
- Props, costumes, and partners on stage are fine if they stay inside the stage area and are cleared right after.
- Showcase acts are not judged or ranked. Groups of up to six are welcome.
- Both use your own music. Send it with your freestyle music.
Equipment
- Bring your own toys. Any brand is welcome.
- Check strings before you compete, and replace any that are frayed.
- Spin tops: hand-spun or string-launched only. No launchers or motors.
- Judges may inspect equipment before you compete.
Safety
- Look before you throw or toss. Keep looping, offstring, and tosses inside the stage area.
- 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 Freestyles Are Judged
Each judge scores three categories for every freestyle, comparing you only with players of the same toy. Scores are averaged across the panel.
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.
The Artistic Performance criteria and points are a typical starting point, not any organization's official rules. Change them to match your judging sheet.
Divisions
How Each Division Works
Kendama Ladder
Called tricks from easier to harder. Land each one within your tries to move up the ladder.
- Trick ladder · 8 tricks · 3 tries per trick
Trick list · 3 tries per trick
- Big Cup
- Small Cup
- Base Cup
- Spike
- Around Japan
- Around the World
- Lighthouse
- Earth Turn
Artistic Performance
A panel of judges scores each routine on set criteria.
- Panel judged · 4 judging criteria · 100 points
- 3-min performance
| Criterion | Points |
|---|---|
| Choreography | 30 |
| Musicality | 25 |
| Execution | 25 |
| Stage presence | 20 |
| Total | 100 |
Showcase
A performance for the crowd. Not judged and not ranked.
- Showcase · not judged
- Solo or group · 1–6 players
- Up to 2 min