How Calisthenics Competitions Are Judged

Calisthenics competitions aren't just about pulling off big moves. Judges evaluate every performance based on form, technique, difficulty, and flow. If you're new to the formats, check this post on types of calisthenics competitions first. Here's a breakdown of the key judging criteria.

Form

This is the number one thing. Straight arms, locked elbows, clean landings, making every move look sharp. If your form is off, even a crazy trick won't score well.

Technique

It's not only about what move you do, but how you do it. A planche that looks solid and controlled will always beat one that's shaky or rushed.

Difficulty

Some moves are just harder than others. A simple pull-up doesn't compare to a front lever or a 540 spin. Judges reward athletes who go for tough skills, as long as they can actually pull them off with good form.

Flow and Style

Especially in freestyle, it's about connecting moves smoothly and showing some personality. A routine that feels creative and flows together will always score higher than random tricks thrown around.

Strength and Endurance

For hold-based or rep-based rounds, judges look at how many clean reps you can do or how steady you can hold a position. Quality always beats rushing through sloppy reps.

Overall Performance

At the end, judges look at the full routine. Who looked confident? Who kept control the whole time? Who made it look effortless? That overall picture often makes the difference when scores are close.