INTERNATIONAL

JUDGING AND
OFFICIATING
COURSE

MANUAL
International Surfing Association
5580 La Jolla Blvd. #145
La Jolla, California
Tel: (858) 551 8580
www.isasurf.org
International Judging and Officiating Manual
First Edition 1998

Revised 1999, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014

ISA would sincerely like to thank the following organisations for their contributions to the development of Surfing
Australia’s    Education    and    Training packages
Australian Government – Australian Sports Commission
International Surfing Association (ISA) Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP)
Author
Glen Elliott
2014 update by Surfing Australia

Photographs and illustrations

Steve Robertson - ASP
Kirsten Scholtz - ASP
Jake White
Glen Elliott
Terry Day
Contributors
Craig Haddon, Karl Gol & Ester Spears
2013 Update Disclaimer
Although all care has been taken to provide proper safety and skill development instructions, ISA or any of its employees,
advisors or consultants accept no responsibility for any accident that may occur as a result of students performing
any of these activities. If you are unsure of any method or procedures, you are advised first to consult with your own
Workplace Health and Safety State regulations and then if further assistance is required, contact us here at ISA at the
above address.

Copyright
© 2013 All rights reserved. No part may be reproduced without written permission of the International Surfing
Association [ISA].

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CONTENTS
Introduction 2 Chapter 3: Alternative Surf Disciplines 29
Acknowledgments 3 Longboarding 29
Our International Partners 4 Logger Surfing 31
Stand-Up Paddle Boarding 33
Chapter 1: Manoeuvres 5
Degree of Difficulty and Definitions 5 Chapter 4: Competition Rules 35
Innovative and Progressive Manoeuvres 10 Interference Rules 37

Chapter 2: Judging 14 Chapter 5: 42

The Judging Criteria 14 Tabulation of Heats 42
The History and Evolution of the Judging Criteria 16
Chapter 6: Event Officiating 46
Judging – Scoring System 20
Official Code of Ethics and Conduct 49
Common Judging Issues 22
Steps to Qualification 50
Points to Consider 23
Further Information 53
The Judging Panel 24
The Head Judge 26

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES TO BE PROVIDED BY THE PRESENTER

• Recognised prior learning forms (RPL)
• Practical judging hours diary

• The judging code of ethics & conduct

• Yearly registration form

• Presenter/course evaluation form

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INTRODUCTION
The role of a judge in a surfing contest is to decide
which surfer performs the closest to the criteria in a
particular heat. It is therefore essential that the
judges have the experience and knowledge to give
them confidence to obtain the correct results.
The improvements made in the sport of competitive
surfing over the past years cannot be attributed to
improvements in equipment and increased levels of
surfers’  performance  alone.  The  increased       success
of surfing as a competitive sport can also be directly
linked to improvements and refinements made to the
competitive rules and judging criteria.
A competition is only as good as the people who are
charged with the responsibility of determining the
outcome of the competition, and they are the Judges.
Judges who genuinely wish to improve their capacity
to discriminate between surfers who perform closest to
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the judging criteria and those who do not, need to be
prepared to continually monitor their effectiveness as
judges of competitive surfing.
Much of the information discussed in this course is
based on what we know about the sport of surfing. This
body of knowledge has been obtained from International
judging experience and the current research and
literature on subjective judging in general. The
information supplied in this course is particularly suitable
for those who wish to judge State, Pro-junior, National &
International rated events.
The majority of input will be based on the collective
sharing of ideas and thoughts of the group and how
their experience and ideas relate to commonly accepted
judging principles.
To stimulate discussion during the course, your personal
ideas or opinions should be expressed.
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Many years of experience and collective ideas have gone into the production of this
content and I would like to express my appreciation to the many people who I have
worked with and who have contributed to the compilation of this judging manual. I would
like to thank past and present Australian and ASP judges.

The one lesson I hope that every course participant will realise above everything else, is
that no matter how good or experienced you are as a judge, you never stop learning.
Glen Elliott
Judging Manual Author & Surfing Australia Judging Manager
WSL Australasian Head Judge
ISA Head Judge

ISA FOREWORD
The ISA is committed to the success of surfing as a worldwide sport and recognises the need for one accreditation
course. The quality and credibility of every competition hinges on the education of our officials. International Judging and
Officiating courses are regularly being conducted throughout the ISA surfing world.

The importance of parallel and unified educational development of the Judges and Officials of the sport should not be
underestimated. Maintaining a global standard for Judges ensures that the athletes receive identical feedback on their
performances regardless of the place of competition.
The International Judging and Officiating development program is a comprehensive program. The education and
administration  systems  have  been  identified  as  the  worlds’  best  educational  practice in the development of quality
accredited surfing officials.
This program has been under research and development for many years and is designed to complement and continue
with all ISA International development programs for the benefit of all the surfing nations of the ISA.

There are currently 22 countries that are partners in worldwide judging development. This number continues to grow,
as many National Governing Bodies realise the importance of the unified development of the Judges and Officials of
the sport.

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OUR
INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS

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CHAPTER 1: MANOEUVRE –
DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY & DEFINITIONS

In judging, the definitions in this chapter will facilitate a CLASSIFICATION

clear decision, at the time of the ride, as to the nature
Categorised by nature of the wave and the point of entry
of certain manoeuvres and their influence on point
in relation to each wave and the degree of control.
allocation and scoring. For example, a clear distinction is
made between: 1. Excellent (these occur rarely)

The major manoeuvres – re  entry’s, cutbacks, Tube/cover-up take-off with smooth transition
floaters, carves, tube rides and aerials to first manoeuvre

The transitional & minor manoeuvres – minor Free fall, very steep or late take-off with
examples of major manoeuvres, mid-face turns, controlled transition into first manoeuvre
pump turns, speed turns and white water turns 2. Average (most falls into this category)
Furthermore, point allocation is affected by the degree Take-off allows smooth transition into the first
of difficulty that must be individually categorised for manoeuvre
each type of manoeuvre. The degree of difficulty is
3. Poor
defined in terms of excellent, good, average and poor.
Off balance or leads to disruption of balance
Resulting in delay of transition to first manoeuvre
JUDGING TIP
Scores are determined Too far out onto the shoulder of the wave
according to the quality of
the manoeuvres performed.
Perception of missed WAVE SIZE
opportunity does not This can be a contentious area, with some declaring
degrade points allocated.
On the other hand, lack of the size of the wave is comparable to the back of the
control in execution tends wave. In this modern era of our sport and with surfers
to neutralise the scoring continuing to push the boundaries we are seeing
potential of that manoeuvre.
extreme waves being ridden that cannot be compared
by the back of the wave. Generally the wave size is
TAKE-OFF measured  relatively  to  the  person’s  body  height when
The beginning of a ride when the hands leave the the first opportunity occurs to compare standing height
rails and the surfer has made an attempt to stand. The of the person against the wave face – generally the first
take-off turn is from the time of hands leaving rail to the bottom turn. Size can be classified as overhead, double
commencement of first manoeuvre to turn. overhead etc.

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MAJOR MANOEUVRES
Major  Manoeuvres  are  the  most  outstanding  or  eye  catching  manoeuvres  that  most  influence  the  judge’s     score.

1. Tube Ride: The rider disappears behind the lip line of the breaking wave.

A clean entry and exit, depth and length of time in the

tube will determine the degree of difficulty.

Manoeuvres in the tube that are used as a stalling

technique also have a bearing on the score.
Crumbling tubes can score less than clean dry tubes.
Classification: Average to High Excellent

2. Aerial: Major re-entry manoeuvres that are projected past the lip line with or without rotation in the air.

Each aerial varies in degrees of difficulty depending on

height, rotation, use of hands on the board and clean
landings.
Classification: Average to High Excellent

3. Re-entry: A top turn where the rider re-enters the wave face after contacting the lip or breaking white water.

A re-entry is measured by steepness and size of the

angle of ascent/descent. The most difficult re- entry is
to go past vertical in ascent and/or to cross over the
path of the original vertical ascent when descending; in
other words in a figure eight direction or path.
Classification: Poor to Very Good

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4. Cutback: Is a horizontal direction change of at least 130°, in which the board reverses its original path so that it
returns towards the breaking part of the wave; this type of manoeuvre usually precedes the rebound off the white-water.

The most difficult cutback is the roundhouse; this means

that the surfer extends far out into the shoulder of the
wave and with no loss of speed, return at 180° in a
figure of eight path into the breaking curl with a high
rebound of the white water.
Classification: Poor to Very Good

5. Power slides: A power slide is generally performed after a re-entry or a carve.

The surfer pushes the surfboard releasing the fins with

control; the degree of difficulty is indicated by where the
surfer performs the slide and how close to the critical
section.
Classification: Poor to Very Good

6. Floater: This manoeuvre requires the board to be projected up onto the breaking white water or lip and to traverse the
section horizontally before descending into the unbroken face.

A special example is a tail slide  floater  or  “Rock  n Roll”

floater, where the board descends tail first down the
breaking wave whilst control is maintained. A free fall
from this position indicates a high degree of difficulty.
Classification: Poor to Very Good

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7. Top Turn/carve: A turn performed in the top one-third of the wave but does not extend into the lip of the wave as in a
re-entry and does not reverse horizontal direction by more than 130°.
Top turns/carves of high degree of difficulty may be
classified as major manoeuvres. These manoeuvres can
also be preceded by a power tail slide.
Classification: Average to Very Good

8 Bottom Turn: A banking turn off the bottom of the wave, used to generate vertical momentum and speed.
Classification: This is not scored as a major manoeuvre
however a bottom turn is crucial to the surfer performing
manoeuvres with a high degree of difficulty. Difficulty
is determined by the angle of ascent and the vertical

MINOR MANOEUVRES
Not in the category of major manoeuvres but influence scoring potential:

9. Minor examples of Major manoeuvres: 11. Foam Turns:

Classification: Either transitional or minor manoeuvres, Foam turns are generally only a pleasing factor in poor surf
depending upon the degree of difficulty and their transition conditions, as an alternative to riding straight or groveling.
as functional manoeuvres in the context of the wave as a Classification: Poor to Average
whole.
12. Fade:
10. Foam Floater:
A motion after takeoff that directs the board towards the
A foam floater covers distance and originates and ends in
curl before the bottom turn.
the white-water. It enhances white-water riding potential as
The fade can be used to accentuate a bigger top turn or
an alternative to groveling, trimming or hopping.
used as a stalling manoeuvre.
Classification: Poor to Average
Classification: Average

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TRANSITIONAL MANOEUVRES
Little influence on scoring potential:
13. Mid-face Turns:
Minor direction changes, i.e. between 60° and 130° that
have little influence on scoring potential.
14. Pump Turns:
The un-weighting or hopping motion that generates
forward momentum in a slow section of the wave.
They lack the scoring potential of other turns because
they  maintain  horizontal  direction  and  don’t  make a
significant climbing or dropping direction change; i.e.
less than 60°.
Foam Pump Turns: Where the whole of the surfer’s
board is visually behind the section of white water on
a horizontal plane
Face Pump Turns: Where any part of the surfer’s
board is forward of the white water into the face of
the wave
15. Trim:
Trimming is constant forward speed without apparent
direction change that carries no scoring potential and
may be detrimental to score if construed as a missed
opportunity.
16. Foam Trim or Groveling:
Efforts, such as hopping or wiggling, involved in
maintaining momentum in the white water, this carries
no scoring value. However, this can lead to other
sections of the wave where the surfer may continue to
ride the green face where scoring potential can be
added.
17. Stalling:
Is a deliberate weight-shift to the rear of the board, in
order to slow its momentum. Occasionally stalling can
be classified as a mistake.
18. Recovery:
Re-standing after losing footing is not a scoring factor,
as it indicates a mistake has been made.
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METHOD OF FINISH
1. Controlled:
Kick Out: Deliberate exit over the back of the wave,
maintaining board control
Pull Out: Exit through the bottom of the wall of
the wave with board and body moving in the same
direction
Step Off: A stall or exit at the end of the wave or
when reaching the shoreline
2. Uncontrolled:
Any wipe out: Fall off or ungainly exit resulting in
loss of board control. Any manoeuvre where the
surfer falls before its completion is a wipe out and
does not enhance the wave score
Prone Out: A deliberate return to the prone position
as an alternative to losing footing or control. Proning
out is generally detrimental to scoring potential
GLOSSARY
Lowdon, Brian J., 1991 Competitive Surfing. Revised by
Glen Elliott in 2014.
This information was compiled by Michael Martin, Brian
J Lowdon and Jon Patrick from a study of computer
analysis of Judging Criteria conducted at The Centre for
Research into Computers for Sport, Deakin University,
Australia.
In this study, a language was defined to distinguish,
by clear definition and to classify terms of the degree
of difficulty, all the potential manoeuvres that can be
performed while riding a modern short/long surfboard.
9
INNOVATIVE AND
PROGRESSIVE MANOEUVRES

AERIALS -TECHNICAL ASPECTS surfers stance, an air reverse can be performed on a left
AND DESCRIPTIONS and right hand wave. Remember to watch for surfers
rotating further than 180 degrees in the air, 270 degree
The classification of these aerials will determine the
and 360 degree spins are incredibly difficult.
degree of difficulty and technical aspects. These are
generally classified as average, technical (good) and Classification: Average to highly technical (excellent)
highly technical (excellent). Be careful with air reverses that are performed mid face
on  the  wave.  Mid  face  air  reverses  are  “chop  hops”. Chop
1. Standard front side or backside air:
hops are not especially hard to do and are considered a
A standard front or backside aerial is performed by very minor aerial.
grabbing the toe side rail with your back arm in between
the feet or without grabbing the rail at all. Backside airs 2. Alley-oop:
are similar except you grab your heel side rail with your An aerial performed by the surfer rotating the opposite
front arm. way to an air reverse. This can be difficult to control and
A variation on the standard front side air is the double land cleanly. Performed with more than 180 degree spin
grab (or cannon ball). It should be noted that back side or with a grab is usually considered as a good aerial.
double grabs are much harder to perform cleanly. Classification: Average to Very Good
These airs are the most common and are often Each aerial must be completed with the surfer riding out
performed with good height. of the manoeuvre with control.
Classification: Average to Very Good
JUDGING TIP
2. Air Reverse: Every judge should assess
each aerial manoeuvre using
the below descriptions and
degree of difficulty and the
following criteria:
• Where on the wave was
the aerial performed?
• How high was the aerial?
• Was there any technical
aspects? Such as, rail
grabs and/or rotation
• Did the surfer land cleanly
with control and ride out of
the manoeuvre?

An aerial performed with at least 180 degree rotation

before landing back on the wave and continuing to spin
into a reverse 360. Depending on the direction and

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RAIL GRAB AERIALS

A clean grab should commence once a surfer is in the air and released before landing. Holding on to the rail throughout
landing is safer and less clean than releasing in the air.

BACK
ARM

DIRECTION TAI
NOS L
E

3. Mute FRONT
ARM
A mute grab involves the surfer grabbing the toe-side
rail with their front arm in the middle of the board, whilst
DIRECTIO NOS TAI rotating backside.
N E L

Classification: Average to Good.

4. Melancholy A melancholy grab involves grabbing the heel-side rail

with the front arm in the middle of the board.
DIRECTIO
N
NOS
E
TAI
L
Classification: Average to Good (technical).

FRONT
ARM

5. Method FRONT
ARM A method grab is performed backside. It involves
grabbing the heel- side rail with the front arm in front of
DIRECTIO NOS TAI the front foot and pulling the board towards the body.
N E L

Classification: Average to Good (technical).

6. Lien A lien grab is performed front side and involves a heel-

Air side grab with the front arm on the nose of the board.
DIRECTIO
N
NOS
E
TAI
L
Classification: Average to Good (technical).

FRONT ARM

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7. BACK
ARM
A crail grab involves grabbing the toe-side rail in front
Crail of the front foot with the back arm.
DIRECTIO
N
NOS
E
TAI
L
Classification: Average to Good (technical).

8. FRONT
ARM
A slob grab is performed front-side by grabbing the
Slob toe-side rail with the front arm between or just outside
DIRECTIO NOS TAI of the leading leg.
N E L

Classification: Average to Good (technical).

9. An indy grab performed back-side, involves grabbing

Indy the toe side rail with your back arm. Performed front-
DIRECTIO NOS TAI side this is a standard front-side grab.
N E L

Classification: Average to Excellent (very technical).

BACK
ARM

10. Stale A stale fish grab involves grabbing the heel-side rail
Fish with their back arm. This is one of the most difficult
DIRECTIO NOS TAI grabs to perform.
N E L

Classification: Very Good to Excellent (very technical).

BACK
ARM

12. Big Spin:

Similar to a shove-it except the board spins 360
degrees underneath the feet, while the surfer spins 180
degrees causing them to land in a switch foot stance.
A big spin has a high degree of difficulty and very
technical.
Classification: Very Good to Excellent (very technical).

COMBINATION AIRS 13. Passion pop:

11. Shove-its/Varials:
Done mid face or above the lip a shove-it involves
spinning the board at least 180 degrees beneath the
surfer without changing stance and involves the surfer
riding out fakie (switch foot). Performing this without
using the hands to rotate the board is a Shove it. A varial
is performed with the leading hand helping to rotate the
board beneath the feet.
Classification: Average to Excellent (very technical).
Performed front-side and involves a surfer launching
the board into a double grab alley-oop motion, flipping
the legs off the board (similar to a superman) and
performing a sex change (reversing the stance to land
switch foot). This air has a high degree of difficulty and
is technical and innovative.
Classification: Very Good to Excellent (very technical).

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14. Superman: 18. Gorkin Flip:

A superman is performed by grabbing both rails of the
board when in the air, flipping the feet off the board (to
fly like superman) and then back onto the board for a
clean landing without hands on the rails. Involves a high
degree of difficulty and is technical and innovative.
Performed back-side and involves an inverted flip.
Similar to a rodeo clown but lacks the spin on landing.
A Gorkin flip is incredibly difficult and very technical and
innovative.
Classification: Very Good to Excellent (very technical).

Classification: Average to Excellent (very technical).

15. Christ Air 19. Kerrupt Flip:

FRONT
Similar to a superman but holding the board in one hand ARM

while both hands are perpendicular to the body then

back onto the board for a clean landing. Involves a high DIRECTIO
N
NOS
E
TAI
L

degree of difficulty and is technical and innovative.

BACK
Classification: Excellent (very technical). ARM

The Kerrupt flip involves launching into a double grab

16. Judo Air:
A back-side aerial where the heel-side rail is grabbed
up towards the nose, at this time you kick the front foot
out forward before landing with it back on the board.
Involves a high degree of difficulty and is technical and
innovative.
Classification: Very Good to Excellent (very technical).
alley-oop rotation, with the front arm grabbing the toe-
side rail and the back hand grabbing the heel-side rail.
This pulls the surfer into an inverted flip. Kerrupt flips
are incredibly difficult and considered as very technical
and innovative.
Classification: Excellent (very technical).
20. Club Sandwich/Kerr flip:

DIAGONALLY AND VERTICALLY An inverted air reverse under the lip with the surfer
ROTATED FLIPS grabbing the surfboard and forcing the board under and
in the lip inside of the tubing section. Timing is crucial to
17. Rodeo Clown: escape the lip and push through the white water section.
Performed back-side and involves an inverted flip and A club sandwich is incredibly difficult, very technical and
a spin on landing. Incredibly difficult and is extremely innovative.
technical and innovative. Classification: Excellent (very technical).
Classification: Excellent (very technical).

The 3 stages of a Rodeo Clown, note the vertical

rotation in the air. As the surfer lands on the wave face,
the board also spins 180 to 360 degrees.

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CHAPTER 2:
THE JUDGING CRITERIA
“A surfer must perform radical controlled
manoeuvres in the critical sections of a wave with
speed, power and flow. Innovative/progressive
surfing as well as the combination and variety of
repertoire (of major manoeuvres) will be taken into
consideration when rewarding points for a surfers
performance.
The surfer who performs to the criteria above,
exhibiting the maximum degree of difficulty and
commitment on the waves shall maximise his/her
scoring potential.”
Using the judging criteria and the key words when
deliberating on a score will showcase exactly what
constitutes good surfing and that the surfers and
spectators know the points on which they are going to
be judged.
There are some variations to the surfing criteria; e.g. the
2010 Association of Surfing Professionals criteria and
wording. These variations are only significant in regards
to explaining and simplifying the key words/elements of
the criteria. The main meanings and principles of both
criteria remains the same.
The above criteria can be broken into three paragraphs
and the key words of each paragraph must be
considered when scoring a surfers ride.
A surfer must perform radical controlled manoeuvres
in the critical sections of a wave with speed, power
and flow.
The key words/elements of the criteria are:
Radical Controlled Manoeuvres
Critical Sections
Speed, Power and Flow
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RADICAL MANOEUVRES
Modern day manoeuvres constitute changes in direction
of the board, on the wave (not the surfer on the board).
Such major manoeuvres would include re-entries,
cutbacks, floaters, aerials, snaps and tube rides etc.
When performed with a high degree of control and
commitment, radical manoeuvres are the highest scoring
part of the criteria. When performed with all the factors
of the criteria (i.e. speed and power) and in the critical
section a judge will score it highly.
MOST CRITICAL SECTION
The critical section of the wave is the pocket, closest to
the curl. This part of the criteria describes the position
the manoeuvres should be performed on the wave to
score maximum points.
The critical section of the wave is the pocket (closest
to the curl). The criteria describes the position the
manoeuvres should be performed on the wave to score
maximum points. The degree of commitment and the
risk involved in performing close to the curl, is the
reason it scores highly.
The first section of the wave is usually considered to
have a high scoring potential and is regarded by the
judges as the critical section. It is vital that the judges
reward the surfing performance of the ride on the wave
and NOT the quality of the wave. This can lead to over-
scoring by inexperienced judges.

SPEED, POWER AND FLOW
Speed and power will become more apparent when
performed in the critical section of the wave. Generally,
the greater the speed the more powerful the manoeuvre
will be when performed.
Flow has been included in the new criteria and relates
to how the surfer links turns together on the wave and
how the manoeuvres are functional in regards to where
it’s  being performed.
A surfer that is flowing with the wave will look as though
he/she is reading the wave well and performing the
manoeuvres that are suitable to the sections.
Innovative/progressive surfing as well as the
combination and variety of repertoire (of major
manoeuvres) will be taken into consideration when
rewarding  points  for  a  surfers’ performance.
INNOVATIVE/PROGRESSIVE
Including the words “innovative” and “progressive” to the
new criteria allows the surfers to be more expressive
with more dynamic and futuristic manoeuvres. Innovative
manoeuvres can be classified as functional aerials,
carving 360° loops, aerial loops and power slides, etc.
Innovative, progressive and major manoeuvres, executed
with speed, power and commitment become more
impressive when performed in the critical section of the
wave.
COMBINATION AND VARIETY OF
REPERTOIRE
Combinations of major manoeuvres are important
when considering very good and excellent scores. The
transition between major manoeuvres is crucial to an
excellent combination. Completing a combination of
major manoeuvres with elements of progressive and
innovative areas of the criteria should be rewarded
highly as the performance has an unusually high degree
of difficulty. Performing the combination on the first
section of a wave is considered to be of the highest
scoring value.
The important aspect of this part of the criteria is the
words “variety of repertoire”. A surfer is required to
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surf with a variety of manoeuvres on the waves as this
performance has a high degree of difficulty and will be
taken into consideration when rewarding points.
The surfer who performs to the criteria above,
exhibiting the maximum degree of difficulty and
commitment on the waves shall maximise his/her
scoring potential.”
DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY & RISK
(COMMITMENT) = REWARD
To perform manoeuvres that will be rewarded highly by
the judges, the surfer must commit to performing high-
risk manoeuvres in the critical sections with control.
Wave selection is the single most important factor
of  a  surfer’s  heat.  The  selected  wave  will  dictate the
manoeuvres able to be performed.
Emphasising the key words of the criteria to suit
the conditions.
Today there is less emphasis put on wave size in
small to medium conditions as the best waves may
not necessarily be the biggest. However, in a contest
with big wave conditions or renown tube locations,
the most important part of the criteria would be
the size or the critical tube riding. The surfer, who
is prepared to catch the biggest waves or gets the
longest and deepest tube rides, shows the greatest
commitment
A surfer does not automatically score high because
of wave size or quality
A surfer must still comply with most of the key
elements of the criteria at these locations to
capitalise on the full scoring potential
The emphasis of certain key words and elements
of the criteria is contingent upon the location,
conditions on the day, as well as changes of
conditions throughout the event. The skill level
and the age division of the surfer should to be
considered. The age of the competitors will have a
bearing on the scoring areas and the criteria that is
appropriate to that age division
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THE HISTORY & EVOLUTION
OF THE JUDGING CRITERIA

Since the inception of surfing contests in the early

1960’s  the  need  to  evaluate  a  surfers’  performance was
required to crown a winner.

Judging a surf contest is basically a matter of opinion.

From the beginning of our contest activities in the early
60’s, a judging criteria has set the standard for our
contest surfers to meet.
At the ISA founding meeting in Peru Feb 23, 1965 the
original and formal judging criteria was agreed on by all
present after much deliberation and discussion.

“As the surf consists of a number of waves, of 1965

which every third is remarked to be always much
larger than the others, and to flow higher onto the
shore, the rest breaking in the intermediate space,
their first object of the natives is to place
themselves on the summit of the largest surge, by
which they are driven along with amazing rapidity
toward the shore. The boldness and
address of which I saw them perform these difficult
and dangerous manoeuvres, was altogether
astonishing, and is scarcely to be credited.”
The above paragraph is an extract from the log of
Captain Cook’s ship in 1784: made by Lt King, who was “A surfer will be judged and given the maximum
in command of the ship, after Cook was killed by the points for sliding at the greatest speed, the longest
natives in Hawaii. distance possible, in the most dangerous part of
the wave, with the greatest functional
This extract refers to the waves and then to the skill manoeuvrability”.
of the local natives which were riding the waves.
Power (biggest wave), Speed, Commitment, Degree It is interesting to note as it uses the critical (dangerous)
of Difficulty all mentioned in the ships log, which is a part of the wave, speed, manoeuvres with highest
historical document degree of difficulty and longest ride descriptions.

As our sport evolved the need to adjust the judging

Is this the first judging criteria?
criteria became apparent. At this time and up until the
The surf judging criteria has for most of its existence
early 1980’s all scores per ride were based on the 20
been  very  “subjective”  with  none  of  the  benefits  of the point system below:
“first  past  the  post”  sports  to  decide  a  definitive winner.

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0 to 4 – Poor ride. 5 to 9 – Average ride.
10 to 14 – Good ride. 15 to 20 – Excellent ride.
Before the start of the World Surfing Championships in
1970, the International Surfing Association amended
the International Judging definitions and criteria at the
insistence of the Australian delegation. The judging
criteria was amended to read:
1970
“Riders will be given maximum points for performing
in the most difficult part of the wave, for the longest
time, at the fastest speed possible, displaying a
wider variety of functional manoeuvres involving the
highest degree of difficulty. A quality larger wave is
better than a smaller quality wave”
After this short unsuccessful trial over a couple of
events, it was still decided that averaging points scores
over a panel of expert judges was proven to be the most
reliable  method  of  evaluating  a  surfer’s performance.
As the sport continued through the early years of
professionalism the criteria was seen to be expressive
of the current state of the sport and the performance
levels. It is interesting to note that this was when the
biggest changes came to equipment and surfboards.
The single fin era gave way to multi finned surfboards
and light weight materials. However the judging criteria
remained stagnant for 10 years or so.
The biggest change to judging in this era was the
implementation of the 10 point scoring scale using
decimals in the mid 80’s.

The onset of professional surfing started around 1973
with Rip Curl sponsoring the first Bells Beach Easter
Pro, and a few years later in 1976 the International
Professional Surfers Association (IPS) was formed. As
performance levels and prize money within the sport
increased so to did the importance of judging and the
criteria.
However  the  use  of  .1,  .4,  .6  &  .9’s  were  not   allowed
to be used when scoring as it was thought the judges
could not differentiate the surfers rides to this smallest
degree.
It was also thought that it would be a positive rule as
this automatically opened each judges scoring scale.
The scale that was used is as below:

Points per manoeuvre system: 0.1 to 2.0 – Bad ride. 2.0 to 4.0 – Poor ride.
4.0 to 6.0 – Average ride. 6.0 to 8.0 – Good ride.
The  only  decisive  change  from  the  “criteria subjective”
8.0 to 10.00 – Excellent ride.
system was a very brief flirtation in the mid 70’s  with a
“points  per  manoeuvre”  system  which  was  designed to
1982
eliminate the subjectivity of the sport which was seen as
a problem in judging at the time.

Below is a brief description of the points per

manoeuvre system.
The beach was divided into zones of takeoff points
often reflecting wave height. Each takeoff area provided
various degrees of difficulty. Manoeuvres were allocated
a point value reflecting in their degree of difficulty. Each
competitor had an individual judge who nominated the
moves and the points for the wave was multiplied by the
factor for the takeoff zone, giving the final score.

Without computers the calculations were a nightmare.

The nomination of the surfers moves and takeoff zone
on the beach, were to some extent also subjective and
in the hands of individual judges.

www.isasurf.org 17
“Riders will be given maximum points for
performing in the most difficult parts of the wave,
selected for quality and size, for the longest time,
at the fastest speed using the widest range of
functional manoeuvres involving the highest degree of
difficulty”
The decade to come after these drastic changes to
equipment were the 1990’s and was largely seen as
the modern short board tri-fin era. The changes to the
Judging criteria were continuous and reflected the
diverse changes of the sport and the performance levels
of the surfers.
1991
“The surfer who executes the most radical
controlled manoeuvres in the most critical section
of the biggest and/or best waves with the most
speed and the highest degree of difficulty for the
longest functional distance shall be deemed the
winner”
1994
“A surfer must execute the most radical controlled
manoeuvres in the critical section of a wave with
speed and power throughout. The surfer who
executes such manoeuvres on the biggest and or
best waves for the longest functional distance shall
be deemed the winner”
18 INTERNATIONAL JUDGING AND OFFICIATING
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1998
“A surfer must execute the most radical controlled
manoeuvres in the critical section of a wave with
speed and power throughout. The surfer who
executes such manoeuvres on the biggest and or
best waves for the longest functional distance shall
be given the higher scores”
The  2000’s  started  with  big  changes  to  the  wording of
the criteria. It was felt by the officials and the top elite
surfers that drastic changes had to be made. The last
years of the 90’s showed that a new era of futuristic
surfing was coming with inclusion of aerials and
futuristic manoeuvres that were only being performed
very rarely by a handful of elite surfers of the sport.
The time was right to make these changes to the criteria
and was by far, the biggest step forward with the judges
being able to reward surfers that were setting the future
standards and delivering exciting performances, in
competitions.
Around this time there was the elimination of the
amount  of  scoring  waves  in  a  surfer’s  final  total.   Over
the past decades the best four waves and then the
best three waves were counted. It was decided in a very
simplistic way that going to the best two scoring waves
would eliminate the average performing surfer. It was
decided that if a surfer only needed to score two waves
to count in the end total, this would allow them to go for
high-risk manoeuvres more often in a heat.
In 1999 professional judges needed to use every
decimal point when trying to differentiate between the
surfers. The scoring scale was adjusted to show clear
separation between the descriptions and scoring values.
Heats and performance levels were getting closer
and the use of the full 99 point scoring scale became
apparent. The scale used is still current today and is as
below:
0.1 to 1.9 – Bad ride. 2.0 to 3.9 – Poor ride.
4.0 to 5.9 – Average ride. 6.0 to 7.9 – Good ride.
8.0 to 10.00 – Excellent ride.

2000
“A surfer must perform committed radical
manoeuvres in the most critical sections of a wave
with style, power and speed to maximise scoring
potential. Innovative and progressive surfing will be
taken into account when rewarding points for
committed surfing.
The surfer who executes this criteria with the
highest degree of difficulty and control on the
better waves shall be rewarded with the higher
scores”
2005
“A surfer must perform committed radical
manoeuvres in the most critical sections of a wave
with speed, power and flow to maximise scoring
potential. Innovative and progressive surfing as well
as a variety of repertoire (manoeuvres) will
be taken into account when rewarding points for
waves ridden.
The surfer who executes this criteria with the
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INTERNATIONAL JUDGING
AND OFFICIATING
MANUAL
highest degree of difficulty and commitment on the
waves shall be rewarded with the higher scores”
The latest changes to the surf judging criteria show
more emphasis on the performance of the surfer on the
waves and not the quality of the waves.
2010
“A surfer must perform radical controlled
manoeuvres in the critical sections of a wave with
speed, power and flow. Innovative/progressive
surfing as well as a combination and variety of
repertoire (of major manoeuvres) will be taken into
account when rewarding points for a surfers’  
performance.
The surfer who executes the criteria above
exhibiting the maximum degree of difficulty and
commitment on the waves shall maximise his/her
scoring potential”
It’s  important  to  note  that  the  emphasis  of  certain key
words and elements of the criteria is contingent upon
the location of the event, conditions on the day and
changes in conditions during the competition.
The skill level of the surfers and the age division need
to be considered. The age of the competitors will have a
bearing on emphasising the scoring areas of the criteria
that are appropriate to the age division.
19
JUDGING
SCORING SYSTEM

THE POINT SCORING SYSTEM IS 0 – 10, BROKEN INTO ONE-TENTH

INCREMENTS.
Use the following five scoring categories: The following descriptions are basic examples.
Bad wave No manoeuvres or minor manoeuvre with little or no control (0.1 to 1.9)

Poor wave Minor manoeuvre or basic manoeuvre with control (2.0 to 3.9)
Average wave Basic manoeuvres 1 major and minors with control (4.0 to 5.9)

Good wave Radical controlled major manoeuvres speed and power (6.0 to 7.9)

Excellent wave Radical controlled major manoeuvres with speed & power with most other (8.0 to 10.0)
elements of the key words in the criteria
Start scoring a heat with whole and half numbers this will automatically open up your judging scale for the heat. A
clearly defined and open scoring scale will be an advantage as more waves are ridden throughout the heat.

BASIC SCALE
A judge would normally start a heat by using whole and halves, restricting the range of possible scores in the entire scale
to the following 20 scores:
0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0

5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0 7.5 8.0 8.5 9.0 9.5 10.0

2ND SCALE (.2, .3, .7, .8)

Use these decimals once you have scores either side of the whole and half numbers. Use of these numbers still allows a
clear separation between the scores.

RED 6.5 5.5 7.0 6.8 6.0 6.2

3RD SCALE (.1, .4, .6, .9)

Only use these decimals once you have scores either side of the 2nd scale decimals.

RED 6.5 5.5 7.0 6.8 6.0 6.2 5.8 6.1 6.9 5.9

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IMPORTANT JUDGING AND
SCORING PROCEDURES:
1. Start the heat using whole and half points as
much as possible
This automatically opens up your judging scale and
allows for clear separation of your scores. As the
heat progresses you will need to use smaller point
increments. This is allowed only when both the whole
number and 0.5 increments above and below have been
used i.e. a 6.2 may not be given until a 6.0 and 6.5 have
already been used on your score sheet in that heat.
The experienced judge uses these decimals effectively
to separate rides that were of marginal difference in
quality. In these cases, to give a 6.2, the judge must be
satisfied that that the ride was better than a 6.0 but not
as good as a 6.5 given earlier.
2. The score given for the first ride or rides will set
the scale for the remainder of the heat
The overall consistency of the judging scale depends on
each judge starting the heat with the same reference
point/score.
After the first quality ride has been completed the Head
Judge will assist each judge starting with similar scores
and that the general opinion of the panel e.g. the first
ride is considered  a  “Good  ride”  and  that  all  scores are
within a point of each other.
3. Compare every individual wave score from start
to finish of the heat, keeping in mind important
wave scores to compare against
The most important scores to remember and compare
back to are:
The first wave of the heat
The current highest wave score of the heat
The current highest wave score that the judge
has scored for the day
Please note: this only applies if the age division or
conditions have not changed.
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Quality judges will clearly remember:
The best wave from each surfer
The first ride of each surfer
The second best ride of each surfer
A good judge is able to memorise the rides and scores
of each surfers performance.
4. If any part of the ride is not seen, contact the
Head Judge immediately.
The  judge  should  write  an  “M”  in  the  scoring  box  if they
have missed any part of a surfers ride. The Head judge
or tabulator will give you an average score based on all
of the other judges scores.
5. Usually a judge will miss either the start or finish
of a surfers ride
These two aspects of the surfers ride can have a huge
bearing on the score. Do not copy or guess! It is better
to get a fair average from the Head Judge, who will take
into account his/hers individual opinion as well as the
opinion and scores of the other judges on the panel.
6. Ignore the progressive outcome of the heat and
concentrate on comparing the individual waves
Comparing  and  remembering  the  surfer’s performance
to the judging criteria on each wave is an important
aspect of being a good judge.
7. Judging simultaneous rides
Watch the entire sequence of ridden waves before
scoring any wave by identifying the colours in their
correct order.
1st blue, 2nd red, 3rd yellow and associate these
colours with a word from the scale descriptions that
reflects the quality of each of the rides 1st blue –
average, 2nd red – excellent, 3rd yellow – poor.
It is also a good judging procedure to write the score
for the worst ride first and then the best ride second.
Then the judge can consider the 3rd ride and the score
separations between all the rides.
21
COMMON
JUDGING ISSUES

The most common judging issues are:
Not using the full scoring scale available. Usually the
problem occurs in the upper range of the scale and
this can be the result of a stubborn attitude from
some judges who, for example, make it a rule never
to give a 10
Judges who use a narrow upper range scale will
commonly score majority of waves in the 4.0 – 6.5
range and automatically disadvantage themselves in
terms of judging
Not using the full scale results in:
The potential for difference in scores is narrowed
which results in increased tying of heat placing’s
A good judge will always utilise the full scale
available (from 0.1 – 10.0) and will re-evaluate the
scale for:
Different divisions e.g. taking into account the
competency level of each specific divisions by
increasing the upper range scale for boys, masters
and  women’s  and/or  decrease  it  for  juniors, men’s
and pro divisions
Different surf conditions e.g. increase the upper
range if conditions are bad or deteriorate and
decrease it for improving or perfect conditions)
Experience will help overcome the tendency to score
in a narrow range as well as a concentrated effort.

Tying riders  makes  the  tabulator’s  job  difficult and

more time consuming due to count backs
Performance in the panel will be reflected by a large
number of judging errors due to narrow scope and
inability to clearly separate riders on the score sheet
The performance of the whole panel may suffer due
to one or two inconsistent judges

Riders will be discouraged if their best wave only

gets a “6.0”

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POINTS TO CONSIDER
WHEN JUDGING
THE PRE JUDGING WARM-UP
1. Bring anything you will need for the day i.e.
sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, warm clothing, wet
weather gear.
2. Go to the toilet before you start and during your
breaks.
3. As directed by the Head Judge at the beginning of
the day watch the line-up, giving scores for rider’s
free surfing in the contest area before the event.
Compare your scores and discuss any rides with the
panel.
4. Check the roster and note the roster pattern.
5. Arrive back from breaks a couple of minutes early
so you can assess the conditions, get back into your
rhythm and prepare for your next heat.
6. Wear any official clothing given to you by the
contest organisers.
JUDGING TIPS
1. Study the heat and conditions prior to your first
session of judging. This will enable you to be
aware of what sort of ride is good or bad for these
conditions.
2. It is important to score the first wave exchanges in
the heat correctly. This will set the scale for the rest
of the heat. Try to make at least one a one point
spread between your first two scoring rides, then if
your next wave falls in between your first two you
will still have a good spread.
3. Use whole and half points as much as you can
during the heat. Resort to smaller decimal places
only when necessary (e.g. at the end of the heat).
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4. During the course of the heat, try to use the whole
of your scale from 0 – 10.0, regardless of surf
conditions. Score the good waves up and the bad
waves down.
5. Avoid scoring higher as the heat continues; bear in
mind the previous scoring waves.
6. No two rides are identical so try to differentiate
between all the scoring waves.
7. Don’t  deliberate  on  your  scores.  Put  pen  to paper.
8. If a judge misses a wave or part of a wave, he
should place an M in the square of the judge’s
sheet and have the wave included into their sheet
by the head judge or an event representative.
9. Judges may not change their scores or interference
calls. In the event that a mistake has been made, the
judge should have the Head Judge make the
correction for him.
10. During a heat, call wave counts as frequently as
possible whilst the competitors are not riding.
Repeat wave counts.
11. Avoid being influenced by the spectators,
commentators or friendships and other outside
influences. Have the confidence to stand by your
decisions.
12. Do not express your opinions to other judges during
the heat.
13. Keep your sheet neat and easy to read so it is
easy to tabulate. Any score changes should be
completely blocked out and initialed.
14. Always judge the singlet colour, NOT the surfers
wearing it.
23
THE JUDGING
PANEL

THE DUTIES OF A JUDGE ARE

AS FOLLOWS
Judge heats according to the roster for the
entire day

Score each wave ridden in a heat using the scale

of 0.1 to 10.0

Record scores on the score sheets or computer

as provided
Complete all the details on score sheets

Rule on any interference situation

The standard judging panel for a regional or higher Call competitor singlet colours as they are
level event consists of the following members in its “up  and riding”
basic structure
Provide wave counts and other information when
6 or 7 Scoring Judges required by the Head Judge or other judges
1 Head Judge Undertake various duties assigned by the Head
Judge e.g. acting as the Head Judge when
For small events:
they’ve  left  the  judging  podium  for  any reason
A minimum of 4 scoring Judges
Provide input to pre and post contest briefing’s  
1 Head Judge under direction of the Head Judge
This smaller panel can be used how-ever it is NOT Have a thorough knowledge of the rule book
recommended.
In order to succeed, the individual members of the
judging panel including the Head Judge, cooperate as
JUDGING TIP
A good judge will always
an effective team. Each member must encourage and remember the following
support the others to reach a good judging outcome. words below and implement
each aspect when
deliberating on a surfer’s  
SCORING JUDGE performance and score.
The role of the judge is to compare and evaluate • EVALUATE – The
each  surfer’s  performance  against  one   another by surfers’  performance on
the wave
applying the basic judging criteria consistently,
accurately and fairly. • COMPARE – Each ride
to one another
• SEPARATE – Clearly
the surfer’s rides on your
score sheet

24 INTERNATIONAL JUDGING AND OFFICIATING

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 INTERNATIONAL JUDGING
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A GOOD JUDGE SHOULD Difficult judging situations e.g. two or more surfers
POSSESS THE FOLLOWING riding at the same time, multiple interferences and
QUALITIES non-competitors in the line-up

Confidence Toilet breaks

Concentration Boredom e.g. especially during long contests

Experience
Recall
Confidence
Judges, who believe they have what it takes to do
the job properly, usually do. A confident judge has no
inclination to check individual scores of the judges
seated next to them.
Those who lack confidence, fool themselves into making
more errors than usual. The inexperienced judges on the
panel usually receive positive feedback from the Head
Judge and other more experience judges, providing
reassurance.
To assist your confidence you should:
Have thorough knowledge of the rule book and
interference rules
Don’t  deliberate  too  long  on  making  your  call –
make it quickly and clearly
Stand by your scores and any interference calls
you make
Concentration
There are many factors that contribute to the lapsing of
a  judge’s concentration:
Physical fatigue, the result of not getting enough
sleep the night before an event
Mental fatigue, particularly common towards the
end of the day
Distractions caused by other people
Eating, drinking or talking during heats
Poor judging conditions
A sudden change in conditions or a change in
surfing standard
which are held in poor conditions
Tendency to lose concentration is one reason why
judges work in a panel. Although you should not rely on
others to concentrate for you, having the other judges
on the panel can compensate for some of your loss of
concentration.
To help improve your concentration:
Make  sure  you  get  a  good  night’s sleep
Eat and drink prior to judging
Make yourself comfortable
Do not talk unnecessarily during heats
Focus on the line-up and the competitors
Experience
The best judges are usually those who have judged
many competitions, in a variety of conditions and
formats at various levels. Always judge with an open
mind and listen to the advice of your Head Judge and
senior judges on the panel. Try to gain more experience
by judging at as many events as possible, no matter how
small.
Recall
The ability to recall previous waves ridden, particularly
the best waves and what scores they were given.
Your concentration has a direct bearing on your ability
to recall waves and is vital if you are to maintain the
consistency of your scale.
To bring greater efficiency to your judging you can:
Learn from experience and with proper
concentration, develop a method of judging where
you can find the right rhythm and then good
judging becomes clearer and easier

www.isasurf.org 25
EXAMPLE OF 7-JUDGE PANEL ROSTER
Heats 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
J1 x x x o x x o x x x
J2 o x x x o x x o x x
J3 x o x x x o x x o x
J4 x x o x x x o x x o
J5 o x x o x x x o x x
J6 x o x x o x x x o x
J7 x x o x x o x x x o

THE HEAD
Each Head Judge has a different style and is
a reflection of his/her personality and people

JUDGE management skills.

The Head Judge holds the highest position of authority THE JOB DESCRIPTION OF THE
and responsibility within the judging panel. HEAD JUDGE
The  Head  Judge’s  role  is   to: Before the event – in conjunction with the Contest
Director and/or Event Organiser
Ensure consistency in scoring by empowering
Establish wage levels and expenses
judges
Selection of judging panel for each event
Eliminate obvious discrepancies
Organise accommodation and transport
Advise the judges of conditions throughout the
day that may affect their scale Establish that all the necessary items are organised
e.g. water & food for the entire contest, appropriate
Organise all aspects of the working panel. e.g.
shelter and toilets are provided
Organise the judging roster (as above)
Double check the judging podium and working
Supervise and keep judges concentrating on the
environment for any perceived problems prior to the
heat
event start
Instruct the panel so that they can meet
Ensure appropriate view of the surf break with little
responsibilities fairly and efficiently
or no sight blockages
The general  perception  ‘on  the  beach’  has to be that the
contest has reached a fair result on the day as per the
performances and that the winning competitor has surfed
to, and the judges have applied “The  Judging Criteria” to
all aspects of the contest in and out of the water.
The Head Judge cannot over-rule a judging panel’s
decision concerning interferences or wave scores
unless the majority of judges did not see the incident
or wave; however he/ she can act as an extra judge
on interference calls e.g. with a five man panel, if two
judges mark interference the Head Judge may also
mark it and it will be counted as a majority.

26 INTERNATIONAL JUDGING AND OFFICIATING

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At the Event
Arrive early for a debrief from the Contest Organiser
Assemble  clipboards,  judges’  sheets,  chairs  etc
Establish the contest area and locate flags or
Establish heat times and wave limits with the
Contest Director
Establish the surfing conditions for the interference
criteria
Organise a pre-contest briefing with the above
information, to be delivered to competitors by the
Beach Marshall
Gather all available information and debrief the
judges and spotters
Establish a scoring scale before the event start by
establishing what will be a good/excellent rides in
the current conditions
Assigns judges to various heats using a roster
system
Operate the Head Judges computer terminal
Position the priority buoy or the Primary Take off
Zone (PTO)
Collect contest clothing from sponsor/ Contest
Director
Ensure judges wear appropriate contest clothing
During the Contest
Ensure every wave is scored
Help the judges establish an appropriate scale
during the first heats of an event, day, new division or
after any significant changes in surf conditions
Assists judges on technical matters and answer
questions e.g. criteria, rules, interferences, scale, heat
timing, wave counts, missed waves, average scores,
use of computers
Check for anomalies in the scoring from individual
judges
Monitor the consistency of the scale used by all
judges
INTERNATIONAL JUDGING
AND OFFICIATING
MANUAL
Ensure the key words and concepts of the judging
criteria are adhered to
Sole judge of priority of one-on-one heats
buoys Choose the location of the priority buoy for one-on-
one heats
Ensure conversation is minimised and concentration
is maximised
Delegate responsibility when required, usually to the
next most senior judge, to ensure that every heat is
properly overseen
Advise on the rule book if needed by judges
The sole representative for all judges with respect
to communicating with other contest officials,
competitors and the press
Discuss official protests made by competitors at the
end of the round or at the end of the day with the
panel and or competitors
Report interference calls to the Contest Director,
Tabulator and Announcer
Directs the Announcer and Beach Marshall to inform
competitors on various situations during a heat
Remain in contact with Contest Director regarding
conditions
Advise Beach Marshall of any changes to judging
conditions
After the Contest
Hold a judges meeting if required
Handle any complaints and disciplinary action in
relation to the panel
Debrief  contest  director  on  the  day’s  events
Assesses the performance of the Panel by collating
and analysing information and statistics in regards to
individual performances
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QUALITIES OF A GOOD
HEAD JUDGE
Set a positive tone and be aware of your impact
The behaviour and body language of the head judge
sets the tone for the entire event. How seriously and
how conscientiously a Head Judge behaves impacts
and has a direct bearing on the whole panel
Whether it is a world championship tour event or a
local club contest the judging at the event will impact
on your reputation
Give value to your judges
Judging a surfing competition is one of the hardest
jobs on the beach. It can be tough on the individual
as they are expected to perform to a high standard,
for long periods of time in sometimes very difficult
conditions.  Judges  are  “invisible”,  in  the  same way
that a referee or umpire is, and is seemingly only
noticed when he or she or collectively the panel
make a perceived mistake
The Head Judge can add value to the judges’
esteem by listening to their opinions and praising
their contributions regardless of how many mistakes
have been made
It is very important that the Head Judge supports
and appreciates the efforts of every judge on the
panel
Judges work as a team and support one another to
reach a fair and good outcome
Know the rule book and the updated judging
concepts and:
The procedures of a surf contest
Anticipate a situation before it develops
How the rule book applies to each new situation.
Be up to date with current rule changes and new
judging principles and concepts
28 INTERNATIONAL JUDGING AND OFFICIATING
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Be open and honest and encourage this from your
judging team
The reason we have panels of three to five sitting
judges is because of the subjective nature of judging
our sport. If every judge has the same score for every
wave then there would be no need to have a panel.
Encourage your judges to:
Decide for themselves what score to put down in
regards to the criteria and the scoring scale
Have their own opinion and appreciate the opinion of
his/her peers and Head judge
Work as a team
Leadership
There is nothing worse than a team with no direction or
leadership. A good Head Judge leads from the start and
shows professionalism and credibility with all of his/hers
decisions.
Lead all panel discussions to avoid disorder and time
wasting diversions and also to assure that everyone on
the panel contributes.
Organisation is essential; it is difficult to organise a pre
event judging meeting if you are still drawing up a roster.
Be aware of duty of care and safety aspects of the
competition and work environments
Overview
A good Head Judge involves more than being a good
judge. Possessing the necessary people management
skills will assist in getting the best from your panel.
There are many personality types within a panel and the
working environment around a surfing contest and this
should be considered in every aspect of the working day.
There are many roles that extend from being the Head
Judge, this involves:
Being a friend
Motivator
Teacher
Listener
It is very important that Head Judges serve as a positive
role model for aspiring judges.

CHAPTER 3:
ALTERNATIVE SURF DISCIPLINES
LONG-
BOARDING
The popularity of Malibu or longboard riding has
created a need to develop a judging philosophy.
The essence is to recreate the typical riding approach
on relatively standardised equipment. 9 feet long with a
minimum of 47 inches in aggregate width.
LONGBOARD JUDGING CRITERIA
The longboard surfer must perform controlled
traditional maneuvers with the highest degree of
difficulty in the most critical sections of the wave
to gain the highest score. Judges will reward the
performance with reference to style and flow, visual
appeal, commitment, variety of maneuvers and use
of the entire board, speed and power. Nose riding,
trimming and footwork will be important elements in
the Judges decision-making.
It’s  important  to  note  that  the  emphasis  of certain
elements is contingent upon the location and the
conditions on the day, as well as changes of conditions
during the day.
Variety highlights the need to present different types of
maneuvers on the one wave, the choice of maneuvers
with respect to the wave face and the order they are
done  plus  the  mix  chosen  indicate  the  rider’s   skill.
The highest degree of difficulty, commitment and
risk involved in performing close to the curl (critical
section) determines a higher score. Recognising the
different types of manoeuvres and the degree of
difficulty is of the highest importance
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Controlled traditional manoeuvres with a variety of
repertoire of major manoeuvres have a direct bearing
to quality longboard surfing
Variety manoeuvres and use of the entire board
is required to mix up their performance traditional
elements and use of the entire long board with
speed and power.
The critical section is the position on the wave where
the manoeuvres should be performed to score maximum
points.
The critical section is the pocket or closest to the
curl
The most important critical section of the wave is the
first section or out the back
How the surfer reads the wave and performing
manoeuvres that fit to the wave. Stylish and flowing
traditional elements with visual appeal will become
obvious if the surfer is committing to the entire criteria.
The criteria is quite appropriate, provided attention is
made to the following:
Judges should consider the difference in
accomplishment in nose rides, e.g. stretch or cheater
fives as compared to real hang fives and hang tens.
Classic nose rides are best when the walk to the
nose is set up by a tail stall or directly in from the arc
of a turn
Walking cleanly and precisely foot over foot to the
nose is superior to shuffling forward and back
Speed, style, and flow highlight the way the wave is
presented and the manner in which the rider is able
to link the moves together. Cross stepping out of and
into turns and nose rides, carving drop knee turns
and extended nose rides with weight directly over the
tip are all indications of the quality of style and flow
in traditional surfing.
29
 Longboarding has an array of tricks or manoeuvres
that are classified as easy to perform and should
have no real bearing on the overall wave score. Tricks
can be performed with real manoeuvres and viewed
as being in control whilst embellishing the ride with
an entertaining element
If a surfer only completes 90% of a manoeuvre, it
will not score if he loses control and falls off
A Judge must judge the manoeuvres not the wave
or length of ride. This area in longboard judging is
the most over scored area by in-experienced judges;
they cannot distinguish the performance of the
surfers, but they can the length of ride
Compare outside manoeuvres to inside manoeuvres.
Are they major or minor traditional manoeuvres.
Compare take off areas and how deep the surfer
was at the initial point of take off
Consider how the surfer utilised and flowed with the
wave
Consider the ability of the surfer to make sections
and whether the manoeuvres were functional in
doing so
Did the surfer actually complete the manoeuvre and
with control?
What did the surfer complete before falling?

Don’t  be  fooled  by  tricks  or  arched  backs,  judge the
KEY POINTS TO CONSIDER WHEN real manoeuvres
JUDGING LONGBOARD HEATS
If a surfer is only surfing to half of the criteria and
How well were the manoeuvres connected together?
does not have a variety of repertoire that surfer
Did the surfer walk foot over foot along the board or should not be given excellent scores (8 points or
did they shuffle? over.) A surfer must comply with all areas of the
Are the surfers’  toes  really  hanging  over  or  are they criteria to receive excellent scores
back from the nose?

Has the surfer used the whole length of the

surfboard?

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LOGGER
SURFING
The modern longboard competition has evolved into a
high performance sport that replicates the performance
standards seen in the short board community. However
in recent times the longboard community has reverted
back to the traditional style and methods that were
prevalent  in  the  1960’s.
This  retro  movement  is  called  “loggers”.  Due  to the
popularity and growth of loggers it is now considered a
separate longboard discipline and is given standalone
status in Australian Surfing. This style emphasizes
smoothness, continuity and flow when surfing the wave.
Established Professional logger events have proved to
be successful with the competitive longboard fraternity.
These events are hugely popular and follows the
expansion of logger competitions throughout the United
States and South America.
The specifications and criteria below have been
developed and refined with the consultation of leading
log discipline exponents and represents a broad
consensus of opinion. The degree of commitment
shown by the surfer to the criteria will determine the
scoring outcome.
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JUDGING CRITERIA
“The surfer must perform a variety of traditional
longboard manoeuvres in the critical sections of
the wave with continual motion, style and grace.
The surfer must display uninterrupted flow with
control of the surfboard with emphasis on
creativity and the linking of manoeuvres over the
entire duration of the ride.
The surfer who performs to the criteria above,
exhibiting the maximum degree of difficulty and
commitment on the waves shall maximize his/her
scoring potential”.
LOGGER SPECIFICATIONS
The board length is minimum 9 feet measured from
the nose to the tail on the deck of the surfboard
The width dimensions are to be a total minimum 51
inches in aggregate (This is the total of the widest
point, plus the width 12 inches up from the tail and
12 inches back from the nose)
The board will have a single central fin that may be
permanently fixed or attached via a fin box
There is no provision for any other fin configuration
The rails of the surfboard will be 50/50 or 60/40
from nose to tail
The board will have no resin edge from rail to tail
The fin is at least 8 inches from its mounted base to
the highest point
The board will weigh a minimum of six (6) kilograms
A provision for attaching a leg rope should be
inserted into the surfboard. E.g. leg rope use will
be determined by the conditions and at contest
director’s discretion
31
MAJOR MANOEUVRES Minor and transitional manoeuvres are considered to
have little scoring potential as in modern longboard
The following manoeuvres are considered to be more
competitions, as they demonstrate traditional elements
traditional and should be considered when scoring
showcasing the criteria i.e. style and grace.
logger surfing in a competition environment. There
are  some  manoeuvres  that  “cross-over”  all surfing Bottom turns – arched
disciplines however there can be a more traditional Fade take offs
approach that is obvious with these manoeuvres
Stalling and
especially with the constraints of a logger board.
trimming Side slides
The key words: continual motion, flow, style and grace
directly relates to how the surfer reads the wave and Hawaiian pullout
performs  the  manoeuvres  that  “fit”  to  the  wave. Stylish Forward and reverse flick outs
and flowing traditional elements will become obvious
On deck 360’s
when the surfer is committing to the entire criteria.
Classic nose rides are best when the walk to the nose is
set up by a tail stall or directly after the arc of a turn.
Nose rides – touch  5  and  10’s  and  extended  5’s and
10’s
Cheater 5 nose rides

Cross stepping and reverse walks

Lay back cutbacks

Cutbacks – drop knee, roundhouse

Tube rides – cover ups

Re-entries – off the face and lip

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STAND-UP
PADDLE BOARDING

It is the responsibility of every Contest Director and 2011 SUP JUDGING CRITERIA
Judge to promote the below ideas and criteria and
A surfer must perform radical controlled
to ensure all competitors develop a standard
manoeuvres, using the paddle as a key tool, in the
approach and understanding of what is expected
critical sections of a wave with speed, power and
from an elite performer in SUP.
flow to maximize scoring potential.
SUP is unique and it is important to set the criteria and
Innovative / progressive surfing as well as variety
scoring guidelines apart from other established surfing
of repertoire [manoeuvres], and the functional use
disciplines. of the paddle to increase the intensity of the
When SUP competition began it was common to see manoeuvres, will all be taken into account when
longboarders catch the wave using the paddle but not awarding points for SUP surfing.
utilise the paddle in any practical way to enhance the The SUP surfer who executes these criteria with
performance. The paddle is a tool and a big part of the the maximum degree of difficulty and commitment on
sport it is not just used to help catch a wave, but is a the waves will be rewarded with the higher scores.
functional tool for riding the waves and maximising the
intensity of manoeuvres.
Techniques and the use of the paddle allows large
SUP boards to be turned with high rates of speed and
power, stand-up paddle surfing is deemed to be, at
the competition level, a high performance discipline of
surfing.

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SUP SCORING GUIDELINES Use of the paddle on the inside rail or the outside rail
will have no difference on the degree of difficulty of
The 10 point scoring scale and ISA contest rule
the manoeuvre
book will apply
Using the paddle in a non-functional manner will
A surfer must have forward momentum under wave
earn no extra score for the surfer i.e. such twirling
generated power, to be deemed a scoring ride

Unless not deemed safe a surfer is expected to

stand up on the board at all times throughout the
heat. This will not have a bearing on any of the
scoring
Entry into the wave should be by paddling in the
standing position to enable the maximum score
Footwork, nose riding and flow points will be scored,
but this will be done in their relations to the criteria
and degree of difficulty and critical nature of board
positioning

Beach starts can be used as an alternative method

to start a heat, under consultation with the Contest
Director and Head judge
The paddle can be utilised in turns as a brace, to
pivot, and as a force multiplier. A surfer will be scored
higher when he uses the paddle in this way to
achieve sharper or more powerful turns

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CHAPTER 4:
COMPETITION RULES

SIRENS
At the start of the heat there will be (1) one siren
At the end of the heat there will be (2) two sirens,
with a 2 second gap between each siren
The commentator must give a five second countdown
at the start and at the end of the heat. The first of two
sirens must sound immediately when the commentator
reaches zero. The end of the heat stops exactly at the
start of the first siren.
If two surfers enter the primary take off zone at the
same time, priority will go to the surfer who did not
ride the last wave
After priority is used, the remaining surfer takes it
over priority.
Each surfer must round the buoy to gain priority or
enter the allocated primary take off zone
The Surfer with priority has unconditional ROW in
both directions of the selected wave

The second surfer can takeoff in the opposite

FLAGS direction and both rides will be scored.
Green indicates the heat is in progress Wave priority is lost as soon as the priority surfer
Yellow or orange flag indicates five minutes remain rides a wave or paddles for and misses the wave
in the heat A surfer can only lose priority by paddling for and
Red or a disc in the neutral position indicates the catching the wave (hands leave the rails as he
heat is over attempts to stand)

The official timing is done by the Head judge. The siren

Interference may be called if:
is to be located close to the judging podium.
The second surfer surfs the same wave in either
There may be variations in perception of the siren
direction hindering the scoring potential of the surfer
starting to indicate the end of a heat and when a wave
with priority.
was caught as sound travels slower than light.

Generally there is a 30 second break between heats.

Heats are 20 to 30 minutes and finals are 25 to 35
minutes in duration. This is depending on the conditions
and at the discretion of the Head Judge.

PRIORITY SYSTEM
The priority system can be used in one-on-one heats

Priority is displayed by a coloured disc on the judging

tower

Priority is determined by a buoy placed outside the

surfing area or allocated by the Head judge as the
primary take off zone

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COMPETITOR’S  COMMUNICATION SIGNALS
If any surfer requires information from the water during a heat they must use hand signals as follows:

Priority Time Remaining

Wave Count Score Situation

If the surfer hears and understand any of the above they should acknowledge by waving one arm.

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INTERFERENCE
RULES

The interference rule states: 1. POINT BREAK

The surfer deemed to have or ROW inside position (SINGLE DIRECTION WAVE)
for a wave has unconditional right of way for the The inside surfer has unconditional ROW for the
entire duration of that ride. Interference will be called if duration of that wave.
a fellow competitor has hindered the scoring potential
of that surfer deemed to have right of way.
The individual judge determines whether the surfer with
the ROW has been hindered in their scoring potential by
considering the key words:
Inside position: Which surfer has ROW? In most
cases the inside surfer has unconditional ROW
Hindered the scoring potential: Was there
interference or not?
What type of interference was it? What rule in the
book reflects the infringement? E.g. drop-in, snaking, 2. SINGLE PEAK (LEFT & RIGHT
paddling, breaking down a section, excessive hassling BREAKING WAVE)
Interferences and situations are usually over in one The surfer considered to have the inside position at the
or two seconds; it is imperative that judges are initial point of takeoff has ROW in the direction they
focused and concentrating on the water. choose.

If you are unsure of the rule relating to a particular
situation, speak immediately with the Head Judge. Don’t
be influenced by the judge next to you. Sometimes an
interference will draw a 3/2 decision by the judges,
indicating there is a difference of opinion.
A second surfer may surf in the opposite direction. The
surfers may not cross paths to gain the opposite side of
the peak unless, in the majority of the judges opinion,
they do so without hindering the scoring potential of the
inside surfer.

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3. BEACH BREAK (MULTIPLE possession/ROW of the inside of the opposite wave
RANDOM PEAKS): face. An interference will be called if the majority of
judges feel that the surfer riding from behind the broken
Two separate peaks that eventually meet the first surfer
peak has hindered the scoring potential of the surfer
to their feet has unconditional ROW.
who has established possession/ROW in that direction.
The above situations only apply to multiple surfer heats
or one-on-one in non-priority situations. In one-on-one it
remains as one person, one wave if a surfer has priority.

PADDLING INTERFERENCE
In 3/4 person heats or non-priority one-on-one
situations another surfer paddling for the same wave
should not excessively hinder a surfer who has inside
If two surfers stand at the same time:
position.
There will be no penalty if they both give way
Positioning at the correct point of takeoff for a wave is
by cutting back or kicking out so that neither is
an integral part of surfing skill and each competitor must
hindered
be allowed to reach this chosen point unhindered.
If they cross paths, collide or hinder one another, the
judges will penalise the surfer who has been the Paddling interference tactics in the general contest
aggressor at the point of contact area can be, but will not be restricted to:
A double interference will be called if neither surfer Blocking the direct pathway of an opponent to the
gives way by cutting back or kicking out and both takeoff position by paddling across his/her line,
share responsibility for the confrontation other than by taking and holding the natural inside
paddling position
SNAKING Blocking/hindering a direct /natural pathway of an
The surfer who is farthest inside at the initial point opponent into the line up from the beach paddle out
of take off and has established wave possession is position
entitled to that wave for the duration of the ride even if
The offending surfer makes contact with or forces
another surfer takes off behind them. The judges will not
the inside surfer to change their line while paddling
penalise the surfer because they have right of way even
to catch the wave causing loss of scoring potential
though they are in front.
The offending surfer obviously causes a section
If the second surfer has not hindered the original surfer
to break down in front of the inside surfer which
with right of way, the judges may choose not to penalise
would not normally have done so, and causes loss of
them  and  will  score  both  surfers’ rides.
scoring potential of the surfer with right-of-way
If in the opinion of the judges, the second surfer has
When a surfer is put in a position while paddling out
interfered with (snaked) the original priority surfer
that they cannot get out of the way and a collision
with right of way by causing them to lose the wave,
happens due to this, it is up to a majority of the
interference may be called on the second surfer, even
judges to call an interference unless it is felt that
though they were behind the first when the penalty was
the rider contributed to the collision by selecting an
called.
unreasonable and aggressive line across the wave
A surfer may not take off on the opposite side of a
broken wave peak to gain possession of the opposite
wave face, when a surfer, has already established wave

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Unsporting Paddling Tactics must be penalised.
(Amended January 2011). A heat placing is decided as
a result of waves ridden. Tactics directed at reducing
waves ridden are negatives to the performance in the
heat. ROW is available to a surfer so he/she is not
hindered in actually catching the selected wave, not as a
tactic to prevent opponents catching the wave.
“Unsporting  paddling  tactics”  [TPI]  can  be,  but will
not be restricted to:
Holding the inside position and right of way with
respect to a particular opponent, then intentionally
aborting the takeoff to deter another competitor
at the takeoff point
If the majority of judges mark TPI on a surfer,
the head judge will issue an oral warning to the
offending surfer; however this initial penalty will not
be immediately applied. If a second tactical paddling
interference is marked, or the tactical paddling
continues to a second interference situation, then
the offending surfer will be asked to leave the
water. The offending surfer will be charged with two
interferences
INTERFERENCE PENALTY
If a majority of the judges call an interference, then
that wave will count in the final tally as a zero score.
This applies to a riding interference or a paddling
interference where the surfer catches that particular
wave.
A loss of one scoring ride applies for a straight
interference. If it is the best 2 waves scenario, the
second highest scoring wave of the offending surfer
will be halved and counted in his final tally on each of
the judging sheets. If a surfer has less than required
minimum scoring rides and receives interference, they
will be scored on one less wave, i.e. one wave and the
best two counts then their one wave will be scored as
zero. Until the surfer catches another wave, then the
50% deduction rule will apply.
To provide a majority decision 3 of the 5 judges must
call interference to be considered interference. The
Interference will be shown as a triangle on each
judge’s  score sheet
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A Head Judge or Tournament Referee may be
included and in this case interference would be
determined on three of six judging sheets
Any interfering surfer must be penalized and an
interference decision, once made is irrevocable, with
the judges or tour manager/rep not entering into any
discussion over the interference call. All discussion
must be directly with the Head Judge, if they wish to
discuss the situation
The rider who is interfered with will be allowed an
additional wave, beyond their ten or fifteen wave
maximum, within the prescribed time limit. The
exception to this is a double interference where
neither surfer gets an extra wave. An extra wave
or heat delay as decided by the Head Judge at
the time will also apply to interference from water
photographers, water security personnel or other
outside interference
PADDLING INTERFERENCE
Where any surfer incurs 2 or more interference
penalties they must immediately leave the
competition area.
Is there a hindrance of scoring potential?
Physical contact?
Change of paddling line?
Breaking down a section?
39
EXAMPLE 1
To mark a riding interference where the interfering surfer rides the wave, clearly place a triangle around the score
with an arrow indicating the wave which has been interfered with.

JUDGES SCORE SHEET

DIVISION ROUND# HEAT# JUDGE#

Wave# 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 TOTAL PLACE

RED 7.0 8.5 3.2

Wave# 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 TOTAL PLACE

WHITE 6.0 4.5 1.5 2.0 3.5

Wave# 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 TOTAL PLACE

YELLOW 1.0 2.2 3.0 5.5 6.5 3.3 3.7

Wave# 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 TOTAL PLACE

BLUE 4.0 4.7 5.0

EXAMPLE 2
To mark a paddling interference where the surfer did not ride the wave the triangle will go between the scores with
the arrow indicating the wave which has been interfered with.

JUDGES SCORE SHEET

DIVISION ROUND# HEAT# JUDGE#

Wave# 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 TOTAL PLACE

RED 7.0 8.5 3.2

Wave# 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 TOTAL PLACE

WHITE 6.0 4.5 1.5 2.0 3.5

Wave# 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 TOTAL PLACE

YELLOW 1.0 2.2 3.0 5.5 6.5 3.3 3.7

Wave# 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 TOTAL PLACE

BLUE 4.0 4.7 5.0

If a majority of the judges decide that there has been an interference and the surfer that has been interfered with did
NOT ride the wave, the arrow will go between the scores on the line. This will indicate that the interference happened
between: i.e. wave 2 and 3 of Blue.

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EXAMPLE 3
To mark a paddling interference where the surfer has caught the wave, the triangle will go above the score with
an arrow indicating the wave which has been interfered with.

JUDGES SCORE SHEET

DIVISION ROUND# HEAT# JUDGE#

Wave# 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 TOTAL PLACE

RED 7.0 8.5 3.2

Wave# 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 TOTAL PLACE

WHITE 6.0 4.5 1.5 2.0 3.5

Wave# 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 TOTAL PLACE

YELLOW 1.0 2.2 3.0 5.5 6.5 3.3 3.7

Wave# 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 TOTAL PLACE

BLUE 4.0 4.7 5.0

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CHAPTER 5:
TABULATION OF HEATS

The Head judge at his computer screen.

COMPUTER MANUAL TABULATION

It is essential that the judges score the waves on the In events where the computer judging system is not
manual judging sheets before entering the score into utilised, tabulating the result of the heat will be done
the computer terminal. manually.

Double check:
1. All judges score sheets are accounted for

2. Total wave counts are the same

3. Any interference calls

The scores are then totaled on each sheet. The tabulator

is responsible with the contest director or Head Judge if
any inconsistencies occur. In most cases the tabulation
The computer operator works the master computer that loads is of each surfers best two rides.
the scores from the judging terminals.

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HEAT SHEET EXERCISE:

Circle and add the highest two scores from each surfer

Allocate places for each surfer in the heat

The highest total indicates first place

HEAT SHEET 1
DIVISION ROUND# HEAT# JUDGE#

Wave# 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 TOTAL PLACE

RED 6.5 3.5 4.0 5.2 2.0 1.5 3.7 11.7 2

Wave# 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 TOTAL PLACE

WHITE 1.0 6.0 7.5 7.0 1.0 1.3 14.5 1

Wave# 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 TOTAL PLACE

YELLOW 5.5 4.5 5.0 2.5 1.2 10.5 4

Wave# 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 TOTAL PLACE

BLUE 3.0 4.3 6.8 2.0 0.5 11.1 3

If a tie occurs, the points awarded to each of the tied surfers will be the average of the placing when the points are
added together.
E.g. If tied for 1st: Add 1st & 2nd = average is 1.5 (as in the diagram below)
If tied for 3rd: Add 3rd & 4th = average is 3.5

HEAT SHEET 2
DIVISION ROUND# HEAT# JUDGE#

Wave# 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 TOTAL PLACE

RED 6.5 3.5 4.0 8.0 2.0 1.5 6.0 14.5 1.5

Wave# 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 TOTAL PLACE

WHITE 7.0 5.5 7.5 7.0 1.0 1.3 14.5 1.5

Wave# 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 TOTAL PLACE

YELLOW 5.5 4.5 5.0 2.5 1.2 10.5 4

Wave# 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 TOTAL PLACE

BLUE 3.0 4.3 6.8 2.0 0.5 11.1 3

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FOUR PERSON HEATS
To decide a winner using three or four person heat, the best two waves on a judging sheet are tabulated and places are
allocated on the sheet. The places are then transferred to a master sheet with all five judges’ placings/results.

The highest and lowest score for each surfer is voided and the three remaining places added. The lowest total first, next
lowest second (See example one).

Transfer the results of the judging sheets to the tally sheet and:
1. Ensure all headings on the tally sheet are completed
2. Consolidate  placings  from  judge’s  sheet  so  that  all  information matches

3. Void highest and lowest place for each competitor

4. Total remaining results across the page and enter in total column.

5. Complete placings column

MASTER TABULATION SHEET

Name J1 J2 J3 J4 J5 TOTAL PLACE
RED 2 1 1 2 2 5 2nd
WHITE 1 2 2 1 1 4 1st
YELLOW 4 3 3 3 4 10 3rd
BLUE 3 4 4 4 3 11 4th

BREAKING TIES – TWO SURFERS

Using the results on the master sheet the tabulator will institute a plus/minus procedure. The higher place will receive
a plus (+), the lower place will receive a minus (–). Add the +’s together. The surfer who has the most +’s will be
determined as the winner of the tie.
If, after implementing the above process, the surfers are still equal refer to the judge sheet that has the tied scores.
(As in the below diagram – Judge 3)
Go to the highest scoring wave on the tied heat sheet, and re-tally the sheet to break the tie.

If they are still tied, go to the next highest 3rd or 4th waves or further to try and break the tie in ascending order.

MASTER TABULATION SHEET

Name J1 J2 J3 J4 J5 TOTAL PLACE
RED -2 +1 =1.5 1 -2 4.5 2nd
WHITE +1 -2 =1.5 -2 +1 4.5 1st
YELLOW 4 3 3 3 4 10 3rd
BLUE 3 4 4 4 3 11 4th

44 INTERNATIONAL JUDGING AND OFFICIATING

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 INTERNATIONAL JUDGING
AND OFFICIATING
MANUAL

BREAKING TIES – THREE OR

MORE SURFERS
Rule 1
1. Allocate placings in each judging column

2. Total allocated placings (not crossed off) across

page

If there is still a tie:

Rule 2
1.      Use  all  judges’  placings and total

Rule 3
1. Go to tied judges sheets

2. Eliminate lowest scoring ride of each surfers

3. Tally

4. Repeat if necessary

If a three-way tie cannot be broken continue the heat.

www.isasurf.org 45
CHAPTER 6:
EVENT OFFICIATING

Contest Director and Media Liaison Officer and reports

to the Chief Executive officer of the association and the
board.

MEDIA LIAISON
To use the information collected locally, along with the
information provided by the event Media Liaison Officer
and works with the Association and Tour Representative
to create as much local media interest as possible.
Reports to the Event Coordinator.

BEACH COMMENTATORS
EVENT CO-COORDINATOR
The  Head  Beach  Commentator’s  primary  job  is  to bring
To create and control the event mood as decided on by
the event concept to the spectators in an entertaining
the event sponsors, ensure that everyone is contributing
and instructive fashion and to lead the Assistant
towards the event and doing their assigned tasks.
Commentator in getting the surfing information from
Reports directly to the event sponsors and liaises with
the bio sheets and computer scoring system to the
the national association.
spectators and surfers. The Head announcer reports to
the Event Coordinator and Contest Director and works
CONTEST/TECHNICAL DIRECTOR with the Tour Representative for tour information.
To ensure the surfing aspect of the event runs on
schedule and according to the rules and that staff ASSISTANT COMMENTATOR
are not making any errors. Prepares the event format
Works on the computer where applicable and keeps
and daily schedules. The contest director reports to
scoring and biographical information coming, on cue
the Event Co-coordinator and works with the Tour
with the Head Announcer and reports to the Head
Representative and Head Judge. The contest Director
announcer.
makes the daily call on the venue if it is a mobile event
and posts daily event schedule and technical information
on the official notice board.

TOUR REPRESENTATIVE
To aid the Contest Director in rule definitions, provide
the correct seeding for each round of competition,
arbitrate any major problems between the surfers and
the event and provide some biographical information for
the event media liaison people. Works closely with the

46 INTERNATIONAL JUDGING AND OFFICIATING

MANUAL

HEAD JUDGE
Assembles the group of local judges for training if
needed, operates the Head Judges computer terminal,
positions the priority buoy. The Head Judge cannot
overrule the judging panel’s decision concerning
interferences, unless the majority of judges did not see
the incident.
Reports to the Event Coordinator Contest Director and
works with the Regional Judging Coordinators National
Judging manager.
The judging panel usually consists of experienced
judges and one developing judge, coordinated by Head
Judge. The Judging panel in consultation with the
Head judge, establishes the interpretations of both the
Interference Rules and the Judging Criteria.
INTERNATIONAL JUDGING PANEL
The International judging panel usually consists
of several travelling judges, coordinated by the
International Judging Committee and Head Judge. The
Judging panel establishes the interpretations of both
the Interference Rules and the Judging Criteria. They
provide consistency in the judging decisions from event
to event. International Judges report to the International
Head Judge.
LOCAL JUDGING PANEL
Local Judges are selected by the Regional Judging
Coordinator and Head Judge as the best approved
local talent to be considered for future inclusion on the
National Judging Register and for International Judging
opportunities. Reports to the Head Judge and receives
assistance from the International Judges.
www.isasurf.org
INTERNATIONAL JUDGING
AND OFFICIATING
MANUAL
COMPUTER OPERATOR
Appointed by the Association and provides a complete
computer scoring system that is designed for the
judging panel. The Computer Operator supplies all
hardware and software. TV monitors for competitors,
media, VIP and other areas are supplied by the event.
TIMING DISC OPERATORS &
SPOTTERS
Work on a rotation basis, calling colours and operating
priority and timing discs. Reports to the Contest Director
and gets directions from the Head Judge.
BEACH MARSHALL (MUST BE
ENGLISH SPEAKING)
The Beach Marshall ensures that all competitors are
checked-in for their heats, have the correct vest colours
and are briefed with the event rules.
The Head judge will provide a Rule Book to the Beach
Marshall, together with instructions and the following
information:
Heat schedule
Number of scoring waves
Maximum number of waves
A description of disc colours and horn blasts (i.e.
timing discs/flags will be green until 5 minutes
remaining)
An explanation of the priority rule
Disc location
When to paddle out and where to wait for the start of
the heat
The Beach Marshall reports to the Contest Director and
receives instructions on the Judging Criteria..
47
TABULATOR
In all manually judged heats, the Tabulator receives the
score sheets from the Judging Panel and tabulates
them in accordance with the rules. In computer scored
heats the Tabulator collects the manual heat sheets
from the judges but the results are then only used as a
check against the official computer results.
Reports to the Contest Director and is assisted by the
Tour Representative.
1. In heats that the computer is used, the Tabulator
must check that the judges’ scores have been
entered correctly.
2. In non-computer judged heats, the Tabulator must do
the following:
Check the wave count
Check for any missed waves. (If either of these
occurs, call the Head Judge or Tour
Representative for assistance
Check for interference. If there is a majority, then
it counts and any judge’s sheet that does not
have it marked must have a triangle placed on
that wave
Circle or highlight scoring waves
Tally scoring waves (see Rule Book)
Give placings
If applicable, transpose placings onto master
sheets (lowest place points equaling the top place
competitor. (If there is a tie, see Rule Book)
Always try to use different coloured ink to the Judges,
if possible.
48 INTERNATIONAL JUDGING AND OFFICIATING
MANUAL
ASSISTANT TABULATOR
The Assistant tabulator works with the Tabulator to
speed manual calculation of results and the checking
of the competitors’ results. The assistant must check
the tabulation in the same order, with emphasis on all
placings and calculations. Most mistakes occur because
one of the surfer’s best waves is missed. Whenever a
mistake is found and the adjustment is made, ensure
the placings are changed if necessary. Always try to use
different coloured ink to the judges.
The assistant tabulator reports to the Tabulator.
WORK CREW
Event work crew set-up and take down the event site
it involves placement of event structures such as tents,
signage, general maintenance and all safety aspects
throughout the day.
Safety of the event staff, competitors and the public is
front of mind for event staff.
The layout of the contest area and sponsorship signage
should be placed to maximise exposure. Walkways,
tracks and car parks should be used to brand and
introduce spectators to the contest site.
On the beach, the signage should flow and center on
the major sponsors. With the use of digital media, video
content and photos are instantly posted on social media
sites  so  it’s  crucial  the  work  crew  maintain the event site
to the highest standards at all time.
The work crew reports to the Contest Director and
Event Director.
SECURITY
To keep the competition and official areas free from
unauthorized entry by non-competitors and spectators
and to keep the site secure overnight.
Security reports to the Contest Director.

THE OFFICIAL CODE OF
ETHICS AND CONDUCT
At no time will a judge give to anyone, any advice or
information pertaining to an event or to the
chances of a competitor or competitors, where this
information is confidential or outside the scope of
the judge at the time
At  no  time  will  a  judge’s  score  be  influenced by
personal relationships with any competitor or
competitors or by having a relationship with any
sponsor of an event, competitor or judge
A judge must at all times be punctual and meet the
attendance requirements assigned within the judging
roster as set by the Head Judge on any day of an
event. If a judge is not able to meet their attendance
commitment from reason, every attempt must be
given to notify the Head Judge of intended absence
in advance of that commitment falling due
A Scoring Judge must be courteous and operate
respectfully under the direction of the Head Judge,
performing any judging/official duties as directed by
the Head Judge
No judge will attempt to purposefully distract,
by talking or other means, another judge from
performing their official duties whilst a heat is in
progress
Judges will refrain from openly copying other judge’s
scores or openly discussing scores, unless such
discussion is instigated by or involves the Head
Judge in cases of clear uncertainty or missed
INTERNATIONAL JUDGING
AND OFFICIATING
MANUAL
A judge may ask the Head Judge for an average
score for a ride
Judges will at all times wear the appropriate official
clothing, as given by the sponsors and/or Contest
Director and/or Head Judge, for the purpose of
event promotion
If a competitor requests information regarding a heat
that has recently been completed, they should be
referred to the Head Judge. Each judge and official
will value the individual in sport
Judges must wait until the completion of the tally
work before checking the completed tally sheets
No Judge of an event may pass comment on a
surfer’s  chances  in  any  event  to  the  public,     media
or other contestants. If this happens, the judge in
question will be dismissed from the panel and other
action will be taken by the Board
Judges, once selected, must remain on the panel
for the duration of the event. If a judge forfeits their
position on the panel, he will be suspended for a
period to be determined by the Board and may incur
other penalties
All officials will place the safety and welfare of all
competitors and staff above all else and except
responsibility for all actions and decisions made in
the context of the competition
rides
www.isasurf.org 49
STEPS TO
QUALIFICATION
LEVEL 1 ISA TRAINEE JUDGE
Accreditation will be given to course participants who
meet the following criteria:
Be a member of your state/national governing body
Must complete the workbook and pass the
examination
You will be registered with ISA as an accredited Level
1 official. This will enable you to officiate as a trainee
at events. Payment of your registration fee will include
you to the International Officials database where you
will receive your electronic ID card and certificate and
be qualified on the ISA website with access to ISA news
and information.
LEVEL 2 ISA NATIONAL JUDGE
Accreditation will be given to course participants who
meet the following criteria:
Be a member of your state/national governing body
Must complete the workbook and pass the
examination
Provide diary sheet detailing 20 hours of practical
judging experience. Minimum 10 hours at a regional/
state level and a maximum 10 hours at a club level
The Head Judge must sign off on these hours on
the provided diary sheet
You will be registered as a National level 2 official with
ISA and the National Governing Body. This will enable
you to officiate at regional and state sanctioned surfing
events in a paid capacity. Payment of your registration
fee will include you to the International Officials
database where you will receive your electronic ID card
and certificate and be qualified on the ISA website with
access to ISA news and information.
50 INTERNATIONAL JUDGING AND OFFICIATING
MANUAL
LEVEL 3 INTERNATIONAL JUDGE
Accreditation will be given to course participants who
meet the following criteria:
Be a member of your state/national governing body
Must complete the workbook and pass the
examination
Provide diary sheet detailing 100 hours of practical
judging experience. Minimum 50 hours judging under
a qualified SA Head judge and a maximum 50 hours
judging at a club level
The Head Judge must sign off on these hours on the
provided diary sheet.
You will be registered as an International level 3 official
with the ISA and the ASP. This will enable you to
officiate at regional, state, National and International
surfing events in a paid capacity and be eligible for
the international exchange program. Payment of your
registration fee will add you to the International Officials
database where you will receive your electronic ID card
and certificate and be qualified on the ISA website with
access to ISA news and information
RECOGNITION OF PRIOR
LEARNING (RPL)
If you have past judging experience you will not be
required to complete the practical hours (Subject to
completing and submitting the RPL form to ISA)
Must be a financial member of the ISA Judge’s
Register
JUDGING Re-Qualifications are due In December
each year visit www.isasurf.org for more info.
 INTERNATIONAL JUDGING
AND OFFICIATING
MANUAL

Notes

www.isasurf.org 51
Notes

52 INTERNATIONAL JUDGING AND OFFICIATING

MANUAL
 INTERNATIONAL JUDGING
AND OFFICIATING
MANUAL

FURTHER
INFORMATION

INTERNATIONAL SURFING ONLINE SHOP

ASSOCIATION ISA has an online shop facility from where the following
To find out all about International Surfing Association products and coaching resources can be purchased
log on to: Educational publications and programs
www.isasurf.org
High Performance Camps
This includes information on
Event equipment
State Branches
Safety and First Aid
Licensed Surf schools and locations
Surfing products
Coaching
www.isasurf.org/shop
Judging

Competitions

General information on surfing

CONTACT DETAILS
5580 La Jolla Blvd. #145
La Jolla, California
Tel: (858) 551 8580
www.isasurf.org

General Enquiries:
surf@isasurf.org

We hope  you’ve  enjoyed  the   course

www.isasurf.org 53
 Phone +1 858 551 8580
INTERNATIONAL
Fax +1 858 551 8563
SURFING ASSOCIATION
Email surf@isasurf.org
5580 La Jolla Blvd. #145
La Jolla, California 92037 isasurf.org