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2026 Rules

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(inspired by the IRBC, International Rule Book Compulsory & FFVL, Fédération Française de Vol Libre)

1. RULES

These rules may under no circumstances be modified by the officials of a competition.

1.1. SAFETY

Safety is a constant priority.

The head judge (of the competition), assisted by the judges, is responsible for it throughout the competition as a whole.

The field director is responsible for the flying area, the pilots and the judges during the events.

1.2. COMPETITION FIELD

An outer boundary is mandatory. It is (unofficially) called the “red line”.

This outer boundary is marked by a rope, cord, tape, etc., … An inner boundary is recommended as a reference.

If there is one, it must be placed five metres inside the red line and be marked.

The centre of the field is marked, if possible, by a marker that presents no risk to the safety of competitors and officials.

The competition field is a square with the following minimum dimensions:

Individual – 80 x 80m
Pairs and teams – 90 x 90m

1.3. ENTERING AND LEAVING THE FIELD

Adjacent to each flying field there are two separate areas so that competitors can prepare their entry and leave the field safely (unwinding and winding lines). These areas are accessible:

(ENTRY) to the competitor due to enter first at the start of the event.
(ENTRY) to the competitor following (and only) the one currently flying.
(EXIT) to the competitor leaving their event, who must clear this exit area before the end of the current competitor's performance.

It is the sole responsibility of the competitor to be present in the entry area and to wait for the signal to enter the field

Competitors may only enter the field when invited by the field director.

Likewise, they leave the field and go to the exit area as quickly as possible after being invited to do so by the field director (taking with them all the equipment they brought).

To save time and space, the field director may reorganise the field during the event briefing.

1.4. COMPETITION MODE

The field is considered to be in competition mode when the field director is present on the field and asks for it to be cleared to start an event. It remains in this mode until the field director and the officials leave it after the last competitor of the event has flown.

In competition mode:

Any unscheduled flying or practice within the field must stop immediately.
All kites and other equipment must be taken outside the red line
The rules and penalties concerning flying over the field boundaries, as defined here, apply immediately.

2. SPORTSMANSHIP

Competitors, judges and the field director must behave correctly and in a sporting manner at all times, particularly on the competition field. In addition, respectful and appropriate dress is expected.

3. THE OFFICIALS

Any official may delegate part of their responsibilities, except judging, to another person.

3.1. The head judge

Appointed for the whole competition, the head judge may not compete in the competition for which they are appointed.

For a national-level competition, the appointment of the head judge is the responsibility of the Kite Competition Commission. The head judge must:

Supervise all personnel and assign them to their roles.
Manage all scoring processes and operations.
Select the compulsory figures for each precision discipline with the help of the other judges and the field director.
Lead the general competition briefing and any debriefing.
Prepare the flying orders for each discipline.
Rule on questions of dangerous flying.
Decide when the competition starts and ends for the day.
Provide any written reports the Kite Competition Commission may require.
Ensure that provisional results are compiled and posted for competitors to see.

3.2. Judge

The judge assesses performances and gives a score to each competitor in a discipline

3.3. The judging panel

Each event should ideally be judged by at least three judges (+ the event head judge),

The panel of judges for each event is determined by the head judge in consultation with all the judges present.

4. Event head judge

When appointing the panel of judges for each event, the head judge appoints an event head judge, who must:

Lead the event briefing.
Act as a judge for the event.
Direct the event's panel of judges on procedural matters.
Rule on appeals/protests made on the field.
Lead any event debriefing.

5. Shadow judge

A shadow judge is a person undergoing training to become a judge or to gain additional experience.

6. The field director

For each event there must be a field director appointed by the head judge.

The field director is responsible for the flying area and has overall authority and responsibility for the running of the event.

The field director has the following responsibilities:

General

Ensure that the sound engineer has all the music required for the competitors' ballets.
Ensure that the competitor complies with all the rules and guidelines as set out in the rulebook.
Ensure that a competitor is accompanied on the field by no more retrievers than the maximum allowed for their category.
Measure the wind speed and inform the competitor or the event head judge if necessary.

Safety:

Inform the competitor of any warning (yellow) flag.
Order the competitor to stop in the event of a breach of the safety rules.
Ensure that the line judges are correctly positioned.
Warn the competitor when approaching the field boundaries (red line).
Monitor the field to ensure there are no unauthorised persons inside the outer (red) boundary and that the sky is clear of any obstruction.
Take appropriate action in the event of any safety issue.

Time management:

Ensure that the competitor complies with all set-up time rules.
Monitor the duration of the competitor's routine.
Call out the time at the competitor's request.
Inform the judges if the competitor exceeds the maximum time.
Inform the judges if the competitor does not reach the minimum time.

Coordination:

Signal the competitor to enter the flying field.
Where appropriate, help the competitor get into position for the start of their performance.
Inform the competitor when the judges are ready.
Show the figures to the competitor on request.
Indicate to the judges when the IN and OUT are made.
Ask the sound desk to start the music.
Monitor the actions of the line judges.
Ensure that the next competitor is admitted to the field as soon as possible after the previous one has finished.
Liaise with the event head judge, the head judge (of the competition) and other officials when the wind is outside the permitted ranges or on any other matter affecting the competition.
Assist the competitor at their request.

Although the field director should endeavour to assist the competitor, as far as possible and within the scope of their duties, the competitor remains responsible at all times for their own compliance with the rules and guidelines. A shortcoming on the part of the field director will not normally be accepted as grounds for a protest.

7. The line judges

Wherever possible, there should be at least two line judges for each event.

The line judges work under the direction of the field director. Their task is to watch the designated boundaries and to inform the field director if a competitor flies over a designated boundary at any time or if any part of a competitor's body crosses a designated boundary.

The signals to the field director are:

Yellow boundary crossed: raise the yellow flag and/or give a short sound signal to the field director (normally a single whistle blast)
Red boundary crossed: raise the red flag and/or give a prolonged sound signal to the field director (normally repeated whistle blasts)

8. Changes to the judging panel

In theory there should be no change to the panel after an event has started. If an official leaves the field during an event (other than for a comfort break), the following principles apply:

If a judge leaves the event, that judge's scores are considered void and excluded from the calculation of the overall score.
If the judge leaving the field is the event head judge, a new event head judge must be appointed from among the judges remaining on the field.
The field director and the line judges may be replaced if necessary.

9. ADVICE, CONSULTATION AND DISCUSSION DURING THE PERFORMANCE

On the field, competitors may not receive advice from anyone other than the field director.

In the same way, the panel of judges does not address competitors directly. This must always be done through the field director.

10. PENALTIES

A competitor who breaches any point of the rules or any of the guidelines described below will be penalised

11. PROTESTS

11.1. Unfair treatment

Any competitor who believes they have been treated unfairly may lodge a protest.

11.2. Abuse of power

Any competitor or official who believes that an official has abused their position or acted contrary to the spirit of sportsmanship may lodge a protest.

11.3. Protest procedure

A protest for unfair treatment or abuse of power, or a challenge to a penalty (see

Appendix 3 – Scoring penalties p.23) must first be lodged with the event head judge at the end of the event and before the next one.

If the competitor is not satisfied with their decision, the protest may be submitted to the head judge (of the competition).

If the head judge cannot resolve the issue, the competitor may, as a last resort, lodge a written protest with the Competition Commission (or by email cv-competition@ffvl.fr) before the end of the last event of the competition.

12. PAIR AND TEAM MEMBERS

The composition of a team may vary between events (between ballet and precision) or from one competition to another, including during a championship, but within a limit of 50%.

Within the same competition, pilots making up pairs or teams may not compete a second time in the same category.

The number of members in a team is limited to five for the precision event. There is no upper limit to the number of team members flying in the ballet event.

The composition of a pair may differ between events and from one competition to another, including during a championship.

13. GUIDELINES

Except in compelling and exceptional last-minute circumstances, these guidelines may not be changed by the competition officials unless competitors registered in advance are informed of any change at least 30 days before the first day of the competition.

13.1. BRIEFINGS

a. Competition briefing

At the start of a competition, all competitors, judges and officials gather for a meeting led by the head judge (or one of the officials designated by the head judge).

As a minimum, this meeting must cover every rule and guideline specific to the competition, announce the schedule, stress the importance of safety, identify the competition fields and practice fields (and all boundaries) and answer any general questions about the competition. It must leave enough time for competitors to elect the pilots' representative. At the discretion of the head judge, an introductory briefing may be held each morning.

The general competition briefing should normally cover the following points:

• Announce the precision figures chosen for the precision events.

• Review any change to the published event schedule.

• Stress the importance of safety.

• Identify the competition fields, the practice fields and all boundaries.

• Explain the entry and exit procedures.

• Introduce the “officials” and other members of the judging team, where applicable.

• Review the procedure for handling scheduling conflicts.

• Introduce the judges' representative and oversee the selection of the pilots' representative for the duration of the competition.

• Explain the procedure for selecting retrievers (or launchers).

• Announce any other issue specific to the competition.

• Recall the procedure for an appeal (protest).

• Encourage pilots to attend the debriefing.

• Remind competitors of the procedure for handing in their ballet music.

• Answer pilots' questions.

• Indicate where to find the information (notices, documents, notes, etc.).

b. Event briefing

Before the start of each event, the event head judge may hold a specific meeting. During the event briefing, the event head judge is responsible for:

• Introducing the judges, the field director and the line judges.

• For precision events, recalling the compulsory figures to be flown.

• For ballet events, reminding competitors to hand their music to the appropriate person if they have not already done so.

• Taking the roll call and announcing the flying order.

• Checking the positioning of the line judges.

• Recalling the entry and exit procedures.

13.2. DEBRIEFINGS (optional)

Where appropriate, at the end of a competition, all competitors, judges and officials may meet (at the request of an official or competitor) for a review meeting, held by the head judge (or another official designated by the head judge). The aim of this meeting is to encourage exchange between the different parties in order to propose possible improvements for future competitions.

A debriefing allows competitors to give their opinion:

• on the aspects of the competition that worked well.

• to report any dissatisfaction.

• to make constructive suggestions for future improvement.

• it also allows officials to comment on the competition as a whole and on the individual events.

All these comments should be included in any written report that may be requested.

After the formal debriefing, competitors should have the opportunity to discuss their performances with all the judges who scored them.

This debriefing may prove necessary, where applicable, to explain unusual events that occurred during an event, such as delays, disqualifications or appeal decisions (protests) made on the field.

13.3. DRAW OF THE FLYING ORDER

For each event, the flying order must be determined and announced before the start of the event.

This draw may be carried out before the competition and must then be communicated to participants as early as possible. It may also take place during the event briefing.

13.4. “IN” AND “OUT”

For a pair or a team, only one pilot must call the “in”. The same applies to the “out”.

a. Precision

A competitor must announce the start of each compulsory figure by saying "in". Likewise, they must mark the end of each compulsory figure by saying "out".

In addition, the competitor must announce the start of a technical routine by saying “in” and mark the end of the routine by saying “out”.

b. Ballet

Competitors may call "in" and "out" at the start and end of their routine. However, if they say nothing, the judges will consider the "in" to be the launch of the first kite. The “out” must always be given by the competitor.

c. Lack of a conceptual beginning or end

In any routine, the beginning and the end should be self-evident. The absence of a clear and obvious beginning or end will result in a score deduction.

d. Breach of event time limits

If the performance does not meet the minimum time required, it is considered as not presented and is therefore given a penalty.

If the performance exceeds the maximum time allowed, the judges will score the performance only up to the maximum time mark and will ignore any activity after that point. In addition, a penalty will be given.

Minimum and maximum durations of the technical routine and the ballet:

Routine – minimum 2 minutes, maximum 4 minutes

Ballet – minimum 2 minutes, maximum 5 minutes

13.5. FLYING AND MOVING BEYOND THE BOUNDARIES

Only the field director has authority over whether the red line has been crossed. In general,

• On a 1^st crossing, a warning is given to return to the field as quickly as possible.

• From the 2^nd crossing onwards, the field director may report it to the event head judge who, in agreement with the panel of judges and the field director, may impose a points deduction (see Penalty scale p.23).

13.6. PREPARATION TIME

A competitor may not enter the competition field until the field director has given permission. The set-up (or preparation) time for the event begins when the competitor(s) have joined the field director and the field director has clearly announced to the competitor(s) that the clock has started.

Competitors may not begin their performance without the signal from the field director. The competitor must begin within the preparation time or within 45 seconds of the field director's signal. If the competitor fails to begin within the prescribed time, the field director will call the “in” for the competitor and the judges will score accordingly. In addition, a “Preparation time violation” penalty will then be given in this case (see Penalty scale p.23).

If the competitor fails to finish and say “out” within 45 seconds of the “in” (precision figure), the field director will call the “out” in place of the competitor and the judges will score what they saw between the “in” and the “out”. The preparation time for the next compulsory figure or the technical routine starts immediately after the “out” is called.

The following table summarises the preparation times by event and category:

Individuals

Pairs

Teams

Preparation

2 minutes 30

4 minutes

5 minutes

Between each compulsory figure

45 seconds

Between the compulsory figures and the technical routine

90 seconds

Preparation

2 minutes 30

3 minutes

4 minutes

Preparation

2 minutes 30

4 minutes

5 minutes

Between each compulsory figure

45 seconds

Between the compulsory figures and the Ballet

2minutes

2 minutes

13.7. PRECISION

A precision event assesses the technical level of the competitor; it normally comprises three compulsory figures and a technical routine, flown in that order.

a. Compulsory figures

Three compulsory figures assessing different skills of the competitors are chosen on the day of the event by the head judge, in consultation with the other judges, from a list of no more than six figures announced for the year.

However, if the competition takes place less than 45 days after the figures for the year have been announced, the figures for the event will be chosen from the 6 figures selected for the previous year. The figures must be flown in ascending order of their number (on the list).

A figure must be completed within 45 seconds of the “in” call.

• Each figure flown is compared with what is shown in the diagram and description.

• Placement within the precision grid, the relative placement of the components, speed control and other aspects of the compulsory figures as defined in the figure booklet are taken into account.

• A single score is given for each figure.

b. Flying the wrong figure

If the competitor flies a figure that is clearly and completely different from the one announced, the judges will give the competitor a score of zero for that compulsory figure.

c. Omission of in/out calls

If a competitor does not call IN or OUT for a compulsory figure, a penalty is given

d. Exceeding the preparation time for a compulsory figure

If the competitor does not begin within the time allowed for a compulsory figure, a penalty is given (see Penalty scale p.23).

e. Accidental contacts and crashes during a compulsory figure

A compulsory figure in which a contact or a crash (on the ground) occurs before the OUT call will receive a penalty

14. Technical routine

A technical routine must demonstrate the technical skill of the competitor through coherent flying and a consistent sequence of manoeuvres.

For judging and scoring purposes, the routine is divided into execution and content.

14.1. Execution

The elements making up execution consist of – but are not limited to – assessments of precision, control, timing and spacing, use of the wind window, difficulty, and the inclusion of technical and daring manoeuvres.

• Control, complexity and use of the wind window are taken into account.

• The quality of all manoeuvres or tricks is taken into account.

• For multi-line categories, effects specific to multi-line kites are taken into account.

• For pairs and teams, timing and spacing are important.

14.2. Content

The elements making up content consist of – but are not limited to – assessments of tempo, rhythm, originality (not necessarily meaning spectacular), creativity and variety.

• Complexity, originality, rhythm, creativity and continuity of flight are taken into account.

• The relevance of any manoeuvre or trick is considered.

14.3. Accidental contacts and crashes

The judges are asked to consider the effect of accidental contacts and crashes. Penalties may be applied in the event of accidental contacts or crashes

14.4. Scoring of components

The weight of each score making up the final score of the precision event (3 figures + routine) is defined in the summary table of scoring rules.

15. BALLET

The ballet event is characterised by the interpretation of music. A performance that is mostly or entirely without music will therefore not be considered a ballet.

15.1. Music

The recorded music formats accepted by the organisers and the arrangements made for handling recorded music must be notified to competitors as early as possible. Music must be cued and clearly labelled. Competitors may submit up to three pieces of music, but must tell the field director which piece will be used at least 30 seconds before the preparation time expires.

A signal before the start of the music is permitted.

The music may be an existing piece, an arrangement, or composed for the performance.

The music must be, or give the impression of being, a coherent whole. Given the range of music editing software available, there is no excuse for chaotic edits or abrupt endings.

15.2. Submission of music recordings

The preferred method of submitting music for ballet performances is by email, as an attachment, sent to the competition organiser or another designated person.

Apart from this advance process, competitors may bring their music on a medium specified as accepted by the competition organiser.

15.3. Quality of recordings

The quality of any music recording is at all times the responsibility of the competitor. Where there is no apparent technical fault with the sound system provided for the competition and the music recording supplied by the competitor is:

• Unplayable,

• Or not playable at a volume at which the choreography can be assessed by the judges (in the opinion of the majority of the event's judges),

• Or subject to slips or skips during playback, the competitor will receive a music penalty

The event head judge will ask all the judges to take this penalty into account.

The competitor will then give up their turn in the flying order and make way for the next competitor.

They will have a second chance by flying again, with the normal set-up time, after the last scheduled competitor has finished their performance. If the recording (or the replacement recording) is again unplayable, the judges will consider that the competitor is unable to give a ballet performance.

The event head judge will then ask the judges to cancel the music penalty and to award zero (0) points for the event.

15.4. Technical failure or sound operator error

If the music fluctuates or fails during a performance because of a technical fault or an error acknowledged by the sound engineer, the competitor will be offered the opportunity to fly the routine again, where applicable, with the normal set-up time allowed (at the discretion of the field director).

15.5. Actions following a sound failure

If the sound system fails or the sound operator makes a handling error that interferes with the music during a performance, the competitor:

• Must report it to the field director.

• Must continue their performance (while the field director investigates) until asked to stop (or until the end of their performance).

• Must remain on the field, ready to restart the routine within 30 seconds of the problem being resolved.

• Must restart the ballet from the beginning if asked to do so.

• Must not touch or change equipment except to allow the retrievers to reposition the kite ready for a restart.

15.6. Choreography

Choreography is the interpretation of the chosen music and is shown by a close relationship between the performance and the music from start to finish. The routine should interpret the variations of the musical composition, such as dynamics, tempo, rhythm, mood, etc.…3. Execution

Execution is the measure of the competitor's flying skill. It is judged on precision, control, timing, spacing and use of the wind window, as well as the complexity, daring and technical difficulty of the routine.

15.7. Scoring of ballet components

The choreography score takes into account continuity, creativity, complexity and rhythm.

The execution score takes into account control, use of the wind window, technical difficulty and rhythm. For pairs and teams, timing and spacing are also taken into account.

The distribution (weighting) of the scores of these two ballet components is shown in the summary table of scoring rules

15.8. Accidental contacts

Accidental contacts are often the result of increased risk-taking. They will therefore be penalised, but only lightly (see Penalty scale p.23).

15.9. Crashes

The judges are asked to consider the effect of crashes requiring the intervention of a retriever at the competitor's request, by applying the penalty provided for in this

16. WIND GUIDELINES

16.1. Wind speed ranges

Competitors are expected to fly when the wind is within the following ranges:

- Minimum 5 km/h

- Maximum 45km/h

16.2. Wind checks

a. Measurement procedure

The field director will measure the wind, statically, for 5 seconds once the anemometer is held up at arm's length. If the wind is not within the regulatory range for the full 5 seconds, the competitor will not call the “in” and a wind recess will be announced by the field director.

b. Before the “in”

At any time before the “in”, a competitor may request a wind check by calling “Wind Check”.

Competitors must continue to observe the other rules and guidelines during the wind check.

c. During the minimum time of a technical routine or ballet

At any time up to the minimum time of the technical routine or ballet, a competitor may request a wind check; however, they must continue flying during the wind check.

d. Wind recess

Once a wind recess has been announced, the judge in charge of the event (Event head judge) determines when and how the performance or event will resume, if possible (in consultation with the field director)

The head judge will decide to suspend or cancel the event if it cannot be resumed within a reasonable time.

If a suspended event cannot be resumed on the same day within the following hours, the scores already recorded will be cleared and the event must be restarted from the beginning for all competitors (the results of any group formed for a completed elimination round may be kept –

Competitors may be asked to remain on the field pending an announcement. If a performance or event is resumed, competitors will be given preparation time again in accordance with the preparation time rule applicable to the event.

e. Extreme weather conditions

In the event of extreme weather conditions (for example: too much or too little wind, heavy rain, lightning) that may make the competition dangerous or unfair in a particular event, the head judge may take appropriate measures.

These measures may include – but are not limited to – a wind recess, changing the rules on wind speed, cancelling the event or the competition, enlarging the field, reducing the number of compulsory figures or removing the technical routine from the precision event.

In this case, the head judge must organise a special briefing to explain the situation to competitors, officials and organisers and make sure that everyone has understood the changes to the rules and guidelines.

17. ELIMINATION ROUNDS

If there are too many competitors in an event, it may be necessary to hold elimination rounds. The number of elimination rounds will be such that no round exceeds a number of pilots announced in advance and that, as far as possible, there is the same number of competitors in each round. The head judge and the organiser will determine how many competitors from each elimination round qualify for the final and will announce this (if necessary) at the introductory briefing.

18. EQUIPMENT

Competitors must fly a two-line or multi-line kite, depending on the event. They may change kites between each part of an event or after a wind recess, provided they comply with the regulation time.

19. HEADPHONES AND EARPHONES

Competitors may use communication headsets to communicate discreetly with each other and/or with their retrievers, coach, etc., provided they do not interfere with the communication system used by the officials or the organisers.

20. DISQUALIFICATION

Any disqualified competitor must leave the field as quickly as possible. Any protest or discussion must take place after the end of the event.

21. KITE RETRIEVERS

Retrievers (or launchers) are the people placed inside the boundaries by the competitor to position the kite, help with launching, repair equipment and carry out other necessary actions.

The following table gives the maximum number of retrievers a competitor may have (depending on the category):

Individual : 2

Pair : 2

Team : 1 retriever per pilot

If a competitor requests it and has no retriever, a pilot from among the other competitors in the event will be chosen for the competitor during the event briefing.

Appendix 1. SCORING

A. CALCULATION RULES FOR SCORING

The following table shows, for each type of event, the calculation rules (distribution/weighting) of the scores used to calculate the total event score.

Event

Component

% of intermediate total

% of total event score

Precision

Figures Each figure

1/3

45%

15%

Precision routine

55 %

Content

40%

22 %

Execution

60%

33%

Ballet

Choreography Execution

60 %

40 %

Combined

Figures Each figure

1/3

45%

15%

Ballet

55 %

Choreography

60%

33 %

Execution

40%

22%

B. DEFINITION OF THE SCORING COMPONENTS

This section attempts to define the various key words we use and to explain what the scoring components assess.

1. Complexity

In general, the less room there is for error/improvisation in the choreographed routine, i.e. the less time there is between clearly choreographed elements, the more complex the routine is considered to be.

2. Continuity/transitions

Continuity is the way in which the individual elements of a routine fit together to produce a complete whole.

3. Compulsory figure

A figure required to be flown in a precision event. These figures are defined by diagrams and descriptions in the figure book.

4. Control

Control is the ability to make the kite go exactly where the pilot wants it to. This may include the ability to fly the kite forwards, backwards and sideways, to control its speed, the ability to stall or change the plane of the kite, and the degree of precision. In each category (two-line or multi-line), the competitor must demonstrate their ability to control the aspects specific to their kite.

5. Creativity

Creativity is the use of imagination in a performance.

6. Rhythm

The movements, or variations in the movement of the kite, characterised by the regular recurrence or alternation of different movements, changes of speed, stops, etc.

7. Technical difficulty

Technical difficulty is shown by the use of technically demanding and daring manoeuvres.

Note: the number of members in a team does not automatically affect the level of technical difficulty.

8. Timing

Timing is the measure of the interval between manoeuvres. For an individual, this may mean turning at regular intervals. For a pair or a team, it could mean performing a particular manoeuvre in a certain order.

9. Use of the wind window

Use of the wind window means demonstrating the ability to use the whole area in which the competitor's kite(s) could normally fly in the prevailing conditions.

Appendix 2. DEFINITIONS

A. CHAMPIONSHIP

A championship consists of one or more rounds. The scores from each round are combined according to a predefined formula to give the overall championship result.

A championship may be held at different venues on several non-consecutive dates, or at a single venue over several consecutive days.

B. ROUND

A competition or round consists of a set of events held at the same venue for competitors of the same category. For example, “two-line individual ballet” and “two-line individual precision” are events that make up the “two-line individual” category.

C. COMPETITOR

A competitor may be a team, a pair or an individual. During the competition, each member making up the competitor must fly a kite.

A team consists of at least three people. A pair consists of two people.

D. TWO-LINE KITE

A two-line kite has only two independent control lines.

E. MULTI-LINE KITE

A multi-line kite has more than two independent control lines.

F. EXTREME WEATHER CONDITIONS

For safety reasons, an event or competition may be interrupted because of unfavourable or dangerous weather conditions.

The decision is taken jointly by the event's judges and the field director

Appendix 3. SCORING PENALTIES

A. PENALTY SCALE

The following table summarises the penalties that may be applied where appropriate.

The number of points indicated for each situation will be deducted from the total of the event or of the event component.

Thus, for the “figure” column, penalty points will be deducted from the figure score.

For the technical routine column, penalty points will be deducted from the total technical routine score.

Likewise, for the ballet, penalty points will be deducted from the total ballet score. Where “Zero” is indicated, the element is then scored zero points.

Situation

Event / component

Figure

Technical routine

Ballet

No start (In) or no end (Out)

Zero

-5 points

Minimum duration violation

-5 points

Maximum duration violation

Automatic out

Exceeding the preparation time

-5 points

Flying the wrong figure

Zero

Accidental contacts

-10 points

-1 point per contact

Crash (with use of a retriever at the competitor's request)

Zero

-10 points

No music

Zero

Poor quality of recordings

-10 points

Flying and moving beyond the boundaries

Warning(s) from the field director

then -15 points at their request

B. DISQUALIFICATIONS AND APPEALS AGAINST THE DECISION

A competitor may be disqualified from the competition in particular in the following circumstances:

• A breach of the safety rules,

• Unsporting conduct,

• A serious breach of the rules or guidelines, at the discretion of the competition head judge.

Disqualification is pronounced by the head judge (of the competition) following a report from any participant in the competition (judge, pilot, field director…).

Depending on the seriousness, the head judge will decide whether the disqualification applies only to one event and/or to all the categories in which the competitor is entered, to one round (day) or to the whole competition...

Any disqualified competitor must leave the field as soon as possible. Any appeal/protest will be considered at the end of the event.

C. APPEAL PROTOCOL

If an official disqualifies a competitor, the official must inform the competitor of the reason for the disqualification as soon as possible (a verbal message via the field director is sufficient).

If the competitor does not accept the disqualification decision, they may appeal against it. The appeal must be communicated to the head judge before the end of the competition.

Appeals must not be made without good reason. The competitor must state why they believe the disqualification is incorrect, citing the relevant rules or guidelines. If the competitor is unsure whether their appeal is valid, they should consult the rulebooks and/or seek advice from the pilots' representative.

The competitor may ask the pilots' representative to speak on their behalf; however, in the absence of the pilots' representative, competitors must present their appeal in person. If the competitor does not come forward at this stage, any previously notified intention to appeal will be considered rejected.

Competitors are entitled to expect the judges to consider any appeal carefully and courteously.

The judges may agree:

• To accept the appeal – in which case the competitor may be invited to fly again the whole event or any part of the event not already scored as presented following a disqualification

• To reject the appeal – giving reasons for their decision with reference to the relevant rules

If the appeal is rejected, the competitor may, as a last resort, lodge a written protest with the Competition Commission before the end of the last event of the competition.

In any case, the head judge is asked to submit a written report to the Competition Commission on the facts that led to and followed the appeal, providing a copy to the competitor.

Appendix 4. JUDGES' RESPONSIBILITY

A. JUDGES' CODE OF ETHICS

This section deals with the standards that competitors are entitled to expect from judges and that judges should aim for. However, it must never be forgotten that judging is subjective and that different judges may therefore have different points of view.

1. Integrity

• Respect each performance by giving it full attention.

• Assess each score using all one's abilities as a judge.

• Disregard any personal or professional relationship with the competitors or their sponsors.

2. Objectivity

Assess the performance fairly and without prejudice of any kind.

3. Open-mindedness

Judge what you see, not what you expect to see.

4. Criticism

Always respond honestly, fairly and constructively when a competitor asks for an explanation.

B. FLYING SKILLS

A judge does not have to be a competitor or former competitor; however, competitors are entitled to expect those who judge their performances to have

• A good working knowledge of the competition rules,

• Knowledge of current sport kite techniques and developments,

• An appreciation of current competition standards.

This set of skills can be acquired by taking part in competitions as a pilot, and by working alongside experienced judges as a “shadow judge”.