Red Bull King of the Air Qualifier
Tarifa, Spain
September 14, 2024
14
Sep
01
Height + extremity
Both factors need to be combined. Low height + extreme = low score. Super high + not extreme = low score. Super high + extreme = high score.
02
Three best scores
Only the three best tricks of the whole performance will be counted and will form part of the final result. Variety within the best three counted moves is a key factor.
03
One impression score
The impression score is the combination of different factors, such as: technical difficulty, style, execution, risk, show, innovation, with big emphasis on variety for the entire heat duration.
The sum of these four scores (three best scores + one impression score, each with equal value) will be the final score (three best scores (25% + 25% + 25%) + one impression score (25%) = 100%).
More information on the impression score:
The impression score is the most difficult part of the scoring aspect. It is highly focused on the variety as a major consideration, but it is not a 'variety score only'! Skill and experience is required to understand what it's all about, mostly because the judges cannot break it into boxes and give specific mathematic values. This specific score is probably the one that makes the Red Bull Kind of the Air judging criteria different compared to the rest of the Big Air events, and gives King of the Air its own character, mostly because it prizes not only the actual performance (three best scores) but also includes an overall view of the entire performance/heat of that rider. The score comes down to the judges' experience as well as an accurate analysis of the variety in the three best scores. High scores and other factors – such as technical difficulty, style, execution, risk, show, innovation, and the wow-factor of the rider's performance – are all taken into consideration.
04
Scoring criteria summary
- Variety: Can the rider have high scores on multiple different types of tricks?
- Technical difficulty: Can the rider perform technical manoeuvres with height and extremity?
- Style: Does the rider offer a unique style in the way they execute their tricks?
- Execution: Can the rider perform in both directions, execute and have a 'flow' to their performance? (Clean landings are essential for top scores.)
- Risk: Is the rider flying out wild or playing it safe? (Trick choices can also define risk; some tricks are inherently more risky than others, such as high, powerful handle passes.)
- Show: Is it pleasing to watch the rider? (The wow-factor.)
- Innovation: Did the rider try something new or have a near-miss landing on something that has not been seen before?
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