Moguls competitions in freestyle skiing are highly captivating, as they showcase thrilling acrobatics—but do all judges score the same? There are two possibilities, depending on the number of judges available for the event.
7-Judge Format
- Turns: 5 judges independently evaluate the skier’s run based on criteria we’ll explore later. The highest and lowest scores are discarded, and the remaining three are summed.
- Jumps: 2 judges assess the jumps. Each jump is scored out of 3.75 points, totalling 7.5 points per jump judge. The average of both judges’ scores is calculated (rounded to two decimal places).
- Final Score: The jump average, the three turn judges’ scores, and speed points (calculated separately) are combined for the total score.
The 7-judge format is used in international events like the World Cup, World Championships, and Olympics.
5-Judge Format
- Turns: 3 judges evaluate the skier’s run.
- Jumps: 2 judges (same as above).
- Final Score: Calculated analogously to the 7-judge system.
Additionally, regardless of 5 or 7 judges, there’s a Chief Judge who coordinates the panel, checks for errors, and handles special procedures. Unless under exceptional circumstances, the Chief Judge does not score.
Turn Scoring Criteria
Turns are scored based on the technical execution of a skier’s movements between moguls, emphasising aggressive yet controlled technique. Nine criteria apply:
1. Fall Line: The shortest path from start to finish. Max points require maintaining the chosen line after the gate; deviations are penalised.
2. Mogul Usage: Bumps must facilitate turn initiation via ski control. At least one turn per mogul is required.
3. Efficiency: Minimal effort for maximum turning effect.
4. Absorption: Ski-snow contact should be maximised. Faster skiing demands greater absorption, visible in minimal upper-body movement. Poor absorption causes visible torso/head bobbing. Legs act as shock absorbers, anticipating bumps—a key and easily observed criterion.
5. Carving: Turns must initiate through carving. Effective edge control to manage speed at turn entry/exit is critical throughout the run.
6. Body Position: Head remains static, facing downhill. Shoulders perpendicular to the fall line. Arms held naturally forward. Legs stay close with proper hip/knee/ankle angulation.
7. Pole Planting: Poles aid rhythm and balance (hands forward). Double planting is only permitted for jump takeoffs/landings.
8. Control: Maintaining the skiing form described above.
9. Aggression: Skiing at personal limits without exceeding them.
Judges use scorecards to note faults and assign points (max 5.0 per turn judge).
Turn Judges’ Scorecard
The course has 9 control gates, dividing it into 10 sections (including start/finish). For each section skied out of control (e.g., falls) or without turning (straight-lining), 0.5 points (10% of total) are deducted.
Speed Scoring Criteria
Each competitor’s time—measured via photoelectric cell—from gate to finish determines speed points:
1. A reference time (pace set time) is calculated using a predefined average speed (m/s) and course length. This differs for men, women, and juniors. If unavailable, 4 top skiers from prior competitions (pace setters) are timed pre-event under judges’ supervision (excluding speed points). The highest-scoring pace setter’s time becomes the reference. Ties are resolved judge-by-judge; if unresolved, the fastest time is used.
2. Speed Points Calculation: The exact formula is complex (e.g., 5.625 ± 0.2 pts per 2.5% deviation from reference, capped at 7.5). A simplified "Grange Formula" is often used: Time Points = 13.625 - (8 × skier’s time / pace set time). (In practice, software linked to the photoelectric cell handles this automatically.)
3. Deductions (applied to turn scores) include: full stops (1.5 pts), tumbles without speed loss (0.8–1.0 pts), or minor touches (0.1–0.5 pts).
If a skier loses a ski before the finish, they may continue on one ski (scored accordingly). If unable to continue, they have 10 seconds to re-equip; failure results in scoring up to that point, a full-stop penalty, and no speed points. Other stoppages follow the same protocol, requiring immediate course exit.
Ties are broken by comparing each judge’s base score (turn score + 1/6 jump score + 1/3 speed score), rounded to two decimals. Skiers earn 1 pt per winning comparison, 0.5 for ties. Highest total wins; if still tied, both share the ranking.
