ECM 2025 Rules and Regulations
Rules for all divisions
Introduction
1. Style Guide
2. Technical Evaluation (TE) Score Guide
3. Performance Evaluation (PE) Score Guide
4. Major Deductions Guide
5. Performance and Conduct Guide
6. Sport Ladder Rules and Trick List
Introduction
By and large, the rules for ECM are based on the NYYL’s rule set, with three major changes:
- There will be NO minor technical deductions for loss of control/missed elements, so take the risk!
- The weighting of Technical Execution (TE) and Performance Evaluation (PE) scores for finals will change from : TE 60% PE 40% —> TE 70% PE 30%
- All divisions will use the same scoring distribution.
- The division style requirements for Dual-X, Aerial-X and 1A have been fully detailed in the Style Guide below, so please read carefully!
1. Style Guide
1A Division Specific Rules
Amateur 1A, Prelims, and the Pro 1A Finals will use the same scoring criteria.
All contestants shall use 1 yo-yo with 1 string attached to the yo-yo. All elements that follow these rules are legal. These elements include but are not limited to:
-All conventional 1A yo-yo tricks
-Taking the string loop off the finger, performing elements with or without the string loop (Moebius, Slippery Eel)
-Modern Fixed Axle or Modern Responsive (0A)
Dual-X Division Specific Rules
All styles for this division must consist of either multiple yo-yos with strings attached to their respective axles (2A / 3A / Hydra / A Squared), or a single yo-yo with multiple strings attached to its respective axle (Dragon Styles). This may include:
-Multiple yo-yos with multiple strings attached in no particular order (two strings attached to one yo-yo and one string connected to another pair).
-The yo-yo(s) may also have their strings connected to each other in any order or configuration.
Valid styles for Dual-X include:
-2A
-3A
-Hydra / A Squared (two yo-yos connected to one long string or two conjoined strings)
-Double Dragon (one yo-yo with two strings connected to each hand)
-Tethered Dragon (one yo-yo with two strings connected to only one hand)
-Tethered 3A (A pair of 3A yo-yos with two strings connected to each yo-yo)
Aerial-X Division Specific Rules
All styles for this division must either have a yo-yo that is not connected to the string (4A) or a yo-yo connected to (5A) or disconnected from (9A) a string with any number of physical counter weights attached such that the string is disconnected from the hand(s). The counter weight(s) cannot disconnect from the string, however, counter weight(s) are permitted to slide up and down the string (Astro). It is acceptable to perform elements with multiple yo-yos so long as they fit these requirements.
Valid styles for Aerial-X include:
-4A
-5A
-Astro
-Soloham
-8A (3A with freehand yo-yos)
-9A (4A yo-yo with counterweight)
-Rei Dragon (Double Dragon with counterweights)
-Go West / Sumo / Big Loop (Moebius)
Please refer to the trick element scoring criteria below for valid element descriptions
2. Technical Execution (TE) Score (70%)
The TE judges will score only success, difficulty, risk, and variation of each trick performed.
Originality, amplitude, long-sleep, continuity, uniqueness, style and choreography are NOT subject to be scored here.
Positive Points
When the contestant performs advanced level trick elements, points will be given for each element.
All points are given per trick element.
Tricks such as Gerbil and Rancid Milk are seen as a group of trick elements, not as a single trick as each trick element is scored individually.
Generally, the same trick elements performed in a freestyle will not be scored the second time. However, high risk repeating tricks such as a laceration combo, or same trick elements in a different trick combo can be scored the second time with some reduction of base points given for the trick element.
Dancing, miming, juggling, isolating, acrobatic moves, spintop skills with the yo-yo, or doing any of the above while performing basic trick elements are not subject to be awarded any extra points coming from those non-yo-yo skill sets as Technical Execution.
Here are some examples of trick elements for the main styles of play.
1A Style Elements:
- Mount (Trapeze)
- Hop (Eli Hop)
- Laceration (Hook)
- Release Catch (Suicide Catch)
- Whip Catch (Iron Whip, Slack Trapeze)
- Moebius, Slippery Eel tricks
- Picture tricks in which the yo-yo interacts with the string (Iwasawa Tower Laceration)
- All other appropriate moves for 1A Division that come with a certain difficulty.
Not subject to be awarded any point(s)
- Looping
- Swing/Pinwheel in which the yo-yo does not interact with the string
- Any string maneuver which does not interact with the yo-yo or yo-yo transitions
2A Style Elements (Dual-X Division):
- Looping (Loop, Hop)
- Moon (Shoot the Moon, Planet Hop)
- Wrap (Loop Wrap, Sleep Wrap)
- Tangler
- Around the World
- All other appropriate moves for 2A Division that come with a certain difficulty.
Not subject to be awarded any point(s)
- One hand looping
- Any string tricks or picture tricks in which the yo-yo does not interact with the string.
3A Style Elements (Dual-X Division):
- Rolls (Velvet Rolls)
- Kink Mount Elements
- Trapeze (2-Hand Trapeze)
- Assisted Tricks
- KoroKoro
- All other appropriate moves for 3A Division that come with a certain difficulty.
Not subject to be awarded any point(s)
- Any string tricks or picture tricks in which the yo-yo does not interact with the string
- Any move in which one yo-yo keep staying in the same state (like sleeper or in a trapeze) while the other keeps moving
4A Style Elements (Aerial-X Division):
- Whip (Over Whip, Open Whip)
- Recapture
- Boingy Boingy
- Toss
- Orbit (Around the Arm, Orbit the Leg)
- All other appropriate moves for 4A Division that come with a certain difficulty.
Not subject to be awarded any point(s)
- Any string tricks or picture tricks in which the yo-yo does not interact with the string
- Any trick in which the yo-yo does not leave the string(s) (Simple Railing, Somersault, 1A moves)
- Looping
- A move by itself in which the yo-yo does not interact with the string(s)
5A Style Elements (Aerial-X Division):
- Direction Change (Shoulder Pop)
- 360
- Propeller
- Bee-sting
- Aerial (Meltdown Jump)
- All other appropriate moves for 5A Division that come with a certain difficulty.
Not subject to be awarded any point(s)
- Any string tricks or picture tricks in which the yo-yo does not interact with the string
- Any moves while holding the weight in hand
- Looping
- Any yo-yo that moves while the weight stays in the same state like simply hanging, swinging, or circling
- Any weight moves while the yo-yo stays in the same state like simply sleeping, hanging, swinging, or circling
- Any moves in which the yo-yo and weight move individually without interacting with each other at all
Additionally, there will be a special prize awarded to any 1A Division Finalist who successfully completes a routine consisting of a single throw and all regenerations. This challenge would involve throwing the yo-yo once at the start of the routine, and flawlessly performing regens between each trick without catching the yo-yo until the conclusion of the routine. In the event that more than one 1A Finalist completes this feat, the award goes to the highest final score.
Negative points
There shall be NO minor deductions for loss of control or missed tricks.
Major deductions and overall trick execution will still be scored in Performance Evaluation as detailed below.
3. Performance Evaluation Score (PE)
(30%)
There are 8 sub categories in PE that will be graded, they are as follows
- Execution (EXE)
(Success Rate of Tricks, Success, Less mistakes, Completion)
How few are the mistakes?
Is the routine performed as planned?
# It is not about the mastery or perfection of each trick. It is about the completion of all tricks. If the entire routine went well without any mistakes, it will have a full score. Even if the tricks are smooth and well-practiced, if the player has many mistakes, it will be low. Also it does not require any difficulty or risk to be seen as a full score. It is evaluated as perceived by the judges.
- Control (CTL)
(Control of Yo-Yo/String, Line of String, Trajectory of Yo-Yo, Smooth landings and flowing transitions)
Are the tricks executed in a clean, fluid and controlled manner?
Do the transitions into and between trick elements demonstrate mastery and control of the yo-yo style?
Does the yo-yo land and exit the string cleanly?
Is each trick well-practiced to the level of mastery?
Were tricks maneuvered smoothly?
Were the tricks refined well to be presented?
# It is not about how smooth the routine is, nor the number of mistakes. It is simply how good the control of yo-yo and string is.
- Trick Diversity (TDV)
Trick choice, trick mix, trick order and trick presentation
Does the routine show a well-balanced mix of trick styles?
Does the freestyle have a good level of variation/diversity of tricks presented?
Did the contestant show many styles and aspects of the division’s style?
Did the contestant make good choices for trick order to show the tricks effectively?
Was each trick style mastered at a high level of skill?
Was the freestyle not filled with the same or same-looking tricks the whole time?
4．Space Use & Space Emphasis (SEM)
Amplitude/Focus, Size of Yo-Yo Moves, Stage Use:
(Size of expression, moves, performance, Effective use of stage and space, and/or focusing on/into a subject effectively)
Does the contestant use the stage and space effectively?
Is the trick performed big and easy-to-see?
Were the small moves or subtle actions focused to gather the audience’s attention?
- Music Use 1: Choreography (MU1)
Music Use concentrating on hitting sounds, beats, tempo, rhythm, cues, etc.
Are there any cues or points that show a clear sense of choreography?
Are the trick and body moves matched with the music?
Are the tempo of tricks/combos and music rhythm/beat matched?
- Music Use 2: Construction (MU2)
Music Use concentrating on phases/stages, mood, imagery/atmosphere, tone, routine, theme, construction, etc.
Does the music seem to fit the freestyle theme?
Are body moves and trick choice matched with the music?
Did the freestyle have scene changes, peak control, or climax?
7．Body Control (BDY)
Stage Manners, Posture, Stage Professionalism, Attitude:
(stage presence/composure, Moves of body)
Does the player demonstrate a mature professional presence before, during and after the freestyle?
Does the player demonstrate total control of all aspects of the performance?
Is the contestant aware that he/she is on stage and being seen?
Are body moves well refined?
Does the contestant appear to be confident/professional?
Was the show appropriate to be seen by a general audience?
# Sticking tongue out, tilting head when making a mistake, or making a bitter face in hard time, and ignoring the audience unintentionally are all considered to be bad examples for this category.
8．Showmanship (SHW)
Theme/Story, Enjoyment, Entertainment, Overall Impression of Show:
Was the performance staged and constructed in a manner to add to the interest level of the freestyle?
How entertaining was the freestyle presentation?
Does the freestyle have a story or theme?
Is there any effective usage of an outfit?
Is it a performance to attract and entertain the audience?
# Interesting or Entertainment Value that comes from pure amazing yo-yo skill will not be counted here. Added work toward making the freestyle interesting (Showmanship) on top of the yo-yo tricks and skills is required here.
4. Major Deductions (MD)
These deductions will be subtracted after all the scores above are summed.
Yo-Yo stop (restart), Yo-Yo discard (change), Yo-Yo detach (string cut) and dangerous play will be subject to this deduction.
Yo-Yo Stop (Restart) – Minus 1
Any stop of yo-yo spin with string fully unwound will be subject. Even if the yo-yo does not stop completely, if you need to help the yo-yo to regain its spin with your hand or string, it will be considered as a yo-yo stop. However, the contestant can hand-wind yo-yo with half-wound string or add more spin to the yo-yo spinning fast enough to be able to wind by itself without this deduction. Any intentional or planned yo-yo stop will be seen as a yo-yo stop with the deduction. After the yo-yo stops and the contestant adds the spin to the yo-yo then fails to wind and it stops again, it will be counted as another yo-yo stop to be deducted.
Yo-Yo Discard (Change) – Minus 3
Any yo-yo discard will be subject. Leap of 4A and 5A yo-yos, or any yo-yo change or stop using the yo-yo will be counted. Even if the contestant comes back to the yo-yo to reuse it, if the contestant uses another yo-yo once, the yo-yo discarded will be counted. Any intentional or planned yo-yo change will be counted as a yo-yo discard. However, if the discard happens after the yo-yo stops in one instance, only the discard will be counted and not a yo-yo stop. However, if the contestant tries to restart before the yo-yo change, both a stop and a discard will be counted. If you want to show both tricks with 1 and 2 yo-yos in 4A or 5A without any deductions, you need to show 1 yo-yo tricks first, then add another yo-yo to show 2 yo-yo tricks.
When the Performance Ends
If the contestant cannot make the yo-yo come back to the hand fully wound and ready to throw, both a stop and a discard will be counted as a discard (minus 3). The string can have knots or be jammed, yet it needs to be fully wound to avoid the deduction.
The contestant is expected to complete the routine before the music ends. If the music ends while tricks are still being performed, the contestant should stop the trick and wind the yo-yo. (However, the moves required to get out from the shape to wind will be allowed if the yo-yo is still spinning.)
After the music stops, if the contestant fails to wind the yo-yo due to a yo-yo stop, it will be counted as a discard. Also at the moment the music stops, if the yo-yo is not spinning and requires a restart it will be counted as a discard.
If the contestant does not have a yo-yo in their hand ready to throw, for example: a yo-yo is in their pocket, on the floor, in the hat, or string detached from the finger like after Rocket, all will be seen as a discard. The deduction will not be counted twice if the player does not have a yo-yo after having a discard.
All Performance End Deductions will be the same, even if the contestant decides to end their routine before the music ends.
Yo-Yo Detach (String Cut) – Minus 5
Any dangerous play or any play that can cause any damage needs to be avoided at all cost. Therefore, judges will be very strict to those actions even if it is unintentional.
5. Performance and Conduct Guide
In the final round of this yoyo contest a contestant will perform a 2 minute freestyle routine to music of their own choosing.
The freestyle time begins to run at the moment the music starts. The music will be stopped between 2:00 and 2:01, regardless of whether the beginning of the song is silent. If the song is shorter than 2 minutes, the music will stop at the end of the track.
In the case of a music issue such as an audio equipment malfunction occurring mid-freestyle, the contestant may choose to continue the freestyle for the rest of the 2 minutes. The contestant may also choose to stop and restart the routine after the issue has been fixed. If the contestant decides to stop the freestyle routine due to a music issue, with taking the audio equipment and file condition into consideration, the contestant can discuss with the head judge and make a decision from the following.
- Restart evaluation from where the music has stopped (If Group A judges have not reset the clickers)
- Restart evaluation from the beginning (Can be restarted immediately or can be performed at the end of that division)
- Take the evaluation up to the point where the music has stopped as the contestant’s final score, without restarting the evaluation.
A contestant is not permitted to play yo-yo on the stage before the music starts. Also, they cannot start their freestyle with a mount or sleep before the music starts. (After the MC calls your name, please wait before throwing your yo-yo(s) until you hear your music playing.) The performance must start with the yo-yo fully wound in the contestant’s hand. We request that contestants refrain from yo-yoing of any kind during the standby time between getting on stage and when the performance begins. In addition, adjusting standby yo-yos is not permitted, and should be taken care of before the contestant gets on stage. Once you step onto the stage, you are not allowed to leave the stage until you are done with your performance. (Please bring all of your yo-yos ready onto the stage at once with the tray provided.)
If judges see the contestant throwing yo-yo(s) on the stage before the music starts, judges may give some deductions with negative clicker and/or Body Control in evaluation as a penalty.
When the 2 minute performance is finished, the contestant must immediately stop playing. At the end of the freestyle, if the contestant is unable to rewind the yo-yo(s) back to their hand(s), they will receive a deduction. This and other negative points will still be counted until the contestant stops the yo-yo, or otherwise leaves the stage. Actions by the contestant that give the impression of the end of the performance (bowing, etc.) will be considered to indicate that the freestyle is over. In the case that the contestant resumes play after that action, deductions will be applied.
In the case of the music being stopped or ending before the planned music duration, the contestant must immediately notify the contest staff or the judge. Restarting the evaluation cannot be requested after the results have been announced. On the other hand, if the music continues to play after three minutes, and the contestant continues to perform more than three minutes, the contestant may be subject to disqualification. The contestant is responsible for understanding the duration of their music, and ending the performance within two minutes.
Note (Requests to Contestants)
If the volume is too low when the music starts, the track starts at the wrong place, the sound is unreasonably distorted, or the wrong music is played, the contestant must immediately stop the performance and notify the on-stage staff or judges. You can restart your performance after the music is fixed or adjusted. However, if the player is clearly and solely responsible for the above problems (ex. submitting the wrong music, or a bad recording), or he/she intentionally abuses this rule, the player may have a 5-point major deduction from the beginning. In the absolute worst case scenario, the contestant may be disqualified.
If there are any actions by the contestant (ex. bowing, appearing to leave the stage, appearing to stop the performance) or indications in the music (ex. the track appearing to end, or an extended period of silence) within the two minutes which may give the impression of the performance ending, the judge or the contest staff may determine that the performance has ended. If such actions or music characteristics exist in the contestant’s performance, we request that the contestant speak with the contest MC, music staff, and judges on the day of the contest, before the performance. This information will be shared with the necessary contest staff to avoid any confusion.
Music Choice
Please upload your music to the dropbox link on eastcoastmasters.com with your name and division.
Contestant Code of Conduct
All contestants must conduct their freestyle with the safety of the audience, the venue, the equipment, and themselves in mind. Contestants performing in an unsafe manner may be disqualified at the discretion of the judges.
The head judge also reserves the right to immediately disqualify a contestant who behaves or speaks in an inappropriate manner on stage. This includes uttering obscenities, wearing inappropriate or obscene clothing, and any acts of public indecency.
In the case that a contestant is unsure whether their planned actions on stage are appropriate, they should consult a judge beforehand to avoid disqualification.
For the sake of safety and fairness, contestants are not allowed to leave the stage during their freestyle. If a contestant leaves the stage, that moment will be considered the end of the performance. This includes leaving the stage to pick up a yo-yo that has fallen from the stage.
Due to the potential hazard of falling off the stage, sitting or standing over the edge of the stage is also prohibited and subject to disqualification.
During a freestyle, only the contestant is allowed on stage. Assistants to the contestant are also prohibited during the performance. Any yo-yo that falls from the stage during a performance will be considered out of play and may not be used for the duration of the performance.
Disturbing contestants (through shouting, taunting, or other inappropriate actions) before, during, or after their freestyle is strictly prohibited, and may result in the disturber’s disqualification or barring from entering future contests thrown by the Pittsburgh Yo-yo Association.
Performing Area on the Stage
On the stage, the organizer may mark a box (6 meters wide x 4 meters depth) on the stage with taping or another material. If the stage is smaller than that, it will not be the case.
The purpose of the box is to prevent the contestant from being outside of the lighting area, out of the judges’ sight, or outside of the safe area. Therefore, contestants must try to stay in the box while performing. If the contestant is outside of the box, there is no deduction or penalty for that. However, we cannot guarantee points will not be lost due to being out of view of the judges.
Yo-Yo Rules
There are no special restrictions on the maker, type, parts or modifications used for the freestyle yo-yo.
Safety is still a prime concern, so any modifications that compromise the safety of the contestant, venue, or audience may result in disqualification.
Strings used must be string for the exclusive use of yo-yoing. In the case of styles that require special string, (Go West, Long String, Transparent String, etc.), it may be used only with the prior consultation, safety confirmation, and permission from judges
A contestant may only use the yo-yos they personally bring with them on stage. During their freestyle, a contestant may not receive or use yo-yos from audience members. In divisions including (but not limited to) 4A and 5A, if a yo-yo falls off the stage, it may no longer be used. Even if a yo-yo is returned to the stage by an audience member with good intent it may not be used. In the case that a contestant uses that yo-yo, positive points will not be scored during its use.
Contestants are required to use their yo-yo(s) as a yo-yo.
In the case that a contestant performs in a style that is not subject to their division, that part of the performance will not be scored (however, negative points may still be applied). For example, if off string elements are used in any other division than Aerial-X, they will not receive points.
Non Yo-Yo Items
The contestant is only allowed to bring yo-yos, strings, counter-weights, gloves (or equivalent items), a backup music CD for competition, and a tray provided by contest officials onto the stage. Maintenance tools, performance props, and any other items are strictly prohibited. This includes (but is not limited to) items such as bags, cases, cloth, jackets, extra clothing (other than what the contestant is already wearing), and tables. Contestants bringing prohibited items to the stage are subject to disqualification. However, for the purpose of protecting valuables (such as a bag, wallet, cellular phone, etc.), a contestant may leave their belongings at the side of the stage, but is prohibited from interacting with them.
Final Score
Final Championship Freestyle Score = sum of points for
Technical Execution (70.00-points maximum) plus
Freestyle Evaluation (30.00-points maximum)
Minus Major deductions.
Technical Execution will be normalized (to eliminate the unevenness among judges and let them have the same portion to contribute to the score). All other scores will not be normalized.
In The Case Of A Tie:
In the extremely unlikely event of a tie for first place, the two tying contestants will have a longest sleeper battle (to extinction) using the yo-yo they competed with. The longest sleeping yo-yo will determine the winner. The contestants are permitted to change their strings if desired, but otherwise they must use the same yo-yo that was used to perform.
6. Sport Ladder Rules/Tricklist
Sport Ladder Rules
- The sport ladder division will be working off a two strike system for missed tricks. When you miss one trick, you will have one strike. Two misses and your out.
- Yo-yo switching is allowed in between tricks.
- Registration for sport ladder will be the day of the contest.
Sport Ladder Trick List
- – Sleeper (5 seconds)
- – World Tour Sideways around the world)
- – Eiffel Tower
- – Rock the Baby (5 full rocks)
- – Elevator (Up and down the string)
- – Brain Twister (1 Somersault)
- – Trapeze
- – Split the Atom(3 somersaults)
- – Double or Nothing
- – Mach 5 (3 full rotations)
- – Cold Fusion
- – Pop ‘n’ Fresh (2 reps)
- – Skin The Gerbil
- – Plastic Whip
- – Eli Hop (3 rep)
- – Boingy Boing (5 rep)
- – Gyroscopic Flop (Half flop)
- – Kwijibo
- – Hidemasa Hook
- – Suicide Catch (2 reps)
- – Iron Whip (2 reps)
- – Kamikaze
- – Spirit Bomb
- – Throwhand Grind
- – Black Hops
East Coast Masters 