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Submitted by: Deardra Leslie and Ron Kopas
As we begin the 2011 competition season, it is always good for coaches and judges to review, update and refresh in all of the events. For the Medley event, it is important that everyone is knowledgeable and completely understands the concept and all changes to the scoresheet. The following MEDLEY event information is for you to peruse, adapt and ask questions if need be.
First, a little HISTORY from Ron and Deardra (who were on the original Medley committee with original notes):
Primary Focus:
Secondary Focus:
SECTION 1 – Baton movements are not required and are not evaluated. Baton movement is very restricted. A variety of ambidexterity, planes, patterns and levels are permitted especially for transitional material but not necessary and not adjudicated. Illegal baton movements are not permitted in this section, and are not in concept.
Legal Baton Movements | Illegal Baton Movements |
Holding baton | Aerials |
Pass | Rolls |
Swing | Finger Twirls |
Loop | Deadstick pulls, drops, obliques |
Whip | Thumb Flips |
Flourish | Slides where hand leaves baton |
Figure 8 | |
Circle | Traps on any part of the body |
SECTION 2 – Basic baton handling is allowed. Maximum of one revolution is permitted, when out of grip. At no time may the baton leave the hand more than 360 degrees. Variety and intricacy of baton movement, blended with body movement to the music, will be assessed. Baton movement should be obvious in its intent appearing tight, close to the body, fluid, effortless and creative. Ambidexterity, planes, patterns, levels, agility, risk, and control will be evaluated. All baton movement chosen should be complimented by correct technique of body work that is a continuation of section 1, displaying innovativeness and time oriented. Baton material that violates these rules will not be considered.
Legal Baton Movements | Illegal Baton Movements |
Passes | Aerials and Flips (more than 1 revolution |
Swings, Loops, Circles | Stationary Complex (more than 1 revolution) |
Whips, Figure 8's, Flourishes | Travel Complex (more than 1 revolution) |
Deadsticks - with or without spins | Multiple spins with aerial |
Slides where baton leaves hand | Traps on any part of the body |
Pullbacks - with or without spins | Single and combination pops (more than 1 revolution) |
Lofts with deadsticks/pullbacks - with or without spins | Continuous pops (more than 1 revolution) |
Elbow, 2-elbows, Elbow-Wrist extension (1 revolution) | Continuous rolls (elbows, back necks, etc) |
Long Arm Roll with 1 revolution | Long Arm Roll with more than 1 revolution |
Lift off body part with 1 revolution | Long Arm Roll with backhand catch |
Rolls with 1 revolution | Rolls with more than 1 revolution |
Finger Twirls with 1 revolution (1 finger only) | Continuous Finger Twirls |
SECTION 3 – This is an extension of Section 2 with no restrictions to baton. All baton movement MUST be blended with correct body technique to the music, logically. Correct baton technique will be adjudicated. Physical, mental and simultaneous demands, complexity, visual harmony, variety, difficulty, intricacy, clarity, and fluidity are all equally important for this event. Keep in mind that the more demanding the trick, opens the athlete to risk, which results in potential for error. This section should appear effortless. Quality vs. Quantity will be assessed in the final score.
Legal Baton Movements | Baton Movements Not Recommended |
Aerials, Rolls, Contact | Aerials with gymnastics - over-used |
Stationary Complex | Aerials with only multiple spins - over-used |
Travel Complex | Entire roll section |
Deadsticks and Pullbacks | Entire Finger Twirl section |
Holding baton while dancing | |
Full circle of rolling baton on floor | |
Holding baton stationary for more than 4 counts |
Special pointers for coaches and judges for this season are:
The Medley scoresheet has been updated and is on the website on the CBTF Competition Score Sheet CD [1] page in the Individual Events [2] section. It has been specifically revised to assist both judges and coaches in achieving the correct concept. Again, please review and if you should have any questions, please direct them to your Provincial and National Coaches and Judges Representatives.
A DVD on body movements will be worked on this season at competitions. This DVD will be used for coaching and judging courses but, it will also be available for purchase.
Work is underway on the MEDLEY event changes necessary for our coaching and judging manuals.
And finally, enjoy creating and adjudicating this event that is unique to our Canadian Baton Twirling athletes! Let’s encourage correctness of body technique and baton technique with CREATIVITY!