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These events are the entry level to competition. The Pre-Event specific set routines provide simplicity, proper progression and promote proper baton and body technique -- athletes, coaches and judges. Athlete’s evaluations are based on a standard national CBTF grading system.
It is strongly recommended that athletes remain in the Pre-Events for at least one year to build skill, correct baton and body technique, gain confidence and improve performance skills. Of course, athletes may stay in Pre-Events longer if the coach feels that it is necessary. It is also the opinion of some coaches to use Pre-Events at a competition as a warm-up for the day.
As well, it is also suggested that if Level C and BN athletes do not understand or are struggling with timing, time orientation, “in step”, “to the music”, and “with the music” in Medley and Solo Dance, they may continue in Pre-Events Basic, Pre-Medley and Pre-Solo Dance to advance these skills.
Judges are being asked to provide constructive feedback that can assist in the development of our "new to the sport" athletes. However, the feedback received to-date is that
a) the score sheets are too technical for Pre-Competitive athletes to understand, and
b) competition directors are "pushing' the pre events through leaving little or no time for judges to provide meaning comments.
A request/reminder has been sent out to all Provincial Technical Reps and Provincial Chairpersons reminding them of the need to allow sufficient time for the grading of the Pre-Competitive events.
To address the first concern by judges, however, the score sheets for all Pre-Events have all been updated for clarity and simplicity. In addition to changes in the reading level of the score sheets, a summary of other changes is provided below.
1. First, because a rating of "D" cannot be considered to be "Satisfactory" it was determined (by vote) that this word should be changed to be consistent with performance. Thus, the evaluations have changed to:
Some may argue that this is too harsh, but the term "needs improvement" is consistent with the terminology used in many elementary school systems and as such, will be familiar to most athletes and their families.
2. In the Performance skill caption for all Pre-Event score sheets, please note the addition of appearance, grooming, footwear and the baton. It is important for athletes, parents, coaches and judges to ensure immaculate grooming, appropriate costuming to age that is free of holes and tears; clean tights or socks free of holes and runs, clean footwear, and clean batons. At this stage in their training, it is important for the athlete to realize that appearance is integral and necessary for competitions, performances, parades, shows, etc. As well, in this caption, at this entry level, introduction to performing; competing and “enjoying” is necessary as these factors contribute to confidence, audience appeal, finesse and clarity.
3. Judges will continue to use check marks/ticks to show exceeds expectations and circles for needs improvement. Note that it was clarified at the 2010 Fall Technical Meeting, that a rating of "B" is the "expectation" for this level of athlete. Thus, check marks and circles should be used in a manner consistent with this philosophy. For further information/background on this, please refer to the 2010 Fall Technical Meeting minutes.
4. In all Pre-Events, standardized routines are mandatory. Intentional variations should not be rewarded. In the General Mechanics caption, a general evaluation has been added. We anticipate that, by 2012, an actual rating will be provided. Range descriptions are being prepared for the General Mechanics caption and will be presented at the 2012 Fall Technical Meeting.
In the General Mechanics caption, judges are asked to consider intentional versus unintentional deviations from the written routine. Unintentional variations would include things such as the athlete was too slow to finish the entire pre-solo with the music, or forgot the dual pattern section of the pre-two baton. Intentional variations would include things such as changing the straight jump in pre medley to a split leap. For this reason, it is essential for this season that all Module 1 judges are completely familiar with the written content of all of the pre-event routines.
Most importantly, judges are asked to consider what the primary focus of each event is when deciding upon the athlete's overall rating. As a refresher, the pre-event focuses are provided below.