The winter sports have their own specific competitions for each type of sport. In the case of ski we can find competitions such as aerials. Each competition consists of two different jumps that are performed on trampolines specially prepared for the occasion. The judges must observe and score the takeoff, the correct execution of the movements during the jump and the landing. Different jumps are those with different numbers of rotations, twists or in which the direction of rotation changes.
We can distinguish two types of jumps:
- Straight jumps: equivalent to those performed in the bump competition. A maximum of 5 figures can be made. The specific trampoline for this type of jump is called a "floater". They are very long jumps, but not as high as somersaults.
- Inverted jumps: the runner executes a maximum of 3 somersaults. The springboard in this case is called a "kicker" and has the property of propelling the runner upwards to provide the necessary height. There are different sizes depending on the number of flips and rotations to perform. We are going to focus on this type of jumps.
Kicker. The score is divided into 3 sections:
1. Air
It represents 20% of the score (minimum 0.0 / maximum 2.0). Take-off (10% of the total) and height and distance (another 10%) must be taken into account in this category. The takeoff refers to the way in which the jumper initiates the jump, extending the body just as he leaves the kicker. It is judged from the moment you enter the transition zone until the skis leave the springboard, it being important that the rotations do not begin until you have left it.
The height and distance is a product of the speed of entry into the jump and the strength of the takeoff. It must be evaluated according to the trajectory and landing point. The optimal landing point should be as far from the knoll as the jump is. Here we have some approximate measurements:
- Small jumps: about 4 meters.
- Medium jumps: about 6 meters.
- Big jumps: about 8 meters.
- Floater: about 10 meters.
A jumper can receive the maximum points as long as he lands before the transition zone before the exit (outrun).
2. Takeoff
Form. It represents 50% of the score (minimum 0.0 / maximum 5.0). The shape shows the position of the body, arms and legs in the air. It is the execution of the jump. It must be evaluated based on the precision of the execution (stretched body and economy of movements), balance, stability and coordination of the maneuver. It is judged from when the tails of the skis leave the kicker until the jumper touches the snow.
If the number of maneuvers is not completed, whether due to excess or defect, the competitor will not receive points (RNS = Receives No Score). The judges will divide the total score by the number of maneuvers, deducting points proportionally if any part of the jump is not performed. For example, if the jumper announces a Lay-Tuck (we will see later what this is) and executes a Lay-Lay, the maximum points he can receive in form will be 2.5 (50% of the total).
Breaks in form. The deduction will be applied depending on how bad the form is, during the entire jump or in some part of the maneuver(s). The following guide is used for discounts:
- Minor breaks: up to 25% of possible points.
- Medium breaks: up to 50% of possible points.
- Major breaks: up to 100% of possible points.
What criteria is followed to catalog breakages? Any variation of less than 45 degrees from the basic shape will be considered minor. If it is approximately 45 degrees it is considered medium and if it is clearly greater than 45 degrees it will be evaluated as severe. The deductions are cumulative. Multiple minor failures can lead to a major breakage.
3. Landing
It represents 30% of the score (minimum 0.0 / maximum 3.0). A correct landing includes a stable, balanced and controlled body position. The jumper must demonstrate precision with minimal interruption in contact with the snow. The absorption should be carried out mainly in the knees and the lower part of the body, only with a small inclination at the waist. Landing evaluation begins the moment the jumper touches the snow and continues until he has demonstrated sufficient control after landing.
It is divided into two parts:
- Landing: is the position of the body in relation to the slope, the ski-snow contact and absorption with the body. (maximum 2.0 points). A perfect landing is considered one in which that the body is extended and at 90 degrees to the slope, perfectly balanced, with the weight in the center of the skis and with the rotations completely stopped.
- Departure: after contact with the snow and until the outrun. The start will receive the maximum score (1.0 points) if it is controlled, without touching the snow with the body, weight on both skis and leaving the landing straight. At least 0.1 landing points must be received to be eligible for exit points.
The preparation for landing will influence the form section.
Jumps are classified in 3 main ways:
1. According to the direction of rotation at the exit of the kicker: forward-backward (front-back)2. According to the position of the body (2 possibilities):
- Ironed (layout): the body is fully extended. Legs straight and together.
- Tuck: legs bent at the hip and knee at an angle of at least 90 degrees. In forward somersaults it is usually greater.
3. With or without rotations (twists): they are turns with respect to the vertical axis of the body. They are always executed in layout position.
Lay
Depending on the difficulty of the jump, it will obtain a difficulty coefficient, which, applied to the execution points awarded by the judges, will give the jumper's final score. If the jumper loses one or both skis after takeoff and before landing, that is, during flight, he will be able to jump again (if he can). If it does not jump again the score will be RNS. The loss of any ski during or after landing must be evaluated by the judges according to the usual criteria.
