Players: 10
or more; all levels
Where: Indoors
in any size riding area or outdoors
Equipment: Scoring sheets and pencils; two sets of
numbers 0 to 9 for each judge; stopwatch
Assistants: Judges,
two or more; announcer; timekeeper, scorekeeper
Object:
To perform a
skill or stunt in front of an audience and be judged for it.
Preparation:
Write the
numbers 0 to 9 on single sheets of paper, making two sets for each judge.
Play:
Set up a riding
area and have the judges seated where they can easily see the performances.
Have riders line
up to wait for their turn. Draw numbers, go by ability, or decide on another
method of lining them up.
The announcer
then calls the first rider and announces the rider’s name and ability level.
The rider has 10
seconds to go to the performing area, do any skill or trick, bow, and exit.
The judges
immediately rate the skill on a ten-point scale, holding up the appropriate
number cards, Olympic-style. For example, a good performance may receive a 6.8
rating. (See Judging Guidelines below.)
The timekeeper
makes sure the riders do not exceed the time limit. If they run out of time
before completing any skill, they disqualify for that round.
The scorekeeper
keeps track of the riders’ names and their scores.
If the rider
fails on the first attempt, he or she may keep trying until the time limit is
up. Marks should be lower if the rider needs more than one attempt to do the
skill.
Play continues
until all riders have a chance to participate at least once. Pairs skills could
also be included.
This game is
intended to be a mixture of fun and practice. It gives players a chance to
perform in front of a group for a very short time, but no one should take the
scoring too seriously.
Depending on the
number of players, the game could continue with only those riders who score 6.0
or higher entering the next round.
Have the judges
decide and announce in advance what guidelines they will follow. For example, they may require skills to be
done in Standard Skill form, with arms extended. They may award more points for
riders who have better form, smile, or add some personality or originality to
their short performance.
Or they may
decide to judge on skill alone.
Judges should
adjust their scoring according to the ability level of each rider. So, a beginning rider who does a perfect
side mount would get a higher score than an intermediate rider who does the
same thing.
Variations:
With a large
number of players, break into teams with all levels of riders on each team and
let each rider perform a skill, one after another, until that team is done. The
team is then given an overall score.
Comments:
This game could
be played at a regional event. It is
intended to give newer riders some experience in performing by doing just one
skill or trick and moving on quickly to the next rider. It will also help larger groups get to know
each other, since each rider is called out by name.
While the element
of judging is there to give riders some experience with that and to help them
get some idea of how they are doing, it’s important to keep it light.
Contact:
Carol McLean, unicyclecentral@hotmail.com