Competitors will be judged on  execution of skills, flexibility moves, strength moves, dynamism/power moves, transitions, variety of movements, performance quality, balance of program, and uniqueness. These categories are explained in detail below:

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Execution of skills (25 points) - Execution of skills will be judged on correct body position within skills as well as engaged, straight legs and pointed feet. Movements should be performed with precision without unnecessary adjustments or wobbling. Angles of tricks are thoughtfully presented on static pole. On spin pole, the pole should spin throughout the entire pass.

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Flexibility moves (10 points) - To receive high marks, competitors should demonstrate both leg and back flexibility as appropriate for their level. Demonstrations of flexibility include pole and floor based tricks that feature splits, straddles, or back bends. You will be judged on both the difficulty of individual tricks as well as having these tricks appropriately placed throughout your routine.

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Strength moves (10 points) - To receive high marks, competitors should incorporate tricks and transitions that demonstrate their strength throughout their routine. You will be judged on both the difficulty of individual tricks as well as having these tricks appropriately placed throughout your routine.

For the novice competitor, a strength move could be a climb or a shooting star. For amateur competitors, strength moves include inverts and shoulder mounts. For the semi-pro or professional competitor, a strength move could be a deadlift or an iron-X.

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Dynamic/power moves (10 points) - This category includes any tricks that require power or momentum to move your body to, from, or around the pole. You will be judged on both the difficulty of individual tricks as well as having these tricks appropriately placed throughout your routine.

Examples of dynamic/power moves at the novice level include chair spins on static and cast aways. At the amateur levels power moves include reverse grab spins and cast away climbs. Flips are allowed at the amateur 3 level.  At the semi-pro/pro level dynamic/power moves include flips, phoenixes, fonjis.

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Transitions (10 points) - Transitions include your pole mounts, pole dismounts, transitions between pole tricks, and transitions between floor based tricks. This score includes difficulty of transitions, ease with which transitions are performed, and the uniqueness of transitions.

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Variety of movements (10 points) - High scoring routines should include a variety of tricks and transitions on the pole and pole mounts/dismounts. Repeating tricks or transitions will result in lower scores.

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Performance quality/Artistry (10 points) - High scoring routines will present a cohesive package from music to costume to choreography. The competitors’ emotions should match the tone of the song and choreography. The competitor should appear as though they are putting on a performance rather than just running through their choreography. The competitor should bow at the end of their performance.

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Balance of program (10 points) - High scoring routines will be well balanced between spin pole, static pole, and floor work. There should also be balance between demonstrations of flexibility, strength, and power. Favoring one pole or one type of movement will result in lower scores. Failing to use the entire height of the pole will result in lower scores.

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Uniqueness (5 points) - The routine includes interesting tricks and transitions and/or has a creative concept