Technical Merit (10 Points)
Suggestions for use: Rate each component: 1(needs work), 2 (average), 3 (good, effective) Highlight questions to be addressed. (all
need not be answered – rather the questions are intended to stimulate the analysis and feedback process.)
COMMENTS
1. EXECUTION “Execution of strokes, figures and parts thereof; propulsion techniques, precision
of patterns…”…The execution to be evaluated according to the degree of accuracy and quality with
which the elements are performed. In other words, the judge must assess how well the elements
are executed.
STROKES/PROPULSION: are the strokes and propulsion techniques efficient? Are the strokes
well designed and extended? Are the mechanics correct? Do they show power and force on the
water? Are some techniques weaker or stronger? Does movement appear effortless?
FIGURES/HYBRIDS: is there stability and control on the attainment and the sustainment of
positions…with no loss (unintentionally) of height? Is there accuracy in the positions and
transitions? Are they easily identifiable? Is there consistent full body extension? Is there maximum
height wherever possible? Do the movements appear effortless?
PATTERNS: are the patterns precise with clear cut (not hazy) lines and spaces in patterns and
transitions? Do most of the patterns move fluidly into place?
OVERALL: Does the level of strength, endurance, flexibility and skill remain the same throughout
the routine? Is there a high level of development in all these facets? Is there total body extension
and maximum height? (wherever possible) Is the level of the swimmers (in duet and team) fairly
equal? Is there a fluid effortless quality rather than segmented?
2. SYNCHRONIZATION “One with the other and with the music”…Accurate synchronization
throughout a routine is the easiest component to judge and the most difficult to achieve.
TOGETHER OR NOT?: above and below the surface? At focal points and on fringe areas? Count
number of minor and major errors for comparison.
MIRROR IMAGERY DESIRABLE: must be not just together but alike in all movement and position.
DIFFICULTY “Difficulty of the strokes, figures and parts thereof: patterns,
synchronization,”…Consider the accurate completion of theme elements from a standpoint of
perfection and in relationship to the riskiness of the elements being performed.
3.
STROKES: is there a variety of difficult movement (basic and intricate)? Any double arm actions?
PROPULSIVE TECHNIQUES: is there a variety used (not just the same ones used over and over)?
FIGURES AND HYBRIDS: are there figures requiring maximum support with several airborne
movements and multi-body changes? Is there variety in the spin actions? Is there a good balance
of long and short figures?
PATTERNS AND TRANSITIONS: are there many straight lines and close knit patterns? Are they
easily identifiable (well done)? Are there some risky changes?
HEIGHT: is there maximum height where possible? Are all swimmers at the same height?
LIFTS/FLOATS: is the prep time used efficiently and effectively? How much risk is involved? Is it
well done from start to finish? Was it stationary or moving?
OVERALL: is there a variety and balance of difficult actions, or is the same type of difficulty
displayed throughout?
Retyped from MA Reeves Rev 1/88 SYNCHRO CANADA
ROUTINE ANALYSIS GUIDE AND EVALUATION FEEDBACK FORM; EXPANDED DEFINITIONS OF ROUTINES
Artistic Impression (10 Points)
Comments
1. CHOREOGRAPHY/CONSTRUCTION “Variety, creativity, pool coverage, patterns,
transitions”. A well constructed routine contains a balance of all of the elements, has a logical
progression and creates a total picture.
VARIETY: is there a variety of strokes, kicks, sculls, starts and finishes or are the same ones used?
Is there a variety of figures or body positions and transitions? Is the design easily recognized? Is
there use of both asymmetrical and symmetrical movements? Is there a variety of levels used?
CREATIVITY: is there creative, innovative and interesting combinations of movements? Patterns?
Is there originality and/or variety in the design (shapes and patterns) of the strokes, kicks, sculls,
starts, finished, transitions – and in the combinations of movements?
POOL COVERAGE: is there variety and creativity in the use of the pool? Are all areas covered or
swept? Is the pattern fluid and logical? Is it powerful? Consistent?
PATTERNS AND TRANSITIONS: is there variety in size and design and how they are changed?
TRANSITIONS: is there variety in connective movements? Do they link the elements fluidly?
BALANCE: is there a balance in the elements throughout the routine and spread out around the
pool?
2. MUSIC INTERPRETATION & USE OF MUSIC An interesting or unique combination of
movements that appropriately expresses an interpretation of the music used.
QUALITY: is it pleasing or abrasive? Not too loud? Are the joins ‘clean’? Do they make sense
musically?
APPROPRIATE: does the music suit the swimmer? Is it appropriate for their expressive potential?
VARIED: is the music and the use varied? Are there interesting changes in tempo, emotion to allow
for show of versatile skill?
AUDIENCE APPEAL: does the performance have appeal?
FEELING/EMOTION: is there a communication of feeling/emotion/atmosphere?
CREATIVE: is the performance interpretive, innovative?
HIGHLIGHTS: does the music provide for highlights? Are the highlights placed effectively in the
pool and the music?
INTERPRETIVE MOVEMENTS: do movements match the music or would any music do? Does the
style, design and speed of movement and the expression change with the music?
UNITY: is there a blending of the music and the movements? Do they come together?
POOL COVERAGE AND PATTERNS: interesting combinations and use of the pool? Do the
patterns or coverage match the mood of the music or style?
3. MANNER OF PRESENTATION Pleasing, commanding manner presentation that creates a
convincing performance.
CONFIDENCE: do swimmers portray confidence? Are they poised and self-assured?
SHOWMANSHIP: do you feel as if the routine is being swum for you? Is it spontaneous?
EMOTION: is the emotion appropriate to the music:
EXPRESSION: is the expression appropriate, convincing and real? Or is the smile ‘glued on’?
PROJECTION: does the swimmer project and share her feelings about the music?
FOCUS: is there focus and/or eye contact with each of the 3 areas of an audience? Are the focuses
balanced or directed mainly at the judges?
VARIATION OF INTERPRETATION: is there a portrayal of different dynamics, rhythms, etc. of the
music?
PHYSICAL PLACE.: are the highlights presented in the best viewpoints?
COMMAND: does the presentation command your attention? Is it convincing?
Retyped from MA Reeves Rev 1/88 SYNCHRO CANADA
ROUTINE ANALYSIS GUIDE AND EVALUATION FEEDBACK FORM; EXPANDED DEFINITIONS OF ROUTINES