How do the judges decide who wins a breaking battle?
B · Beginner · Judging and penalties · 3 of 3By comparing the two breakers, round by round. Each judge moves six sliders towards the red or the blue side to show who was better in each area, and the device turns that into one vote for the round. A breaker wins the round with a majority of the votes. The panel always has an odd number of judges.
How it works
- Comparison, not marks: judges assess "by comparing their relative skills per Battle, Round by Round".
- The crossfader: a sliding scale between the two sides. The manual says it lets judges "avoid making binary decisions".
- Six faders: one for each judging domain, each with its own weight.
- During the set: the judge selects the side that is performing and may press shortcut buttons for things they see, such as a crash or a moment of spontaneity.
- After both sets: the judge sets the faders and presses submit. The evaluations go to a central computer, which works out the winner of the round.
- One vote each: "Each Judge has one vote per Round of a Battle."
- Winning the round: "an athlete or crew must win a majority of the votes of the Judges".
- How many judges: at least 9 from 9 countries at world and continental championships and Olympic qualifiers, at least 7 at the International Series and at least 5 at the Challenge Series.
- Independent: a judge must vote each round independently and must not be influenced by the audience or the MC.
- If the system fails: each judge shows a red or a blue flag after every round.
The glossary has the Trivium system, the crossfader, the votes and the judges' panel.
Tricky cases
Do the judges give points for each move?
No. They compare the two performances as a whole across six areas. The result of a round is a count of votes.
Can the crowd's reaction decide a round?
No. Judges must not be influenced by external factors, including comments by the audience or the MC.
Can a judge explain their vote to a breaker afterwards?
No. A judge must not justify their votes or discuss a performance with any competitor.
Is this the system used at the Olympic Games?
It depends on the edition. The manual read here recommends the Trivium system and allows others with approval. Later versions and the Games' own rules were not read.
Why the rule exists
Nothing in breaking is compulsory, so there is no list of moves to mark against. What can be judged is which of two dancers was better on the day, to this music, against this opponent. The system is built to record that comparison, and the odd number of judges means a round always has a winner.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| WDSF manual, version 4 | The Trivium system is "the recommended system" | BRRM 4 |
| Challenge and International Series | A "Three Fold" or similar system may be approved | BRRM 4 |
| Pre-selection and pre-qualifier | The panel may be split into two teams of five, with the head judge voting | BRRM 3.2.2; BRRM 5.1.1 |
| System failure | Flags in red and blue | BRRM 4.7; Appendix I |
From the rule book
World DanceSport Federation, Breaking Rules and Regulations Manual, version 4 (January 2023), sections 3.2.3, 3.4, 3.5.2, 4, 4.1, 4.3, 4.5, 4.5.3 and 4.7. Checked 14 October 2026. This version has been superseded; check the current manual. Official document: WDSF Breaking Rules and Regulations Manual (PDF).