Yogasana words · Intermediate

The words that make the commentary make sense. They build on the beginner words.

I · Intermediate · 26 words · Step 2 of 2

General terms

Code of Points (yogasana)

The rulebook that sets the events, the judging and the scoring of yogasana sports. The SGFI says its competition follows the latest Code of Points, which is on its website, with Chapter 5 giving the guidelines for each event.

Age groups (yogasana)

The Code of Points lists sub-junior (over 10 to 14), junior (over 14 to 18), senior (over 18 to 28), senior A (over 28 to 35), senior B (over 35 to 45) and senior C (over 45 to 55), men and women. Other documents also list masters and veterans, and the school games use under 14, under 17 and under 19.

Asanas and categories

Asana code

The label for an asana in the charts, made of the sub-category letters, a difficulty group letter and a number, such as BBS-D1 or HBF-E3. Athletes write the code and base value of each asana on their order of performance sheet.

Difficulty groups A to E

The levels of difficulty of optional asanas, from A (easiest) to E (hardest). In the sample sheets the base value is 0.8 for group A, 0.85 for B, 0.9 for C, 0.95 for D and 1.00 for E. Earlier rounds may use only groups A to C, and the final allows A to E.

Order of performance sheet

The sheet an athlete hands in before performing, listing the asanas in order with their codes and base values. An asana done that is not on it scores zero.

See also: Asana

Invalid asana

An asana that scores zero, for example one not on the order sheet, an optional that repeats a compulsory asana or category, a group not allowed in that round, a second asana from the same sub-category, or one held for less than the minimum time.

See also: Asana

Traditional yogasana

Holding time

The time an asana must be held. Compulsory asanas are held 60 seconds in the quarter-final, 45 in the semi-final and 30 in the final, and optional asanas 15 seconds.

See also: Asana

Transition time

The 60 seconds an athlete has to reach the next asana after relaxing, counted on a digital watch, with a buzzer at 60 and a buffer of 10 seconds. Not reaching the final pose by 70 seconds costs 0.25 marks, and the time judge raises a white flag.

See also: Asana

Sequence change penalty

Changing the order of asanas from the written sheet costs 2 marks the first time, 4 the second and 6 the third, and more than that is disqualification. The evaluator gives the penalty.

Category coverage penalty

Not covering a category (or sub-category in the artistic events) of asana costs 5 marks for one, 10 for two and 15 for three, and not covering more is disqualification.

See also: Asana

Traditional asana scoring

A D judge marks each asana out of 8: 6 for perfection of posture and 2 for stability, grace and presentation. The asana score is (those marks plus the time marks, up to 2 in the sample sheet) times the base value.

Artistic single and pair

Pyramidal formation

A formation in which one athlete's asana is on top of the other's, which is allowed in the artistic pair event. The top asana must be from the optional asana charts, and in a non-pyramidal (structural) formation both asanas must be. The pair is also given formation marks out of 10.

See also: Asana

Ten asanas, one from each sub-category

An artistic routine takes one asana from each of the ten sub-categories (the five categories times two). A second asana from the same sub-category is invalid, and one extra asana costs 5 marks and a second extra asana is disqualification.

See also: Asana

Acrobatic elements

The only acrobatic elements allowed in the artistic steps are front and back walkovers, cartwheel, and front and back rolls. Somersaults, air jumps and other elements are prohibited and cost 1.00 mark each.

Use of floor

The official floor is 8 m by 8 m, and the athlete should use the whole of it. Touching or crossing the boundary line is penalised (the A judge raises a red flag), but crossing in the air without touching the floor is not. Use of floor is worth 5 marks, with deductions of 0.25 for not using the whole area, up to 3.

Namaste greeting

The greeting gesture, joining both hands, that athletes give before starting and after ending a routine, and which marks the start and end of the timed performance.

Props

No props are allowed in the artistic events. Any use of props leads to disqualification.

Rhythmic pair

Synchronization

Performing the same asanas and transitions together and in time with the music. It is part of the 10-mark rhythm, synchronisation and artistic steps component, and each lapse costs marks in multiples of 0.25.

Judging and scoring

Minimum holding of an asana

Every asana must be held for at least 5 seconds, counted from when the athlete freezes in the final position. A shorter hold makes that asana invalid and scores zero, and a hold of at least 5 seconds earns 0.5 marks in the time score.

See also: Asana

Evaluator

The official who cross-checks the order of performance sheet and gives the penalties for changing the sequence, missing categories and extra asanas. The penalties are taken off the total.

Chief judge and flags

The chief judge raises a green flag to start a performance and a red flag when an athlete is disqualified. The A judges raise a red flag for each trespass of the boundary, and the time judge a white flag for a transition that goes over 70 seconds.

Music, costume and conduct

Theme and music

The routine must have a theme that matches the music, worth 1 mark. The music must be decent and of yogic character: meditational, instrumental, folk, devotional or patriotic music, or instrumentals of rock and pop, is allowed, but vulgar, item, rock or pop songs are not.

Music submission

Music is brought on a USB with only the track to be played, handed to the stage manager in advance with the athlete's name, chest number, district, state or country, and category. Wrong or repeatedly interrupted music can lead to the routine being stopped, and if the music stops for a technical reason the athlete may perform again without penalty.

Costume (yogasana)

A non-transparent, tight-fitting costume with a neckline closed around the neck, so that judges can see the positions. Long tights or one-piece dresses may be worn, with half sleeves or sleeveless, and decoration is allowed if it is safe. Hair must be neat and make-up must not hide the athlete's identity. In artistic events the costume is worth 1 mark.

Character and expression

How well the athlete conveys the character of the music through the artistic steps and transitions, with the whole body including the face, supple graceful movement and an exact response to the music. It is worth 3 marks, and deductions are in multiples of 0.25.

Rhythm and artistic steps

How closely body movement follows the musical accents and phrases, with continuous, connected artistic steps (classical, folk or traditional) and smooth transitions between asanas. It is worth 10 marks, with deductions of 0.25 for each missed rhythm or lack of flow.

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