The basic rules of Judging - page 2

Line lengths and corner radii should generally be 'balanced' in size throughout a figure, with the exception of figures from families 1 & 8, where part loop radii may be different within a figure. However, although the top radius in the example on the previous page may be smaller than the bottom radius, it should still be flown with a constant radius and not at asharp angle.It is important that each figure starts and ends in straight and level flight (either erect or inverted). In the absence of a distinct line, 1 point should be deducted from both the first and the second figures.

Here's a simple example which could easily cause confusion:

Remember: 5° equals a 1 point downgrade  

This is a fundamental rule to have embedded in your thoughts as you judge. It is used in all figures at some point, even if only for the start and finish. Half point increments (½ or 0.5) are used, so that if your opinion is:  

  •   "Between 5° and 10°" then you should deduct 1½ points
  •  "A noticeable amount but less than 5°" then deduct ½ point

 

Here's an example of a badly flown figure:

The aircraft drops sharply during the slow roll. What is the angle between the CGT track and the true horizontal?

  •  Deduct 1 point for each 5° Rolling & Pitching:
  •  For each variation in roll rate: deduct 1 point
  •  For stopping < 45° from the finish:  deduct 1 point per 5° the stop was 'early'

However: a visible stoppage then a continuation in roll must lead to a Hard Zero, as this converts a slow roll to hesitation roll (there's one exception - see rolling turns)!