JUDGING CRITERIA and RULES
Over the years, the judging criteria has evolved. For this 50th year anniversary, we are honoring Gerald’s original rules and scoring, and incorporating Marshall’s GPS technology to eliminate as much of the human element as possible. With the inclusion of GPS, the only judging criteria that will require a human element is the Pursuit category.
The birds will be judged on a curve, with 20 points representing the best bird’s score in that category (example: a bird with a pitch of 1100 feet will receive 20 points. All birds below that will receive a proportional amount). We will have a program that will automatically generate the scores after we enter in the data. The winners will be announced on Saturday at our awards ceremony.
Judging Criteria
Mounting
20 Points
Mounting represents the time from when the falcon leaves the falconer’s fist until the falconer calls for a height reading, just before calling for the serve. The judges will use the GPS timing from cast off the fist to serve to judge the mounting.
Stoop
20 Points
The stoop is what we all love to see - the falcon falling from the heavens! The judges will use the GPS maximum speed reading to determine the stoop points.
Position
20 Points
Position is determined by the angle the bird is above the falconer. A bird that has a wide-ranging flying style will score less on position as opposed to a bird directly overhead. The judges will use the GPS to determine the position.
Pitch
20 Points
Pitch represents the height of the falcon reaches when the falconer calls for the serve. The judges will use the GPS altitude reading to judge pitch. Note: The falcon must be at least 400 feet high before the pigeon is released.
In order to get pursuit points, the falcon must threaten the pigeon and be in pursuit.
Provided the judges rule that the pigeons were flying well:
If a falcon catches the pigeon on the first pass in the air: 20 points
If a falcon turns the pigeon: 5 points per turn, up to 3 turns
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Pursuit
20 Points
Contestant Rules
1. Flights - The Original Sky Trials was always a one- shot deal. No second flights for any reason. Gerald was adamant about this. Every time we fly we risk the interference of unpredictable quarry, wild falcons, eagles, etc.
2. Dogs and Birds - All dogs and birds must be under control at all times. Furthermore, the only dogs and birds out at any one time should be the dog or bird of the falconer competing. Other dogs and birds invite distraction of the falcon flying.
3. Lures - No live lures permitted in the flying field.
4. Time Limits - Friday: 15 minutes per flight. Saturday: 20 minutes per flight. One point will be deducted for each minute after the time limit.
5. Pigeons - A huge thank you to Dave Ewell, who will be providing his racing pigeons. We cheer for the pigeons as much as we do for the falcons. Dave Ewell will be handling all the pigeons. No contestant may touch any pigeon at any time. Contestants may pre-select the pigeons by pointing.
6. Cars in the Field - Cars may be parked in the flying field near the spectators’ section. Vehicles may not be driven out to the flying field or the judges tables.
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7. Transmitters - Each bird will carry two GPS transmitters. One from the falconer, and one from Marshall. Please be prepared to mount two transmitters. All mounting options will be permitted.
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8. Drawing of Flight Times -
Method: Each bird will be entered into a drawing. The Organizer will randomly draw a bird’s name and then call that falconer to select their flight time. The falconer will select that bird’s flight time. Once the time has been selected, there will be no modifications or changes. PLEASE be prepared to answer a phone call when we make the drawing. We will make that public as we get closer to the date.
The drawing will happen between January 19 and 21st.
Rationale: This gives every bird a fair chance at the most flight time options.
On Saturday, during the finals, the birds will fly in the same order as the previous day, but back-to-back.
MEET OUR JUDGES
We are excited to have Steve Tait and Joe Terry as our Gerald Richards Sky Trials judges this year! Both Joe and Steve have previous experience judging Sky Trial and Pigeon Derby events, and we are thrilled that they will be joining us this year.
Joe Terry
Pictured here, wandering with his gyr-peregrine. Joe is well known for his experience as both a falconer and propagator of peregrine falcons and red-naped shaheens. Joe has had 3 birds that he has bred win Sky Trials in the past.
Former Sky Trials winners from Joe:
Herald Clark - Buddy
Dave Ewell - Nike​
Scott Larsen - Dakota
Steve Tait ​
Pictured here with his gyrfalcons, Anthem and Aggie. You may be familiar with Steve Tait's hoods. Most hoods are now created and measured off of hood blocks that Steve himself produces.
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