Sport vs Pro (What’s the Difference?)

At NYYL events, Sport and Pro are two different competition experiences.

• Sport Division is beginner-friendly and low-stress, built for learning and gaining stage experience.

• Pro Division (Championship) is the main competitive track for experienced players competing for higher placements.

If you’re not sure where you belong yet, that’s normal. This page will help you choose confidently.

Quick Comparison (Sport vs Pro)

Sport 1A (This Event)

Sport is designed to be a low-stress competition division, perfect for newer competitors or anyone who wants a more relaxed competition experience.

Sport 1A Age Divisions

• Ages 12 & Under

• Ages 13 to 17

Sport 1A Scoring (Simple Version)

• Routine length: 1 minute

• Technical Execution: 20 points

• Performance Evaluation: 80 points

  • Trick Presentation

  • Performance Quality

  • Musicality

  • Routine Construction

Sport notes: technical execution is scored without a negative clicker, and there are no major deductions.

Pro Divisions (Championship Track)

Pro is the main NYYL competitive track, intended for competitors aiming for top placements and titles.

Pro Divisions Offered at This Event

• Pro 1A

• Pro X

What is Pro X? Pro X is for competitors performing styles 2A, 3A, 4A, or 5A, grouped into one division.

Pro Round Format for This Event

Pro divisions may run one or two rounds depending on registration.

• If there are 25 competitors or fewer: everyone performs a 2 minute Finals routine

• If there are more than 25 competitors: the division will include

  • Prelims: 1 minute routine

  • Finals: 2 minute routine

How Pro Scoring Works (Quick Explanation)

Pro scoring is based on two main pieces.

1) Technical Execution (Clicker Scoring)

Judges score routines using clickers.

• Positive clicks for successful elements

• Negative clicks for missed elements or loss of control

Repeated elements score fewer, or zero, points to reward variety.

2) Routine Evaluation (Judged Categories)

Judges score the overall routine in categories such as:

• Trick Presentation

• Performance Quality

• Musicality

• Routine Construction

Major Deductions (Pro Only)

Pro routines can receive deductions for major errors like:

• Stop (-1)

• Discard (-3)

• Detach (-5)

Which Division Should I Choose?

Choose Sport 1A if:

• This is your first contest

• You want a beginner-friendly stage experience

• You want a lower-pressure judging format

• You are still building consistency and confidence

Choose Pro 1A if:

• You are an experienced 1A competitor

• You want a traditional championship division format.

Choose Pro X if:

• Your routine is 2A, 3A, 4A, or 5A

FAQ

Do I need a perfect routine for Sport?

No. Sport is about building skills and gaining stage time. A clean routine you can finish is a great goal.

Can someone compete in Sport and Pro?

No. You must choose to either compete in Sport or Pro.

Will there always be a Prelim round in Pro?

No. Prelims will only happen if there are more than 25 competitors in a Pro division. If there are 25 competitors or fewer, everyone performs a 2 minute Finals routine.