TAS Overview - ABTA Education Network

Australian Baton Twirling Association Inc.
Twirling Achievement System
Overview
The Twirling Achievement System is a complete system with logical, progressive skill
development for training and educating athletes in the sport of baton twirling. TAS
incorporates ten levels of twirling and body technique.
YELLOW
ORANGE
PINK
PURPLE
BLUE
RED
BRONZE
SILVER
GOLD
DIAMOND
Baton Technique
Emphasis in judging is on technical execution. Elements need to be executed with superior
technique. Technique refers to the accurate mastery of basic skills.
Body Technique
In Baton Twirling, it is important for coaches to understand that athletes should begin their
training in dance and movement from the first lesson.
Organisation of TAS Assessments
1. Athletes may enter at qualifying competitions and/or a club / association may organise a
TAS assessment competition.
2. At qualifying competitions TAS assessments take place during Compulsories and Short
Program events.
3. TAS entries are collected by the competition coordinator and sent to the National
Coaching Director. The National Coaching Director will liaise with the ABTA Treasurer and
Competition Coordinator with regards to certificates, badges and entry fees.
4. TAS scoresheets are tabulated by the competition tabulators. Tabulation will tabulate
scoresheets, record results on competition master sheets and finalise certificates and
badges.
5. Certificates and badges are included in competition scoresheets folder.
Cost
 $10.00 per level.
Costume
 Athletes are required to wear a plain leotard. Style is optional. Colour is optional.
 Hair must be tidy and pulled off the face.
 Jazz shoes must be worn.
Assessment Procedures
 Each level has ten elements to complete.
 Each element is performed in order. A judge will say, "Element number 1, begin." Athletes
then perform the required element.
 Athletes begin all twirling elements in starting position. The starting position is feet parallel,
baton behind back with good posture. The position is relaxed, meaning its not military.
Similar to compulsories. Baton is TTB for all twirling elements. Please note: when athletes
complete flat/horizontal twirling aerials in the LH they will need to change their grip and be
required to pass from R to L, so they begin in the TTB.
 Athletes must achieve a pass mark to successfully complete a level.
 Each level is assessed out of 100. Each element is worth 10 marks.
 Athletes need to achieve a pass in each element to pass the entire level.
Standard not achieved = < 50%
Pass = 50% - 60%
Merit = 60% - 70%
Distinction = 70% - 90%
High Distinction = 90% - 100%
Drops
 If a drop, slip or break occurs in the opening of an element, the athlete will be asked to
complete the element again. If the drop continues on the second attempt, a zero will be
given to that element.
 If a drop, slip or break occurs in the nucleus (middle) of the element the athlete will be
asked to redo the element. If the drop occurs again, the athlete will receive a 2.0 point
deduction from the overall score. A drop on an aerial is considered part of the nucleus and
can result in the athlete not passing.
 If a drop, slip or break occurs at the end of the element, the judge will use their
judgment to determine if a deduction needs to be taken.
Competition Set Up
X
Athletes need to stand on the X.
Judges Table One chair for the judge must be set up at the table.