Any yo-yo and a backup of that yo-yo in good operating order may be used, this includes a new string on the yo-yos.

A contestant may switch yo-yos after every 10 tricks in the Sports Ladder division. Any yo-yo used must be able to sleep a minimum of 3 seconds. A judge may ask you to sleep your yo-yo at any time.

All tricks for a division will be demonstrated immediately before that division competes.

In the preliminary round, contestants may "bye" (substitute) one trick for the designated "Bye" trick. Each division will have its own "Bye" trick.

Contestants receive two attempts to complete each trick successfully. First try is 5 points, second try is 3 points. A successful attempt will have no more than 5 inches of string outside the yo-yo when caught. The yo-yo must be caught with one hand and not be trapped against your body. No flip-overs or string misses are allowed on any tricks in this competition.

There must be at least 4 participants in a division to run that division. A contestant may compete in only one division.

A trick box 30" square will be marked for competitors. All tricks must be performed inside the trick box. Any other throw inside the trick box counts as an attempt. If player’s feet leave the trick box during a trick it will be considered a miss.

Practicing tricks on stage will not be allowed. Contestants will be warned once. Subsequent violations will result in an automatic miss for that trick when it is asked to be performed. Only the following tricks may be done outside the trick box on stage: throw down, spinner, forward pass, a single loop or hop the fence or a string adjustment (excluding UFO and Forward Pass prior to attempting each of those tricks).

Trick lists will be divided into preliminary and final round tricks. Only top scores will advance to the final round. Each contestant will perform the required tricks for that round before the next contestant starts.

The judge’s decisions are final.