US vs. Canadian Double Dutch

On Saturday April 25th, I headed north to attend the BC & Yukon Rope Skipping regional competition at Central Middle School in Victoria BC.

My second competition in one week, I am in double dutch heaven. I should mention, I was at both competitions as a spectator/mentor/rope jumper, not as a competitor.

Am I out of the loop on this? I do not understand why there isn't an emcee for these events, music, raffles, etc. Something to make these competitions more fun! They are all day events that are awesome and entertaining. Are spectators welcome/encouraged to attend or are these events primarily for the teams and judges?

Upcoming Competitions:
MAY 2nd: Tournament of Champions May 2nd 2009,Kamaiken Junior HS, Kirkland, WA 98034
May 9: Emerald City Step Show (not double dutch, just totally awesome); UW Hec Edmunson Pavillion 3-7pm
May 15-17: Canadian Rope Skipping Championship- Abbotsford, BC
June 25th-28th: National Tournament, Galvaston TX
July 9-16: PanAm Skipping Championship and Camp - Puerto Rico
July 21-25: National Double Dutch League training and tournament camp, St Leo, FL USA




A few notable similarities and differences deserve mention:

Similarities:

• the routines can be no longer than 75 seconds
• each league as a specific set of rules/requirements that the teams try to achieve during their routine
• the teams involved are serious, awesome, dedicated, focused and disciplined; amazing for kids.
• Precision, precision, precision; lots of great turning, jumping and overall trickery
• Both competitions have two teams/jumpers jumping at the same time. This is a super bummer. These kids have worked really hard to get to this level, they deserve the spotlight. I understand the necessity, as far as time-efficiency goes but it's HARD to imagine the hours of work that have gone into learning this skill and it's completely under appreciated and disregarded when presented in this format. (Where are the introductions and opportunity for applause?!) Perhaps a Double Dutch showcase is needed, in a more theatrical/show oriented manner in addition to these important and valuable competitions?)
  

Differences:

• BC, Yukon allows music (BIG + that adds to the overall ambiance *fun* of the competition)
• The kids in Canada seem to have genuine smiles on their faces and really enjoy their routines. Many of the kids in the US seem pre-occupied with "presentation" wearing false smiles and making such an effort to impress that they forget to have fun.
• Teams at the Seattle competition seem to have a great grip on gymnastics and speed; the teams all have very dynamic routines with lots of movement.
  
• Teams in the Yukon do A LOT of Scotch/Irish/outward turning of the ropes. I don't have a list of the rules/requirements yet but I'm guessing it must be a requirement to have this element in their routines. It was awesome.

Overall, I loved the experience of seeing the two competitions and all of the dedicated jumpers. Way to go, keep it up!

See you at the Tournament of Champions this weekend!
Aj