JG-01
Judging Standards
EFVD judging rewards controlled, committed drift driving: line, angle, proximity, chase discipline, fault awareness and clean decision-making.
Hit the judged path
Drivers should follow the intended course and reference points.
Stay committed
Angle, transitions and pace should be controlled and competitive.
Evaluate the battle
Judges compare both drivers across lead and chase runs.
JG-02
Judge Authority and Review Sources
Judges evaluate runs, compare battle advantage, and control decisions during live flow. They may take the time needed, review replays, and use available technical analysis.
Watch the full context
Judges evaluate line, angle, proximity, corrections, contact and fault.
Balance both runs
Battle decisions are made from the full lead/chase exchange.
Final during event
Drivers cannot request judging explanations during live flow. Decision context is usually shared through the broadcast when available. After the event, a driver may request a Free Judging Clarification privately. Any eligible paid protest must be submitted by the event's announced deadline under the Protest and Appeal Guide.
| Review source | How it may be used |
|---|---|
| Live view | Primary event observation from judges and staff during the run. |
| Replay or broadcast | May be used to review timing, contact, position, course limits or context. |
| Server context | May be considered for disconnects, lag, desync or technical interruptions. |
| Technical analysis | Available analytics may support judge review. |
| Driver reports | May provide context, but drivers cannot demand a specific evidence source or review method. |
JG-03
Qualifying Evaluation
Qualifying measures how well a driver completes the judged course with control, commitment, and accuracy.
| Category | Judging focus |
|---|---|
| Line | Following the intended judged path. |
| Zones and clips | Accuracy and commitment to reference points. |
| Outside zones | Fill posted outside zones with commitment while keeping the car within course limits. |
| Inside clips | Reach posted inside clips without shortcutting, excessive correction or sacrificing drift continuity. |
| Angle | Amount, stability and control. |
| Transitions | Timing and control during direction changes. |
| Decel areas | Use posted deceleration areas or normal drift control without parking, brake-checking or breaking flow. |
| Flow | Momentum and connection through the course. |
| Cleanliness | Avoiding spins, offs, corrections and major errors. |
JG-04
Qualifying Scores and Tiebreaks
Score calibration separates exceptional runs, clean completed runs, and incomplete runs.
| Score range | Typical run quality |
|---|---|
| High score | Strong line, committed angle, clean transitions and few or no visible errors. |
| Mid score | Completed run with noticeable corrections, missed references or reduced commitment. |
| Low score | Major mistakes, poor course accuracy or limited judged value. |
| Incomplete | Spin, stop, major off course or a run that cannot be scored normally. |
| Tie review | Judging use |
|---|---|
| Best run score | The driver's highest valid run score sets the primary qualifying rank. |
| Combined score | If best run score is tied, both qualifying runs are added together. |
| Category values | Best line, best angle and best style values may separate tied drivers when available. |
| Unavailable data | If required scoring data is unavailable, EFVD moves to the next available tiebreaker. |
| Run quality review | Judges may review available qualifying context when posted scoring data does not separate the tie. |
| No valid score | A no-score run cannot outrank a valid scored run unless the event document defines a different process. |
JG-05
How Battles Are Judged
Battle judging compares how each driver performs in both roles, including the start, initiation, lead run, chase pressure and fault responsibility.
Judged drift criteria begin at the initiation point unless the event briefing states otherwise. Start-line behavior and pre-initiation procedure can still affect restarts or penalties. Line, angle, zones, clips, and tandem advantage are evaluated from initiation onward.
| Tandem initiation rule | Judging focus |
|---|---|
| Stage correctly | Drivers must follow the official start procedure and staging instructions. |
| Chase jump | Chase may be ahead before initiation, but must be behind when crossing the initiation point. |
| Start abuse | Repeated early movement, forced contact or failure to be behind at initiation can create restart, DNF or conduct review. |
| Lead initiation | Lead must initiate at the event-specific point and drive the intended judged line without brake-checking, unexpected slowing or forcing a chase mistake. |
| Committed initiation | Three-point initiations, stacked feints or delayed commitment are not permitted unless the event briefing specifically allows them. |
| Start lane or lane change | If assigned lanes are used, judges may review unsafe overlap, lane movement or pre-initiation interference as procedure fault. |
| Contact before initiation | Contact before initiation triggers restart and may be reviewed if repeated or abusive. |
| Battle comparison | How judges separate close battles |
|---|---|
| Overall advantage | Judges compare the full lead/chase exchange. One moment may decide the battle if it creates a major fault, DNF, or decisive advantage. |
| Lead quality first | A strong chase against a poor lead does not automatically win the battle; judges first determine whether the lead provided a valid, chaseable reference. |
| Chase quality | Close proximity only matters when the chase maintains control, mimicry and fault awareness. Unsafe proximity can lose value. |
| Forced vs. unforced error | Judges consider whether a mistake was self-created or forced by the opponent's abnormal pace, line, correction, rejoin, or contact. |
| Comparable mistakes | If both drivers make mistakes, judges compare severity, location, fault, timing and effect on the battle before deciding or calling OMT. |
Set the standard
Run the intended line with commitment, angle, pace and clean transitions.
Apply pressure safely
Maintain proximity and mimic the lead without causing avoidable contact.
Compare both runs
Judges decide who created the stronger overall battle performance.
JG-06
Lead Driver Standard
The lead driver sets the judged run and must drive the required line with commitment, pace and control.
| Lead standard | Expected behavior |
|---|---|
| Initiation | Initiate at the event-specific point without brake-checking or manipulating the chase. |
| Line | Fill zones and hit clips according to the event briefing. |
| Angle | Maintain competitive angle without sacrificing control. |
| Pace | Drive a chaseable run without unexpected slowing or avoidable disruption. |
| Deceleration zones | If a decel zone is posted, slow in the expected area and return to judged pace without parking or creating an artificial trap. |
| Decel and control | Normal drift control is allowed, but brake-checking, parking, baiting contact or abnormal deceleration can create lead fault. |
| Reference consistency | Do not change line, pace or timing between lead runs in a way that manipulates the chase instead of driving the posted course. |
| Initiation discipline | Do not use three-point initiation, stacked feints or delayed commitment unless the event briefing allows it. |
| Finish commitment | Complete the judged course in drift through the posted finish marker unless staff or judges call otherwise. |
| After mistake | If the lead loses the run, spins, slows or goes offline, they must not block or interfere with the chase. |
JG-07
Chase Driver Standard
The chase driver should mirror the lead as closely as possible while staying controlled and avoiding avoidable contact.
| Chase standard | Expected behavior |
|---|---|
| Start | Chase may leave early, but must be behind when crossing the initiation point. |
| Initiation | Enter with the lead, be in drift by the required marker and avoid contact before initiation. |
| Proximity | Apply pressure while leaving enough control margin. Dive-bombing, lunging or forcing contact can create chase fault. |
| Mimic | Match the lead driver's line, angle and transitions where possible. |
| Offset and timing | Good chase position follows the lead's timing and angle instead of shortcutting inside, parking beside the lead or aiming at the door without control. |
| Reaction to lead error | If the lead makes a major mistake, the chase should avoid contact when reasonable, continue safely and avoid creating a second fault. |
| Active chase | A chase that falls away, stops chasing or abandons proximity without cause can lose significant battle value. |
| Passing | Passing is only considered when the lead becomes clearly unchasable and the chase can pass safely on the inside. Partial or forced passes remain chase fault review. |
JG-08
Mistakes and Deductions
Judges classify mistakes by severity, fault and impact on the judged run or battle. Tire-drop deductions depend on the number of tires off and the effect on the run.
| Issue | Typical judging impact |
|---|---|
| Small correction | Minor deduction if the run remains controlled. |
| Major correction or missed zone | Larger deduction or battle disadvantage. |
| Multiple corrections | Repeated small corrections can become a larger deduction when they show loss of commitment or control. |
| Three-point initiation | Major deduction, DNF or procedure review unless specifically allowed by the event briefing. |
| Stacked feint or delayed commitment | Can be treated as manipulated, late or incomplete initiation. |
| Incomplete initiation | Major deduction or DNF when the driver misses the initiation requirement enough to break the judged run. |
| Chase not in drift at initiation | Major deduction, DNF or battle disadvantage depending on timing and impact. |
| Straightening | Major deduction or DNF when the car loses drift angle enough to break continuity. |
| Pause in drift | A visible pause, stalled slide or dead moment may be judged as reduced flow, major correction or straightening depending on severity. |
| Re-initiation after straightening | Regaining drift after a major straightening does not erase the original mistake; judges still evaluate the loss of continuity. |
| Incomplete finish | Major deduction or DNF when the driver stops drifting, shuts down early or fails to complete the judged course to the posted finish marker. |
| Tire drop | The deduction is scaled by how many tires leave the course and how much the run is affected. |
| Two tires off | Usually a major deduction when it affects line, proximity, control or judged course accuracy. |
| Four tires off | Usually DNF or major fault when the car leaves the judged course enough to invalidate the run. |
| Boundary line | Judged according to the event document when a specific no-go area, boundary or course-limit line is posted. |
| Cone or marker contact | Reviewed by location, severity and effect unless the event document defines a specific consequence. |
| Unsafe rejoin | Can create fault, DNF or DQ review if the driver returns to line unpredictably or interferes with the other driver. |
| Blocking after mistake | Can create DNF, DQ review or fault assignment even when the original mistake already reduced judged value. |
| Contact after mistake | A driver who already lost control may still receive additional fault if their recovery, rejoin or blocking causes contact. |
| Invalid pass | Can create a major deduction, chase DNF or fault assignment if the lead run was still chaseable, the pass was outside, or the chase forced contact. |
| Partial pass | Evaluated as chase positioning unless the pass is safely completed because the lead became unchasable. |
| Valid inside pass | May support lead DNF when the lead creates an unchasable run and the chase passes safely on the inside. |
| Spin, stop, major off, or unchasable run | Usually DNF for that run. |
| Collision | Reviewed for fault, avoidability and effect on the run. |
| Too close to separate | Judges may call One More Time. |
JG-09
When a Run Is DNF
A DNF is used when a run loses enough judged value that it cannot be treated as a completed competitive run.
| DNF example | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Spin or stop | The run is no longer continuous or controlled. |
| Major off course | The driver leaves the judged course enough to invalidate the run. |
| Wrong direction or reverse | Driving against flow, reversing on course or recovering in a way that breaks the judged run can create DNF or conduct review. |
| Unsafe rejoin | The driver rejoins in a way that creates interference, avoidable contact or an unsafe situation. |
| Unchasable lead | The lead run prevents a fair chase because of a major error or abnormal pace. |
| Incomplete finish | The driver shuts down, stops drifting or fails to complete the judged course to the posted finish marker. |
| Wrong procedure | The driver fails to follow required start, staging or run procedure. |
JG-10
When a Restart Is Given
Restarts are controlled by judges and staff. Drivers may stop before the designated restart line if the event uses one, and staff may also call a restart. See the Competition Guide for event procedure.
| Restart area | Standard |
|---|---|
| Before restart point | Stopping before the designated restart line can trigger restart procedure when applicable. |
| After restart point | The run usually continues unless judges or staff decide otherwise. |
| Contact | Contact before initiation triggers restart. Contact after initiation is reviewed under lead/chase fault standards. |
| Restart abuse | Stopping without valid cause, baiting contact or repeatedly forcing resets can lead to DNF or conduct review. |
| Staff call | Staff can call hold, reset or restart through the event communication channel. |
JG-11
Collision Review
Contact before the initiation point triggers a restart. After initiation, normal lead/chase fault review applies.
| Collision situation | Review focus | Possible follow-up |
|---|---|---|
| Contact before initiation | Whether staging, start behavior or closing speed created the contact. | Restart and possible note if repeated or abusive. |
| Incidental contact | Whether the touch was light, controlled and did not materially alter either run. | May be noted with no major fault if it does not affect line, proximity, control or outcome. |
| Front-to-rear contact | Whether the chase had avoidable closing speed or the lead made abnormal deceleration. | Fault assigned to the driver who created the avoidable contact or trap. |
| Door or side contact | Whether the chase held controlled proximity or forced overlap beyond available space. | May be incidental, chase fault or shared fault depending on position and effect. |
| Lead drops line into chase | Whether the lead left the judged line, corrected, rejoined or pinched the chase unexpectedly. | Lead fault may apply when the chase had a reasonable and controlled position. |
| Chase contact after initiation | Closing speed, timing, positioning and avoidability. | Chase fault, deduction, DNF or battle loss depending on impact. |
| Lead contact after initiation | Abnormal correction, brake-checking, major line drop or unpredictable movement. | Lead fault, deduction, DNF or battle loss depending on impact. |
| Contact after a DNF-level mistake | Whether the affected driver continued, blocked, rejoined or interfered after losing the run. | Additional fault, DNF or DQ review can apply even after the original mistake. |
| Shared, technical or desync contact | Replay, stream, server context and whether both drivers contributed. | Restart, OMT, no major fault or staff technical handling depending on context. |
JG-12
When One More Time Is Called
Judges call One More Time when they cannot clearly separate the drivers after both runs. EFVD does not set a fixed maximum number of OMT calls; judges decide what the battle requires.
Both runs are repeated
An OMT means both drivers repeat the full lead/chase exchange.
Lead and chase order usually stays the same
OMT runs repeat the same lead/chase order unless staff or event procedure says otherwise.
Judges control the process
Judges may call the OMTs they need and review available evidence before deciding.
Lead runs considered
If both drivers DNF during an OMT, judges consider the lead for each run and the full available context.
JG-13
How Decisions Are Communicated
Battle decisions should be clear enough for drivers and viewers to understand the result without interrupting live flow.
| Decision | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Driver A | Driver A has the majority judge vote after both runs. |
| Driver B | Driver B has the majority judge vote after both runs. |
| OMT | The judges cannot separate the drivers clearly enough, or the vote does not create a clear driver majority. |
| DQ or DNF | A procedural, conduct or run-completion issue decides the outcome. |
| Major fault decides | A spin, unchasable run, unsafe rejoin, invalid pass or avoidable decisive contact can decide the battle without needing equal weight across every category. |
| No live debate | Drivers receive the decision during live flow. After the event, they may request a Free Judging Clarification. Any eligible paid Live Battle Protest must meet the event's announced deadline. |
JG-14
Judge Responsibilities
These standards govern consistency, review, and authority during live decisions.
Apply standards evenly
Similar mistakes should be evaluated with similar severity.
Review available evidence
Judges may review replays and available technical analysis before finalizing a call.
Final during live flow
Drivers cannot request explanations during live flow. Judges may choose to review a decision. Free Judging Clarifications are requested after the event. Eligible paid protests must meet the announced deadline in the Protest and Appeal Guide.
JG-15
Judging Summary
Judges identify the stronger performance in each run and battle while keeping the event moving.
Line, angle and control matter
The best runs show commitment while staying within the judged requirements.
Live flow comes first
Drivers should complete the run, accept the call and use the correct process later if needed.
Fault matters
Avoidable contact, procedure issues and unchasable runs can decide a matchup.
JG-16
Policy Changes
Last updated: August 12, 2026. This guide remains effective until EFVD changes it; it does not expire at the end of a season. Staff announce material rule changes through the official EFVD Discord.