Ultimate Academic Latte Art 2024:Competitor Rules

1. Competition Format

1.1 General Structure

• Each round will be conducted in a knockout format, with at least 3 teams per round (or as appropriate).

• The team with the highest total score from the 8 latte art cups will be declared the winner of that round and advance to the next round.

• The final round will feature the last 4 teams, who will compete to determine the ultimate champion.

• Competitors can participate as a team (2 people) or as individuals (1 person).

1.2 Latte Art Service

• Teams or individuals must produce and serve 8 lattes to the judges within the specified time:

  • The 1st cup must be served before the 3-minute mark.

  • The 2nd cup must be served before the 4-minute mark.

  • The 3rd cup must be served before the 5-minute mark.

  • The 4th cup must be served before the 6-minute mark.

  • The 5th cup must be served before the 7-minute mark.

  • The 6th cup must be served before the 8-minute mark.

  • The 7th cup must be served before the 9-minute mark.

  • The 8th and final cup must be served before the 10-minute mark.

• Cups served after the respective time frame may still be served, but they will not receive a score.

2. Time Allotment

2.1 Total Competition Time

• The total competition time is 16 minutes.

2.2 Setup Time

• Competitors will have 3 minutes to set up their station. During setup, baristas can prepare their bar tools, cups, and pitchers and ensure all equipment (e.g., espresso machine, steam wand) is ready for use.

  • Grinding coffee during setup time is prohibited.

  • Competitors cannot adjust the placement of the coffee grinder and espresso machine during setup time.

2.3 Latte Art Performance Time

• Competitors will have 10 minutes to create and serve 8 lattes according to the outlined time frame.

• Competitors must prepare an espresso shot, steam milk, and pour a latte art design for each cup.

• Baristas may use single, double shots of espresso, ristretto, or other extractions as they prefer.

2.4 Cleaning Time

• Competitors will have 3 minutes to clean their station after their performance. The next team will begin setting up during this time.

3. Latte Art Presentation and Serving Rules

3.1 Distinct Latte Art and Cup Shape

• All 8 latte art cups must feature unique latte art patterns and be served in different shaped cups.

3.2 Timed and Ordered Serving Requirement

• The 1st cup must be served before the 3-minute mark.

• The 2nd cup must be served before the 4-minute mark.

• The 3rd cup must be served before the 5-minute mark.

• The 4th cup must be served before the 6-minute mark.

• The 5th cup must be served before the 7-minute mark.

• The 6th cup must be served before the 8-minute mark.

• The 7th cup must be served before the 9-minute mark.

• The 8th cup must be served before the 10-minute mark.

• Serving Order Rule: Competitors must serve each cup in the correct order. If any cup is served out of order, the score for that cup will be zero.

• Once the final cup is served, the competitor must call out “Time,” and the time will be recorded by the staff.

3.3 Failure to Serve in Time

• If a team or individual fails to serve any cup within the designated time frame, they may continue to perform and serve the remaining cups.

  • Judges will only score cups served within the designated time frame.

3.4 Correct Pattern and Cup

• Competitors must pour and serve all 8 lattes using the correct pattern and cup.

  • If the competitor serves the wrong pattern or uses the wrong cup, the score for that cup will be zero.

4. Judging Process and Criteria

4.1 Judging Panel

• The judging panel will consist of 3 visual judges.

4.2 Scoring System

• Each judge will use a coin-based scoring system, with:

  • 3 coins worth 3 points each

  • 3 coins worth 2 points each

  • 3 coins worth 1 point each

• Judges will score based on personal preference, evaluating overall visual appeal, execution, and alignment with the criteria. The final score is based on each judge’s subjective assessment.

4.3 Judging Criteria

Judges may use the following criteria as a guide but will score based on personal preference:

• Visual Surface Quality

• Contrast and Definition

• Harmony, Size, and Position

• Symmetry

• Overall Appeal

High points are awarded to designs that create a strong visual impact.

4.4 Tiebreaker Rule

Tie Occurrence

• If two competitors have the same total score at the end of a set, the tie will be resolved using the fastest service deciding factor.

Fastest Service Deciding Factor

• The competitor who served all 8 lattes the fastest will receive 1 extra point to break the tie.

Counting 3-Score Coins

• If the service times are also tied, the judges will count the number of 3-score coins awarded. The competitor with more 3-score coins will be the winner.

Counting 1-Score Coins (If 3-Score Coins Are Also Tied)

• If both competitors have the same number of 3-score coins, the judges will count the 1-score coins. The competitor with fewer 1-score coins will be the winner.

5. Visual Judging Process

• Judges will assess each cup visually as it is presented.

• Only cups served on time, with the correct pattern, in the correct cup, and in the correct order will be judged.

• Judges will score using the outlined criteria but will base their final decision on personal preference, using their 3, 2, and 1-point coins for each set of cups.

• The time frame in which judges evaluate each latte art must align with the time of service.

6. Equipment and Supplies

6.1 Sponsored Equipment

• Competitors must use only equipment provided by the organizers, including:

  • Espresso machine

  • Grinder

  • Coffee distributor

  • Dosing cup

  • Pitchers

  • Roasted coffee

  • Milk (provided by the sponsor; a new gallon must be opened for each round)

  • Cups (without saucers)

  • Cleaning cloths

6.2 Use of Personal Equipment

• Personal tools or equipment are not permitted.

7. Be on Time Rule

• Competitors must check in 20 minutes before their scheduled time.

• Late arrivals may result in disqualification.

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8. Disqualification Criteria

• Competitors will be disqualified if they:

  • Use non-sponsored equipment or tools.

  • Adjust the espresso machine or grinder, which may lead to disqualification.

  • Fail to check in on time.

9. Technical Time-Out Rule

9.1 Request for Technical Time-Out

• If a technical issue arises with the equipment, competitors may request a Technical Time-Out, pausing the competition until the issue is resolved. The competitor's time will be paused, and if the issue cannot be fixed immediately, they may be rescheduled for a later round as needed.

2.0 Ver; Nov 5 2024