Rules & Regulations for Ground Control Throwdown on April 9th

Below are the rules and guidelines for the April 9th Latte Art Throwdown at Ground Control. There will be 3 judges (Chris Tingom, Todd Welfelt, and one representative from Ground Control).

A. Competitor Signup

• In order to participate, the competitor must have experience with espresso preparation and the equipment used to do so. In addition, the competitor must have experience pouring milk based beverages.
• Sign-up begins at 7:30PM by way of an announcement.
• 8:00pm is the cut off time. If a person is not signed up by 8:00PM, then they will not be able to compete.
• You are able to sign up in advance by calling 623-935-2604 or e-mail tara@groundxcontrol.com Give your name, company represented and a phone number. You will then be preregistered and given a number – pay when you arrive on Thurs.

B. Competition time/Competitor requirements

• Competitor will have his or her number called, and must be available and ready to compete while the number that is 2 before them is currently competing.
• Competitor will have 6 minutes total behind the machine. 4 minutes to make the 2 drinks, 2 minutes for cleanup. It is not necessary to fill the whole 6 minutes.
• Competitor can pull as many shots as he or she wants within the 4 minute time frame.
• Each competitor will get only 2 pitchers of milk to steam.
• Spilled milk will be handled case by case.
• A selection of mugs will be provided for the competitor to choose from, but the competitor can bring his or her own mug of choice.
• Espresso and milk are provided. If a competitor wishes to use their own espresso they must bring their own grinder.
• The Rosetta latte art must free pour (no etching or sauces allowed). Only ingredients will be espresso and milk.
• The competitor’s choice latte may use etching and sauces to decorate the drink.
• The drinks will be presented Rosetta first and competitors choice second.
• Once each drink is poured, competitor will place it on the designated saucer to be photographed. After it is photographed, it will be carried by one of the officiators to the judging table.
• If the competitor is not happy with his or her pour, then the competitor can choose not to submit it for scoring, by notifying an officiator.
• If the competitor spills the drink on the way to being photographed, he or she does NOT get another chance to pour again.
• If the officiator drops the drink on the way to the judges or the judges knock or spill it before they can score it, the drink will be judged from the photograph.

C. Judging

• The Rosetta latte will be judged in 3 categories. 45 points
  • Balance & Symmetry
    • Dividing lines are clean, even, and show no signs of hesitation.
    • Individual elements work well with and complement each other. There is no sense of awkwardness.
    • Harmony between the size of the cup and size of the design.
  • Color Infusion & Definition
    • The contrast between the whiteness of the foam, and the darkness of the crema.
    • How infused or intertwined the brownness of the crema is with the whiteness of the foam.
    • The intention of the design is obvious and clear.
  • Overall Impression
    • Drink is free of spill marks and cup is appropriately full of liquid.
    • General aesthetic appeal.
    • Subjective appreciation.

• The competitor’s choice latte will be judged on the following criteria. 45 points
  • Taste
    • Distinct espresso flavor
    • Harmony of flavors
    • Overall impression
  • Presentation
    • Clarity of design
    • Design style
    • Milk texture
  • Originality
    • Uniqueness of ingredients
    • Personal Flair/Passion (style points)
    • Unique presentation

• Cleanliness 10 points
  • 10 points for prep/cleanup

• 5 points will be deducted for each minute over the allotted time.

• Each of the judges can award up to 5 points in each category giving a perfect score in a category 15, and a perfect score for each drink 45, 10 points for overall prep/cleanup = 100 points overall.
• Judges can award 1 to 5 five points.
  • The scale works as follows:
    • 0 = Unremarkable (poor)
    • 1 = Beginner (average)
    • 2 = Apprentice (good)
    • 2 = Professional (very good)
    • 4 = Master (exceptional)
    • 5 = Guru (perfect)

• In the case of a tied total score, the competitor with the highest Originality score will be declared the winner.

Maximum number of points available for a competitor is 100. The two highest scores will be our winners. Remember – this is a fun and friendly competition. Always remember to have fun and enjoy the coffee community in Arizona!

Ground Control
14140 W. Indian School
Suite B1
Goodyear, AZ 85395
Phone: (623) 935-2604