Music selection and limited choreography is up to the discretion of each team. In the free routine, there are no specifications for the routine other than the five-minute time limit. Each entry is free to attempt the most daring of moves and choreography to any theme they desire. Anything goes, and teams will attempt to show the most difficult movements they can execute. Technical merit is based on execution, synchronization and difficulty.
Artistic impression is based on choreography, music interpretation and manner of presentation.
Once the technical merit and artistic impression scores are calculated for a total score, the technical routine score is weighted to 35 percent and the free routine to 65 percent. These two scores are then added together to determine overall medal placement. The Road to Team USA Athletes qualified for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials based on their participation at the 1995 National Team Selection Camp and through placement at the 1995 Jantzen Nationals and 1995 U.S. Collegiate Championships. Any member of the U.S. National Team during the current Olympic quadrennium was also eligible. A panel of five judges awarded points from 0-10 based on a set criteria.