GUIDE TO WOMEN’S GYMNASTICS
General
Six gymnasts from each team compete on each of the four events. The team score is obtained
by adding the five highest scores on each event. Common deductions are landing deductions.
One tenth is taken away for each step that the gymnast takes, while half a tenth is taken for
a small hop, and two tenths are deducted for a large hop, step or jump. Other deductions
include bent arms, legs, toes or leg separation. Falls that occur are deducted five tenths each
time. Finally, a gymnast can receive a neutral deduction on balance beam and floor exercise.
Neutral deductions are one tenth; and are received for being over time on beam and floor, and
for stepping out of bounds on the floor exercise. They occur each time a gymnast violates these
rules. Each event, with the exception of vault, has a series of four (bars), five (beam) and four
(floor) special requirements (SRs), and omission of any of these requirements results in a two
tenth s deduction from the start value.
Start Values
Start value for college 9.5, extra .5 earned through bonus
• All judges determine start value
• It is not mandatory that the start values agree
Bonus
Special Connections
• Achieved through unique and difficult combinations
• Special connections have a value of 0.10 or 0.20.
• Bonus points for special connections will be awarded only for good
technical presentation
Additional "D/E"
• A maximum of 0.40 may be awarded as bonus points for additional "D/E"
• Additional "D" elements will receive 0.10 bonus points
• Additional "E" elements will receive 0.20 bonus points
Vault
Vault requires speed, quickness and explosive power. Unlike the other events, each vault
has its own start value. Deductions are taken from the start value for technical errors in the
pre-flight (approach), the block (the rise from the horse), the post-flight (height and distance
from the horse) and the landing. Each gymnast will perform only one vault, but has a maximum
of three attempts to go over the vault table one time.
Special Requirements
• Must touch the vault table with both hands
• Must land on feet first
Uneven Bars
A bars routine must contain at least two bar changes for the first two SRs. A bar change is
when the gymnast moves from the high bar to the low bar or vice versa. It must also contain
two release moves. A release move is defined as when the gymnast lets go of the bar with both
hands and flips or twists and regrasps either bar. Uneven bar routines must contain change of
direction that is at least 180 degrees or more for the fourth SR. The final SR is a dismount. A
bar routine must contain at least 10 skills.
Special Requirements
• At least two bar changes
• Two flight elements (minimum of two different "C" elements or a "D" and "B")
• One element with LA (longitudinal axis) turn, minimum of "C"
• A “C” dismount
Balance Beam
The Huskers work to move on the beam like they would when performing on the floor. Their
goal is to have routines that set them apart from other teams in the country. The beam is 16 feet
long, four feet high and four inches wide. Performing on the beam requires precise movement
and intense concentration. A beam routine cannot be more than 90 seconds. The first SR a beam
routine must contain is a tumbling series. It must also contain a dance series of two leaps and/or
jumps, one of which must have a value of “C” or higher. The gymnast must complete a turn of at
least 360 degrees for the third SR. The fourth SR is a leap with large amplitude, which may be part
of the dance series or on its own. Finally, the gymnast must dismount the beam as the final SR.
Special Requirements
• One acro series with a minimum of two flight elements (both must start and finish on
the beam; one element must be a "C" with or without hand support)
• One dance series of two or more elements (one element at least "C" or higher)
• Minimum of 360 degree turn – no hand support permitted
• One leap, jump or hop requiring a 180 degree split (front or side)
• “C” dismount or “B” dismount preceded by and directly connected to any “C” element
(acro/dance)
Floor Exercise
Floor exercise is a combination of dance and tumbling to music on a 12 meter by 12 meter
space. The duration of a floor routine should be between 70 and 90 seconds. A floor routine
must contain at least two tumbling passes (first SR), one of which contains two saltos (second
SR). It must also contain three different saltos within the two tumbling passes (third SR). The
final SR is that the routine contains a dismount commensurate with the rest of the routine.
Special Requirements
• One tumbling series with two saltos, same or different
• Three different saltos within the exercise
• Dance series with a minimum of two elements (one "C" element or higher)
• Minimum of "C" salto as the last salto or in the last connection of saltos
Jamie Schleppenbach
10 | NEBRASKA WOMEN’S GYMNASTICS | 2014