Here is a list of some of the most common or most used gymnastics deductions taken by judges. These deductions are applicable to optional gymnastics levels 7-10. If you are looking for ways to improve your gymnastics score this might be a good place to start. By being more aware of what deductions judges are looking for, you can work hard to make sure you don’t earn them! The error is listed first followed by the deduction that is taken from the start value. When the deduction listed is an “up to” deduction, the judge uses their discretion to decide on the amount taken.
General Gymnastics Deductions
(These apply on Uneven Bars, Balance Beam and Floor Exercise.)
- Deep squat after landing: up to .30
- Extra arm swings when landing dismount: up to .10
- Extra steps after landing (max of 4) .10
- Fall: .50
- Leaps, jumps, hops not rising enough off the floor or beam: up to .20
- Insufficient split position (not reaching 180 degrees): up to .20
- Leg or Knee Separations when they should be together: up to .20
- Upper-body movement to maintain balance: up to .30
- Very large step or jump on landing: .20
Uneven Bars Gymnastics Deductions
(The general deductions apply as well as these specific Uneven Bars deductions.)
- Failure to keep stretched body position: up to .20
- Grasp on bars to avoid fall: .30
- Hit bar with foot (feet): .20
- Hit mat with foot (feet): .20
- Insufficient height of salto dismounts: up to .30
- Cast not at vertical: up to .30
Balance Beam Gymnastics Deductions
(The general deductions apply as well as these specific Balance Beam deductions.)
- Additional movements to maintain balance: up to .30
- Grasp beam to avoid fall: .30
- Insufficient height of acro skills: each up to .20
- Leaps, jumps, hops not rising enough off the beam: each up to .20
- Insufficient height of dismounts: up to .30
- Insufficient split when required acro/dance skill: up to .20
- Coach spots gymnast: .50
Floor Exercise Gymnastics Deductions
(The general deductions apply as well as these specific Floor Exercise deductions.)
- Going out of bounds: each .10
- Insufficient height of aerials and acro flight elements: each up to .20
- Leaps, jumps, hops not rising enough off Floor: each up to .20
- Insufficient height of saltos: each up to .30
- Insufficient split on skill when required: up to .20
Vault Gymnastics Deductions
(Vault deductions are taken in each phase of the Vault: 1st flight (from board to vault table), repulsion or support phase (when the gymnast is on top of the vault table), 2nd flight phase (from vault table to the ground) and the landing stage. )
1st Flight:
- Legs separated: up to .20
- Bent knees: up to .30
- Arched body: up to .20
Repulsion Phase:
- Arched body: up to .20
- Arms bent: up to .50
- Taking steps or hops with hands: up to .30
2nd Flight:
- Legs separated: up to .20
- Bent knees: up to .30
- Not enough height: up to .50
- Not enough distance from the vault talbe: up to .30
Landing:
- Small step or hop: up to .10
- Extra arm swings: up to .10
- Additional upper-body movements to maintain balance: up to .20
- Incorrect body posture on landing: up to .20
- Steps after landing (max 4): .10 each
- Very large step/jump: .20
- Squat when landing: up to .30
Remember, this is not a comprehensive list! These are not all the deductions gymnastics judges use to score routines, but these are some of the most commonly used. Hopefully this list gives you a better idea of how gymnastics routines are scored. Here is a list of common compulsory gymnastics deductions.
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