[C.1] What is the Code of Points?

The Code of Points is the criteria for each event which has been set out by the Federation Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG). These rules cover all aspects of a gymnast's performance. The Code assigns values of difficulty ranging from A to E, and demonstrates the requirements of each move with illustrations (such as the angle of handstand that a gymnast must reach on bars). The Code also has rules for how one qualifies to become a judge, the various categories of judges, seating arrangements for judges at competitions, and the specific functions of the judges. The Code also requires "norms of conduct" for both gymnasts and coaches.

[C.2] How are gymnasts scored?

Compulsory Exercises:
All compulsory exercises begin with a start value of 10 points, with deductions taken for any errors or falls which may occur during the routine.
Optional Exercises (Women):
With the exception of vault, where each vault is assigned a value, all women's routines are scored from 9.40 points. A gymnast can earn an additional 0.6 points by showing special combinations, connections, and/or extra D- or E-rated elements, for a maximum start value of 10.
Optional Exercises (Men):
Men's routines start from a value of 9.0. Since a D-element is required, performing one will automatically raise the start value to 9.1. If a D-element is not performed, there is a 0.1 deduction (for a start value of 8.9). The extra 1.0 point can be earned by performing E-rated elements and special connections.

[C.3] Are the gymnasts required to do any specific moves?

Some of the apparatus have required elements which will incur deductions if not completed in the optional routine. Here are some of the requirements:

[C.4] What is a start value? What is bonus?

All routines start from a 9.40 (except for vault).

Score Components
Value of Component
Value Parts (A=0.2, B=0.4, C=0.6, D=0.8) 3.00 points
Combination (construction of the exercise) 2.00 points
Execution 4.40 points
Bonus Points .60 points
Total
10.00 points

If a gymnast attempts to earn bonus points by performing an extra D- or E-rated element but falls or has a break worth 0.2 or more, then she does not receive the bonus points.

Except for vault, all men's routines are scored from 9.0. The gymnast can earn bonus points by performing extra D- and E-rated elements. Each extra D element is worth 0.1; each extra E element is worth 0.2 each for a total of 1.0:

Score Components
Value of Component
Difficulty(A=0.1, B=0.2, C=0.4, D=0.6) 2.40 points
Special Requirements(3 per event @ 0.4 each) 1.20 points
Presentation 5.40 points
Bonus Points 1.00 points
Total
10.00 points

Men's vaults have the following ratings:

A=8.6 C=9.2 E=9.8 B=8.9 D=9.5 and the gymnast can receive up to 0.2 bonus for distance.

(0.1 for over 3.5 meters; 0.2 for over 4.0 meters).

[C.5] What deductions do judges take?

The FIG has set out a Table for General Faults. Small faults receive up to 0.15 points' deduction; medium faults receive up to 0.3 points' deduction; large faults result in deductions worth more than 0.3 points and may lead to an invalid exercise. Following are some of the more common faults seen (and their deductions, for women's gymnastics):

Fault Penalty
Slight hop upon dismount 0.05 points
Poor foot form 0.10 points
One step upon dismount 0.10 points
Leg separation (each time) 0.15 points
Insufficient split position (when required) 0.15 points
Bent arms in support/bent knees 0.20 points
Insufficient height in leaps 0.20 points
Two steps upon dismount 0.20 points
Lack of diversified composition 0.20 points
Insufficient use of entire apparatus 0.20 points
Grasping apparatus to avoid falling 0.30 points
Three steps upon dismount 0.30 points
Fall on one or both hands, knees or hips 0.50 points

[C.6] What is Competition 1A, etc.?

Competition 1A is also known as the compulsory exercises. Every gymnast performs the same routines on each apparatus. These routines are created by various member nations of the FIG and test the gymnast's mastery of basic elements and combinations. The compulsory exercises are usually performed only at Olympics, Worlds or national championships. The FIG has decided to discontinue this portion of the competition after the 1996 Olympics.

Competition 1B is also known as the team optionals. This portion of the competition is usually held only during a Worlds or Olympics. The gymnasts are allowed to show their own routines on each apparatus.

Competition II is also called the all-around. The gymnasts begin from a score of zero, and the gymnast with the highest score at the end of the competition becomes the all-around champion. There is usually a limit on the number of gymnasts from a country that may compete in the all-around competition.

Competition III is also called the event finals. The best 8 gymnasts on each event (no more than 2 gymnasts per country are allowed in each final). The gymnasts begin from a score of zero, and the highest scorer wins. The vault final is the exception: each gymnast performs 2 different vaults, and the scores are averaged to arrive at the final score.

[C.7] Why is the Code revised every four years?

The FIG revises the Code every 4 years for several reasons. One, gymnasts and coaches from the leading countries are able to meet the requirements of a new Code fairly easily after 4 years and would receive excessively high scores if the Code were not adjusted to meet the level of the gymnasts. Two, by regularly changing the requirements, the FIG tries to ensure that the sport will continue to evolve.

[C.8] What is the highest rank for a judge, and how do they get there?

The highest judge's ranking is the FIG Brevet. A beginning judge will attend workshops run by his federation and start by judging at meets where beginning gymnasts compete. As a judge passes each test, he can move up and receive certification to judge at higher level meets.

[C.9] So-and-so was over/underscored. Why?

Because gymnastics uses subjective judging, the results of a competition are sometimes disputed by the fans, federations, and coaches. Over scoring can be the result of home advantage, a gymnast's popularity, judging bias, and other factors. These same factors can likewise contribute to underscoring.

[C.10] Do gymnasts submit a routine ahead of time to the judges?

A gymnast does not submit his routine in advance. The only exception is women's optional vault, where the gymnasts have to post the number of the vault they plan to perform.

If a gymnast has invented a new element and would like to receive possible bonus points for it in a meet, s/he can submit the skill to the FIG beforehand. It is evaluated and rated by the FIG. In order for the gymnast to have the element named after him/her, the element must be performed successfully.

Judges generally see a gymnast's routine prior to competition, however, because the judges attend podium training. This is beneficial because a judge can make note of unusual combinations (or routines that lack required elements, etc.) and be certain to evaluate the routine correctly during competition.

[C.11] How do judges remember what a gymnast has done when he scores a routine?

The FIG has created a shorthand system so the judges can easily "write down" a routine while it is being performed. From there, the judge can quickly review and score a routine.