1. Deductions

Gymnastics deductions list

Deductions in gymnastics are the tenths a judge subtracts from a routine's score for errors in execution, form, amplitude, landings, and artistry. Scores start from a start value (10.0 at compulsory levels) and each deduction comes off that total.

This list covers the 27 deductions Stickd explains. 20 of them are typically 0.10 each, and a fall is typically 0.50. Tap any deduction for what it costs, which skills get it, and drills to fix it.

Values are typical values for practice feedback. Official values come from the code your meet is judged under: USA Gymnastics — Rules & Policies, FIG Code of Points.

Execution deductions

DeductionCategoryTypical valueEvents
Balance Check

Wobble or pause to regain balance on beam

Execution−0.10Balance Beam
Bent Arms

Arms not fully extended when they should be straight

Execution−0.10Vault, Uneven Bars, Balance Beam, Floor Exercise
Bent Knees

Legs not fully extended during skills requiring straight legs

Execution−0.10Vault, Uneven Bars, Balance Beam, Floor Exercise
Extra Arm Swing

Using arms to regain balance beyond normal choreography

Execution−0.10Balance Beam
Flexed Feet

Toes not pointed during skills

Execution0.05 each timeVault, Uneven Bars, Balance Beam, Floor Exercise
Heel Drop During Turn

Heel touches floor during turn when relevé required

Executionup to 0.10 eachBalance Beam, Floor Exercise
Hit Apparatus

Feet or body contact the bar during skills

Execution−0.10Uneven Bars
Incomplete Turn

Turn not completed to required rotation (e.g., under-rotated)

Execution−0.10Vault, Uneven Bars, Balance Beam, Floor Exercise
Insufficient Distance

Landing too close to the vault table

Execution−0.10Vault
Insufficient Post-flight

Not enough height or distance in post-flight phase

Execution−0.10Vault
Low Cast Angle

Cast does not reach required angle above horizontal

Execution−0.10Uneven Bars
Pre-flight Angle

Insufficient angle or height in pre-flight phase

Execution−0.10Vault

Form deductions

DeductionCategoryTypical valueEvents
Arch in Back

Excessive arch in lower back during skills

Form−0.10Vault, Uneven Bars, Balance Beam, Floor Exercise
Body Alignment

Body not in proper line (arch, pike, or lean)

Form−0.10Vault, Uneven Bars, Balance Beam, Floor Exercise
Loose Core

Visible lack of core engagement during skills

Form−0.10Vault, Uneven Bars, Balance Beam, Floor Exercise
Pike in Body

Hip angle showing pike when straight position required

Formup to 0.20Vault, Uneven Bars, Balance Beam, Floor Exercise
Poor Posture

Shoulders not back, head not neutral, poor presentation

Formup to 0.10Balance Beam, Floor Exercise
Poor Turn Position

Body position not maintained during turn (leg position, arms)

Form−0.10Balance Beam, Floor Exercise
Shoulder Angle

Shoulders not open to 180 degrees in handstand positions

Form−0.10Vault, Uneven Bars, Balance Beam

Amplitude & Height deductions

DeductionCategoryTypical valueEvents
Insufficient Amplitude

Not enough height or extension on jumps, leaps, or tumbling

Amplitude & Heightup to 0.20Vault, Uneven Bars, Balance Beam, Floor Exercise
Insufficient Split

Split not reaching 180 degrees in leaps and jumps

Amplitude & Height−0.10Balance Beam, Floor Exercise
Low Leap Height

Leap or jump does not achieve sufficient height off the apparatus

Amplitude & Height−0.10Balance Beam, Floor Exercise

Landings deductions

DeductionCategoryTypical valueEvents
Deep Squat on Landing

Squatting too deep on landing (thighs below horizontal)

Landings−0.30Vault, Uneven Bars, Floor Exercise
Fall

Falling to the floor or apparatus during or after a skill

Landings−0.50Vault, Uneven Bars, Balance Beam, Floor Exercise
Hop on Landing

Hopping on landing after a skill

Landings−0.10Vault, Uneven Bars, Floor Exercise
Step on Landing

Taking a step after landing a skill

Landings−0.10Vault, Uneven Bars, Floor Exercise

Artistry deductions

DeductionCategoryTypical valueEvents
Rhythm Issues

Pauses, hesitations, or uneven rhythm in routine

Artistry−0.10Balance Beam, Floor Exercise

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