Artistic Gymnastics is a highly disciplined sport that follows strict rules and regulations to ensure fairness, safety, and standardization in competitions. Governed by the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG), these regulations cover the structure of competitions, judging criteria, apparatus specifications, and code of conduct for athletes. Below are the key rules and regulations of Artistic Gymnastics:
1. Competition Format
Artistic Gymnastics competitions are divided into men’s and women’s events, with each gender competing on different apparatuses. Competitions can be individual or team-based, with gymnasts being judged on their performance on each apparatus.
- Men’s Artistic Gymnastics (MAG): The six apparatuses for men include Floor Exercise, Pommel Horse, Rings, Vault, Parallel Bars, and Horizontal Bar.
- Women’s Artistic Gymnastics (WAG): The four apparatuses for women include Vault, Uneven Bars, Balance Beam, and Floor Exercise.
Competitions may include:
- All-Around Competition: Gymnasts perform on all apparatus, and the highest cumulative score determines the winner.
- Apparatus Finals: Gymnasts compete on individual apparatus, with medals awarded for each event.
- Team Competition: Teams compete with multiple gymnasts contributing to the overall score.
2. Scoring System
Gymnasts are judged using the Code of Points, a detailed system that evaluates routines based on difficulty (D-score) and execution (E-score). The final score is the sum of both components, with penalties applied for mistakes.
- D-Score (Difficulty): This is based on the elements performed in the routine and includes difficulty values for each skill, as well as connection bonuses when skills are performed consecutively. Higher difficulty levels increase the D-score.
- E-Score (Execution): This score starts at 10.0 and is reduced for errors in form, technique, or execution. Deductions can be made for improper landings, balance checks, falls, or incomplete elements.
- Final Score: D-score + E-score = Final Score.
- Deductions: Mistakes such as falls, incomplete movements, or steps on landings result in deductions from the E-score, ranging from 0.1 to 1.0 points per error.
3. Apparatus-Specific Rules
Each apparatus in Artistic Gymnastics has its own set of rules that govern the performance requirements, time limits, and deductions.
- Vault: Gymnasts perform one or two vaults, depending on the competition. The score is based on the height, distance, and execution of the vault. A landing outside the marked lines results in a deduction.
- Floor Exercise: Performances must be choreographed to music (for women), and routines must include a combination of acrobatic and dance elements. The time limit is 90 seconds for women and 70 seconds for men.
- Uneven Bars (Women): Gymnasts must perform a series of swinging, release, and catching elements between the two bars. Transitions between the bars are required.
- Parallel Bars (Men): Routines include swinging elements, handstands, and holds. Transitions between different levels on the bars are crucial for higher difficulty scores.
- Balance Beam (Women): The routine is performed on a narrow beam (10 cm wide) and must include acrobatic and dance elements, jumps, and turns. The time limit is 90 seconds.
- Pommel Horse (Men): Gymnasts perform continuous swinging and circular movements. Stopping or touching the apparatus with anything other than the hands results in deductions.
4. Routine Composition
Gymnasts must carefully plan their routines to meet specific composition requirements for each apparatus. Routines should include:
- A mix of difficulty elements: Skills are categorized into different difficulty levels (A to I), with more complex elements earning higher difficulty scores.
- Balanced elements: Routines should include a mix of jumps, holds, swings, and acrobatics, depending on the apparatus.
- Artistry: Routines, especially on the floor and beam, are judged not only for technical difficulty but also for artistic expression, choreography, and musical interpretation (for women).
5. Age Categories
Artistic Gymnastics competitions are divided into different age categories, with different requirements and apparatus height adjustments for younger gymnasts. These categories include:
- Junior: Typically for gymnasts aged 16 and under, following modified FIG rules.
- Senior: For gymnasts aged 16 and above, using full FIG rules.
In some competitions, such as the Olympics and World Championships, gymnasts must meet the senior age requirement to compete.
6. Equipment Specifications
The apparatus used in Artistic Gymnastics must adhere to specific dimensions and standards set by FIG to ensure safety and uniformity across competitions.
- Vault: The vaulting table is set at a height of 125 cm for men and 115 cm for women.
- Uneven Bars: The bars are set at different heights, with the lower bar at 170 cm and the higher bar at 250 cm.
- Balance Beam: The beam is 500 cm long, 10 cm wide, and set at a height of 125 cm.
- Floor Exercise: The floor area is a 12 x 12 meter square.
7. Safety Measures
Artistic Gymnastics includes strict safety regulations to prevent injuries during practice and competition. Safety measures include:
- Matting and padding: All apparatus must be surrounded by padded mats to absorb falls and prevent injuries.
- Spotting: During training, coaches often act as spotters to assist gymnasts performing difficult skills.
- Equipment checks: Regular checks are conducted to ensure all equipment meets FIG safety standards.
8. Penalties and Infractions
There are specific rules governing conduct during competitions. Gymnasts, coaches, and teams may face penalties or disqualification for:
- Time violations: Exceeding the time limit on apparatus like the floor or beam results in point deductions.
- Unpermitted attire: Athletes must wear proper attire, and any deviation from FIG regulations on uniforms may lead to deductions.
- Unsportsmanlike behavior: Any form of unsportsmanlike conduct from gymnasts or coaches can result in disqualification or point deductions.
Conclusion
The Rules and Regulations of Artistic Gymnastics are designed to ensure fair competition, encourage high levels of skill and artistry, and promote athlete safety. Following these guidelines allows gymnasts to demonstrate their technical ability, creativity, and discipline while competing on an international stage.