rules to play gymnastics

Gymnastics skills are categorized into difficulty groups. An A level skill is very easy, while an E level skill is very difficult. Examples of impressive, difficult skills that might raise a routines score include triple backs (back flips with three rotations) and full in, full outs (a combination of back handsprings and twists).

The vault event does not use this method to arrive at a difficulty score. Instead, each vault is assigned a set difficulty score.

Even if an athlete executes difficult techniques very well, he still might face deductions at the end of his routine for violations like stepping out of bounds or going over the time limit.

A gymnasts final score is determined by adding the difficulty and execution scores, and then subtracting any neutral deductions. With the new system, its common to see scores ranging from 13 16. Anything over 16 indicates a truly stellar performance.

Olympic gymnastics is a complex sport that combines physical skill with an elegant artistry and grace. The athletes dedication makes for a sport thats both impressive and beautiful to watch, especially when you know what to look for. For more Olympic ruling and scoring info, be sure to check out our other Quick Guide Olympic Diving The Rules and How Events are Scored.

Male gymnasts also perform on a 12m. by 12m. spring floor. A series of tumbling passes are performed to demonstrate flexibility, strength, and balance. The gymnast must also show strength skills, including circles, scales, and press handstands. Mens floor routines usually have four passes that will total between 60 70 seconds and are performed without music, unlike the womens event. Rules require that male gymnasts touch each corner of the floor at least once during their routine.

Gymnasts sprint down a runway, which is a maximum of 25 meters in length, before hurdling onto a spring board. The body position is maintained while punching (blocking using only a shoulder movement) the vaulting platform. The gymnast then rotates to a standing position. In advanced gymnastics, multiple twists and somersaults may be added before landing. Successful vaults depend on the speed of the run, the length of the hurdle, the power the gymnast generates from the legs and shoulder girdle, the kinesthetic awareness in the air, and the speed of rotation in the case of more difficult and complex vaults.

Men perform on two bars slightly further than a shoulders width apart and usually 1.75m high while executing a series of swings, balances, and releases that require great strength and coordination.

It is made of either rubber or synthetic material (pliable plastic) provided it possesses the same elasticity as rubber. It is from 18 to 20 cm in diameter and must have a minimum weight of 400g. The ball can be of any colour and should rest in the gymnasts hand, not the wrist. Fundamental elements of a ball routine include throwing, bouncing, and rolling. The gymnast must use both hands and work on the whole floor area while showing continuous flowing movement. The ball is to emphasize the gymnasts flowing lines and body difficulty.

A hoop is an apparatus in rhythmic gymnastics and may be made of plastic or wood, provided that it retains its shape during the routine. The interior diameter is from 51 to 90 cm, and the hoop must weigh a minimum of 300g. The hoop may be of a natural colour or be partially of fully covered by one or several colours, and it may be covered with adhesive tape either of the same or different colour as the hoop. Fundamental requirements of a hoop routine include rotation around the hand or body and rolling, as well as swings, circles, throws, and passes through and over the hoop. The routines in hoop involves mastery in both apparatus handling and body difficulty like leaps, jumps and pivots.

It is made of satin or another similar material cloth of any colour and may be multi coloured as well as have designs on it. The ribbon itself must be at least 35g (1 oz), 4 6 cm (1.6 2.4) in width and for senior category a minimum length of 6m (20) (5m (16.25) for juniors). The ribbon must be in one piece. The end that is attached to the stick is doubled for a maximum length of 1m (3). This is stitched down both sides. At the top, a very thin reinforcement or rows of machine stitching for a maximum length of 5 cm is authorized. This extremity may end in a strap, or have an eyelet (a small hole, edged with buttonhole stitch or a metal circle), to permit attaching the ribbon. The ribbon is fixed to the stick by means of a supple attachment such as thread, nylon cord, or a series of articulated rings. The attachment has a maximum length of 7 cm (2.8), not counting the strap or metal ring at the end of the stick where it will be fastened. Compulsory elements for the ribbon include flicks, circles, snakes and spirals, and throws. It requires a high degree of co ordination to form the spirals and circles as any knots which may accidentally form in the ribbon are penalised. During a ribbon routine, large, smooth and flowing movements are looked for.