Gymnastics (FIG) — Official Rules

Gymnastics is a judged sport in which athletes perform exercises (routines) on apparatus that are evaluated by an official panel of judges rather than decided by goals or a clock. It is governed worldwide by the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG), founded in 1881, the oldest international sports federation. The rules of difficulty and execution are set in the FIG Code of Points (COP), published per Olympic cycle; the current edition is the 2025-2028 Code of Points, effective 1 January 2025, applied together with the FIG Technical Regulations 2025. The gymnast, or team, with the highest total score wins.

The FIG governs several gymnastics disciplines, each with its own Code of Points: Artistic Gymnastics (MAG/WAG), Rhythmic Gymnastics, Trampoline, Acrobatic Gymnastics, Aerobic Gymnastics, Parkour, and Gymnastics for All. This rulebook covers the flagship Olympic discipline, Artistic Gymnastics, in its two forms:

• Men's Artistic Gymnastics (MAG) - six apparatus: Floor Exercise, Pommel Horse, Still Rings, Vault, Parallel Bars, Horizontal Bar.
• Women's Artistic Gymnastics (WAG) - four apparatus: Vault, Uneven Bars, Balance Beam, Floor Exercise. The other FIG disciplines follow the same overall scoring philosophy (Difficulty + Execution) but use separate apparatus and Codes of Points not detailed here.

Each exercise is scored as:

Final Score = D-score + E-score - Neutral Deductions

• The D-score (Difficulty) is an open-ended value that rewards what the gymnast performs (the difficulty and composition of the routine). It has no upper limit.
• The E-score (Execution) starts from a perfect 10.000 and rewards how well the routine is performed; judges subtract deductions for every error in technique, form and artistry.
• Neutral Deductions (also called penalties) are subtracted by the superior jury for rule violations such as stepping out of bounds, exceeding time, or attire faults.

Scores are recorded to three decimal places (e.g. 14.366).

The D-score is the sum of three components:

1. Difficulty Value (DV): each element is rated A (0.1) up to J (1.0) or higher. The gymnast's 8 highest-valued elements count (the dismount being one of them) in both WAG and MAG, with a limit on how many counting elements may come from the same Element Group.
2. Composition / Element Group Requirements (CR/EGR): each fulfilled required group typically adds 0.5, with up to four requirements per apparatus.
3. Connection Value (CV): bonus for directly linking difficult elements without pause (for example +0.1 to +0.2 per qualifying connection).

In the 2025-2028 cycle MAG limits counting elements to a maximum of 4 from the same Element Group (down from 5), and a one-leg balance element is required on Floor.

The E-score begins at 10.000. For each fault the judges apply a deduction from a fixed scale:

• Small error: 0.1
• Medium error: 0.3
• Large error: 0.5
• Fall (unintentional contact of hands, knees or body with the apparatus or floor): 1.0

Deductions cover technique, form (bent arms/legs, leg separation), body posture, amplitude, rhythm, and artistry. In the 2025-2028 cycle, landing deductions are capped at 0.80 per element (excluding a fall), so a single imperfect landing cannot be over-penalised. Artistry on Floor and Beam is judged more strictly, rewarding genuine expression, phrasing and musicality rather than merely moving to music.

New for the 2025-2028 cycle: a +0.1 bonus is awarded for a "stuck" dismount landing - a landing with no step or hop - on every apparatus except Pommel Horse, provided the dismount is rated C or higher. This bonus rewards control and is added within the D-score / connection scheme, incentivising clean, controlled finishes rather than purely difficult ones.

Each apparatus is judged by two panels:

• The D-Panel (typically 2 judges) determines the Difficulty Score - identifying the elements performed, their values, the satisfied requirements and the connections. The two D-judges must agree on a single D-score.
• The E-Panel (typically 5 judges) independently scores Execution, starting from 10.000. The highest and lowest E-scores are discarded and the remaining three are averaged to give the E-score, reducing the influence of any single biased mark.

Reference Judges and other superior-jury members may control scores and apply corrections under FIG procedures.

Only the Difficulty Score (D-score) may be subject to an Inquiry (the Execution score cannot be protested). Per the FIG Technical Regulations 2025, an inquiry may be submitted only by the designated NF Authorised Representative present in the Inquiry Area, and (when using the FIG electronic device) within two (2) minutes after the score is displayed; the device automatically blocks late submissions. The inquiry is recorded with its time of receipt, cannot be withdrawn once submitted, and the D-Panel re-evaluates the routine. A resolved inquiry may raise, lower or confirm the D-score.

The Floor Exercise is performed on a sprung floor area of 12 m x 12 m (with a safety border). The gymnast must use the whole floor area and remain inside the marked boundary line. Floor is contested by both men and women but differs by gender (see 4.2). The surface returns energy to assist tumbling passes.

Time limits differ by gender:

• Men's Floor: maximum 70 seconds, no music; the routine emphasises tumbling, strength holds and balance.
• Women's Floor: maximum 90 seconds, performed to music (the only artistic apparatus set to music), with choreography linking the tumbling passes.

The clock starts on the gymnast's first movement. Exceeding the time limit incurs an overtime neutral deduction (0.1), and any element begun after time receives no difficulty credit. Stepping out of bounds (a body part touching the floor outside the boundary) incurs a neutral deduction of 0.1 (one foot/hand) up to 0.3 (whole body / fall outside).

Vault is contested by both men and women. The gymnast sprints down a run-up of up to 25 m, hits a springboard and pushes off a vaulting table with a surface 95 cm wide x 120 cm long. The table height is set by gender: 125 cm for women and 135 cm for men. Each vault is identified by number and carries a fixed Difficulty Value from the Vault table in the Code of Points; execution and landing are judged from 10.000 as on other apparatus.

In Qualification, Team Final and All-Around Final a gymnast performs one vault. In the Vault Apparatus Final, the gymnast must perform two vaults that are from different element groups (different repulsion/entry families); the average of the two vault scores decides the placement. A vault landed badly (deep squat, large steps) is penalised as a large execution error, and a landing outside the corridor or with the body sideways may also draw additional deductions.

The Uneven Bars (WAG) consist of two horizontal rails at different heights - approximately a low bar near 1.70 m and a high bar near 2.50 m above the mat, adjustable. The routine is a continuous flow of swings, releases, pirouettes, bar-to-bar transitions and a dismount, with no stops permitted (a pause is a deduction). The D-score counts the 8 highest-valued elements (the dismount being one of them), with Composition Requirements (e.g. different grips, flight elements, close-bar and high-bar work) and Connection Value for direct release-catch combinations.

The Balance Beam (WAG) is 5.00 m long, 10 cm wide, and 1.25 m high. The routine has a maximum of 90 seconds and must combine acrobatic and dance/gymnastic elements, leaps, turns and a dismount while covering the length of the beam. A fall from the beam costs 1.0 and the gymnast has up to 10 seconds to remount. Wobbles, extra arm/leg movements to keep balance, and steps on landing are execution deductions; a timing horn signals when 90 seconds is exceeded (overtime neutral deduction).

The Pommel Horse (MAG) is a padded body 160 cm long, 35 cm wide, set about 115 cm high, with two pommels (handles) on top. The routine is a continuous sequence of single-leg and double-leg swinging movements (circles, flairs, travels and a dismount) performed almost entirely on the hands, with no stops or strength holds. Touching the horse with any other body part, or any pause/balance fault, is an execution deduction. The stuck-landing 0.1 bonus does not apply on Pommel Horse.

The Still Rings (MAG) hang about 2.80 m above the floor from a frame ~5.80 m high, the two rings 50 cm apart. The routine balances swing elements with demanding strength and hold elements (such as the iron cross, planche and inverted cross), each held for the required time. The rings must remain steady - swinging cables, bent arms in holds, and insufficient hold duration are execution deductions. A controlled, stuck dismount earns the 0.1 landing bonus when rated C or higher.

The Parallel Bars (MAG) are two flexible rails set about 2.00 m above the floor, roughly 42-52 cm apart (adjustable to the gymnast). The routine combines swing, flight and support elements above and below the bars, with releases and a dismount, performed with continuity and amplitude. Holding the bars to stop, extra swings, and bent-arm support are execution deductions. The D-score counts the 8 highest-valued elements (the dismount being one of them) with Element Group Requirements and Connection Value.

The Horizontal Bar (MAG) is a single steel bar set about 2.80 m above the floor. The routine is a continuous sequence of giant swings, release-and-catch flight elements, in-bar work, pirouettes and a high dismount, with no stops. Release moves and a big dismount give the apparatus its spectacular character; missing a catch (a fall) costs 1.0. The D-score counts the 8 highest-valued elements (the dismount being one of them), rewarding flight elements and direct connections with Connection Value, and a stuck dismount earns the 0.1 landing bonus.

A major championship or Olympic Games is decided across four phases (per the FIG Technical Regulations 2025):

1. Qualification - all gymnasts compete; results seed the team, all-around and apparatus finals.
2. Team Final - decides the Team World/Olympic Champion.
3. Individual All-Around Final - decides the all-around champion across all apparatus (6 for men, 4 for women).
4. Apparatus Finals - decide the champion on each individual apparatus. Gymnasts may qualify to several finals subject to the limits in 9.2-9.4.

The team scoring ratio differs by phase:

• Qualification: a team of 3 to 5 gymnasts; up to 4 may compete on each apparatus and the 3 highest scores count toward the team total ("4-up, 3-count").
• Team Final: the 8 teams with the highest qualification totals advance; a team is max. 5 gymnasts, and on each apparatus exactly 3 gymnasts compete and all 3 scores count ("3-up, 3-count") - there is no drop score, so every routine matters and a fall is costly. The team total is the sum across all apparatus (6 for men, 4 for women).

• Individual All-Around Final: the 24 gymnasts with the highest qualification all-around totals (having competed on all apparatus) advance, with a maximum of 2 gymnasts per National Federation. The all-around champion is the gymnast with the highest sum of one routine on each apparatus (6 for men, 4 for women).
• Apparatus Final: on each apparatus the 8 gymnasts with the highest qualification scores advance, again max 2 per National Federation. On Vault this requires two vaults (averaged). The "2 per country" cap spreads finals places and is a hallmark of the format.

Neutral deductions (penalties) are taken from the final score by the superior jury, separate from D and E. Common penalties include:

• Out of bounds (Floor): 0.1 (one foot/hand) to 0.3 (whole body or fall outside the line).
• Overtime (Floor/Beam exercise): 0.1 for exceeding the time limit.
• Attire / advertising / figure (number) faults: typically 0.2-0.3.
• Coaching/assistance violation or incorrect element value declaration: deductions per the Code.
• Late or absent presentation to the jury before/after the exercise: 0.3. These penalties apply after the D and E scores are combined.

• Spotting (assistance) by a coach during an element: the element receives no value and a penalty is applied; on apparatus where a spotter stands on the podium for safety, touching the gymnast voids that element.
• Empty/short set: if a gymnast performs fewer than the required number of elements, the missing-element penalties and unmet Composition Requirements reduce the D-score.
• Interruption of the exercise beyond the allowed remount time (e.g. >10 s after a beam/bars fall, or repeated long pauses) can terminate the routine; only completed elements are credited.
• No verbal/signal coaching to the gymnast is permitted during the performance.

To compete as a senior in FIG Artistic Gymnastics, a gymnast must reach a minimum age in the year of the competition: 16 years for Women (WAG) and 18 years for Men (MAG). Junior categories have their own age bands. The age rule is intended to protect young athletes and ensure fair, age-appropriate competition. Gymnasts compete for their National Federation (NF) and must be eligible and registered per the Technical Regulations.

Gymnasts must wear regulation attire: women a leotard (with or without legs); men a leotard with shorts on Floor and Vault and long gymnastics trousers with socks/slippers on the other apparatus. National emblems, advertising and the competition bib/figure number must comply with FIG norms. Wrong attire, an exposed undergarment, jewellery, a missing or wrong number, or an unauthorised logo draws a neutral deduction (typically 0.2-0.3) and, if uncorrected, may bar the gymnast from competing.

The gymnast or team with the highest total score is ranked first. Tie-breaks follow the FIG Technical Regulations 2025; in the All-Around a tie is broken by the highest sum of the E-scores across all apparatus, then by the highest E-score sum on the best 3 (then 2) apparatus, then by the highest sum of D-scores - rewarding cleaner execution. On a single apparatus, the higher E-score generally breaks a tie. Medals may be shared only where the Technical Regulations expressly permit no further tie-break.

Key headline changes effective from 1 January 2025:

• Stuck-landing bonus: new +0.1 for a step-free dismount (C or higher) on all apparatus except Pommel Horse.
• Landing deduction cap: execution landing deductions are capped at 0.80 per element (excluding falls).
• MAG element limit: maximum 4 counting elements from the same Element Group (reduced from 5); a one-leg balance element is now required on MAG Floor; connection/flight rules adjusted.
• Artistry emphasis (WAG): stricter, more nuanced judging of expression, choreography, posture and musicality on Floor and Beam.
• Inquiry via electronic device within 2 minutes of the score, by the NF Authorised Representative only, on the D-score. The overall philosophy of the cycle is stability and fairness rather than sweeping change.