Judging and Scoring in Gymnastic Competitions

Gymnastic competitions generally post their scores on an online scoring system. These scores are live and can be accessed on the website or through an app. If you are new to competitions, there is normally a set of instructions that are provided at the venue on brief directions to access the scores. The routines are evaluated and scored based on the routine that the athletes performed and how well they performed it.

In the Canadian Competitive Program, the gymnasts begin their routine with a Start Value. This Start Value represents the maximum score that an athlete can attain, and it equals to a score of 10.0. When an athlete does not perform the skill correctly, execution deductions are made from the Start Value. The judges deduct 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 for small, medium and a large mistake respectively. A crucial area that the gymnasts are assessed on is how well they land. If the athlete steps outside the floor area, points are deducted from the Start Value. There is a 0.1 deduction for one foot and 0.2 deduction for both feet. Similarly, the judges also use artistry and neutral deductions when evaluating and scoring. These deductions apply to the beam and floor routines. When performing the floor routine, they are evaluated based on qualities such as personal style, confidence, expression and so on. Neutral deductions are made when the athlete fails to meet their time limit. Moreover, a fall from or onto an apparatus will cost the athlete 0.5 points in deductions.

The Okanagan Gymnastics Centre will be hosting its COBWEB Invitational in person competition event on the 11th and 12th of December. The judges present at the event will evaluate and score athletes in the above-mentioned manner.