Gymnastics Rules & Regulations

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INSIGHT Resources (scoring and team management)

Score Flippers/INSIGHT Introductory Meeting Recording (October 16, 2023)

Score Flippers/INSIGHT Question and Answer Meeting Recording (November 13, 2023)

Girls Gymnastics Rules Changes - 2026-28

By NFHS on March 31, 2026

Rule 1: Clarifies that pivoting on both feet breaks a directly connected series, affecting connection credit. 

• Rationale: Emphasizes that pivoting on both feet will break a series of two directly connected elements. 

2-2-1b(9): Expands examples of equipment failure (uneven bars and balance beam) to ensure consistent application when a second trial is permitted. 

• Rationale: Clarifies equipment failure on uneven bars and balance beam. 

3-1-2e: Updates language allowing use of a softer foam skill cushion during both warm-ups and competition for risk minimization. 

• Rationale: Clarifies the language for the use of a softer foam skill cushion during warm-ups and competition. 

3-3-1-4: Refines uniform regulations for clarity and consistency. 

• Rationale: Clarifies uniform regulations. 

6-3-1h NEW: Adds new requirement that the vault take-off must be from two feet to promote proper take-off from the board and for risk minimization. 

• Rationale: Specifies a vault is required to take-off from two feet for risk minimization. 

7-1-2a: Specifies the required padded length for the working and dismount areas on the uneven bars. 

• Rationale: Specifies the length of the working and dismount area of the uneven bars that needs to be padded for risk minimization. 

7-2-4b: Clarifies that a clear hip circle, stalder circle, or pike sole circle may finish in either a clear support or handstand position. 

• Rationale: Clarifies that a clear hip circle, stalder circle or pike sole circle can end in either a clear support or handstand. 

7-3-6: Removes an unnecessary deduction, simplifying scoring. 

• Rationale: Eliminates an unnecessary deduction in scoring. 

8-1-2g: Requires the dismount landing area on beam to be padded to minimize risk. 

• Rationale: Ensures that all areas of the dismount landing area are padded for risk minimization. 

9-1-2e: Reinforces that adding mats during a routine is not permitted. 

• Rationale: Specifies that adding mats during the routine is not allowed. 

9-2-3(a2c): Defines regulations for a two-element acro pass. 

• Rationale: Specifies the regulations for a two-element pass. 

9-2-3(a2d): Defines regulations for a single acro element pass. 

• Rationale: Specifies the regulations for a single acro element pass. 

9-3-3(3): Clarifies the deduction for lack of acro passes in two different directions. 

• Rationale: Clarifies the deduction for lack of a pass in two different directions. 

9-3-5 NOTE 3: Clarifies that a single element in a series may be counted twice for back-to-back superior credit, whether connected directly or indirectly. 

• Rationale: Clarifies a single element in a series may be counted twice to receive backto- back superior credit whether the connection is direct or indirect. 

9-3-5 NOTE (4a): Removes redundant language. 

• Rationale: This statement is repeated under 9-3-5, 

Note 4b. 9-3-7p: Revises the music deduction to make it consistent with other event deductions. Rationale: Clarifies that the music deduction is now consistent with other similar deductions. 

2026-28 Editorial Changes 6-2-1-2, 7-2-1-3, 9-2-1-2 

2026-28 Element Changes Vault Box: 6.6.1, 6.6.3 Beam Box: 8.6.1

Girls Gymnastics Points of Emphasis - 2026-28

 Sportsmanship:

Good sportsmanship is essential in the education-based gymnastics setting, as in any other sport. The positive and respectful environment that is imperative in the gymnasium is the same as which is expected in the classroom. Sportsmanship enhances the experience for athletes, coaches, and spectators, and promotes the values of which the NFHS and high school associations are built upon - fair play, respect and integrity.

Recent studies continue to demonstrate the declining number of licensed sport officials and the alarming rate of turnover of coaches and athletic leaders. Having so many new faces each year who may have little to no experience, only exacerbates the challenges of addressing issues of unacceptable sporting behavior. In order to make a positive impact on sportsmanship in gymnastics, there must be collaboration by all stakeholders - coaches, gymnasts, school administration, spectators, and by the judges themselves. Each of these play a key role in making the high school gymnastics experience a meaningful one, creating lifelong and treasured memories for all.

Here are some key aspects of how all involved can invest in the process and be proactive in their efforts to create a positive environment:

Respect for Opponents:

• All in attendance must treat the opponents with the same courtesy and respect that they would expect to receive, both on and off the competition floor.

Encouragement:

• Acknowledge and appreciate good performances. These competitors have invested hours of their time and have dedicated each practice to honing their skills. This should be applauded by all, regardless of which school they represent.

Fair Play:

• Follow the rules of the sport and adhere to the principles of fair play.
• When inquiring about the decisions of judges, do so with respect and in an appropriate manner.
• Accept the decisions of judges gracefully, even if you don’t agree.

Humility:

• Be humble in victory and gracious in defeat.
• Be respectful when celebrating a successful routine.
• Celebrate the successes of others as enthusiastically as those of your own team/teammates.

Maintaining Composure:

• Keep emotions in check, both in victory and defeat.
• The actions of the coach have a significant impact on the actions of the gymnasts, the parents and other spectators in the stands.

Responsibility:

• Watch the rules videos, take rules exams, attend clinics and seek opportunities to be an informed resource for others.
• Take responsibility for your actions, whether positive or negative.
• Admit mistakes and learn from them, always striving to improve.

Post-Competition Interaction:

• Engage in respectful interactions with opponents and judges after the competition.
• Show appreciation for the time and the commitment from all who work to make a high school gymnastics event possible.

Through the efforts of all involved and by embodying these foundations of sportsmanship, together we can continue to exhibit the principles on which education-based athletics has been built upon, and thereby have a significant impact on the lives of so many.

 Equipment failure:

Uneven bars: Although the tightening of the cable tension is the responsibility of the coach, if the cable tension slips while an athlete is competing, it is considered equipment failure. The fall deduction does not apply.

Balance beam: If the end cap detaches while the gymnast is performing a dismount, it is considered equipment failure. The fall deduction does not apply. However, if the end cap detaches at any other time during the routine, it is not considered equipment failure.

 Eliminating dismount deduction

The elimination of the dismount deduction was the result of an analysis of multiple deductions for a routine without a dismount of value. The 0.30 deduction for no dismount has been removed. However, the 0.20 deduction for lack of a superior dismount under event requirements will still apply.

 Matting

The rules committee adopted changes to equipment requirements regarding matting for risk minimization. A specification for uneven bars was added; the working and dismount area must be 36 feet long. On balance beam the dismount area must now include matting extending out 4 feet x 4 feet from both sides of the dismount area. On floor exercise, additional matting must be placed prior to the start of the routine. No deduction is taken if a coach briefly enters the floor area from the nearest boundary to remove a mat. An alternate skill cushion may be used during warm-ups, however it may only be used during competition on bars for release elements and must be immediately removed.

 Acro passes on floor exercise

A number of changes were adopted regarding acro passes on floor exercise. The rules now embrace a single element pass, indirect connections within a pass and changes to a two-element pass. The changes reflect the current trends of high school gymnastics.

Judges Optional Scoresheets (10/21/26)

Judges Vault Scoresheets Vertical (10/21/26)

Judges Vault Scoresheets Horizontal  (10/21/26)

Team Scoresheet (8/19/22)

Inquiry Form (10/21/26)

Chief Judge/Meet Referee Deduction Sheet (10/21/26)

2026-2027 Clarifications  (10/21/26)
General and Vault Cue Sheet  (10/21/26)
Uneven Bars Cue Sheet  (10/21/26)
Balance Beam Cue Sheet  (10/21/26)
Floor Exercise Cue Sheet  (10/21/26)
Matting Cue Sheet  (10/21/26)
Equipment Cue Sheet  (10/21/26)
Multi-Team Event Draw Reference Sheet 
Team Rotation Reference Sheet 

WIAA Adaptations to NFHS Rules - Please print and place in your rules book for reference.

FREE NFHS Course:  Understanding Copyright and Compliance

Information on U.S. Music Copyright Laws

Article: Gymnastics and Music Copyright Laws

If you choose to use vendors from the NFHS resource list (https://www.usacheer.org/music/preferred-providers), they will remove words and cut the music to fit what the gymnastics music requirements are. They are simply a resource that is compliant with copyright laws. 

Gymnastics sites that offer the music with license for performance:

Floor Express: http://www.floorexpressmusic.com/ 

Energym Music: http://www.energymmusic.com/

Musical Designs: http://www.musical-designs.com/ 

Make your own: http://www.wikihow.com/Edit-Music-for-a-Gymnastics-Floor-Routine

Uniform Rules Adjusted for High School Girls Gymnastics

RULE 3-3-1 THRU 8 NOTE: Each state association may, in keeping with applicable laws, authorize exceptions to NFHS playing rules to provide reasonable accommodations to individual participants with disabilities and/or special needs, as well as those individuals with unique and extenuating circumstances. The accommodations should not fundamentally alter the sport, heighten risk to the athlete/others or place opponents at a disadvantage. Clear or skin-colored or black undergarments. 

ART. 1 . . . The proper uniform shall be a one-piece leotard of moderate proportions with matching clear or skin-colored or black undergarments. A single partial/whole manufacturer’s logo/trademark (no more than 2¼ square inches in size with no dimension exceeding 2¼ inches) is permitted on the top and bottom or one-piece uniform. 

1. Unitards that are ankle length with or without sleeves are acceptable. 

2. Unitards, ankle-length leggings, tights, or fitted shorts (black, solid matching color to the leotard, or skin-colored) may be worn with the leotard. 

3. Head covering worn for religious reasons must be made of non-abrasive, soft material and must fit securely, not to impose a safety hazard to the gymnast. 

ART. 2 . . . One American flag, not to exceed 2 inches by 3 inches, may be worn or occupy space on each item of uniform apparel. By state association adoption, to allow for special occasions, commemorative or memorial patches, not to exceed 4 square inches, may be worn on the competition uniform without compromising the integrity of the uniform. 

ART. 3 . . . Gymnastics footwear, if worn, shall be a neutral color. NOTE: Tennis shoes (athletic sneakers) are NOT considered gymnastics footwear. 

ART. 4 . . . Jewelry shall not be worn in competition. a. Medical alert medals are not considered jewelry and shall be taped to the body and the alert may be visible. b. Religious medals are not considered jewelry and shall be taped to the body. 

ART. 5 . . . Hair devices that do not pose a risk of injury and are securely fastened in the hair may be worn to keep the hair away from the gymnast’s eyes and face. 

ART. 6 . . . Casts or splints on any body parts are prohibited. 

ART. 7 . . . Hand, wrist, elbow, knee and ankle braces which are unaltered from the manufacturer’s original design/production do not require any additional padding. 

ART. 8 . . . Body paint and glitter are prohibited.

** Wisconsin Adaptation/POE: Club logos, club mascots, and club name cannot be worn on the school - approved uniform.  (Rule 3-3).