Girls Gymnastics Rules Changes - 2022-24
By NFHS on June 21, 2024
2-2-1b(9) Apparatus, equipment failure or other interference the gymnast may stop immediately and request permission from the chief judge to continue from the point of interruption after the problem is corrected.
Rationale: Specifies the procedure used by the judge to allow the gymnast to complete the routine when there is an apparatus failure or other interference not within the control of the gymnast.
3-3-4 The change allows gymnasts to wear one stud earring in each ear.
Rationale: Allows one stud earring in each ear in keeping with current trends of other NFHS rules codes.
4-1-2c & d, 7-3-3 & 4, 8-3-3 & 4, 9-3-3 & 4 Revises the value of the Composition category of Scoring to reflect the changes made in Composition on Uneven Bars, Balance Beam and Floor Exercise.
Rationale: Revises the value of the Composition category of Scoring to simplify and maximize efficiency in the evaluation process. The difference in the value of the Composition category will be added to the Execution category.
4-1-2e NOTES 3, 7-3-5 NOTES 3, 8-3-5 NOTES 3, 9-3-5 NOTES 3, APPENDIX A #4 Direct connection of three or more elements, the second and following elements may be used twice when awarding Back-to-Back Superior (BBS).
Rationale: Specifies that Back-to-Back Superior (BBS) credit will be given when combining 3 or more superior or higher value elements to reward a gymnast for the performance of a more difficult combination.
6-1-1e Clarifies that while chalk may end up on table from the gymnast hand’s being placed on the table, it cannot be placed there in advance of the vault.
Rationale: Placing chalk on the table is not allowed for risk minimization purposes.
6-1-2f Clarifies that while tape is not permitted on the hand placement mat chalk may be used.
Rationale: Tape leaves a sticky residue on the surface of the hand placement mat and may pose a risk to the next athlete.
6-1-2g Clarifies if the safety zone mat is utilized by a gymnast that it must be placed against the vaulting board.
Rationale: The mat must be placed against the vaulting board for the safety of the gymnast.
6-1-2j (NEW), 7-1-2h (NEW) Identifies that a “pit pillow” is permissible during vault warm-ups only and during uneven bars for release elements that then must be immediately removed following the attempt.
Rationale: Specifies that a specific cushion made of softer foam (pit pillow) is allowable on vault for timers during warm-ups only and for the uneven bars during warm-ups and competition for release elements that must be immediately removed. This mat is NOT allowed for mounts, dismounts or landings on any event.
6-2-1, 7-2-2, 8-2-1b Specifies that the fall time for a gymnast begins when the gymnast is standing on their feet and medical assessment is complete. The change also clarifies that the timer should verbally indicate “15 seconds remaining”.
Rationale: Clarifies how to apply the fall time rule as it applies to injuries.
6-4-1b & 6-3-1a Provides a wider range in the deduction of hip angle.
Rationale: Increases the deduction by 0.1 to provide a more accurate deduction for deficiencies in the hip angle of vertical vaults.
6-4-2a(5) Provides a wider range in the deduction for bending knees early in salto vaults.
Rationale: Increases the deduction by 0.1 to provide a more accurate deduction for bending the knees early in salto vaults.
6-4-3a Removed deduction for beginning LA twist in second flight phase too late.
Rationale: Deletes a deduction that is no longer used.
6-4-3m Provides a wider range in the deduction for the under rotation of a salto vault.
Rationale: Allows for .05 to be taken as well as 0.1 to add options for judges.
6-4-4-e, 6-3-4e, 7-3-4a(14), 8-3-4a(13) Greater flexibility when applying a deduction for gymnasts taking small or medium steps on their landing.
Rationale: Allows for a small step deduction and a deduction for medium step for more flexibility in judging.
6-4-4g, 7-3-4c(4), 8-3-4c(3), 9-3-4c(3) Identifies that landing with the hips lower than the knees will incur a deduction.
Rationale: Clarifies that landings with the hips even with the knees is the safest position to avoid injury.
6-4-4-g NOTE (NEW), 7-3-4c(4) NOTE (NEW), 8-3-4c(3) NOTE (NEW), 9-3-4c(3) NOTE (NEW) Specifies that a deduction is taken for both the squat on landing and a fall if both occur.
Rationale: Clarifies that both the fall deduction is taken as well as the deduction for the squat on landing an vault/element with hips lower than knee.
6-5-2e, 2-2-1b(10), 7-3-7f, 8-3-7g, 9-3-7h Clarifies that the gymnast should be given a warning for an improper uniform before a deduction. If it cannot be corrected at the meet the deduction is taken one time only.
Rationale: Does not penalize the gymnasts for improper uniform without a warning. When a deduction is applied after the warning it is assessed one time if it cannot be corrected rather than on every event.
6-6-1, 2, 4, 5 Provides new vault values.
Rationale: Deletes a vault no longer performed because of risk to the gymnast. Raises the value of vaults in the vault chart in comparison to other vaults. Adds a new vault and its value to the existing vault list.
7-1-3b & c, 8-1-3b Clarifies that a board may not be placed on a 8 inch skill cushion but a folded panel mat or mount trainer mat may be used.
Rationale: Clarifies the board may not be placed on an 8 inch skill cushion but a folded panel mat and a mount trainer mat may be placed on top of an 8 inch skill cushion.
7-2-4b Event requirements changed to add a choice between clear hip circle, stalder circle and pike sole circle.
Rationale: the directional change was added to composition requirement and hip circles, Stadler circle or pike sole circle were added to event requirements to encourage gymnasts to raise the level of a routine.
7-3-3 Revised the composition category to maximize efficiency.
Rationale: Simplifies and maximizes efficiency in evaluating the composition category.
7-3-4b(3), 8-3-4b(8), 9-3-4b(8) Provides a wider range in the deduction for deficiencies in the hip angle on bars, beam and floor.
Rationale: Increases the deduction by 0.1 to provide a more accurate deduction for deficiencies in the hip angle on bars, beam and floor.
8-2-3e Provides more options for the gymnast’s routine by adding a mixed series or dance series to beam event requirements.
Rationale: The inclusion of a mixed series or dance series would increase the variety of combinations available to be used in routines and allow gymnasts more options for unique routine construction.
8-3-3 Revised the composition category to maximize efficiency.
Rationale: Simplifies and maximizes efficiency in evaluating the composition category.
8-3-4b(2), 9-3-4b(2) Specifies footwork deductions is increased to reflect current trends.
Rationale: Specifies that the relaxed/incorrect footwork deduction is increased by 0.1 to reflect current trends in evaluating deficient footwork.
8-3-5 NOTES 4 Clarifies when awarding Back-to-Back Superior credit for dance elements must be from group 1, 2, or 3 and dance balances and body waves may not be used.
Rationale: Clarifies that dance balances and body waves may not be used in a Back-to-Back Superior (BBS) series. This is consistent with the event requirement of a dance series which does not allow body waves and balances.
9-3-3 Revised the composition category to maximize efficiency.
Rationale: Simplifies and maximizes efficiency in evaluating the composition category.
9-3-4b(15), 4c(7) Revises the deduction for poor relationship of music and movement to be an up to 0.30 deduction. Additionally, if the gymnast fails to hold the ending pose for one second there will be a 0.05 deduction and if the gymnast fails to end with the music a 0.10 deduction is taken.
Rationale: Combining two very similar deductions will further clarify and eliminate double deducting for the same error and encourage gymnasts to show control at the end of a routine before immediately saluting the judges.
9-3-7o Clarifies that a coach may adjust or remove additional matting without a deduction.
Rationale: Reduces the penalty for the coach inside the border marking and specifies that the coach may adjust or remove additional matting.
2024-26 Editorial Changes
Supplemental #9, 28, 29, Dance Criteria/Technique
2024-26 Element Changes
Vault Box:2.502, 4.501, 5.201, 5.202, 5.505
Uneven Bars Box: 9.103,
Beam Box: 1.404, 1.409, 2.306,2.304c, 2.404c, 2.407, 2.408
Floor Box: 1.312, 10.402
Girls Gymnastics Points of Emphasis - 2024-26
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.
Composition:
In the sport of gymnastics, composition refers to the arrangement and combination of various elements and transitions within a routine to create a cohesive and an aesthetically pleasing performance. Gymnastics routines are typically composed of a series of movements and elements that are executed with precision, grace, and technical proficiency. The goal of composition is to highlight a gymnast's strength, flexibility, balance, and artistry while adhering to the specific rules and requirements of each event.
Evaluating composition must take into consideration each of those characteristics in an efficient and objective method. Reducing the number of categories to evaluate composition simplifies and maximizes efficiency in the evaluation. It also preserves the integrity of the evaluation by specifying criteria that provides an objective method to the evaluation.
The Dance Passage and Back-to-Back Superior Credit On Floor Exercise:
The dance passage was adopted in the rules book to encourage creative and artistic expressions of dance. It is a sequence of dance and choreographed movements that are now a part of event requirements in floor exercise.
The dance passage includes a minimum of two (2) different Group 1 elements, directly or indirectly connected. The passage must include both a superior and a leap in cross or side position. A dance passage cannot include a pause, stop, or lunge position in preparation for a turn. An acro element performed between the dance elements breaks the dance passage. However, steps, shuffling of the feet or repositioning of the feet are allowed and do not break the dance passage. Two elements meeting the requirements may be performed together or they may be performed in a sequence and still be considered a dance passage.
If the dance elements are superiors or higher value elements and directly connected without a pause, step, or stop they may receive back-to-back superior credit. Superior or higher-level dance elements may not receive indirect back-to-back superior credit.
Connecting Three Superiors or Higher Elements for Two BBS:
When three superiors or higher-level elements are directly connected, it often indicates a deeper level of mastery of skill development. Awarding more credit acknowledges the high skill level that is required in making these connections.
With the connection of three or more elements that are superior or higher level, the second element may be used two times. The first time as the last element of a connection and the second time as the first element of a new connection. This applies, only if all elements receive Value Part credit.
Event Requirements - Uneven Bars & Balance Beam:
Event requirements are the guidelines that have been identified as foundation builders on each event. They must be included and performed in a routine to demonstrate the ability of the gymnast to master those core expectations.
On the uneven bars the direction change requirement was moved to composition. A gymnast now has the choice of performing either a clear hip circle, a stalder circle or a pike sole circle that ends in a clear support.
On balance beam the gymnast now has the option to perform either a dance series or a mixed series of an acro to dance or dance to acro. Like the uneven bars the gymnast is now allowed an option to complete the event requirement.
This change on uneven bars and balance beam reflect the trends in expectations of mastery of basic elements.
Leaps & Jumps in Cross and Side Position On Beam
The rules committee adopted changes to the beam leap and jump chart to give a higher value to specific jumps that are more difficult if performed in the side position.
The designation of cross or side in the description of specific jumps on beam is important when awarding Value Part credit. If the description begins with “from cross”, that indicates that prior to the jump the body is facing the end of the beam. If the description begins with “from side”, that indicates that prior to the jump the body is facing out away from the ends of the beam.
“Landing in cross” indicates the finish position is facing the end of the beam. “Landing in side” indicates the finish position is facing out. A jump can begin in cross and land in cross, it can begin in cross and land in side, or it can begin in side and land in side.
Only selected jumps that demonstrate the jump in the side position or to the side position were increased in value. The shape of the jump must be demonstrated in the side position. The timing of the ¼ twist is not as important as the shape demonstrated and landing in the side position.
Publisher’s Note: The National Federation of State High School Associations is the only source of official high school interpretations. They do not set aside nor modify any rule. They are made and published by the NFHS in response to situations presented. Dr. Karissa L. Niehoff, Publisher, NFHS Publications © 2023
SITUATION 1: During warm-ups, prior to the start of the meet, the coach of a gymnast wearing baggie shorts asks the Meet Referee if the gymnast is allowed to wear her baggie shorts during the competition. The Meet Referee replies to the coach that baggie shorts are not allowed. RULING: Correct procedure. COMMENT: If the gymnast chooses to wear shorts, they must be fitted shorts. [3-3-1 (2)]
SITUATION 2: On vault, a gymnast performs a round-off flic-flac on and a back tuck off the table. As soon as the gymnast’s feet leave the board for the flic-flac on and just as the hands contact the table during the support phase, the gymnast bends the knees. The judges deduct 1.0 for early tuck. RULING: Incorrect procedure. COMMENT: The deduction for early tuck for a vault with a salto is up to 0.2. [6-4-2a (5)]
SITUATION 3: On bars, the judges award a total of 0.4 in Bonus (0.2 each) for the performance of two forward giants, both of which are advanced high superiors. RULING: Incorrect procedure. COMMENT: A maximum of 0.4 may be awarded in Bonus for the performance of two different advanced high superiors.[4-1-2E (1), 7-6-6 (6.401)]
SITUATION 4: On beam, after a fall, the judges resume judging a routine as soon as the gymnast’s feet leave the floor to remount the beam. RULING: Incorrect procedure. COMMENT: After a fall, judging on beam resumes with the first movement to continue the routine. (8-2-1b)
SITUATION 5: On floor exercise, a gymnast performs a sissonne with 180° split of the legs, followed by three running steps into a wolf jump with full twist. The judges do not award credit for a dance passage. RULING: Correct procedure. COMMENT: There is no leap in cross or side split position in this example. Although the sissonne has a 180° split of the legs, it is not considered a leap. It is considered a jump because it takes off from two feet. [1, 9-2-3b, 9-6- 1 (1.111a, 1.303)]
SITUATION 6: On floor exercise, a gymnast performs a switch leg leap with 180° split of legs indirectly connected to a straddle jump. The judges award credit for a dance passage. RULING: Correct procedure. COMMENT: The switch leg leap is a superior leap performed in the cross position. It takes off from one foot and lands on one foot. The straddle jump, a superior, is a different Group 1 element which takes off from two feet. A dance passage must contain two different Group 1 elements either directly or indirectly connected. The passage must include both a superior and a leap (cross or side split position). [1, 9-2-3b, 9-6-1 (1.209, 1.208)]
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 accommodationsto individual participants with disabilities and/orspecial needs, as well asthose 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.