1: Changes superior judge to chief judge.
Rationale: Updates terminology. “Superior Judge” has been misinterpreted as meaning the better judge by quality.
1: Deletes the definitions for Elegance, Lightness, Skill and Regrasp and added definitions for Longitudinal Axis (LA) Twist, Longitudinal Axis (LA) Turn, Release, Shape, Element and Value Part.
Rationale: Updates terminology and adds definitions for clarification.
Shape: Clarifies composition deduction on the balance beam and floor exercise.
Element: Replace “skill” with “element” to differentiate between a movement of value from one with no value.
Value Part: Clarifies the criteria needed to be considered for an element to receive credit in the difficulty category.
1: Revises the definition of Difficulty and Pike.
Rationale: Updates definitions.
Difficulty: Necessary to be consistent with inclusion of Value Parts.
Pike: Pike position is also recognized at an angle greater than 90 degrees.
2-2-1b(12), 6, 7, 8 & 9: Deletes chief judge deductions from Rule 2 and replaced them with revised chief deductions in Rules 6, 7, 8 and 9.
Rationale: Updates terminology and method of evaluation. Deductions are more appropriate for high school gymnasts.
2-2-1b: After a fall, the chief judge terminates the uneven bar exercise at 45 seconds and (new 14) the balance beam exercise at 30 seconds.
Rationale: Clarifies the chief judge’s duty to terminate an exercise.
3-1-1: Stipulates competitive equipment shall meet rule specifications and such specifications shall not be waived by prior mutual consent of participating schools.
Rationale: Previously, the penalties for not meeting equipment specifications were left up to the state associations. The NOTE was included when equipment was changing with new beams, vault table, bars etc. For example, if all or the vast majority of schools in a state had the older bars that could not be adjusted out as much as the new bars the state association could permit the use of the older bars. Enough time has elapsed for the new equipment to be in place and for purposes of risk minimization an event should not be conducted when equipment does not meet rule specifications. A state association could adjust the penalty on certain requirements if deemed appropriate.
3-2-6: Deletes and replaces Article 6 with updated language regarding concussions and re-entry into competition.
Rationale: Clarifies when a gymnast may return to competition following a concussion. Consistent language with other NFHS rules codes.
3-3-3: Replaces, for clarity, existing language regarding jewelry and how medical alert and religious medals may be worn.
Rationale: Clearly identifies jewelry shall not be worn and that medical alert and religious medals are not considered jewelry and may be worn if taped to the body. Language is consistent with other NFHS rule codes.
3-3-6,7 & 8: Revises Article 6 to include splints. Adds Article 7 regarding braces and Article 8 regarding the authorization of the wearing of prostheses. Renumber the remaining article.
Rationale: Upon recommendation of the NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee, standardized rule language should be included in all NFHS rules codes addressing padding and prostheses. Rules did not adequately address braces and wearing of prostheses.
4-1-2A: Replaces the current rule for scoring with updated terminology and method of evaluation.
Rationale: Current method of evaluation to promote variety and choice of elements. Reflects new terminology and changes.
4-1-2E(1): Replaces the word “skill” with “element” and added amplitude and neutral to the list of deductions.
Rationale: The purpose of this category is to give a bonus of 0.1 to an element performed to the ultimate with no deductions at all or a routine with 0.5 or less deducted. The way it is stated, only execution errors count. An element/routine that receives an amplitude deduction should not receive credit, nor should an element that is spotted.
4-1-2E(4), NOTE: Stipulates that a bonus high superior can receive 0.2 or 0.4 credit for two different bonus high superiors provided no fall or spot has occurred.
Rationale: Allows the gymnast to receive bonus high superior credit except for a full on spot. Increases the consistency of awarding bonus high superior credit.
4-4-1: Replaces the current range of scores to reflect an acceptable spread between the scores.
Rationale: Since judges do not have to agree on difficulty or bonus, it allows for a greater range of scores.
6-1-3 new NOTE: Specifies that the landing area on vault shall be a minimum of 18 feet by 8 feet and meet all other matting requirements beginning July 1, 2012.
Rationale: The matting size is more appropriate for the high school age gymnast, better accommodates the errors of the gymnast and minimizes risk of injury.
6-2-5c(3): Specifies that a gymnast who vaults without the signal from the chief judge shall receive a 0.5 deduction from the final average score of the next vault performed. Only three attempts are allowed to execute two vaults.
Rationale: The deduction is consistent with uneven bars, balance beam and floor exercise. If a gymnast begins prior to the signal, the routine is not void. A 0.5 deduction is taken from the gymnast’s final average score.
6-2-5d: Deletes the restrictions on repeating a vault.
Rationale: The rule, as presently written, is forcing coaches to make a last minute decision on whether to assist a gymnast resulting in crashes that in some cases are causing injuries. If the coach facilitates the vault, the vault cannot be repeated. If the coach does not facilitate and protect the gymnast, the gymnast risks injury. In addition, when an element is voided on other events, the gymnast has time during a routine to replace the element. On vault, two void vaults results in an event score of zero. This change is for risk minimization purposes.
6-2-7: Replaces the current vault chart with a revised chart with vaults grouped according to type of vault rather than value of vault.
Rationale: Round-off vault values are inconsistent with other vaults. Round-off vaults with ½ on are more difficult and should be valued higher. Yami vaults are not the current trend and no longer meet the expectations of performance for a high school vaulter. Thus, they should not be encouraged for use by having a higher value. Values are easier to locate if organized according to type of vault.
6-3-4e & 6-4-4e: Specifies that a maximum of 4 steps on vault landings shall receive a deduction of 0.1 each.
Rationale: This change will make landing deductions consistent throughout the rules.
6-3-4f & 6-4-4f: Specifies that 0.2 shall be deducted for a large step or jump (approximately 3 feet or more) on vault landing.
Rationale: The new wording of this deduction will be consistent with the wording for all events.
6-4-2: Adds a 2.0 deduction for the head contacting the vault table which includes a 0.5 deduction for extreme arm bend.
Rationale: Currently, there is no deduction for the head touching the table. The head should never touch the table and this deduction addresses this fault.
6-6, 7-5, 8-5 & 9-5: Adopts, adds and adjusts difficulty, element descriptions, illustrations and values.
Rationale: Current method of evaluation to promote variety and choice of elements. Reflects new terminology and changes.
7: Renames Uneven Parallel Bars to Uneven Bars.
Rationale: Updates to current terminology. The event is no longer called Uneven Parallel Bars.
7-1-5 & 8-1-5: Specifies that plywood is not permitted under the board for mounting purposes on bars and beam.
Rationale: Adds clarification. It is not appropriate to place plywood on the mats with the board placed on top.
7-2-2, 8-2-3, 9-2-3: Stipulates that each event requirement is worth 0.2 for a total of 1.2 instead of 1.4.
Rationale: Reduces the number of event requirements to reflect current trends in requirements.
7-2-2a-g: Deletes circling/swinging as an event requirement on the uneven bars and specifies the event requirements include: Superior release/flight element (excludes dismount), LA (longitudinal) twist/turn element, at least 2 elements on each bar, kip, an element that achieves (within 20 degrees) or passes through vertical in a stretched position, and a superior dismount.
Rationale: Updates terminology and revised for clarity.
Circling/swinging: All routines contain circling already so it is not necessary to list as a requirement.
LA twist/turn: Almost all dismounts are saltos so it is repetitive to require a salto. Routines should include a twist or turning element of at least 180 degrees.
Element achieving or passing through vertical: Clarification on dismount.
7-2-4: Increases the fall time from 30 seconds to 45 seconds with a warning at 30 seconds on the uneven bars.
Rationale: For purposes of risk minimization, an additional 15 seconds is added to the time for a gymnast to continue her routine. The additional time allows the coach to assess the gymnast’s readiness to continue. It allows time for the gymnast to check grips and add magnesia to grips and hands.
7-2-5: Clarifies that only dismounts necessitating a handgrasp are allowed on the uneven bars.
Rationale: Dismounts from the feet are no longer recognized as elements on uneven bars. The current rule contains a contradiction regarding dismounts when it states that only dismounts from a handgrasp are allowed and also implies that dismounts from the feet are allowed as long as they don’t pass through an erect stand.
7-3-3a-d: Deletes and revises composition deductions on uneven bars to include: variety in choice of elements, spacing, choreography and distribution.
Rationale: With changes in event requirements and specific event deductions, a change in composition deductions is also needed to reflect those changes. Rhythm is an execution deduction so should be deleted from composition. Artistry is not pertinent to bars.
7-3-4, 8-3-4 & 9-3-4: Deletes and replaces execution and amplitude deductions worth 4.0 with updated event-specific deductions worth 4.2 on uneven bars, balance beam and floor exercise.
Rationale: Updates terminology and method of evaluation. Provides consistency in evaluation across all events.
7-3-6, 8-3-6 & 9-3-6: Deletes and replaces previous neutral deductions on each event.
Rationale: The purpose of requiring 8 elements, which must be listed in the book, is to regulate the length of an exercise with elements that are characteristic of modern artistic gymnastics. To fulfill this requirement, an element need only be recognized as an attempt toward completion. An element does not need to receive Value Part credit to be counted as one of the 8 elements. Additional elements have been listed in the book to assist in the choice of elements to meet this requirement.
7-4 Fig. 1: Clarifies that casts, on the uneven bars, greater than 45 degrees from vertical receive a .05 deduction for lack of amplitude except for cast to squat/straddle/stoop on, or single leg shoot thru.
Rationale: Presently, it is implied, but not clear, that all casts, except those noted, are to receive the .05 amplitude deduction. The figure implies it is only for handstands.
7-5-2(22): Increases the element value to high superior.
Rationale: This is a difficult element and the value should be increased. Continuity in the placement in the rules.
8-1-3: Specifies that the landing area on balance beam shall be a minimum of 12 feet by new NOTE 8 feet beginning July 1, 2012.
Rationale: The matting size is more appropriate for the high school age gymnast, better accommodates the errors of the gymnast and minimizes risk of injury. 8 feet wide mats have been recommended when purchasing.
8-1-8: Permits the use of a manufactured spotting block or folded panel mat for spotting on balance beam.
Rationale: Permitting the use of a manufactured spotting block or folded panel mat will allow the coach to spot a gymnast to reduce the risk of injury for the gymnast.
8-2-3a-g: Deletes and revises event requirements on balance beam to include: minimum 360 degree turn on one foot, one acro element on the beam, an acro series of difficulty which may include the dismount, superior dismount, a dance series of difficulty on beam and a dance-acro/acro dance series of difficulty on beam.
Rationale: Reduces the number of event requirements to reflect current trends in requirements.
8-3-3a-d & 9-3-3a-d: Deletes and revises composition deductions on balance beam and floor exercise to include: variety in choice of elements, spacing and direction, choreography/artistry and distribution.
Rationale: With changes in event requirements and specific deductions, a change in composition deductions is also needed to reflect those changes.
8-4-7 & 9-4-7: Clarifies description of dance turn deductions on balance beam and floor exercise.
Rationale: Clarifies deductions for dance turns. The degrees in the description did not match the chart in Figure 4.
8-4-8 & 9-4-8: Specifies deductions for acro elements with twists on balance beam and floor exercise.
Rationale: Clarifies definitions for salto dismounts with twists.
9-1-3,4,5: Deletes Article 3 and replaces with a new article addressing matting and performance deductions and rearranges the order of articles 3, 4 and 5.
Rationale: Consistent safety requirements with other rule codes.
9-2-1b: Revises the timing requirements on floor exercise.
Rationale: On floor exercise, gymnasts do not stop their exercise at a warning signal or time signal. Gymnasts have a difficult time hearing the warning signal because of the music and the proximity of the gymnast to the timer.
9-2-3a-c: Deletes and revises event requirements on floor exercise to include: twisting aerial/salto at least 180 degrees, three acro passes, superior acro dismount in the 3rd acro pass or as last acro element, one jump/leap or turn on one foot of at least superior difficutly, one dance series of 2 Value Parts of different shapes and one dance/acro or acro/dance series of 2 Value Parts.
Rationale: Updates terminology and current trends do not require a mixed series of 3.
Major Editorial Changes
3-3-4, 6-1-3e NOTE, 6-2, 6-2-5b, 6-4-3i & k, 8-4 Fig. 4, 8-5-4 (6 BHS), 9-4 Fig. 4, Judging Mechanics: Awarding Difficulty Credit, Vaulting (Second Flight Phase), Uneven Bars (Bonus), Floor Exercise (Bonus)
Points of Emphasis
1. Supplemental explanations for the definition:
a. LA Turn/Twist
b. LA Turns/Twists that are direction change
c. Elements
d. Value Parts
e. Difficulty- the sum of the value parts.
2. Description of Hand Grip Positions – Uneven Bars
3. Description of Handstand Turn Techniques – Uneven Bars
4. Extra Swings
5. Clarifies element direction credit
6. Inquiries
7. Description of Selected Jumps and Leaps
8. Vaulting