The scoring for vault is split into two main components: the D-score (Difficulty Score) and the E-score (Execution Score). These two scores are then combined to produce a gymnast’s final vault score.
1. Difficulty Score (D-Score)
The Difficulty Score (D-Score) is a crucial element in the gymnastics vault scoring system. It represents the level of difficulty of the vault performed, factoring in both the technical complexity and the variety of movements involved.
The D-Score is used to determine the vault’s maximum potential score before deductions for execution errors are applied, making it one of the primary contributors to the final vault score.
How is the Difficulty Score (D-Score) Determined?
The D-Score is assigned based on the specific vault performed and is calculated using the FIG Code of Points, a comprehensive set of rules published by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG).
The Code of Points lists all recognized vaults and assigns each a difficulty value. These values range from A (the least difficult) to F (the most complex), reflecting the level of difficulty of the vault.
Vault Classification (A-F): Each vault is given a letter grade from A to F:
- A vaults are basic and require minimal technical skill.
- F vaults are the most difficult, often requiring advanced techniques such as multiple twists, flips, and intricate combinations.
For example:
- A simple handspring vault might be classified as C.
- A more advanced Yurchenko vault with a full twist could be rated D or E, depending on the number of twists.
- Challenging vaults like a Yurchenko double twist or a Tsukahara vault involving both flips and twists could be classified as E or higher.
The D-Score is calculated by adding the difficulty values of the various elements within a vault. For instance, a vault with a handspring followed by a full twist may have a D-value of 5.2. If more difficult elements, like additional twists or flips, are incorporated, the D-value could increase to 5.6 or even higher.
Factors that Influence the Difficulty Score
Several key factors determine a vault’s D-Score:
1. Vault Type: The type of vault performed is a primary determinant. Vaults that require complex skills—such as multiple twists, somersaults, or unique combinations—earn higher D-values. Examples include:
- Hands Spring Vaults: Basic vaults, typically with lower D-scores.
- Yurchenko Vaults: Involving a round-off entry onto the vault table, with variations in flips and twists.
- Tsukahara Vaults: Involving a round-off entry and complex somersaults or twists.
- Kasamatsu Vaults: Featuring a forward entry and multiple rotations.
2. Technical Execution: Vaults with added complexity—such as more twists, higher somersaults, or combination elements—receive higher D-scores. The more intricate and technically demanding the movements, the higher the assigned D-value.
3. Vault Category: Vaults are categorized by their entry, flight phase, and landing mechanics. Each category has its own baseline D-score based on the difficulty of the individual elements involved.
- Example: A Yurchenko with a full twist might be given a D-score of 5.4, while a Tsukahara with multiple twists and somersaults might reach a D-score of 6.2 or higher.
4. Start Value: The start value is derived from the D-score and represents the maximum possible score a gymnast can achieve for a vault before any deductions are made. For example, if a gymnast performs a vault with a D-value of 5.4, the start value is 5.4. A less complex vault might have a lower start value, such as 4.8 or 5.0.
Example of D-Score Calculation
Let’s look at the D-score calculation for a Yurchenko Vault, one of the most common vaults in gymnastics:
- Basic Yurchenko Vault (no twist): A basic Yurchenko may have a D-score of 4.8.
- Yurchenko with a half twist: Adding a half twist during the flight phase would increase the D-score to 5.4.
- Yurchenko with a full twist: A Yurchenko with a full twist could raise the D-score to 5.8.
- Yurchenko with a double twist: A highly difficult version of the Yurchenko with two twists can elevate the D-score to 6.2 or more.
Each of these vaults would be performed and then evaluated against the Code of Points to determine if all elements are executed correctly and if any additional elements were incorporated.
How the D-Score Affects the Final Vault Score
The D-Score plays a critical role in determining the final vault score, but it is only part of the equation. In addition to the D-Score, the gymnast must also achieve a high Execution Score (E-Score), which accounts for the quality of the vault performed. The final vault score is the sum of the D-Score and the E-Score, with deductions applied for errors.
- Final Vault Score = D-Score + E-Score – Deductions
For example:
- D-score: 5.4
- E-score: 9.2
- Deductions: 0.3 (due to a small hop on the landing)
- Final Vault Score: 5.4 (D-score) + 9.2 (E-score) – 0.3 (deductions) = 14.3
A gymnast with a higher D-Score has a higher potential to earn a greater overall score. However, even with a difficult vault, execution errors (such as poor body position, uneven landings, or lack of height) can reduce the final score. Therefore, gymnasts must balance difficulty and execution to maximize their performance.
2. Execution Score (E-score)
The Execution Score assesses how well the gymnast performs the vault in terms of form, technique, precision, and landing. The E-score is awarded on a scale from 0 to 10, with deductions applied for any errors or imperfections in execution.
How the Execution Score (E-score) is Determined
The E-score is awarded by a panel of judges, typically consisting of four judges, who evaluate the gymnast’s vault performance. These judges assess various aspects of the vault, from takeoff to landing, and assign deductions for any flaws they observe. The E-score starts with a perfect score of 10.0, with points deducted based on the severity of any execution errors.
Key factors that influence the E-score include:
1. Form and Technique
A gymnast’s form during the vault is one of the most critical elements in determining the E-score. Judges focus on the gymnast’s body position, alignment, and posture throughout the skill. Key points to consider include:
- Legs: The gymnast’s legs should remain straight throughout the flight. Any bending or separation of the legs will result in deductions.
- Feet: Properly pointed feet are essential. Any flexing or incorrect foot positioning, especially during flight, will result in minor deductions.
- Body Alignment: Maintaining a streamlined body position is vital. Issues like excessive arching, piking, or twisting can result in deductions for poor body alignment.
2. Height and Distance
Achieving proper height and distance is crucial for a successful vault. A gymnast must generate sufficient height to demonstrate control and to perform the required maneuvers in the air. Additionally, the vault should cover adequate distance from the vaulting table:
- Height: Insufficient height can suggest poor push-off or under-rotation, leading to a deduction.
- Distance: Vaults that fail to clear the table adequately or don’t travel far enough during the flight phase will receive a deduction. This is particularly important for vaults that require a longer flight phase, like the Yurchenko or Tsukahara vaults.
3. Control and Precision in the Flight Phase
The flight phase of the vault is when the gymnast is in the air, and it’s an essential component of the E-score. The gymnast should demonstrate control, precision, and consistency throughout the flight phase:
- Flight Position: Whether in a tuck, pike, or stretched position, the gymnast should maintain a controlled and tight body posture. Any lack of control during the flight phase leads to deductions.
- Twists and Somersaults: When performing twists or flips, the gymnast should demonstrate smooth, consistent rotations. Issues such as off-center rotations or instability during twists are penalized.
4. The Landing
The landing is often the most important part of the E-score in gymnastics vault. Judges pay close attention to the gymnast’s ability to stick the landing with minimal movement:
- Stability: The gymnast should land with their feet shoulder-width apart and maintain balance without wobbling or excessive movement. Small steps or hops are typically considered minor errors, while large steps, hops, or falls result in more significant deductions.
- Falls: A fall during the vault (forward or backward) typically results in a substantial deduction, usually 1 point or more.
- Balance Checks: Any noticeable loss of balance or adjustments after landing (e.g., wobbling or shifting feet) will lead to minor deductions. While balance checks are less severe than falls, they still impact the overall E-score.
Common Deductions in the Execution Score
Deductions for execution errors can vary depending on the severity of the mistake. Some common issues include:
Form Errors
- Bent knees or legs: A deduction for each occurrence (typically 0.1 to 0.3 points).
- Flexed or incorrect foot position: Minor deductions for feet that are not pointed properly (typically 0.1 points).
- Body alignment issues (arching or piking): Deductions for improper body position (typically 0.2 to 0.5 points).
Height and Distance Issues
- Insufficient height: A deduction for vaults lacking adequate height (0.1 to 0.3 points).
- Poor distance from the vaulting table: A deduction for failing to clear the table properly (0.2 points).
Landing Deductions
- Small step or hop: Minor deductions (typically 0.1 to 0.3 points per movement).
- Large step, hop, or staggered landing: Moderate deductions (0.4 to 0.5 points).
- Fall: A significant deduction for a fall, typically 1 point or more.
Twist or Somersault Errors
- Off-center rotation: A deduction for improper twisting or flipping alignment (0.2 to 0.3 points).
- Slow or inconsistent twist/rotation: Deductions for hesitation or uneven rotation speed (0.2 to 0.5 points).
The Role of Judges in Determining the E-score
The E-score is determined by a panel of four judges, each of whom observes the gymnast’s performance and applies deductions for any faults they identify. Each judge assesses the gymnast’s takeoff, flight phase, body alignment, and landing.
The judges then assign an E-score by starting with 10.0 and applying the relevant deductions based on their observations. The final E-score is usually an average of the four judges’ scores.
Example of E-score Calculation
Let’s say a gymnast performs a Yurchenko vault with the following execution:
- Form and Technique: The gymnast maintains straight legs, pointed feet, and proper posture throughout the flight, with no deductions for form.
- Height and Distance: The gymnast achieves the necessary height and clears the table adequately, so no deductions are made for height or distance.
- Landing: The gymnast lands with a small hop forward, resulting in a 0.1-point deduction.
In this case, the gymnast’s E-score would be 9.9.
3. The Final Score in Gymnastics Vault
The final score for a gymnast’s vault is calculated by adding the Difficulty Score (D) and Execution Score (E). For example:
- Difficulty Score (D): 5.6
- Execution Score (E): 9.5
The final score would be the sum of these two components: 5.6 (D) + 9.5 (E) = 15.1.
Special Considerations
- Neutral Deductions: Occasionally, neutral deductions may be applied to the D-score without affecting the E-score. For example, a gymnast stepping out of bounds or making a minor error that doesn’t affect execution directly will face a neutral deduction from the D-score, lowering their potential maximum score.
- Tiebreaker: In the event of a tie (when gymnasts score the same final score), the gymnast with the higher D-score typically ranks higher. This highlights the importance of both difficulty and execution in achieving a top score.
Gymnasts can choose to attempt more difficult vaults for a higher D-Score, but how well they perform the vault is just as important.
The key to success in vaulting is finding the right balance between choosing a difficult vault and performing it flawlessly. For the best scores, it’s crucial to pick a vault that matches their skill level and perfect their execution.
