In gymnastics, the difference between gold and silver often comes down to tenths of a point. Those tenths are lost through penalties—technically called deductions—which can stem from execution flaws, missing routine components, or rule violations.
But not all penalties are created equal. Some are about how a skill is done. Others are about what is (or isn’t) included. And some are simply about following meet protocol.
The Three Types of Gymnastics Penalties
While spectators usually notice form breaks or wobbles, judges evaluate routines on a much deeper level. All deductions fall into one of three main categories:
| Where It Appears on the Score Sheet | Who Takes It | Typical Size | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution & Artistry Deductions (E-score) | E-panel Judges | –0.10 to –1.00 each | Bent knees, flat choreography, falls |
| Composition / Requirement Deductions (D-score) | D-panel Judges | –0.30 to –0.50 each | Missing dance passage, not enough release moves |
| Neutral Deductions (stand-alone line) | Chief Judge / Line & Time Judges | Fixed –0.10, –0.30, etc. | Out-of-bounds, overtime, improper attire |
Execution Penalties
These are the deductions most viewers recognize right away: bent arms, wobbles, hops on landings, or a routine that just feels choppy or stiff. The E-panel starts every routine from a perfect 10.000 and subtracts tenths for technical flaws or poor presentation.
Common Execution Errors:
- Body Form Mistakes: Bent knees or elbows, leg separations, flexed feet
- Balance Errors: Wobbles on beam, arm flails, stepping off balance
- Landing Errors:
- Small hop: –0.10
- Large step: –0.30
- Deep squat or lack of control: –0.50
- Fall: –1.00
- Incomplete Elements: Turns that don’t finish, short handstands, under-rotated saltos
- Lack of Control or Rhythm: Pauses between elements, poor transitions
Each error is judged separately and deductions stack—so even a “clean-looking” routine can lose over a full point if multiple small issues occur throughout.each one has a bent knee or uncontrolled step, those small tenths can add up quickly—sometimes shaving over a point off the E-score.
Composition & Requirement Penalties (D-Panel)
Not all deductions come from errors during performance. Some result from missing required elements that are critical to a routine’s structure. These are handled by the D-panel, which calculates the D-score, or difficulty score.
In WAG, these are called Element Groups. In MAG, they’re known as Composition Requirements. If even one required group is missing, a flat deduction—usually –0.30 or –0.50—is taken before execution is considered.
Common Examples:
- Women’s Floor: No connected dance passage → –0.50
- Men’s Rings: Missing swing-to-strength element → –0.50
- Rhythmic: Fewer than 3 high throw-and-catch exchanges → –0.30 per miss
These deductions are dangerous because they silently lower the routine’s starting value, limiting scoring potential even if the gymnast performs flawlessly.
Artistry Penalties (WAG Only)
In Women’s Artistic Gymnastics (WAG), scoring isn’t just about technical execution—judges also evaluate the presentation of a routine. On floor exercise and balance beam, artistry is a key part of the E-score. A routine might be clean in form, but if it lacks style, emotion, or connection, the E-panel will deduct for artistry faults.
Judges may deduct for:
- Lack of rhythm, expression, or emotional connection
- Movements that appear robotic or repetitive
- Poor use of the floor space
- Inconsistent tempo or choppy choreography
Up to 1.2 points can be taken in artistry deductions per routine. Even well-executed skills may suffer if the performance lacks musicality or originality.
Neutral Deductions
Neutral deductions are rule enforcement penalties. They don’t relate to skill quality or difficulty. Instead, they ensure gymnasts follow competition procedures—like staying in bounds, finishing on time, and using equipment correctly.
These are assessed by the Chief Judge or designated line and time judges, and appear on a separate line from the D- and E-score deductions.
Universal Neutral Deductions:
- Out of bounds (each step): –0.10
- Over time limit (e.g., floor/beam): –0.10
- Coach assistance/spotting: –0.50 to –1.00
- Improper attire or jewelry: –0.10
- Starting late after signal: –0.30
- Equipment violations (e.g., extra board): –0.30
Because neutral deductions are assessed after the routine is judged, they cannot be appealed via the inquiry process. Once applied, they’re final.
Apparatus-Specific Neutral Deductions (2025–2028 Updates)
Some neutral penalties only apply on certain events. These were introduced or clarified for the 2025–2028 Code to improve choreography, pacing, and rule clarity.
For example:
- A gymnast who doesn’t use all four corners on floor loses –0.30—even with perfect tumbling.
- On beam, taking longer than 10 seconds to remount after a fall also triggers –0.30.
Other Event-Specific Neutrals:
- Vault: Second approach when only one is allowed → –1.00
- MAG Floor: Same diagonal used three times in a row → –0.30
- Beam/Bars (WAG): Placing mats over boundary lines without marking the edge → –0.10 per time
- Uneven Bars: Taking longer than 30 seconds to remount after a fall → –0.30
These deductions are fixed, final, and stack with others—so skipping choreography rules and stepping out of bounds can quickly cost half a point or more.
Putting It All Together: How Penalties Affect the Final Score
A gymnast’s final score is built from this formula:
(D-score – composition faults) + (10.000 – execution & artistry deductions) – all neutral deductions
Example:
- D-score: 5.5
- Missing element: –0.3
- E-score deductions: 1.4 (so E-score is 8.6)
- Neutral (out of bounds): –0.1
Final score:
(5.5 – 0.3) + 8.6 – 0.1 = 13.7
Key Takeaways for Gymnasts, Coaches, and Parents
- Perfection isn’t enough: A beautiful routine can still lose tenths from time violations, attire, or layout faults.
- Know the new rules: Changes like corner-to-corner travel on floor are new in 2025. Build them into choreography now.
- Practice the “little things”: Salutes, step-outs, mount times—rehearsing these can save easy tenths.
- Scan before you mount: Fix jewelry, pull hair back, and check mat setup. Some deductions are 100% avoidable.
In a word, penalties in gymnastics can come from many angles—technique, structure, timing, or simple forgetfulness. In a sport where tenths decide titles, mastering the rulebook is just as important as mastering the skills.
Source: usagym.org, ngja.org
