The Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) only certifies vault equipment that passes rigorous, independent lab testing for safety, consistency, and durability. A vault table, springboard, or landing mat with the “FIG Approved” hologram isn’t just a brand endorsement—it’s a legal and technical guarantee.
To earn this seal, the equipment must meet the strict specifications outlined in the 2023 FIG Apparatus Norms, which support the 2025–2028 Code of Points. These norms define:
- Precise dimensional tolerances (height, width, depth)
- Rebound and elasticity performance
- Slip-resistance under dynamic load
- Load-bearing thresholds for junior and senior athletes
Using non-certified equipment at a FIG-sanctioned meet is more than a technical error—it can invalidate results, void insurance coverage, and expose organizers to legal liability if an athlete is injured.
For coaches, that means always checking for the FIG hologram and keeping full documentation on hand, especially when hosting meets or preparing gymnasts for elite competition.
Vault Table: Dimensions and Functional Benchmarks
While both men and women use the same vault table footprint—120 cm long by 95 cm wide—height settings and surface contours differ.
FIG-Approved Height Settings:
| Category | Table Height (±1 cm) | Curvature Crest (±1 cm) |
|---|---|---|
| Men’s Artistic Gymnastics (MAG) | 135 cm | 122 cm |
| Women’s Artistic Gymnastics (WAG) | 125 cm | 112 cm |
This strict 1 cm tolerance ensures consistent rebound across all brands and venues. Whether training in Europe or competing in Asia, a gymnast’s hands should feel the same surface every time.
Construction Requirements:
- Mono-stand design: The vault table must use a single, centrally-supported base—no four-legged or alternative constructions allowed.
- Anchoring: The apparatus must be securely fastened to the floor to prevent movement during use.
- Padding: All metal edges must be fully cushioned and concealed to minimize injury risk.
- Clear height marking: The final adjusted height must be stamped on the frame for rapid verification by judges and meet officials.
Functional Performance Standards:
Vault tables must undergo rebound testing in certified labs. These tests ensure:
- The surface rebounds quickly without “bottoming out” under the gymnast’s impact.
- The cushioning does not absorb too much energy, which would delay the gymnast’s energy return phase.
- No “double-kick” or secondary bounce occurs, as this can disrupt timing and lead to performance or safety issues.
If a table fails any of these, it cannot receive FIG approval, even if well-built.
The 25-Metre Vault Runway System
More than just a carpeted strip, the vault runway is a precision-engineered surface that supports speed, stability, and consistent timing.
FIG Dimensions and Structure:
- Length: 25.00 meters (± 0.10 m)
- Width: 1.00 meter (± 0.01 m)
- Height above arena floor: Maximum 2.5 cm
The runway consists of a carpet-bonded foam mat over a rigid 32 mm support board that extends beneath the springboard and table, eliminating dangerous gaps and ensuring consistent footing.
Key Components:
- Rigid baseboard (32 mm thick): Provides structural integrity
- Top layer (carpeted foam): Offers controlled grip and light cushioning
- Starter block: Marks the 25-meter start line for measuring vault approach
Performance Standards:
The runway grain and color orientation must be consistent across:
- Training gym
- Warm-up area
- Competition floor
This ensures athletes experience the same tactile grip and visual cues at every phase of the meet. Subtle differences in surface texture or color layout can affect stride timing and final hurdle mechanics, especially for high-speed, blind-entry vaults like the Yurchenko.
Height Limitation:
The total surface elevation (including mat and board) must not exceed 2.5 cm above the base floor. This limit preserves the correct take-off trajectory and ensures that vault technique translates seamlessly between practice and performance settings.
Springboard Types and Safety Collar Standards
In vaulting, the springboard serves as the critical launch platform between the approach and the vault table. While its function is universal, the flex profile—how much it bends under load—can vary.
FIG-Recognized Springboard Profiles:
- Soft Board: Greater compression under load; ideal for younger gymnasts or those developing technique.
- Hard Board: Offers minimal flex for maximum rebound; often preferred by elite-level or stronger athletes.
FIG Rule: At least one of each type must be available at sanctioned events.
Standard Dimensions:
- Length: 120 cm
- Width: 60 cm
- Height (excluding foam): 20 cm
- Foam Padding: Additional 2 cm on top surface
- Top Surface: Must be covered in non-slip carpeted material
U-Shaped Safety Collar (for Round-Off Entries):
When performing round-off vaults (e.g., Yurchenko), a safety collar becomes mandatory for all levels.
Design Requirements:
- Wraps around the front and both sides of the board
- Must sit flush with the springboard surface
- Prevents a misstep from reaching the rigid base or floor
- Anti-slip backing required—commonly attached via Velcro or hook-and-loop fasteners
Skipping the collar when required can result in neutral deductions or disqualification.
Landing Area and Authorized Zone Markings
Landing zones aren’t just for safety—they help define control and scoring alignment.
Primary and Supplementary Landing Mats:
| Component | Dimensions | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Landing Mat | 600 × 250 × 20 cm | Firm core mat that absorbs impact while maintaining stability |
| Supplementary “Soft Top” Mat | 600 × 200 × 10 cm | Placed on top; provides additional cushioning and displays the painted landing zone |
These two mats are layered to form a safe, standardized surface. The soft top is critical for both athlete comfort and visual guidance, as it includes the official landing corridor markings.
Landing Corridor Specifications:
- Start Width: 95 cm (matches vault table width)
- End Width: 150 cm (at the rear of the mat)
- Side Lines: Two outer lines, each 5 cm wide
- Center Guide Stripe: Thin central line that helps gymnasts visually align during landings
This trapezoidal layout encourages centered landings, which are essential for both safety and execution scores. Landings that stray outside the corridor can result in E-score deductions for lack of control or precision.
Optional Crash Mat for Added Safety:
- Dimensions: 300 × 200 × 30 cm
- Use Cases: Mandatory in podium training; optional but common in competition
- Purpose: Helps soften impact and reduce ankle stress, especially on difficult vaults or hard landings
This additional crash mat is usually placed at the rear of the landing zone, slightly overlapping the end of the landing mats without interfering with judging lines.
Certification Cycles and Document Control
Certificates are normally valid for four years; the current cycle runs until 30 June 2028 unless FIG issues an interim technical update.
Meet organisers must submit copies of apparatus certificates to the FIG Equipment Commission no later than 30 days before the first training session. During equipment control, FIG delegates will verify serial numbers, height stamps, runway length, and landing-zone paint before they allow the venue to open.
Anchoring, Levelling, and Maintenance tips
Even certified equipment needs proper setup. Coaches and meet staff should:
- Anchor vault tables securely to the sub-floor using the manufacturer’s brackets (especially on podiums)
- Level the runway board with a laser or spirit level to avoid uneven angles
- Rotate springboards and mats daily at multi-day events to prevent “dead spots”
- Inspect surfaces regularly—if the vault table cover is damaged, certification is invalid until repaired
Daily Coach Checklist
Quick checks can catch issues before they cause deductions or injuries:
- ✅ FIG hologram & serial number match event records
- ✅ Measure height from runway surface (not floor) to catch podium variances
- ✅ Carpet grain should run opposite the sprint—check for “shag” feel
- ✅ Safety collar fit: Slide a card between collar and board. If it drops through, re-fit it
- ✅ Keep chalk buckets and spotting blocks clear of the landing zone for line judges
- ✅ Mat compression test: Drop from vault height in 3 spots. If your heels hit hard, rotate or replace the top layer
Bottom line
FIG’s vault equipment standards may seem technical, but they directly affect athlete safety, scoring fairness, and coach confidence. Keep your equipment certified, properly set up, and maintained—and the only thing your gymnasts will need to focus on is sticking the landing.
Source: Apparatus – FIG
