The vault scoring system in gymnastics is composed of two main components: the Start Value (SV) and the Execution Score (E-Score). These scores are combined to determine the gymnast’s final score for the vault event. The Start Value represents the difficulty of the vault, while the Execution Score evaluates the technical performance and quality of execution.
The final score is derived by adding these two components, with deductions subtracted from both the Start Value and Execution Score based on the gymnast’s performance.
1. Start Value (SV)
The Start Value (SV) indicates the difficulty of the vault performed and is a key factor in determining the potential maximum score. The SV reflects the inherent challenge of the vault before any deductions for execution errors are made. It is determined by the Code of Points, a standardized set of rules that categorize vaults according to their complexity.
Factors Influencing Start Value
Several factors contribute to the calculation of the Start Value for a vault:
- Vault Type: The type of vault performed directly influences its Start Value. Vaults that include multiple flips, twists, or other complex combinations tend to have higher Start Values, while simpler vaults (like handsprings) have lower values.
- Difficulty of Execution: Vaults involving more complicated elements, such as flips or twists, are assigned higher Start Values due to the increased difficulty.
- Risk and Athleticism: Vaults that require significant aerial control and body precision, such as the Tsukahara or handspring double front, receive higher Start Values, reflecting the athleticism and risk involved.
Examples of Vault Start Values
- Handspring Vault (Vault 1): Typically has a Start Value ranging from 4.0 to 4.6, depending on variations and execution quality.
- Yurchenko Vault (Vault 2): Performed with a round-off onto the springboard followed by a back handspring onto the vaulting table. Start Values for this vault range from 5.4 to 5.8, increasing based on flips and twists.
- Tsukahara Vault (Vault 3): A high-difficulty vault with a Start Value of 5.8 or above, with more complex versions adding twists or flips.
Code of Points and Start Value Assignments
Each vault has a specific designation, often using letters or numbers (e.g., A, B, C or 1, 2, 3) based on the number of flips, twists, or other complex elements involved. Vaults with multiple flips or twists are awarded higher Start Values. For example, a vault with one flip and no twist may have a base difficulty (SV) between 4.0–4.6, while a more complex vault with multiple flips and twists may have a Start Value starting at 5.8 or higher.
Additionally, variations of vaults that add more twists or flips can result in a 0.1 to 0.2 increase in Start Value for each added skill.
2. Execution Score (E-Score)
The Execution Score (E-Score) evaluates the gymnast’s performance on the vault, focusing on the technical execution, form, and landing. The E-Score can be awarded up to a maximum of 10.0, but deductions are applied based on the gymnast’s performance.
Key Factors in the Execution Score
- Pre-Flight (Takeoff Phase): Judges assess the gymnast’s speed, power, and form as they take off from the vaulting table. A strong, controlled takeoff is essential. Deductions can be made for poor form or insufficient speed.
- Flight (Aerial Phase): During the airborne phase, judges focus on the gymnast’s height, distance, and form in the air. They assess the cleanliness of flips and twists, as well as visible errors like under-rotation or over-rotation.
- Landing: The final and most crucial phase. The gymnast must land with steady control, avoiding steps, hops, or instability. A fall (using hands or knees for support) typically results in a major deduction, often 1.0 point or more.
Deductions for Execution Errors
Deductions are made based on the severity of errors during the vault:
- Small Step (0.1–0.2): A minor step to adjust balance.
- Large Step (0.3): A larger step to stabilize balance.
- Hop (0.3): A noticeable hop during the landing phase.
- Leg Separation (0.1–0.2): Separation of the legs during the vault results in a small deduction.
- Under-Rotation or Over-Rotation (0.3–1.0): Incomplete or excessive rotations lead to significant deductions.
- Landing Faults (0.1–1.0): The most significant deductions come from falls, typically leading to a 1.0 deduction.
How the Final Score is Calculated
Once the Start Value (SV) and Execution Score (E-Score) are determined, the gymnast’s final score for the vault is calculated by adding the two scores together:
Total Score = SV + E-Score
For example, if a gymnast performs a Yurchenko double back vault with a Start Value of 5.4, but incurs minor deductions, their Execution Score might be 9.4. The total score would be:
SV (5.4) + E-Score (9.4) = Total Score (14.8)
This score reflects both the vault’s inherent difficulty and the gymnast’s execution. Higher difficulty vaults have the potential for a higher score, but the gymnast must execute the vault cleanly to maximize the score.
Vault in International Competitions
At major international events like the Olympics or World Championships, vaults are judged by a panel of 5 to 7 judges. Typically, two judges assess the D-Score (difficulty), while the remaining judges evaluate the E-Score (execution). The highest and lowest scores are discarded, and the middle scores are averaged to calculate the final score.
Vaulting apparatus conditions are also evaluated to ensure optimal performance, from the runway to the vaulting table.
Vault in Gymnastics: One Attempt or Two?
The number of vault attempts permitted varies by competition phase and level:
- Qualification and Finals: In many competitions, gymnasts perform only one vault during qualification or all-around finals. This allows them to focus on one well-executed vault for the best possible score.
- Apparatus Finals: Gymnasts are required to perform two different vaults in the apparatus finals, with the higher of the two scores contributing to the final result. This format ensures that gymnasts demonstrate versatility and a broader range of skills across different vault types.
Two Vaults in Finals:
In apparatus finals, gymnasts must perform two distinct vaults. The higher of the two scores counts toward the final result, ensuring a more comprehensive assessment of their abilities.
Qualifying with Two Vaults:
To qualify for the vault apparatus final, gymnasts must perform two vaults during qualifications. These vaults may need to come from different “vault families,” showcasing varied techniques.
For example, at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Simone Biles secured her seventh Olympic gold medal in the vault final, performing the Yurchenko double pike and the Cheng vault—two vaults that highlight her technical versatility and skill level.
Conclusion
The vault in gymnastics is a thrilling test of speed, power, and precision. From determining the Start Value based on the complexity of the vault to assessing the Execution Score based on form, form, and landing, every aspect of the vault is meticulously scrutinized. By understanding the components of scoring—Start Value and Execution Score—gymnasts can refine their vault technique to maximize their potential score, whether in qualifications or finals.
