In gymnastics, each event highlights amazing athleticism and skill, but the vault is particularly impressive. Gymnasts sprint down a runway, spring off a board, and land on a vaulting table, all in just a few seconds.
In this article, we’ll break down how vault scoring really works.
Contents
The Basics of Vault Scoring
In modern gymnastics, vault scores are composed of two parts:
- D-Score (Difficulty Score)
- E-Score (Execution Score)
The D-Score represents the difficulty value of the vault performed. Each vault in the Code of Points has a pre-assigned difficulty value.
- Range: Typically from 2.0 to 6.4 for women, and up to 6.0 for men
- Higher difficulty vaults (e.g., more twists or flips) receive higher D-scores
- The D-score is determined by a panel of judges who identify the vault performed and assign the corresponding difficulty value
2. E-Score (Execution Score)
The E-Score evaluates how well the vault was performed. It starts from a base of 10.0 points, from which deductions are taken for errors in technique, form, and landing.
Common deductions include:
- 0.1 – 0.3: Small errors (slight knee bend, slight hop on landing)
- 0.3 – 0.5: Medium errors (large step on landing, significant body position issues)
- 0.5 – 1.0: Large errors (fall, very low landing, touching the mat with hands)
Final Score Calculation
The final score for a vault is calculated by adding the D-Score and E-Score:
Final Score = D-Score + E-Score
For example, if a gymnast performs a vault with a 5.8 difficulty and receives 9.3 for execution, their final score would be 15.1.
Key Skills Judges Look For in Gymnastics Vault
Judges evaluate every phase of the vault, from the initial run to the final landing. Here are the key skills judges look for in gymnastics vault:
1. Approach and Runway
The approach to the vaulting table is critical as it sets the foundation for the entire vault. Judges assess:
- Speed and Power: The gymnast should demonstrate explosive speed and power during their run-up to the vaulting table, indicating strong momentum for the vault.
- Precision and Alignment: The runway should be straight, and the gymnast’s approach should be precise in terms of timing and alignment towards the vaulting table.
2. Take-Off and Pre-Flight
This phase involves the gymnast’s take-off from the springboard and preparation for contact with the vaulting table. Judges evaluate:
- Technique: The quality of the take-off, including the use of the springboard’s rebound to achieve height and distance.
- Body Positioning: Proper body alignment during the pre-flight phase is crucial for a successful vault. Judges look for straight body lines and correct positioning of the hands as the gymnast prepares to contact the vaulting table.
3. Contact with the Vaulting Table
The moment of contact with the vaulting table is crucial for executing a clean and effective vault. Judges focus on:
- Hand Placement: The gymnast should place their hands on the vaulting table precisely, ensuring a secure grip and proper leverage for the push-off phase.
- Push-Off Technique: The gymnast’s push-off from the vaulting table should be powerful and controlled, generating height and momentum for the post-flight phase.
4. Post-Flight and Aerial Technique
During the post-flight phase, judges assess the gymnast’s ability to perform twists, flips, or other aerial maneuvers. Key considerations include:
- Height and Distance: The gymnast should achieve significant height and distance from the vaulting table, demonstrating strength and control in their flight trajectory.
- Form in the Air: Judges evaluate the gymnast’s body form, looking for straight legs, pointed toes, and minimal form breaks during twists or flips.
5. Landing
A clean and controlled landing is essential to conclude the vault effectively. Judges consider:
- Stability and Control: The gymnast should demonstrate stability upon landing, minimizing steps or adjustments.
- Body Alignment: A straight body position upon landing reflects the gymnast’s control and mastery of the vault.
Penalties and Deductions in Vault Gymnastics
Here’s a detailed overview of the penalties and deductions in vault gymnastics, according to the updated rules and regulations:
Run-up and Take-off:
In men’s gymnastics, exceeding the 25-meter run limit results in a 0.50 point deduction. For both men and women, if an additional run approach is taken, a 1.00 point deduction is applied. In women’s gymnastics specifically, running past the table without performing a vault is considered an invalid vault and receives a score of 0.00 points.
First Flight Phase:
During the first flight phase, judges evaluate the gymnast’s technique, hip angle, body arch, and head position. Deductions ranging from 0.10 to 0.50 points can be applied for poor execution in these areas. Additionally, if the gymnast deviates from the vertical plane during this phase, a deduction of 0.10 to 0.30 points may be taken.
Repulsion Phase:
The repulsion phase is critical, and poor technique or incorrect shoulder angle can result in deductions from 0.10 to 0.50 points. Bent arms during this phase also incur deductions of 0.10 to 0.50 points. If the gymnast deviates from the vertical plane or begins a prescribed turn too early, deductions of 0.10 to 0.30 points are applied.
Second Flight Phase:
In the second flight phase, judges look for proper body position and height. Excessive snap or insufficient tuck or pike position results in deductions of 0.10 to 0.30 points. Insufficient height in this phase can lead to deductions of 0.10 to 0.50 points.
The exactness of body position is also evaluated, with deductions of 0.10 to 0.30 points for imperfections. Insufficient extension of the body before landing incurs deductions of 0.10 to 0.30 points.
Landing:
The landing is a crucial part of the vault. If the gymnast’s legs are apart on landing, a 0.10 point deduction is taken for separation up to shoulder width, and 0.30 points for separation beyond shoulder width. Each extra step or slight hop results in a 0.10 point deduction.
A very large step or jump incurs a 0.30 point deduction. Body posture faults during landing can result in deductions from 0.10 to 0.30 points. A deep squat on landing leads to a 0.30 point deduction. Support with one or two hands, falling to the knees or hips, or falling on or against the apparatus all result in a significant 1.00 point deduction.
Specific Deductions:
There are specific deductions related to the landing area. Touching outside the landing area with one foot or hand results in a 0.10 point deduction.
If the gymnast touches outside the landing area with both feet, hands, or any other body part, a 0.30 point deduction is applied. Landing directly outside the designated landing area also incurs a 0.30 point deduction.
Invalid Vaults:
Certain errors result in an invalid vault, receiving 0.00 points. These include performing a vault without a support phase, not using the safety collar for round-off entry vaults, receiving spotting assistance during the vault, not landing feet first, or executing a vault so poorly that it cannot be recognized.
Conclusion
Judges evaluate the entire vault from start to finish, considering technique, height, distance, body position, and landing stability. The goal for gymnasts is to perform a high-difficulty vault with minimal deductions to achieve the best possible score. Please always refer to the latest FIG Code of Points for the most up-to-date information.
