Take Part. Get Set For Life.™ National Federation of State High School Associations Girls Gymnastics Rules Changes Points of Emphasis Major Editorial Changes

Comments on the Rules Rules updated to match athleticism of today’s athletes Updated terminology Revised vault groups, event requirements, composition, execution deductions, chief judge deductions, element descriptions and element illustrations Adopted rules specific to equipment regulations and matting requirements

Element Numbering System Rules 6-6, 7-6, 8-6 and 9-6 Example – Uneven Bars #4.302 Number before decimal = Group number UB – Group 4 = Hip Circles Number after decimal = Element number within group First number after decimal denotes element value: 1 = Medium 2 = Superior 3 = High Superior 4 = Bonus High Superior #4.302 = High Superior– Clear hip circle to handstand

New Terminology Rule 1 Acro - Tumbling Chief Judge - (Superior Judge) Difficulty - Sum of Value Parts Element - Any M/S/HS/BHS listed in rules book Longitudinal Axis - A line through the body from head to toe Pike - Body bent at hips

New Terminology Rule 1 Release - (Regrasp) Shape - Position of the legs in respect to the torso during dance elements (i.e straddle, tuck, wolf, pike, cat, sheep, ring, split, stretched) Stretched - (Layout) Value Part - A completed element that receives credit in the Difficulty category

Equipment Rule 3-1 Competitive equipment shall meet rule specifications Penalty Event shall not be conducted Meet Referee notifies state association

Concussion Management Rule Any athlete who exhibits signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a concussion (such as loss of consciousness, headache, dizziness, confusion, or balance problems) shall be immediately removed from the contest and shall not return to play until cleared by an appropriate health-care professional. The judge of that event may stop competition to have the gymnast evaluated.

Uniforms Rule 3-3 Jewelry, including earrings covered with tape, shall not be worn Medical and religious medals may be taped to body Splints are prohibited - a splint restricts mobility of a joint Braces are permitted – a brace allows motion; manufactured braces do not require additional padding State associations may authorize the use of prostheses

Scoring Rule Difficulty = 3.0 Event Requirements = 1.2 Composition = 0.8 Execution = 4.2 Bonus = 0.8

Scoring Rule 4-1-2A In the Difficulty Category: Elements of a higher value may replace missing elements of a lower value on a one for one basis When an element of higher value is used to replace a missing element of lower value, it will retain its original value A BHS that has been used in a Bonus category may also be used in Difficulty to replace a missing M/S/HS

Bonus - Ultimate Rules 4-1-2E, 7-3-5, & A single element or a series of S/HS/BHS performed to the ultimate with no Execution deductions can receive 0.1 OR An entire routine with full difficulty and event requirements performed to the ultimate with 0.5 or less in Execution and/or Neutral receives 0.1 The maximum that may be awarded is 0.1.

Bonus – BBS Rule 4-1-2E Back-to-back superiors earn 0.1 each Up to a maximum of 0.2 may be awarded in the Back-to Back Superior Bonus category

Bonus – BHS’s Rules 4-1-2E, 7-3-5, & A bonus high superior will receive 0.2 credit if performed without a fall or spot An additional 0.2 may be earned for a second different bonus high superior performed without a fall or spot

Bonus Continued NOTE A BHS that does not receive 0.2 credit in the Bonus category because it was performed with a fall or spot, may be performed a second time and receive BHS credit if performed without a fall or spot A non-bonus BHS can still count in difficulty, event requirements or back-to-back superiors

Bonus - Extra Rules 4-1-2E, 7-3-5, & An extra HS/BBS/BHS can earn 0.1 in this Bonus category NOTE: A BHS element performed with a fall or spot cannot be awarded 0.2 as a BHS. However, it could earn 0.1 as an extra BHS in this Bonus category, provided that weight was borne before the fall.

Range of Scores Rule – – – Below 7.0 Range is determined by Chief Judge’s score

Chief Judge Deductions Conduct of Coach Rules 6-5-2, and To be deducted from gymnast’s event score: Coach between bars throughout0.1 Coach next to beam throughout0.1 Coach in FX area (was void)1.0 Signals/cues by coach/teammate0.2 (after one warning)

Chief Judge Deductions Equipment Rules 6, 7, 8 and 9 To be deducted from gymnast’s event score: Incorrect apparatus specs 0.3 Additional mats/board on unauthorized surface 0.3 Failure to remove board0.3 Failure to remove spotting device0.3

Chief Judge Deductions Gymnast Rules 5-2, 6-5, 7-7, 8-7 and 9-7 To be deducted from gymnast’s event score: Improper uniform0.2 Incorrect padding (UB-heel pads)0.2 Excessive use of magnesia or tape0.2 Exceeding warm-up time0.2 Failure to begin in 30 seconds0.2 Unsporting conduct of gymnast0.2

Vault Equipment Rule NOTE The landing area shall be 18 feet by 8 feet beginning July 1, 2012.

Starting Before CJ Signal Rules 6-5-2, 7-3-4, and Starting a routine or vault before signal from chief judge = 0.5 Deduction taken by CJ from the average score of the repeated performance or the next vault performed

Voided Vaults Rule 6-2-5c Voided vaults MAY be repeated

New Vault Deductions Rules 6-3 and 6-4 Incorrect foot form - up to 0.1 Head contacting table Includes 0.5 deduction for arm bend Extra steps (maximum 4) each Large step or jump Approximately 3 feet or more

Failure to Announce Vault Rule Gymnast fails to announce her intended vault – 0.2 from average of vault performed (Chief Judge) Note: Judges evaluate the vault that is performed.

Landings Rules 6-2-5c, 7-3-4d, 8-3-4d & 9-3-4d Elements that fail to land on the SOLES of the feet first receive NO Value Part credit. Note: Elements that receive no VP credit do not receive credit in Difficulty, Event Requirements or Bonus

Vault Changes in Values Rule 6-6 #2.202 ½ on – repulsion off = 8.6 (was 8.8) #2.204 Yamashita = 8.6 (was 8.8) #2.206 Yamashita 1/2 = 8.8 (was 9.0) # /1 on – 1 ½ off = 10.0 (was 9.9) #4.402 Tsuk – Tuck ½ = 9.8 (was 9.9)

Vault Changes in Values Rule 6-6 #6.301 RO-FF ½ on - Hdsp = 9.2 (was 8.8) #6.302 RO-FF ½ on - ½ off = 9.4 (was 9.0) #6.401 RO-FF ½ on - 1/1 off = 9.6 (was 9.2) #6.402 RO-FF ½ on - 1 ½ off = 9.8 (was 9.6) #6.501 RO-FF ½ on - 2/1 off = 10.0 (New) #6.502 RO-FF 1/1 on - 1/1 off = 10.0 (was 9.8)

Bars/Beam Rules and Plywood is NOT permitted under the board for mounting purposes

Uneven Bars Fall Time Rule Fall Time - 45 seconds (Following a fall, failure to remount within 45 seconds terminates the routine) Warning is given at 30 seconds

8 Required Elements UB/BB/FX – Neutral Deduction Rules 7-3-6, and A minimum of 8 elements are required on bars, beam and floor. All elements must be listed in the rules book. Any recognized attempt at a listed element may be given credit. Elements need not be considered complete in order to be given credit.

Uneven Bar Dismounts Rule Only dismounts necessitating a hand grasp are allowed. Dismounts from the feet are considered illegal and will receive no Value Part/Event Requirement/Bonus credit

Uneven Bars Event Requirements Rule each = Superior release/flight element - e xcludes dismount 2.LA twist/turn of at least 180° - Excludes mount and dismount Must be an element of value. Swing ½ turn does not count. Squat on ½ turn on the bar does not count. 3.At least 2 elements on each bar 4.Kip 5.Element (stretched) within 20° of vertical or passes through 6.Superior Dismount

Longitudinal Axis (LA) Twist/Turn Rule LA Twist/Turn – Any element that includes a turn/twist around the longitudinal axis of the body Examples: ½, 1/1, 1 ½, 2/1 LA Twist/Turn – Examples: Cast handstand ½ turnYes Giant 1/1 turnYes GeingerYes

Uneven Bars Composition (0.8) Rule Up to 0.3 – Variety in choice of elements Consider: performance of both forward and backward Consider: balance of circles/swings/kips Consider: overuse of elements/connections Up to 0.2 – Spacing and Direction Up to 0.1 – lack of using all space/levels Up to 0.1 – insufficient direction changes and bar changes Guideline - (not mandatory).1 no bar change,.05 1 bar change Up to 0.2 – Choreography Up to 0.1 – uncharacteristic elements Up to 0.1 – originality/creativity Up to 0.1 – Distribution Consider: lack of distribution of Value Parts Consider: maintaining difficulty level throughout routine

Direction Change Rule Direction Change – any element that includes a ½ or 1 ½ turn/twist around the longitudinal axis of the body and continues moving in the opposite direction results in a direction change. Direction Change – Examples: Long swing ½ over LB - Yes Cast handstand 1/1 (Healy) - No Flyaway ½ twist dismount - No

Execution Deductions Rules 7-3-4, and Execution deductions are now specific for each event.

Under-rotation of Release/Flight Elements Rule 7-3-4a Up to 0.1 Under-rotation of release/flight elements. Saltos Counterflight from LB to HB (toe shoot) Bails over LB Counterflights over LB

Precision of Handstand Positions Throughout the Exercise Rule 7-3-4a Up to 0.1 May be taken for entire routine containing handstand positions that are not precisely vertical Do not deduct if previous angle deductions have been assessed

Insufficient Exactness of Stretched Position Rule 7-3-4b Up to 0.2 Insufficient exactness of stretched position (hip angle 136° - 179°)

Insufficient Swingful Execution Throughout Exercise Rule 7-3-4b Up to 0.2 Insufficient dynamics throughout includes: Swingful throughout Maintains energy throughout Makes difficult look effortless

Uneven Bar Elements - Same or Different? Elements are different if: Different number in rules book Same number in rules book but: Saltos have different body positions Different degree of turns (1/2, 1/1, 1 ½) Support is on one or both arms Mount elements are performed within routine Legs together or straddled in saltos/Tkatchevs only Elements are the same if: They finish in a different grip Legs are together or straddled - Except on saltos/Tkatchevs

Uneven Bars Changes in Element Values Rule 7-6 #1.401 Jump w/extended body to handstand on LB - BHS (was HS) #1.206b Jump w/ ½, kip ½ catch HB - S (was HS) #1.309 Glide cut catch HB - HS (was S)

Uneven Bars Changes in Element Values Rule 7-6 #8.304 Swing ½ over LB to hang on LB - HS (was S) #9.205 Tuck or Pike Flyaway w/ ½ - S (was HS)

Uneven Bars New Elements Rule 7-6 Group 1 - Mounts #1.401 Group 3 – Counterswings/Uprises #3.402 Group 4 – Hip Circles #4.402b, #4.403, #4.304, #4.404 Group 5 – Giant Swings Backward #5.401b, #5.403

Uneven Bars New Elements Rule 7-6 Group 6 – Giant Swings Forward #6.403, #6.404 Group 7 – Straddle / Stalder Circles #7.103 Group 8 – Circle / Swings #8.106, #8.207 Group 9 – Dismounts #9.301

Equipment Rule Note The landing area shall be 12 feet by 8 feet wide The working area under the beam shall be 15 feet wide by 15 ½ feet long These dimensions are required July 1, 2012 These have been recommended matting requirements

Balance Beam Rule A spotting block or folded panel mat MAY be used but must be removed immediately after the element is performed.

Balance Beam Event Requirements Rule each = Minimum 360° turn on one foot 2.One acro flight element Must be on beam 3.Acro series of difficulty May include dismount 4.Dance series of difficulty Must be on beam 5.Mixed series of difficulty (dance and acro) Must be on beam 6.Superior dismount

Balance Beam Composition (0.8) Rule  Up to 0.3 – Variety in choice of elements Consider: variety of acro elements Consider: variety of dance elements Consider: balance of acro and dance elements  Up to 0.2 – Spacing and Direction Up to 0.1 – lack of using all space/levels 0.1 – lack of a backward and forward or sideward acro element  Up to 0.2 – Original Choreography/Artistry Up to 0.1 – originality/creativity Up to 0.1 – quality of gymnast's movement (artistry)  Up to 0.1 – Distribution Consider: lack of distribution of Value Parts Consider: maintaining difficulty level throughout routine

Execution Deductions Rules 7-3-4, and Execution deductions are now specific for each event.

Legs Not Parallel to Beam or Floor in Split Position Rules 8-3-4b and 9-3-4b Up to 0.2

Incorrect Rhythm During Direct Connections on BB & FX Rules 8-3-4a and 9-3-4a Up to 0.1 each time Incorrect rhythm during execution of direct connections Acro series Dance series Mixed series

Incorrect Body Positions Throughout - on BB & FX Rules and Up to 0.3 Incorrect Body positions during non-Value Parts Relaxed/incorrect leg position Relaxed/incorrect body posture Insufficient flexibility

Balance Beam Elements - Same or Different?  Elements are different if: Different number in rules book Same number in rules book but: Saltos have different body positions Different degree of turns (1/2, 1/1, 1 ½) –¼ is not different unless listed separately in rules book Support is on one or both arms Mount elements are performed within routine Takeoff for leap/jump if from one or both legs Acro elements takeoff or land on one or both legs

Balance Beam Changes in Element Values Rule 8-6 #3.303 ½ Illusion turn = HS (was S) # /1 Illusion turn = BHS (was HS)

Balance Beam Changes in Element Values Rule 8-6 #8.103b Back walkover swing down to cross straddle sit = M (was S) # Front aerial/salto to sit = HS (was S)

Balance Beam New Elements Rule 8-6 Group 1 – Mounts #1.101, #1.103, #1.104, #1.108 Group 2 – Leaps / Jumps #2.406 Group 3 – Turns #3.302a Group 11 – Dismounts #11.201, #11.301, #11.302

Additional Matting on FX Rule  Up to two manufactured mats, up to 8 inches in thickness, may be placed separately in the floor exercise area  A sting mat may be placed on top of an 8 inches skill cushion  Only one skill cushion per acro pass may be used  If removed during routine, mat may not be placed back in the floor exercise area

Floor Exercise Event Requirements Rule each = Twisting aerial/salto – at least 180° 2.3 Acro passes 3.Superior acro element In 3 rd pass or as last acro element 4.One superior jump, leap, or turn on 1 foot 5.Dance series of difficulty 2 Value Parts of different shapes 6.Mixed series of difficulty (dance and acro) 2 Value Parts

Floor Exercise Composition (0.8) Rule  Up to 0.3 – Variety in choice of elements Consider: variety of acro elements Consider: variety of dance elements Consider: balance of acro and dance elements  Up to 0.2 – Spacing and Direction Up to 0.1 – lack of using all space/levels 0.1 – lack of a backward and forward or sideward acro element must be within an acro pass and excludes round-off  Up to 0.2 – Choreography Up to 0.1 – quality of movement/artistry Up to 0.1 – originality/creativity  Up to 0.1 – Distribution Consider: lack of distribution of Value Parts Consider: maintaining difficulty level throughout routine

Acro Direction Floor Exercise Rule 9-3-3b  Examples of backward acro elements Flic-flac Back salto with or without twist Back walkover; back roll  Examples of forward acro elements Front handspring/flyspring Front salto with or without twist Arabian salto Front walkover; forward roll  Examples of sideward acro elements Cartwheel – all variations Aerial cartwheel

Execution Deductions Rules 7-3-4, and Execution deductions are now specific for each event

Incorrect Posture/Alignment During Dance Value Parts-BB & FX Rules and Up to 0.1 Incorrect body posture/alignment during dance Value Parts chest bent forward on leaps and jumps shoulders raised incorrect upper torso posture

Relationship of Music and Movement Rule 9-3-4b Up to 0.2 Poor relationship of music and movement throughout dance style should reflect music dance should interpret music

Music Synchronization Rule 9-3-4c Up to 0.3 Missing synchronization of movement with musical beat throughout the exercise Each time 0.5 At the end of the exercise0.1

Floor Exercise Elements - Same or Different?  Elements are different if: Different number in rules book Same number in rules book but: Saltos have different body positions Different degree of turns (½, 1/1, 1½) –¼ is not different unless listed separately in rules book Support is on one or both arms Takeoff for leap/jump if from one or both legs  Elements are the same if: Acro elements takeoff or land on one or both legs

Floor Exercise Changes in Element Values Rule 9-6 # /1 turn on one foot = HS (was S)

Floor Exercise New Elements Rule 9-6 Group 1 – Leaps/Jumps #1.212, #1.312, #1.409 Group 2 – Turns #2.201, #2.303, #2.403, #2.404 Group 4 – Rolls #4.202, #4.302

Points of Emphasis  Supplemental explanations of definitions  Descriptions of hand grip positions – UB  Description of handstand turn techniques – UB  Extra swing guidelines  Direction of specific elements  Inquiries  Description of selected jumps and leaps  Vault table slant

Judging Mechanics  Calculating event score  Calculating averages for scores ending in.05 (without a calculator)  Value Parts and non-Value Part (Void) Elements  Back-to-back superior credit  Steps  Judges’ Shorthand  Vault, Bars, Beam and Floor

Appendix  Appendix A – Inquiry sheet  Appendix B – Chief judge/meet referee deduction sheet  Appendix C – Score sheets: V, UB, BB, FX  Appendix D – Guidelines for Concussion Management  Appendix E – Equipment Guidelines  Appendix F – Communicable Disease and Skin Infection Procedures  Appendix G – Coaches Code of Ethics  Appendix H – Officials Code of Ethics

Take Part. Get Set For Life.™ National Federation of State High School Associations Girls Gymnastics Major Editorial Changes

Editorial Changes Listing   6-1-3e NOTE  6-2  6-2-5b  6-4-3i and k  8-4 Fig. 4  (6 BHS)  9-4 Fig. 4  Judging Mechanics: Awarding Difficulty Credit Vaulting (Second Flight Phase) Uneven Bars (Bonus) Floor Exercise (Bonus)

USA Gymnastics  The NFHS expressly thanks USA Gymnastics for its support of the interscholastic girls gymnastics program. Through its support and generosity, the element illustrations are provided by USA Gymnastics.

Concussion in Sports

NFHS Girls Gymnastics Publications  The Rules Book can be ordered: online at by calling

IHSAA Information Important Dates First Practice – November 22, 2010 First Authorized Contest – December 6, 2010 Sectionals – March 5, 2011 Regionals – March 11, 2011 State – March 19, 2011

IHSAA Information IHSAA MODIFICATIONS The following shall apply to season meets and IHSAA sponsored tournaments unless stated otherwise: 1.Gymnasts may compete on the varsity and reserve levels on different events within the same meet during the regular season. All-around scores must be 4 scores on the same level, i.e., all-around varsity or all-around reserve. 2.Only varsity gymnasts may compete in the IHSAA tournament series. 3.Team Scores (Season) - shall be determined for each level of competition and each event by totaling the best 3 individual scores in all events.

IHSAA Information Tournament Series A.Teams will be permitted to change the competitive order of performance of their gymnasts until their school begins to perform in that event. B.The three highest scoring teams from each sectional site shall advance to the regional tournament. C.The two highest scoring teams from each regional site shall advance to the state tournament. D.In the event of a tie for the final qualifying position for advancement to the next level of the tournament, all of the tied competitors shall advance. E.Medals shall be awarded to top 4 teams in the state meet. F.Gymnasts who receive the score of the 6th place gymnast at the previous state meet shall advance to the next level (regional or state) in the tournament series.

IHSAA Information 2010 IHSAA State Championships 6th Place Scores Bars Beam Vault Floor All-Around

IHSAA Information Recommendations 1.Schools should be sure that judges who are contracted use the current National Federation Rule Book and Manual in awarding difficulty points. 2.When hosting gymnastics meets, every effort should be made by the host school, prior to the meet, to notify and specify to the visiting school/s the kind of equipment, padded beam, standard bars, etc. that will be used. 3.When purchasing equipment, schools are cautioned to be certain the equipment conforms to specifications listed in the current National Federation Girls Gymnastics Rule Book and Manual.

IHSAA Information Officials Uniform Gymnastics judges should dress professionally (no sweats, jeans, or flip flops). The IHSAA official’s patch must be displayed.

IHSAA Information Tournament Application The IHSAA will be providing tournament applications for all sports through The Arbiter. All gymnastics judges will receive notification through The Arbiter with instructions on the application process scheduled for January 3, Applications must be complete in every detail by January 21, 2011.

IHSAA Information NFHS Test The testing period for new gymnastics judges is October 11 – November 15. Prospective officials will receive notification of the online test availability via The Arbiter. The testing period for gymnastics tournament series applicants is scheduled for January 24 – February 14. All gymnastics judges will receive notification of the test via The Arbiter.

IHSAA Information Officials Ratings Athletic Directors will receive ratings form via on approximately February 4, Coaches must complete the form and return to athletic director. Process will help identify gymnastics judges for the IHSAA Tournament Series.

IHSAA Information You have successfully completed the on-line gymnastics rules interpretation meeting. Good luck this season!