Take Part. Get Set For Life.™ National Federation of State High School Associations Girls Gymnastics Rules Interpretations Review

Take Part. Get Set For Life.™ National Federation of State High School Associations

2012 Girls Gymnastics Rules Book Corrections  Page 21, Group 2, 6-6-2, shade ¼ - ¾ 9.0  Page 17, 28, 53, 6-1-2b, 7-1-2b, 8-1-2b, shade 19 inches  Page 94, Group 8, should read “SALTOS FORWARD” and no shading

Definitions Rule 1  Advanced High Superior (AHS)  High Superior  Superior  Medium  Back-to-Back Superiors  Balk  Direction Change  High Level Back-to-Back Superior (HL BBS)  Low Level Back-to-Back Superior (LL BBS)

Duties of the Chief Judge Rule 2-2-1a(2)  Before the meet the chief judge shall inspect and measure equipment and the padded competitive floor exercise area to verify specifications

Competitive FX Area Rule 9-1-1b Padded Competitive FX Area Boundary Line FX Carpet Minimum 42’ x 42’ Area

Repeating an Exercise Rule 2-2-1b(9)  Allow a second trial when apparatus fails or other interference not within the control of the gymnast Routine may be repeated in its entirety or continued from the point of interruption Decision to repeat must be made before score is flashed

Meet Referee Authority Rule  The meet referee retains clerical authority during the contest and after the contest to file reports that are responsive to actions occurring while the meet referee had jurisdiction  State associations may intercede regarding unusual incidents that may occur before, during or after the meet referee’s jurisdiction has ended

Thickness of Matting Rule 3-1-3a, b  The minimum working and landing area shall be 4 ¾ inches  The maximum total matting including the sting mat shall be 19 inches  Only manufactured mats referenced in the rules book shall be used

Bonus Rules 4-1-2E, 7-3-5, 8-3-5,  Bonus – 0.80 (max 0.40)AHS – diff, no fall/spot (0.20 ea) (0.20)HL BBS (0.20) (max 0.20)May earn.2 in one of three ways LL BBS (0.10 ea, up to 0.20) 2 nd HL BBS (0.20) 3 rd AHS – diff, no fall/spot (0.20)

Bonus Rules 4-1-2E(1), NOTES 1, 2  Up to a maximum of 0.40 for 2 different advanced high superiors 0.20 for one advanced high superior with no fall or spot 0.20 for a second different advanced high superior with no fall or spot  NOTE 1: May be performed a second time for AHS credit if there is no fall or spot  NOTE 2: If there is a fall or spot, credit may be earned in difficulty, event requirements, back-to-back superiors

Bonus Rule 4-1-2E(2)  0.20 For 1 high level back-to-back superior HS + HS HS + AHS AHS + AHS

Bonus Rule 4-1-2E(3)  Up to a maximum of each – For each LL BBS-maximum of 2 S+S, S+HS, S+AHS, 0.20 – For a second HL BBS HS+HS, HS+AHS, AHS+AHS 0.20 – For a third different AHS with no fall or spot

Bonus Rule E, NOTES 3, 4  NOTE 3: A single element in a series may not be counted twice to receive back-to-back credit  NOTE 4: In floor exercise: superior, high superior and/or advanced high superior acro elements may be included in one continuous, uninterrupted acro pass without being directly connected

Determining the Range Rules 4-4-1, 3  Range of scores is determined by the average score not chief judge score  Counting scores must be within range of each other as determined by the average  The chief judge should call a conference for scores that are out of range with each other to bring them into range

Averaging a 4 Judge Panel Rule 4-4-2a  4 judge panel Drop the high and low scores and average the two middle scores The two counting scores must be within range of each other as determined by the average Example 6.7, 6.3, 6.4, 5.9 High 6.7 and low 5.9 are eliminated, average the 6.3 and 6.4 = 6.35 Range below 7.0 = 1.0 Difference between 6.3 and 6.4 = 0.1 is in range

Averaging 2 or 3 Judge Panels Rule 4-4-2b  2 or 3 judge panels Average all scores All scores must be within range of each other as determined by the average Example of 2 judge panel 8.6, 8.9 average = 8.75 Range for 8.75 average is 0.30 Difference between 8.6 and 8.9 = 0.30 is in range Example of 3 judge panel 8.0, 8.1, 8.2 = 8.13 Range for 8.13 average = 0.50 Difference between 8.0, 8.1, 8.2 = 0.20 is in range

Exceeding Warm-Up Time Rule 5-1-6a(1), (2)  0.20 is taken after one warning from the team score  Deduction applies only to the practice of an element(s)  If time is called as gymnast prepares for an element or dismount, gymnast may continue to finish element and/or dismount

Inquiry Process Rules 5-1-4a-e, 5-1-6b  Back-to-back superiors were deleted from list because they are part of the Bonus category  Inquiries involving judgment will not be accepted by the meet referee  With the exception of mathematical error inquiries, each inquiry after the first one that does not result in a score correction shall be a 0.50 deduction

Equipment Specifications Rules 6-1, 7-1, 8-1, 9-1  Equipment specifications in Section 1 on each event were updated  Landing area on vault, bars and beam must be 8 feet wide beginning this year  The working area under the beam must be 15 feet wide and 15 ½ feet long  A board/folded panel mat/mount trainer mat may be used for mounting and then removed  Spotting blocks or panel mats may be used and then removed  Maximum matting is 19 inches

Vault Without Signal from CJ Rule 6-2-5b, NOTE  A vault that is performed without the signal will not count as one of the 3 authorized attempts

Vault Deductions Rules 6-4-2a (4), 6-5-1c  Alternate repulsion of hands from the vault table for Groups 2 and 3 is an up to 0.20 deduction  Coach standing between board and vault table is a 0.50 deduction Exception: Deduction is not taken if the gymnast performs a round-off entry vault

Chief Judge Deductions Rules 6-5-2h&i, 7 & 8-3-7h&i, 9-3-7i&j  Signaling is no longer a violation Verbal cues by coach or teammate(s) to own gymnast (after one warning) is a 0.20 chief judge deduction  Excessive use of magnesia or use of tape on the vault table or other apparatus is a 0.20 chief judge deduction Velcro strips, athletic tape or small chalk marks may be placed across the width of the vault runway and must be removed no later than at the end of the rotation

Vault Values Rules 6-6-2, 4, 5, 6  2.301¼ - ¾ 9.0 (end facing in or out)  2.503½ - 2/  4.504¼ - ¼ Front salto 10.0 ¼ - ¾ Front salto 10.0  5.501RO – FF on – 2/1 off 10.0  6.403RO – FF 1/1 on – Repulsion off 9.6  6.404RO – FF 1/1 on – ½ off 9.8

Variety in Choice Guidelines Rule 7-3-3a(1-3)  0.05 Lack of performance of both forward and backward elements  0.05 Overuse of same connections (LB to HB)  Up to 0.10 Lack of balance/overuse of elements from same group » Examples: circles/swings/kips/pirouettes/releases

Variety in Choice Guidelines Rule 7-3-3a(4-6)  Up to 0.10Overuse of variations of same element  Up to 0.10Elements of highest value connected primarily to elements of lowest value  0.10Using the same element twice to fulfill difficulty Value Parts

Spacing and Direction Rule 7-3-3b  Up to 0.10Insufficient direction changes (excludes the mount/dismount) and bar changes 0.05for lack of 1 direction change 0.05for lack of 2 bar changes NOTE: A fall from 1 bar and continuation on the other bar constitutes a bar change

Extra Swings Rule 7-3-4c (8) NOTES 1, 2  NOTE 1: No more than 2 consecutive extra swings should be deducted on any single element (maximum of 0.60)  NOTE 2: After a fall, a gymnast is allowed to jump (or be lifted) to the bar and may take a maximum of 2 pump swings to initiate momentum. If more than 2 are taken, a 0.30 deduction for each extra swing(s) (after the 2 allowed) would be applied up to a maximum of 0.60

Handstand Angle Deductions Rule 7-4a Figure 1 no ded.05 no ded no hdst credit.05 no hdst credit When vertical is expected and is NOT achieved the following angle deductions will apply: 0° - 10°no deduction handstand awarded 11° - 20°deduct.05 handstand awarded 21° - 45°no deduction no handstand >45°deduct.05 no handstand

Uneven Bar Elements Rules 7-6-3, 4  Uprise backward to clear support on HB, also with ½ turn (180°) or with flank/rear/straddle vault over HB w/wo ½ twist (180°)  Clear underswing on LB, release and counter movement forward in flight to hang on HB

Uneven Bar Elements Rules 7-6-7, 8  Facing inward-Stalder backward with release and counter movement forward in flight to hang on HB (Ray)  Underswing (toe-on) with ½ turn (180°) to clear support on same bar

Series of Elements on Beam Rules 8-2-3, 5  A single element may fulfill more than one event requirement Exception: A single element within a series shall not be used twice in order to fulfill two series requirements  Two medium acro elements may be awarded superior credit if specific requirements are met  A medium acro element that attains vertical connected to a S/HS/AHS element that has flight on the beam will no longer receive BBS credit

Variety in Choice Guidelines Rules 8-3-3a(1-5), 9-3-3a(1-5)  Up to 0.10 Lack of variety of acro elements  Up to 0.10 Lack of variety of dance elements  Up to 0.10 Lack of balance of acro and dance elements  Up to 0.10 Balance in the level of acro vs. dance value parts  Up to 0.10 Most higher level Value Parts being isolated elements

Variety in Choice Guidelines Rule 8-3-3a(6-8), 9-3-3a(6-8)  Up to 0.10 Variety of connections (non-Value Parts) »BB - Using more than 2 straight leg pivot turns »Lack of variety in arm movements, locomotor movements, etc  0.10 Overuse of dance elements of the same shape »More than 2 elements with a wolf or tuck shape, with or without twist »More than 2 elements with a straddle shape, with or without twist  0.10 Using the same element twice to fulfill difficulty Value Parts

Spacing and Direction Rule 8-3-3b, NOTE  NOTE: May include the mount but not the dismount, may not include a handstand which has no direction and a tic-toc may count as a forward or backward direction element

Balance Beam Elements Rules 8-6-1, 2  1.407Salto forward to arrive in stand or sit on beam, also with ½ twist (180°)  Switch leg lp/jp 135° w/wo ¼  Switch leg lp/jp 180°  2.409aSwitch lp/jp 180° w/ ¼ to side split  2.409bSwitch lp/jp 180° w/ ¼ to straddle pike  2.409cSwitch lp/jp to ring at head height  Ring/stag ring lp/jp at waist height  2.412Ring/stag ring lp/jp at head height

Balance Beam Elements Rules 8-6-7, 8, 11  7.101Forward roll or shoulder roll with hand support  7.103Backward roll or shoulder roll with hand support  8.301Walkover forward in side position to side stand  8.402Jump backward (flic-flac take-off) with ½ twist (180°) to walkover forward (Onodi)  , , & Dismount can be from side or end

Music with Song/Speech Rule 9-3-7o  1.00Absence of music or music with song/speech Human sounds are allowed, provided there are no words spoken or sung

Floor Exercise Elements Rule  1.406aSplit jp 180° w/ 1 ½  1.112Ring/stag ring lp/jp at waist height  1.212Ring/stag ring lp/jp w/wo ½ at head height  1.312Ring/stag ring jp w/ 1/1 at head height

Floor Exercise Elements Rules 9-6-8, 9  8.101All saltos to prone  8.302bA series of saltos, one of which is forward and one of which is backward  8.403Double salto forward, also with ½ twist (180°)  9.302aSeries of saltos backward (tuck/pike/stretched)  9.302bSeries of saltos, one of which is forward and one of which is backward

Floor Exercise Elements Rule  9.402Series of saltos backward (tuck/pike/stretched) with 1/1 twist (180°) or more in both saltos  9.403Double salto backward, also with ½ twist (180°) or more  9.204Whip salto backward, also with ½ twist (180°)  9.304Whip salto backward with 1/1 twist (360°)  9.305Series of whip saltos backward

Floor Exercise Elements Rules 9-6-9, 10  Series of whip saltos backward with 1/1 twist (360°) in both saltos  Arabian salto – take-off backward with ½ twist (180°), salto forward (tuck/pike)  Arabian salto (stretched)  Arabian double salto forward  From take-off forward or backward from one or both legs – salto sideward (tuck/pike/stretched)

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

 2-2-1a(2)Describes chief judge’s responsibility in measuring floor exercise area  3-1-3a-d, 6-1,Reformats all event equipment 7-1, 8-1, 9-1specifications to an easier to read format  3-3 new NOTE,Clarifies the authority and criteria 3-3-5, 3-3-8for thestate association to authorize exceptions to the competitive rules to provide a reasonable accommodation to individual participants

Major Editorial Changes  new dClarifies the deduction for failure to use the board safety mat and have a spotter present on the vault.  9-6-8, 9-6-9,Element illustrations are rearranged 9-6 new 10for new elements.

Editorial Changes Listing  1  3 new NOTE  6-3-4h-o   6-4-4h-p  6-5-1a-f  7-3-3b  (8.302)  8-2-3c  8-3-3b  8-5b(2)  (1.201)  (11.203a, a, a, )  9-2-3a(1)  9-3-5b  9-5b(2)   (8.203, 8.303, 8.403)  (9.202, 9.302, 9.304, 9.402, New 9.204, 9.405)  9-6 new 10 (New , New , New )

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

 Extra swing  Tap swing  Uncharacteristic elements on bars  Bar Change  Handstands on beam and floor  Direction of specific elements on beam and floor

Judging Manual  The new Judging Manual is available on  Manual includes the following: Section on Judging Mechanics Judges Cue Sheets Inquiry Sheet Chief Judge/Meet Referee Deduction Sheet Event Scoresheets Meet Management Supplemental Explanations on Rules

NFHS Gymnastics  Communications Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Element Clarifications Directly to the state association girls gymnastics sport administrator State association girls gymnastics sport administrator to NFHS Gymnastics Consultant

NFHS Girls Gymnastics Publications  The Rules Book, Scorebook, Competitors Numbers and Rules PowerPoint can be ordered: online at by calling

NFHS Officials Association Central Hub Contains  sport information  rules information  rules library  searchable rules book and case book  content on officiating sport, competition situations and interpretations

New Courses at nfhslearn.com! Creating a Safe and Respectful Environment Addresses hazing, bullying and cyber bullying, inappropriate relationships and social media Strength and Conditioning Content from NSCA, designed to educate coaches to how to properly train students A Guide to Acclimatization and Heat Illness Prevention Will be available before practice starts for the fall of 2012 at FREE!