Gymnastics vs Gymnastics — Same Game, Different Rules

All apparatus used in FIG-sanctioned competitions must be approved by the FIG and listed on the official FIG Approved Apparatus List. Manufacturers must obtain FIG certification prior to use at any FIG event.

Apparatus per FIG specs (vault table, uneven bars, balance beam, floor exercise spring floor for W's; floor, pommel horse, rings, vault, parallel bars, high bar for M's); Personal equipment: leotard (W) / singlet+shorts (M); chalk; grips for bar events; springboard for vault; NCAA-approved compet...

Competition area per FIG spec for each apparatus; Vault runway: 25m; Floor exercise: 12m × 12m sprung floor

Per FIG Technical Regulations, the following minimum ceiling heights are required above apparatus:

Per FIG Technical Regulations and Statutes: Team composition (WAG): At World Championships and Olympic Games, each nation may enter a team of up to 5 gymnasts in the team event. In team competition, 4 gymnasts compete on each apparatus, with the top 3 scores counting (4 up, 3 count format, as of ...

NCAA W's team: 6 gymnasts compete per event; top 5 scores count toward team total (drop the lowest); NCAA M's team: 5 gymnasts compete per event; all 5 scores count (no drop); Roster: typically 15-20 athletes for D1; only 6 (W's) or 5 (M's) compete per event

FIG Artistic Gymnastics competitions follow a structured format with distinct phases (per FIG Technical Regulations and Competition Regulations): Qualifications (Podium Training): Prior to competition, athletes have access to apparatus for training. At World Championships, a single podium trainin...

Each event: gymnast performs a routine demonstrating required elements + connections + dismount; Routines must include specified number of "Special Requirements" per the NCAA Code (e.g., dance + acrobatics on floor); Time limits per apparatus: vault one attempt; bars/beam/floor: 30 sec - 1:30 lim...

NCAA scoring: 10.0 maximum scale per routine (different from FIG open-ended Code of Points); Composed of D-Score (difficulty/composition) + E-Score (execution); NCAA caps at 10.0 by combining; Each routine evaluated by 2-4 judges; high+low dropped; remaining averaged

The FIG scoring system — often called the "open-ended" or "Code of Points" system — was adopted following a major reform after the 2004 Athens Olympics. The current system is described in the respective FIG Codes of Points (CoP MAG 2022–2026 and CoP WAG 2022–2026).

Violations in FIG gymnastics result in deductions from the score, disqualification, or other sanctions depending on severity. The following are the principal violations and their consequences as specified in CoP WAG/MAG 2022–2026 and the FIG Technical Regulations.

Form deductions: bent legs, separated legs, body position, height of skill; Composition deductions: missing required elements, insufficient difficulty; Falls: 0.5 deduction per fall (NCAA standard)

Athlete safety is a primary obligation of the FIG, National Federations, and competition organizers. The FIG has adopted several frameworks and regulations addressing safety, as described in the FIG Technical Regulations, the FIG Safe Sport Policy, and the FIG Medical Commission Guidelines.

Spotters required at coach's discretion for high-risk skills. NCAA-mandated safety mats meeting FIG spec.