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Frequently Asked Questions

Has the body difficulty value changed significantly?

Like the previous cycle, difficulties are still valued between A to J which translate to 0.1 to a maximum of 1.0 points. There are however no combinations in this cycle between mixed elements - substituting it is "series" of elements from the same body group. A senior routine can now have a theoretical maximum of 10 points in technical value.

One thing that is very welcomed in the body difficulties is the return of a single passe and some other basic A elements. While the "A" difficulties are not of signigicant importance to Olympic gymnasts, however, Special Olympics as well as many countries' domestic competitive programs are based on (or build upon) this FIG code. Having a "full" vocabulary makes it simpler for all!

Has the artistic value changed much?

Music is reduced to only 1.0 point (versus 2.0 point in the last cycle). In contrast, Special Artistic Characteristics (or in plain english, apparatus handling), has been increased to 7.0 points (from 6.0 points). Having these "measurable" risks / handling allow more objective evaluation of routines.

In 2007, the artistic value section has changed signigicantly through bulletin 25 and 27. (click here to see the original bulletins). The concept is simple, each apparatus have its own technical groups which we shall call "Base" categories. Criterias are then applied on top of these base elements to arrive at a final value. Because of this change, a direct translation of old routines into the new code may not make sense strategically.

Furthermore, to encourage the use of the compulsory body groups (GCO) so that routines of each of the apparatus will look different, an extra 0.1 (total of 0.2) is applied when the apparatus element is performed with a GCO difficulty. There is no longer a 0.1 for non-GCO difficulties in the artistic section.

Has the emphasis changed from the last code?

While the value system has not changed signigicantly, the weight of body difficulties and artistic value in relationship to the final score has been changed. The final score is arrived by performing some math: (TV+AV)/2 + EX for a total value of 20 points. This translates to an obvious emphasis towards very clean routines.

This new system will encourage precision in both body and apparatus work. I believe we will start to see coaches leaning towards "safe" routines because the reward might not big enough.

In the past, the least experienced judges are usually assigned to the execution panel. Given the weight change of the panels, does this system still work when their score count for 50% of the entire performance?

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