The Most Common Gymnastics Deductions Explained

Key takeaways

Deductions are graded by size — small 0.10, medium 0.30, large 0.50 — with a fall costing 1.00.

Many faults are deducted 'each time' they happen, so a recurring fault adds up across a routine.

The same core categories (form, shape, amplitude, rhythm, landings) apply on every apparatus, with extra apparatus-specific faults on top.

Execution deductions come off the E-score; rule breaches such as overtime are taken from the final score instead.

Most execution deductions judges apply, across every apparatus, fall into a small number of recurring categories.

How deductions are sized

Both 2025–2028 Codes of Points use the same scale:

Size	Deduction
Small	0.10
Medium	0.30
Large	0.50
Fall	1.00

How large a fault is depends on how far it departs from perfect technique — the Codes give angle guides for many faults, such as how far a handstand finishes from vertical. Many faults are deducted each time they happen.

The recurring categories

The general tables in both Codes cover:

Body form — bent arms or knees, legs or knees apart, legs crossed during twists, feet not pointed, poor body alignment.
Shape — tucks and pikes not tight enough, a stretched salto that bends at the hips too early, positions not shown distinctly. See tuck, pike and layout.
Amplitude — insufficient height of skills, low swings, insufficient split in leaps and jumps.
Rhythm and flow — hesitations, pauses, and on the bar apparatus “empty” swings (a swing that leads to no skill) and intermediate swings.
Handling the apparatus — adjusting the grip, brushing or hitting the apparatus or mat, walking in handstand.
Landings — feet apart, extra arm swings, steps and hops, a deep squat, putting hands down. See landing deductions.

Apparatus-specific faults

On top of the general table, each apparatus has its own list. Some examples:

Vault — faults judged phase by phase, including a staggered hand placement and deviation from a straight line.
Uneven bars — insufficient height on releases, empty and intermediate swings.
Balance beam — extra movements to keep balance, grasping the beam to avoid a fall, pauses of two seconds or more.
Pommel horse — any interruption of the swing, hip breaks in circles, low scissors.
Rings — swinging rings during holds, bent arms in holds, a “false grip”.

Artistry (women’s beam and floor)

Women’s beam and floor have a further set of artistry deductions — posture, footwork, amplitude of movement, rhythm and tempo, and on floor musicality and choreography. See artistry in floor and beam.

What isn’t an execution deduction

Execution and artistry deductions come off the E-score. Rule breaches — going over time, stepping out of bounds, incorrect attire — are penalties taken from the final score instead. See neutral deductions explained.