Levels 1 to 5 are Compulsory levels, meaning all gymnasts perform the same routines on each event. Routines start from a 10.0 Start Value in Levels 1-5, and Deductions are subtracted to reach a score.

10.0 Start Value - Deductions = Score

Each judge's score is then averaged together to get the event score.

On vault, if a gymnast vaults two vaults, the better of the two vaults' score will count.

The gymnast's score in each of the four events are added together for her All Around (AA) score.

In Levels 1 to 5, the gymnast with the least amount of deductions will have the highest score. There are different types of deductions.

Deductions in
Levels 1 to 5

Execution Deductions

An Execution Deduction (or penalty) is taken when an athlete performs a skill to less than the desired technical or artistic specifications. For example, bent legs are an execution deduction. Many execution deductions are taken per skill.

Artistry Deductions

Artistry deductions are incurred when the gymnast doesn’t synchronize her movements with the beat throughout the floor routine, or when she doesn’t show focus or projection during the choreography.

General Deductions

General deductions are taken once on the entire routine. For example, Insufficient Sureness in a Balance Beam routine is an ‘up to 0.20 point’ deduction taken once on the routine.

Amplitude Deductions

Amplitude deductions, such as the Insufficient Height deduction on leaps, jumps or hops, are taken once on the entire routine.

Rhythm & Dynamics Deductions

Rhythm and Dynamics deductions are taken per occurrence or per routine, depending on the deduction. For example, a deduction is taken for each two-second pause in a balance beam routine, whereas the insufficient dynamics (speed, power and swingfulness) deduction is taken on the entire routine, not per occurrence.

Landing Deductions

Landing deductions are taken both on the landing of elements and on the dismount of bars and beam. For example, it’s not a deduction to land with feet shoulder-width apart (or closer), as long as the gymnast slides their heels together immediately. If they don’t close their heels - it is a deduction of 0.05.

Spotting Deductions

Spotting a skill in DP will incur a huge deduction. In addition to a 0.50 point deduction for the spot, the gymnast loses up to the value of the skill. That means it’s rarely worth it (points wise) to spot a skill in DP.

Chief Judge Deductions

Chief judge deductions are taken from the average score. For example, going overtime on beam is a 0.10 Chief Judge deduction, as is touching outside the floor boundary.