Section 9 · Technical Directives
Falls, Interruptions and Spotting
What counts as a fall on the apparatus, the thirty seconds after one, and the spotter.
Unofficial summary. The FIG Code of Points and its newsletters are the authority; every rule links to its page there.
E-Jury · from the E-score
A Fall
The 1.0 is for a fall on or from the apparatus before the element reaches an end position. That is a position from which at least a swing could continue:
- Horizontal bar
- A distinct hang phase.
- Pommel horse
- A distinct support phase.
The same 1.0 applies when he falls at the landing or the regrasp without first showing a moment of control of the element.
- Fall from or onto the apparatus−1.0
The deduction for the fall, together with every step, touch or support leading up to it, and a low landing, is at most 1.0.
The element's own execution errors are still deducted, such as height, landing extension or an incomplete twist.
The D-Jury does not recognise the element. A fall on landing is different: the element is not recognised only if the feet do not touch the mat first. Landings have their own page.
Newsletter 3, p. 2 · in force from 1 January 2026
The low landing is now inside the 1.0 cap, together with the fall and the steps.
What applied before
The Code capped an element with a fall at 1.0, including every step, touch or support before the fall. It said nothing about a low landing.
Code 9.2.3, p. 18 · Code 7.4, p. 16 · Code 9.4, p. 21 · Code 9.4, p. 22 · NL3, p. 2
The gymnast
After a Fall
- Time
- 30 seconds to remount, from when he is on his feet. The secretary times it.
- Allowed
- Rest, re-chalk, talk to his coach.
- He may use any elements or movements he needs to get back to his starting position. They must be performed perfectly.
- He may repeat the missed element for credit — but not after a fall in a dismount (except on pommel horse) or in a vault.
- More than 30 seconds to continueby D1, from the Final Score−0.3
- More than 60 seconds to continueExercise ends at the fall
- Staying off his feet on purpose, so that the 30 seconds do not start: D1 may deduct it as undisciplined behaviourby D1, from the Final Score−0.3
Code 2.3, p. 7 · Code 2.4.1, p. 8 · Code 9.2.5, p. 18 · Code 7.5, p. 16 · Code 5.5.2, p. 13
E-Jury · from the E-score
The Spotter
One spotter may stand by at rings and horizontal bar. A spotter present where the Code does not permit one is a 0.5 penalty.
- Touched by the spotter but not helped−0.3
- The spotter helps complete the element−1.0NR
- A spotter present where not permittedby D1, from the Final Score−0.5
On vault, spotting assistance makes the vault invalid (0.00).
Code 2.1, p. 6 · Code 9.2.3, p. 18 · Code 9.4, p. 21 · Code 9.4, p. 22 · Code 2.4.1, p. 8 · Code 13.2.2, p. 82
E-Jury · from the E-score
Interruptions and Touches
- Interruption of the exercise without a fall−0.5
- Interruption in an upward movement−0.1or−0.3
- Hitting the apparatus or the floor−0.5
- Touching the apparatus or the floor with legs or feet−0.1
- Unsteadiness in, or fall from, a handstand−0.1
- Unsteadiness in, or fall from, a handstand, with a swing or a big disturbance−0.3
The gymnast
A Torn Grip
On rings or horizontal bar, a gymnast's handguard may tear significantly and cause a fall or an interruption. He may then repeat the whole exercise without deduction, at the end of the rotation, with the D-Jury's approval.
Any exercise interrupted for reasons beyond the gymnast's control may be repeated in full with the Superior Jury's permission.