Girls Gymnastics Points of Emphasis - 2014-16

1. Spotting:
When a spotter facilitates or assists an element (gymnast could not have completed the element on her own), the deduction is 0.5 for the spot and no Value Part credit is awarded. Therefore, no credit is given for event requirements, no AHS bonus credit is awarded and the element may not be used for credit as part of a back-to-back superior series.
When a spotter touches a gymnast without assisting (gymnast completed element on her own), the deduction is 0.5 for the spot. If the element is completed according to technical requirements, it can still be awarded Value Part credit, event requirements and may be part of a back-to-back superior series.
a. Any type of spot on an AHS that results in a 0.5 deduction will make the element ineligible for 0.2 in Bonus for an AHS (must be completed without a fall or spot).
b. If a gymnast falls after being spotted (facilitated or touched) during an element within a routine, 0.5 is deducted for the fall in addition to the 0.5 that is deducted for the spot.
c. If a gymnast is spotted upon landing of a dismount, a total deduction of 0.5 is taken. Do not deduct for both a spot and a fall, if a fall occurs.
d. If a coach catches a falling gymnast, deduct 0.5 for the fall only.
e. If a coach touches or pushes a gymnast when, or after, she lands an element to stop her momentum, deduct 0.5 only. If a fall occurs after the touch, do not also deduct an additional 0.5 for the fall.
f. There is no penalty if a gymnast inadvertently touches the coach.

2. Six Ways to Break a Series:
In order to receive credit for a series on BB or FX, the elements must be directly connected, that is, with no extra step or stop between. Series are not connected if there is:
a. A stop between the elements that delays the immediate take-off of the next element
b. A loss of balance causing a stop between elements
c. An extra step, hop or jump between elements
If an element lands on two feet…
the next element must take off from two feet with no movement of either foot between elements
If an element lands on one foot…
the free leg may be set down right next to the landing foot for a two-foot takeoff
or
the free leg may be the takeoff leg for another element by taking a step into the next element as in – (step L, leap R, step L onto free leg, leap R)
An example of an acro series that is considered non-connectable, regardless of how quickly the elements are performed:
Back walkover to lunge (or back handspring step-out to lunge) to round-off, cartwheel, front walkover, or handstand:
The first element lands on one foot, and then the second foot (free leg) is placed on the beam behind in a lunge. The gymnast then leans forward to initiate the second element.
NOTE: The only way these elements could connect is by landing the first element on one leg and then swinging the other leg (free leg) forward to step into the second element. During the step, the leg swing forward must be no higher than 45° or the series will be considered broken.
d. A repositioning of the support leg
e. A landing in a plié from the first element, followed by a straightening of the legs, with another plié prior to the takeoff of the second element
f. A large arm swing that causes a stop and delays the immediate takeoff of the second element. Ideally, at the end of the first element, the arms should end in a position for takeoff for the second element. If the body continues its movement, an arm circle does not necessarily break the connection.
In gainer elements, the arms are allowed to continue circling forward-upward and backward-downward without automatically breaking the connection. The circling action is an inherent arm pattern for gainer type elements.
A backward acro flight series would be considered broken when the arms move as low as the thighs or further back after the landing of the first element in the connection. A cautious, slow-moving attempt to connect backward flight elements would be considered broken and no rhythm deduction is applied. This does not apply to series of non-flight acro, acro flight with forward and/or sideward elements, counter acro flights, and dance or mixed elements.
With the exception of backward acro flight series, if a connection is a bit slow or there is a slight hesitation, credit can be given with a deduction taken for incorrect rhythm.

3. Rule Enforcement Throughout the Season:
The NFHS Girls Gymnastics Rules Committee has worked hard to provide a code of rules and interpretations that are the foundation for creating fair and equitable competition for all student participants. However, the creation of these rules is only one-third of the formula for success – only one leg of a three-legged stool that must always be balanced to provide fairness for all. The second leg belongs to the coaches and gymnasts. They have a level of responsibility to know the rules of the sport and requirements. The coach teaches and the gymnasts apply the rules. Each gymnast is accountable for her actions to be in compliance with the rules such as the prohibition of wearing jewelry, proper uniform and other requirements and expectations. The judges comprise the third leg of our balanced stool. Each judge must study the rules, keep up to date and have an understanding of how the rules fit together. The judges have the responsibility to enforce the rules consistently. If the gymnast does not comply with the rules of the sport the judges must be accountable and must enforce the rules. In order to have a “balanced stool,” each leg, if you will, must do their part to ensure a winning combination for all.