What does a gymnast have to do on the horizontal bar?
I · Intermediate · The men's apparatus · 9 of 9Swing around a single high bar without stopping, combining long swings, turns, elements close to the bar and flight elements where he lets go and catches it again. The exercise must include each of those types and a dismount. Linking flight elements together earns connection points.
How it works
- What it is: a fluid connection of swinging, turning and flight elements, some performed near to the bar and some far from it.
- Group I: long hang swings with and without turns.
- Group II: flight elements.
- Group III: in-bar and Adler elements, performed close to the bar.
- Group IV: dismounts.
- No stops: "The exercise must consist entirely of swings without stops or pauses."
- The start: he may jump or be lifted to the bar. A cast of at most three swings may begin the exercise. More costs 0.3.
- Handstands: an element meant to pass through handstand loses 0.1, 0.3 or 0.5 as it falls further short, and beyond 90 degrees it is not recognised.
- Flight: must show "a conspicuous rise of the body".
- After a salto over the bar: a giant swing must follow, or 0.3 is deducted.
- Connections: 0.10 or 0.20 for linking flight elements of high enough value. They must be among the eight counting elements.
- Reversing: a back swing to handstand that only reverses direction costs 0.3 each time.
The glossary has the horizontal bar, the giant swing, the release move, the cast, the connection value, the intermediate swing and the dismount.
Tricky cases
A gymnast misses the bar on a release and falls. Can he try it again?
Yes. He has 30 seconds to remount, loses 1.0 and may repeat the element for credit.
He takes five swings to build up before his first element. Is that penalised?
Yes. Three swings or movements are allowed, and extra ones cost 0.3 in total.
He finishes a turn 40 degrees short of handstand. Does it count?
Yes, with a deduction that depends on the element: 0.3 for most, 0.1 for turns to certain grips. Past 90 degrees it is not recognised.
He catches a release and takes an extra swing before the next one. Is the connection given?
The code read gives connection points only in the listed situations and does not spell this case out for the men. In the women's code an empty swing between two elements cancels the connection.
Why the rule exists
The bar gives height and speed, and the rules ask a gymnast to spend them: on flight above the bar and on turning work close to it. The ban on stops is what makes it a swinging event. Connection points pay for the greatest risk, which is catching the bar and letting go again on the next swing.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Horizontal bar | Swing, turn and flight, no stops | FIG MAG 15.1; FIG MAG 15.2.1 |
| Rings | Holds of two seconds are required | FIG MAG 12.2.2 |
| Women's uneven bars | Flight between two bars is required | FIG WAG 11.3 |
| Connection points | For linked flight elements | FIG MAG 15.2.2 |
From the rule book
Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique, Code of Points 2025-2028, MAG article 15. Checked 14 October 2026. Official documents: 2025-2028 Code of Points, Women's Artistic Gymnastics and Men's Artistic Gymnastics (PDF).