What does a gymnast have to do on the parallel bars?
I · Intermediate · The men's apparatus · 8 of 9Swing and fly between two bars set at the same height, moving through positions on the upper arms, on the hands and hanging below. The exercise must include an element from each of those three groups and a dismount. The feet must leave the ground together at the start, and unlisted strength holds are not permitted.
How it works
- What it is: "predominantly of swing and flight elements", with "continuous transitions through various hang and support positions".
- Group I: elements starting in upper arm position.
- Group II: elements in support or through support on two bars.
- Group III: long swings in hang on one or two bars and underswings.
- Group IV: dismounts.
- The mount: from a still stand or a run-up with legs together. "The feet must leave the ground simultaneously."
- A board: a springboard at the height of the landing mats is allowed for the mount.
- No pre-elements: nothing that rotates more than 180 degrees before the hands grasp the bars.
- Handstands from swing: they need not be held, but must be shown convincingly.
- Wasted swings: a back swing that only reverses and comes down again without leading to an element is deducted.
- Not permitted: strength and hold elements not listed in the tables, and saltos or dismounts from a side hang on one bar.
- The stick bonus: 0.1 for a stuck dismount of C value or higher.
The glossary has the parallel bars, the element group, the hold, the dismount, the intermediate swing and the stick.
Tricky cases
A gymnast swings one leg up first to get onto the bars. Is that allowed?
No. Swinging with one leg or stepping into the mount is not permitted.
He swings to a handstand and does not pause there. Does the element count?
Yes, if the handstand is shown convincingly. Handstands reached from swing need not be held.
He holds a strength position that is not in the tables. Does he gain anything?
No. Unlisted strength and hold elements are not permitted on parallel bars.
Are the men's parallel bars the same event as the women's uneven bars?
No. The men's bars are at the same height and the gymnast works above and between them. The women's are at different heights and she swings around each.
Why the rule exists
Two bars at shoulder width allow three quite different ways of holding on, and the three groups make the gymnast show each. The rule against wasted swings keeps the exercise continuous: every swing should end in an element, a new position or a change of grip.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Parallel bars | Three groups by position: upper arm, support, hang | FIG MAG 14.2.2 |
| Horizontal bar | One bar, swing and flight only | FIG MAG 15.1 |
| Women's uneven bars | Two bars at different heights | FIG WAG 11 |
| Juniors | Saltos caught on the upper arms or bent arms are not permitted | FIG MAG 14.2.1 |
From the rule book
Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique, Code of Points 2025-2028, MAG article 14. Checked 14 October 2026. Official documents: 2025-2028 Code of Points, Women's Artistic Gymnastics and Men's Artistic Gymnastics (PDF).