How do gymnastics judges take off points for mistakes?
B · Beginner · Scoring · 4 of 6Every exercise starts with 10 points for execution. Each E judge takes off 0.1 for a small error, 0.3 for a medium one and 0.5 for a large one, and 1.0 for a fall. The highest and lowest judges' totals are dropped, the middle ones are averaged, and that figure comes off 10.
How it works
- From 10: "For perfection of execution, combination and artistry of presentation, the gymnast may earn a score of 10.00".
- The sizes: small 0.10, medium 0.30, large 0.50. In the women's table, very large is "1.00 or more".
- What is deducted: bent arms or knees, legs apart, feet not pointed, lack of height, poor body position and unsteady landings.
- Against perfection: "Each exercise is evaluated with reference to expectations of perfect performance. All deviations from this expectation are deducted."
- Independent: each E judge works out the deductions alone.
- Averaging: with seven or five judges, the middle three totals are averaged. With four, the middle two.
- Angles: in the men's code, an element short of its position by a small angle is a small error, and by more than 45 degrees it is a large error and loses its value.
- Holds: in the men's code a hold of less than two seconds is a medium error. No stop at all is a large error and the element is not recognised.
- Artistry: on women's beam and floor, deductions for artistry are added to those for execution.
- Landings: in the women's code, landing deductions without a fall may not exceed 0.80.
The glossary has the E score, the execution entry, the judges, the landing, the hold and the non-recognition entry.
Tricky cases
How much does a small wobble on the beam cost?
0.10, if the judges rate it a small error. A bigger loss of balance is 0.30 or 0.50.
One judge takes off far more than the others. Does that count?
No, when there are four or more judges. The highest and lowest totals are dropped before averaging.
Can one mistake be deducted twice?
Yes, in effect. An element done badly loses execution points from the E jury, and if it is far enough from the required position the D jury also gives it no value.
Is a 10.0 for execution possible?
Yes, in principle. It means a panel found nothing to deduct. It is very rare.
Why the rule exists
Three fixed sizes of error make judges' marks comparable: two judges may disagree on whether knees were slightly or badly bent, but not on what each size of error is worth. Dropping the highest and lowest totals guards against one judge who saw something the others did not, or missed what they saw.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Men | Small 0.1, medium 0.3, large 0.5, fall 1.0 | FIG MAG 9.2 |
| Women | Small 0.10, medium 0.30, large 0.50, very large 1.00 or more | FIG WAG 9.3 |
| Women's beam and floor | Artistry deductions included | FIG WAG 9.1 |
| Trampoline | Execution is scored out of 20, with other marks added | ../trampoline/ set |
From the rule book
Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique, Code of Points 2025-2028, WAG sections 6.2 and 9 and MAG articles 6.1 and 9.2. Checked 14 October 2026. Official documents: 2025-2028 Code of Points, Women's Artistic Gymnastics and Men's Artistic Gymnastics (PDF).