How do you protest a mallakhamb score?
A · Advanced · Judging and officials · 2 of 2A competition director checks the apparatus, appoints the judging panels and may end a long dispute. The chief judge takes 1.00 for a competitor's misbehaviour; gross misconduct can mean disqualification. A manager or coach may protest a declared score in writing within half an hour with the fee. The Jury of Appeal decides, and the fee is returned if the protest succeeds.
How it works
- Competition director: runs the event.
- Chief judge and scorer: different states.
- Misbehaviour: 1.00 off.
- Gross misconduct: disqualification.
- Protest by: manager or coach.
- Time: within half an hour.
- Fee: cash, returned if upheld.
- Judges: may not protest.
The glossary has the competition director, the chief judge, the set writer, the Protest and Jury of Appeal, the chief judge's deductions and the judge licences.
Tricky cases
Can a judge protest a score?
No. A judge may object to the chief judge before the next set, or go to the competition director.
Who sits on the Jury of Appeal?
The Technical Committee chairman or a nominee, a federation member, a committee member, the organising secretary and the competition director.
How long is a judge's licence valid?
Three years, at each grade.
Is there an age limit for judges?
Yes, 50.
Why the rule exists
A fee that is lost on a failed protest discourages protests made only to delay.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Protest | Half an hour | L R 13.4 |
| Misbehaviour | 1.00 | L E 8C |
| Judge licence | Three years | L C 9 |
From the rule book
SGFI, Rules & Regulations: Mallakhamb, with the MFI Code of Points (2008 edition), rules 6, 12, 13 and 14, evaluation point 8C and Code of Points section 9. Checked 15 October 2026. Official document: SGFI Rules & Regulations: Mallakhamb.