How long is a mallakhamb routine?
B · Beginner · Sets and scoring · 3 of 4An optional set is the competitor's own elements, lasting 60 to 90 seconds from leaving the ground to landing. A short whistle sounds at 60 seconds and a long one at 90. Time outside the range costs 0.10 to 0.50. An element under way at 90 seconds still counts; one started after does not.
How it works
- Length: 60 to 90 seconds.
- Watch starts: leaving the ground.
- Watch stops: touching the floor.
- Signals: short at 60, long at 90.
- Up to 2 seconds out: 0.10.
- 10 seconds or more out: 0.50.
- Warm-up: 3 minutes a team.
- Start: within 10 seconds.
The glossary has the optional set, the time signals, the warm-up, the fall, the chief judge's deductions and the mount and dismount.
Tricky cases
A competitor falls at 40 seconds. Is the watch stopped?
No. It runs on up to 90 seconds.
After a fall, how long to get back on?
Ten seconds; otherwise the set is scored up to the fall.
Can a competitor warm up between sets?
No. It costs 0.20.
Does the coach giving first aid after a fall cost points?
No.
Why the rule exists
The 60-second minimum makes sure a set is long enough to show a full range of elements.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 60 to 90 seconds | L E 4.1 |
| Time out of range | Up to 0.50 | L E 4.3 |
| Fall | 0.50 | L R 12.8.1 |
From the rule book
SGFI, Rules & Regulations: Mallakhamb, with the MFI Code of Points (2008 edition), rules 11.1, 12.6 and 12.8 and evaluation point 4. Checked 15 October 2026. Official document: SGFI Rules & Regulations: Mallakhamb.