About Men's Gymnastics Still Rings

The still rings are a common event in artistic gymnastics. Due to the amount of upper body strength required, it traditionally has been a men’s event in world championships, Olympics, and other international competitions.

  1. About the Rings

    • The specifications of still rings are regulated by the Federation Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG). Standard still rings consist of two circular rings attached to vertically hanging cables suspended on a frame. The frame of the cables contains a pivoting mechanism at the suspension point. The rings have an inner diameter of approximately 18 centimeters. They rest 50 centimeters apart from each other and 2.8 meters above the ground.

    Routines and Scoring

    • The FIG Code of Points requires that an athlete’s still ring routine consist of swing, strength and hold parts in approximately equal proportions. The athlete must begin his routine with a still hang from the rings. This can be performed at a stand still or with assistance from a coach. Athletes are judged in five element groups.

    Element Groups

    • The element groups consist of kips (swinging to arrive in a support position),
      swings to handstands, swings to strength hold elements, strength and hold elements and dismounts.

    Penalties During Competition

    • Points can be deducted for a variety of reasons that cause the routine to appear in poor form. Examples of infractions include touching the cables with feet, arms or any part of the body, falls from the rings, crossing of the cables, holds that last less than two seconds, and if any swinging movement initiates during the initial still hang.

    Other Information

    • Repeated elements cannot contribute to the overall score, so athletes are encouraged to diversify their routines.