Balance Beam Rules

The balance beam is an apparatus that is used in gymnastics competition. It is used almost exclusively by women gymnasts in artistic gymnastics because of the risk of injury to men. In Olympic-level gymnastic events, the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) determines the rules, scoring criteria, and difficulty levels of balance beam routines. USA Gymnastics (USAG) makes the rules for the Junior Olympic program, which includes competitive Levels 1 through 10, with Level 10 being the most advanced. These USAG rules differ from the FIG rules.

  1. Beam Specifications

    • Because of competition and safety issues, the balance beam itself is highly regulated. According to FIG, it must be 1.2 m off the floor, 5 m long, and 10 cm wide. It is held by a base and two supports. Lengthwise, the beam must be perfectly straight. USA Gymnastics requires the beam to be between 100 and 125 cm high. The beam covering is extremely important. It must be slip safe, and it must have impact-absorbent characteristics to help protect the gymnasts' limbs and joints as much as possible. Usually, the covering is made out of suede or leather. The color of the beam also must be a distinctively different color than the mat in order to avoid confusion.

    Function

    • Gymnasts perform moves and routines on the balance beam to show their mastery of balance and poise. Some gymnasts prepare their own routines, while others hire choreographers.

    Skills

    • Balance beam routines may include handsprings, aerial skills, tumbling combinations, and dance poses and leaps. For a Level 10 gymnast, USAG requires each performance to include at least one large leap or jump, an acrobatic series with two flight elements (when both feet leave the beam), a turn of at least 360 degrees on one foot, and an aerial or salto dismount. The gymnast must use the entire length of the beam in her routine.

    Time Frame

    • Routines must be no more than 1 minute, 30 seconds long. This allows enough time to perform the skills required in each routine, but challenges the gymnast to impress the judges quickly. If the gymnast goes over time, she receives a deduction.

    Scoring

    • Several judges evaluate gymnasts. Each judge gives the gymnast a score, and then all the scores are averaged for a final score. At Level 10, each gymnast starts with a score of 9.50, which is adjusted based on performance. Points may be taken away for mistakes or failing to stay within the time limit, or added for performing "bonus" skills. A maximum of 0.5 bonus points may be added for a perfect 10.0. Routines are ranked according to performance as well as difficulty. The easiest moves are classified as "A" skills and the most difficult moves are classified as "E" skills. When scoring, judges take difficulty, rhythm, composition, execution, amplitude of movements, scope of moves, and the dismount into consideration.