Rules for the Balance Beam in Gymnastics

The balance beam is one of four apparatuses female gymnasts compete on. Rules dictating balance beam routines are dictated by the International Federation of Gymnastics, or FIG, which is the official governing body for the sport. Balance beam routines consist of a mount and a dismount and artistic and tumbling moves. Scoring is based on the execution and completion of the planned elements.

  1. Specifications

    • The balance beam must be four inches wide, 16 feet, four inches long and four feet, one inch high. It is covered in leather or suede.

    Time

    • Balance beam routines must not be longer than one and a half minutes. If a gymnast exceeds the time limit, points will be deducted from the score.

    Falling

    • If a gymnast falls from the beam during a routine, she has up to 10 seconds to remount the apparatus.

    Assistance

    • Gymnasts who mount the balance beam using a springboard are allowed to have a coach or teammate on the podium to move the springboard. Once a gymnast begins her routine, no one can interfere.

    Footwear

    • Gymnasts can either compete barefoot or wearing shoes designed especially for the balance beam. They can also use chalk on their hands and feet.