Section 6: Scoring
The FIG scoring system — often called the "open-ended" or "Code of Points" system — was adopted following a major reform after the 2004 Athens Olympics. The current system is described in the respective FIG Codes of Points (CoP MAG 2022–2026 and CoP WAG 2022–2026). The final score is calculated as:
Final Score = D Score + E Score − Neutral Deductions (ND)
Difficulty Score (D Score)
Per CoP WAG/MAG 2022–2026, Chapter 2 (Difficulty):
- The D Score is open-ended (no maximum) and is determined by the two D judges working together.
- Difficulty Value (DV): Only the best 8 elements in a routine count toward the D score (vault: 1 element only). Elements are rated from A (0.10 points) through G (0.70 points) and in some disciplines higher (H = 0.80, I = 0.90, etc. for MAG horizontal bar and WAG uneven bars per updated 2022–2026 tables).
- Connection Value (CV): Bonus points are awarded for directly connecting certain elements in specific combinations. The CV table specifies which element combinations earn bonuses of 0.10 or 0.20 points (CoP WAG 2022–2026, Chapter 2, Section 3).
- Compositional Requirements (CR): Each event has specific compositional requirements worth a set bonus (typically 0.50 points total per event, broken into 5 requirements at 0.10 each or 2–3 requirements at varying values). Failure to meet a CR results in no award for that requirement.
- The D score is finalized by the two D judges; if they agree within a 0.30-point tolerance, the higher is taken (or an average per specific protocols). Disputes are referred to the Superior Jury.
Execution Score (E Score)
Per CoP WAG/MAG 2022–2026, Chapter 3 (Execution, Artistry, and Technique):
- The E Score begins at a maximum of 10.00 points and deductions are subtracted.
- Five E judges each award a score independently. The highest and lowest scores are eliminated; the middle three are averaged.
- Common execution deductions include:
- Bent arms or legs (when straight required): 0.10 or 0.30 per occurrence depending on degree
- Feet/toes not pointed: 0.10 per occurrence
- Leg separation (when together required): 0.10 or 0.30 depending on degree
- Lack of amplitude (insufficient height/distance): 0.10 or 0.30
- Fall from apparatus: 1.00 deduction from the E score (taken by the E judges)
- Balance check on beam: 0.10 per occurrence
- Artistry deductions (WAG floor only): 0.10–0.30 for poor use of music, lack of choreographic variety, etc.
- Execution deductions are taken in increments of 0.10 per the standard deduction table. Deductions are classified as small (0.10), medium (0.30), and large (0.50) per CoP 2022–2026, Chapter 3.
Neutral Deductions (ND)
Neutral Deductions are applied by the Referee or designated judges and subtracted from the final score after D + E are summed. Common NDs include:
- Coach on podium/floor without permission: 0.30
- Stepping out of bounds on floor exercise: 0.10 per occurrence (assessed by line judges)
- Time violation (floor/beam too long or short): 0.10 per occurrence
- Starting before the green light: 0.30
- Missing salute before or after routine: 0.30
- Music with voice/lyrics (WAG floor): routine is stopped or 0.30 ND depending on circumstances
- Use of non-approved apparatus or unauthorized equipment modifications: 0.30–score invalidated depending on severity
Vault Scoring
For vault, the D score is predetermined in the Vault Table (CoP MAG/WAG 2022–2026, Appendix). Each vault has a fixed DV. The E score is calculated from 10.00 with execution deductions. In WAG Event Finals (two vaults), the scores of both vaults are averaged. If a gymnast performs the same vault twice in Event Finals, a 2.00-point deduction is applied to the lower score.
Final Score Display and Inquiry
Scores are posted after the salute. Coaches may submit an official inquiry to the Superior Jury within a specified time (usually 4 minutes of score posting) if they believe a D-score element was missed or incorrectly credited. Inquiries may only challenge D-score decisions, not E-score execution deductions (CoP 2022–2026, Chapter 1, Article 1.4 — Inquiry Procedure). A fee (typically $300 USD) may be charged for unsuccessful inquiries at some events per the FIG Technical Regulations.