GYMNASTICS APPARATUS. (Vault, Bars, Beam and Floor)

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Vault (VT)
Height from the floor: 1.25 metres. The vaulting
table is placed long way, and is the same for men
and women.

Each vault is awarded a value according to its
difficulty. The height and the length of the vault
are of crucial importance together with the
exactness of the turns before and after the
somersault and the controlled landing.
Gymnasts perform only one vault for
Qualifications, Individual All-around and Team
Final unless they are attempting to qualify for
Finals on Vault. In this case, the gymnast must
perform two Vaults under the FIG stated rules,
the scores of which are then averaged. The top 8
gymnasts then compete in the Vault Final.

Uneven Bars (UB)
Low bar is now measured from floor to top of low
bar as 170cm and to high bar top at 250cm +/-
1cm. The maximum width allowed between the
bars is 180cm.
Swinging and continuous movements are
required on this apparatus. The exercise should
include movements in both directions, above and
below the bars. Elements with twists and
somersaults with multiple grip changes and high
flight should be demonstrated to maximise
scores. Often a spectacular dismount ends the
routine.

Balance Beam (BB)
Height of the beam from the floor: 1.25 metres.
The beam is five metres long and only 10 cm wide.
A routine on the beam should be an artistic
combination of a variety of acrobatic elements,
gymnastic leaps, jumps, turns, step and running
combinations, waves and balance elemeshould use the entire length of the beam,
demonstrating elegance, flexibility, rhythm,
tempo, balance, confidence and control.
Dismount series of acrobatic elements can be
very spectacular. The maximum time on beam is
1’30”.

Floor Exercise (FX)
The floor measures 12 x 12 metres, withan
additional safety border of 1 metre. The
performance area must have a surface elasticity
to allow for power during take-off and softness
for landing.
The floor exercise, accompanied by music to
enhance the performance, should combine dance
movements and sequences with a variety of
tumbling and acrobatic elements. The whole floor
area should be used with the exercise being
varied in mood, tempo and direction.
Individuality, originality, maturity, mastery and
artistry of presentation are key ingredients for a
high score.