sagf rhythmic gymnastics level 1 & 2 judges … · sportsmanship” • gymnast’s oath “in...

SAGF

Rhythmic Gymnastics Level 1 & 2

Judges Manual 2017 – 2024

Updated according to FIG rules

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Contents:

Section Contents Page number

1 General Rules • SAGF Judging System 2

o Overview of Structure 2

o Examination Procedures 2

o Dress Code for Judges 3

o Rights and Duties of Judges 3

o Judges and Gymnasts Oaths 3

o Judges Panels 4

• Overview of Levels Programme 5

o Age Groups 6

o Floor Sizes 6

o Apparatus Norms 7

o Replacement Apparatus 9

o Broken Apparatus or Apparatus Caught in the Small Beams

9

o Dress of the Gymnast 9

o Discipline of Gymnasts and Coaches 10

• Summary of Penalties by the Co-ordinator Judge 11

2 Individual • Individual Levels Programme 12

• Individual Difficulty 12

o Jumps/Leaps 12

o Balances 12

o Rotations/Pivots 13

o Dance Steps 13

o Risk Elements 13

o Pre-acrobatic Elements 13

• Apparatus Elements 14

o Rope 14

o Hoop 14

o Ball 15

o Clubs 15

o Ribbon 16

• Judging Body and Apparatus Elements 16

• Connecting Elements and Directions 21

• Individual Execution 21

3 Group • SAGF Group Programme 27

• Group Difficulty 27

• Group Execution 28

4 Elements • List of Individual Elements in Order 34

• List of Group Elements in Order 41

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Section 1

General Rules ❖ SAGF Judging System

❖ Overview of Structure

Judges Level Min. Age of Candidate

Levels Able to Judge

Competitions Able to Judge

Requalification Number of Years in Each Level

Number of Competitions

Level 1 Turning 16 in year of course

Level 1 – 3 Individual and Group

Club District Provincial

Every Olympic Cycle (4 years)

1 Year 6

Level 2 Turning 17 in year of course

Level 1 – 7 Individual and Group

Club District Provincial National


2 Years 8

Level 3 (National)

Turning 19 in year of course

All levels Club District Provincial National


2 Years 8

Level 4 (SA International)

N/A All levels All, except FIG Competitions


Every Olympic Cycle

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Brevet 4 – 1* N/A All levels All including FIG Competitions


Every Olympic Cycle

According to FIG rules

*See FIG Rules and Regulations on how to move up within the Brevet categories

❖ Examination Procedures

At all courses, candidates of any Level are required to write both a theory and practical examination. As this is the

Level 1 and 2 Code of Points, we will focus on examination procedures for those courses.

Judges Course Theory Practical Min. Total Pass Mark

Level 1 50 Questions 65% min. Pass mark

10 Routines 50% min. pass mark

Minimum pass mark 60%

Level 2 75 Questions 70% min. pass mark

10 routines 50% min pass mark

Minimum pass mark 65%

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❖ Dress Code for Judges • Navy or black skirt or trousers (miniskirts or jeans are not allowed)

• Navy or black jacket

• White blouse (spaghetti straps are not allowed)

• In Winter, any additional covering must be Navy or Black

• Shoes must be black, navy or neutral

Correctly dressed judges convey a sense of professionalism to gymnasts and parents at a competition. Judges not

adhering to the above rules will not be allowed to judge!

❖ Rights and Duties of Judges

All judges require knowledge of:

• The relevant Judges Code of Points

• SAGF Levels Programme

• SAGF Levels Routines

• Technical Regulations (Rules pertaining to the relevant competition)

In addition, judges must:

• Have a clear and unobstructed view of the floor area

• Remain impartial at all times

• Judge strictly per the Judges Code of Points

• Attend Judges meetings prior to any competitions

• Be available throughout the entire competition

• Be dressed in the prescribed uniform

• Have the prescribed routines and Judges Code with them

• Refrain from communicating with anyone (including cellular telephones and all social media) whilst judging,

except in the case of a discussion with the Head judge immediately after scores have been handed in

• Write down the deductions, an impression mark may not be given!

• Fill in judge’s slips quickly and correctly without influence from any other judges

• Report any incorrect behaviour to the Director of Judging at any competition

• Be positive and encouraging to gymnasts and coaches

❖ Judges and Gymnast’s Oaths

• Judge’s Oath

“In the name of all the judges and officials, I promise that we shall officiate in this competition (name event) with

complete impartiality, respecting and abiding by the rules which govern them, in the true spirit of

sportsmanship”

• Gymnast’s Oath

“In the name of all gymnasts I promise that we shall take part in this competition (name event), respecting and

abiding by the rules which govern them, committing ourselves to a sport without doping and without drugs, in

the true spirit of sportsmanship, for the glory of sport and the honour of the gymnasts”

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❖ Judges Panels

Judges panels should ideally consist of 4 judges per panel:

Execution 1/Co-ordinator judge (CJ)

Execution 2

Execution 3

Execution 4

All 4 judges will evaluate the routine independently of each other, write down the deductions on the given execution

slip and give them to the CJ. The CJ will then compare the scores, calculate the final score by removing the highest

and lowest marks and averaging the two middle scores. The CJ will take off any additional technical penalties and

send all 4 marks to the competition scorer. If there is a difference in the two middle score of more than 0,5 the CJ

will initiate a discussion about the exercise.

Examples with 4 judges

E1/CJ E2 E3 E4 Final Score

1.30 1.10 1.40 1.30 1.30

2.20 2.50 2.60 2.60 2.55

1.70 1.30 2.00 1.10 1,55

1.20

1.30

2.50

2.20

CJ initiates discussion as the

difference between the middle scores is

more than 0.5

It is possible to have judges’ panels consist of 3 judges per panel due to a lack of judges at any given competition:

Execution 1/Co-ordinator Judge

Execution 2

Execution 3

In this case the judges will evaluate the routine independently of each other, hand their score to the CJ who will then

average all three of the scores together to calculate the final score. If there is a major difference in the all three

scores more than 0,5 the CJ will initiate a discussion about the exercise.

Examples with 3 judges

E1/CJ E2 E3 Final Score

2.20 2.40 2.40 2.33

1.70 1.50 1.60 1.60

2.0 1.50 1.60 1.7

1.10 2.30 1.20 CJ initiates discussion as the difference between

the middle scores is more than 0.5

• No judge can be forced to change their score of any given exercise, it is important to remember though that

exercises are judged with human eyes. In any discussion about an exercise in question, listen to what the

other judges say, it is possible to have missed an important element or large fault that will bring a score into

the given range.

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❖ Overview of SAGF Levels Programme

• All Rhythmic Gymnastics Competitions take place under the auspices of the South African Gymnastics

Federation (SAGF)

• Only gymnasts registered with the SAGF may participate in Competitions. An exception will be made for

gymnasts registered in the neighbouring Region 5 countries

• With permission from the SAGF other organisations may use the SAGF Rhythmic Gymnastics Levels

Programme

• Gymnasts may only compete in one individual and one group level at any competition

• Gymnasts may compete in more than one level during the course of the year, provided they progress and

not regress.

Levels: The Levels Programme is further divided into two sections:

SAGF Programme

Recreation

Fun Rhythmic

Levels

Individual Group

Voluntary Level 8-10

Individual Group

High Performance

Novice (Level 1-3)

Individual

Group

Intermediate (Level 4-7)

Individual

Group

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❖ Age Groups:

Level 1 U6 U7 U8 U9 U10 U11 O11

Level 2 U7 U8 U9 U10 U11 O11

Level 3 U7 U8 U9 U10 U11 O11

Level 4 U9 U11 U13 U15 O15

Level 5 U9 U11 U13 U15 O15

Level 6 U9 U11 U13 U15 O15

Level 7 U9 U11 U13 U15 O15

Level 8 U11 U13 U15 O15

Level 9 U13 U15 O15

Level 10 U15 O15

Groups NO AGE GROUPS

• Each individual Level is divided into age groups to ensure that only gymnasts of a similar age compete

against each other and increase the number of competitive sections.

• Ages are taken as of 1 January in the year of competition, e.g. U11 refers to any gymnast that turns 11 in the

year of competition. It does not matter if she turns 11 on the 1st of January or the 31st of December of that

year

❖ Floor sizes:

Any part of the body or apparatus touching the floor outside the boundary of the floor area or any apparatus leaving

the floor area and returning by itself will be penalised by the co-ordinator judge

• Penalty by the CJ each time for an individual gymnast or for each group gymnast at fault or for the apparatus

each time (two clubs together, which touch outside the boundary at the same time, is penalised one time as

one apparatus)

• No Penalty:

- If the apparatus leaves the floor area after the end of the exercise and at the end of the music

- If the apparatus is lost in the last movement of the exercise

- If the apparatus passes the boundary of the floor area without touching the ground

- If the gymnast or apparatus touches the line (the line is considered inside the boundry of the floor

- If broken or unusable apparatus is removed outside the floor area before or during an exercise

• Each exercise must be performed entirely on one specified floor area

• Any Difficulty initiated outside the floor area during or at the end of the exercise will not be evaluated

• If the Difficulty is started inside the floor area and finished outside the floor area, the Difficulty will be

evaluated.

0.3 – Co-ordinator Judge penalty for each crossing of the boundary of the floor area by

individual gymnasts or each group gymnast or apparatus.

Floor length Floor width

Novice Level 1 13m 3 ½ -4m

Level 2 13m 3 ½ -4m

Level 3 13m 3 ½ -4m

Intermediate Level 4 13m 7 ½m

Level 5 13m 7 ½m

Level 6 13m 13m

Level 7 13m 13m

Voluntary Level 8-10 and HP 13m 13m

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❖ Apparatus Norms:

Apparatus for Level 1 – 7

Level Apparatus

1 Dance Rope

2 Dance Hoop

3 Dance Ball

4 Dance Rope Clubs

5 Dance Hoop Ribbon

6 Dance Ball Clubs

7 Dance Hoop Ribbon

• Rope: • Material: Hemp or similar suitable material

• Length: Optional but should be proportionate to the height of the gymnast

• Thickness: 6-8mm

• Shape: No handles. May have 1 knot on each end

• Colour: Optional but bright colours are advised. Rope may be multi coloured

• Hoop: • Material: Wood or synthetic material

• Size: Juniors / Senior level hoops must have a minimum weight of 300 grams

• Other levels may have lighter hoops proportionate to the size of the gymnast

• Size: Juniors: 700-900mm diameter

• Seniors: 800-900mm diameter

• Other levels may have smaller hoops depending on the age of the gymnast

• It is suggested that the hoop is hip height

• Shape: Round

• Colour: Optional. Shiney tape may be used. May be multi coloured

• Ball: • Material: Rubber or soft plastic, antistatic

• Weight: Senior balls must be minimum 400 grams

• Junior balls may be lighter

• Size: Senior balls must be 180-200mm in diameter ONLY UNDER 9 GYMNASTS MAY USE JUNIOR BALLS

• Please also take the size of the gymnast into consideration

• Colour: Optional

• Clubs: • Material: Wood or synthetic materials

• Weight: Senior and Junior clubs must be minimum 150 grams

• Length: Senior and Junior clubs must be 400-500mm in length

• Under 9 and under 11 gymnasts may use shorter clubs proportionate to their height and arm length

• Colour: Optional. Shiney tape may be used. May be multi coloured

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• Ribbon stick: • Material: Wood, bamboo, fiberglass or synthetic materials

• Length: 500-600mm

• Diameter: Maximum 10mm at its thickest point

• Shape: Cylindrical or conic

• Grip: The top of the stick may have a grip of maximum 100mm in length

• Colour: Optional

• Ribbon: • Material: Satin or similar material

• Weight: A minimum of 35 grams

• Width: 40-50mm

• Length: See table below

Level Age Group Minimum length of Ribbon

Fun Rhythmic All 3 m

Level 1-3 for skill tests U7 3 m

U9 / U11 / O11 4 m

Level 5 & 7 U9 / U11 / U13 4 m

U15 / O15 5 m

Voluntary levels U11 4 m

U13 / U15 5 m

O15 6 m

0.5 - Penalty by the Coordinator Judge for individual and group exercises for apparatus not

conforming to the norms

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❖ Replacement Apparatus

According to FIG Rules, competition organisers must place a full set of replacement apparatus for the gymnast’s use

on two sides of the carpet. At club, provincial and national levels in the Region 5 areas this is not always possible for

Level 1 - 10 due to different age groups competing at the same time and therefore requiring different sizes of

apparatus. The SAGF allows gymnasts to place one replacement apparatus just outside of the competition floor for

her use. A replacement apparatus may be used if the gymnast’s apparatus crosses the boundary of the floor area or

if her apparatus becomes unusable. The original apparatus must be outside the floor area before a replacement is

taken.

• There is no CJ penalty for using the replacement apparatus correctly but there will be penalties if

replacement apparatus is used incorrectly

0.5 - CJ penalty if more than one replacement apparatus is used 0.5 - CJ penalty if a replacement is used while the original apparatus is still within the boundaries of the floor area

• If the gymnast loses the apparatus it is up to her to retrieve it or take a replacement. A member of the

public or a competition official may not return the apparatus to the gymnast

0.5 - CJ penalty for unauthorised retrieval of the apparatus

• Unusable apparatus – Prior to the start of the exercise, if a gymnast determines her apparatus is unusable

(example: large knot in the ribbon), she may take a replacement apparatus.

0,5 – CJ penalty for excessive delay in routine preparation which delays the competition

• If during the exercise the apparatus becomes unusable, the use of a replacement apparatus is allowed with

no Co-ordinator judge penalties

It is important to remember that the relevant execution penalties are still applicable, even if there are no Co-

ordinator judge penalties.

❖ Broken Apparatus or Apparatus Caught in the Small Beams

If the apparatus breaks or gets caught in the small beams of the ceiling the gymnast or group will not be allowed to

start the routine over. The gymnast or group will not be penalised for the apparatus breaking or getting stuck but

will be penalised by the execution judges for the consequences. E.g. leaving out body or apparatus elements.

No gymnast or group is allowed to continue a routine with a broken apparatus!!!

• The gymnast or group may stop the exercise in which case the exercise will not be evaluated

• The gymnast or group may continue the exercise with a replacement apparatus in which case the penalties

will be the same as for using a replacement apparatus

• If the apparatus breaks or gets stuck in the last movement of the exercise and the gymnast ends with a

broken apparatus or with no apparatus there will be an execution deduction but no CJ penalty

• If the gymnast or group continues an exercise with a broken apparatus the exercise will not be evaluated

❖ Dress of the Gymnast

• At interclub/ provincial competitions Level 1 - 7 gymnasts must wear their club leotards.

• At National events Level 1 – 7 gymnasts must wear their provincial leotards

• Voluntary (Level 8 and up) and High Performance gymnasts may wear voluntary leotards that conform to the

rules set out in the FIG Code of Points. There is no limit to the number of leotards a voluntary gymnast may

have.

• Groups gymnasts may wear club or voluntary leotards at club and provincial level

• Group gymnasts may wear club, regional or voluntary leotards at National level

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All the above-mentioned leotards must conform to the following rules:

• A correct leotard must be of non-transparent material, therefore leotards that have some parts in lace must

be lined from trunk to chest

• The neckline of the front and back of the leotard must be no further down than half of the sternum and the

lower line of the shoulder blades

• Leotards may be with or without sleeves, but dance leotards with narrow (spaghetti) straps are not allowed

• The cut of the leotard at the top of the legs must not go beyond the fold of the crotch (maximum),

undergarments worn beneath the leotard should not be visible beyond the seams of the leotard itself

• The leotard must be skin-tight to enable judges to evaluate the position of every part of the body

• The leotards of Group gymnasts must be identical (of the same material, style, design and colour). However,

if the leotard is made of a patterned material, some slight differences due to the cut may be tolerated

It is allowed to wear:

• Long tights down to the ankle, over or under the leotard

• A full-length one-piece leotard (unitard) provided that it is skin-tight

• The length and colours of the fabric covering the legs must be identical on both legs (the “harlequin” look is

forbidden), only the style (cut or decoration) may be different

• A skirt that does not fall further than the pelvic area over the leotard, tights or unitard

• The style of the skirt (cut or decorations) is free, but the skirt must always fall back on the hips of the

gymnast. The ballet tutu look is forbidden.

• Gymnasts may perform their exercise with bare feet or gymnastics slippers (toe shoes)

• The hair style must be neat and trim and make-up clear and light

• It is not allowed to wear jewellery or piercings which jeopardise the safety of the gymnast

• Bandages or support pieces cannot be in colours and must be of skin colour

• Emblems or publicity must conform to the technical regulations

0.3 per routine – CJ penalty for any irregularities in the dress of the gymnast or one time for the group at fault

❖ Discipline of the Gymnasts and Coaches

• Gymnasts or Groups should be present in the competition area only once they have been called by either

the microphone, the CJ or when the green light/flag is shown

• It is forbidden to warm up in the competition area unless permission is given by the competition organiser

• During a group exercise, gymnasts are not allowed to communicate verbally with each other

• Individual and Group gymnasts must enter the floor area rapidly without musical accompaniment and

establish the start position immediately

• During a performance of an exercise the coach of the individual or group or any other delegation member

may not communicate with the gymnast, group or judges in any manner

0.5 – CJ penalty for lack of discipline of gymnasts or coaches

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❖ Summary of Penalties taken by the Co-ordinator Judge

The total of these penalties will be deducted from the final score

1 For each crossing of the boundary of the floor area by the apparatus or any part of the body or the apparatus leaving the floor area and returning by itself. Each time

0.3

2 For each gymnast or group gymnast ending her exercise outside the floor area or changing floor areas

0.3

3 For any use of non-conforming apparatus (group or individual) 0.5

4 More than one replacement apparatus used 0.5

5 Unauthorised retrieval of the apparatus 0.5

6 Unauthorised use of a replacement apparatus (original apparatus still in the floor area

0.5

7 For excessive delays in routine preparation which delay the competition 0.5

8 Dress of the gymnast or group not conforming to the regulations (one time per group)

0.3

9 Emblem or publicity not conforming to the technical regulations 0.3

10 Bandages or support pieces not conforming to the regulations 0.3

11 Early or late presentation by the gymnast 0.5

12 Gymnasts warming up in the competition area without permission 0.5

13 Group gymnasts communicating verbally with each other 0.5

14 Entry of the group or individual not conforming to the rules 0.5

15 Coach communication with the gymnast or judges during the exercise 0.5

16 For a group gymnast leaving the group during an exercise 0.3

17 For use of a new gymnast if a gymnast leaves the group for a valid reason 0.5

It is also the Co-ordinator judge’s responsibility to inform the Director of Judging at any competition of any

irregularities in the judging.

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Section 2 Individual

❖ Individual Levels Programme

• When the judge has evaluated the routine, they must hand in the deductions to the CJ who will then calculate the final score.

❖ Difficulty Difficulty (D) in the SAGF Level 1 – 7 set routines consist of specific body and apparatus elements that must be performed correctly. It is extremely important for any judge to understand the terminology used for both body and apparatus skills. A judge should also spend time in the gym learning how to evaluate elements with body and apparatus. Each SAGF Level routine consists of 10 elements:

• 2 x Jumps / Leaps

• 2 x Balances

• 2 x Rotations

• 4 x Other (apparatus elements / dance steps /additional body elements / risk /pre-acrobatic elements)

❖ Jumps/Leaps All leap and jump difficulties must have the following basic characteristics to be considered valid elements:

• Elevation. The leap/jump must have enough height to show the correct shape in the air.

• A fixed and defined shape. There must be a moment in the air that a judge can clearly see the shape of the

required leap/jump.

• Amplitude. Each leap and jump in the level 1-7 routines has a minimum requirement. E.g. Chasse scissor

jump – legs 45 degrees (Level 3 Free Dance)

• The leap/jump must be co-ordinated with the required apparatus handling.

❖ Balances All static balance difficulties must have the following basic characteristics to be considered valid elements:

• A fixed and defined shape. A balance position must be clearly held for one second without any movement

in the shape

Total

15.00 points

Difficulty 5.00 points

Execution 10.00 points

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• Amplitude. Each balance in the Level 1-7 routines has a minimum requirement. E.g. FW Leg balance on flat

foot – minimum 70 degrees (Level 4 Rope)

• Balances can be held either on a flat foot or a relevé (high on toes). This is specified in the list of elements

and written routines for each level

• The balance must be co-ordinated with the correct apparatus handling

All dynamic balances such as body wave must have the following basic characteristics:

• Executed with a smooth, continuous movement from one shape to another

• A clearly defined shape: All relevant parts of the body are in the correct position in the same moment in

time

❖ Rotations/Pivots All rotation (pivot) difficulties must have the following basic characteristics to be considered valid elements:

• A fixed shape for the entire rotation. The position required must be held until the end of the rotation.

• Minimum basic rotation of 360˚. From the three step turn in Level 1 to the attitude pivot in Level 7 the

gymnast must perform one full rotation in the correct position.

• Amplitude in the shape. Each rotation has a minimum requirement. E.g. Level 6 Free: pivot with the leg held

FW (amplitude 70 degrees)

• Be performed on relevé. All rotations, except the three step turn in Level 1, must be performed high on the

toes without dropping the heel, hopping or sliding on the floor.

• Be co-ordinated with the required apparatus handling

❖ Dance Steps Dance steps are defined as a minimum of 8 seconds of continuous movements connected to the rhythm and

character of the music.

• In the Level 1 – 7 free exercises the dance steps are set but the gymnasts must show musicality and

expression using the entire body to convey the character of the music e.g. Folk dance, contemporary

• The dance steps must be clear and visible

• Dance steps in an exercise with apparatus must show the same characteristics as above while constantly

keeping the apparatus in motion without mistakes

• The movements in dance steps must be logically connected without any unnecessary stops or long

preparatory movements

❖ Risk Elements Risk elements are described as horizontal or vertical rotations of the body connected to large or medium throw or

catch of the apparatus. E.g. throw roll catch with ball (level 6) or catch of the hoop into a cartwheel (level 7).

• For the risk element to count as a difficulty there must be a successful throw and catch of the apparatus

• The gymnast must lose visual contact with the apparatus for a moment during the rotation of the body

• The rotation of the body must be at least a full 360 degrees, if the rotation is incomplete the risk element

will not be considered valid

❖ Pre-acrobatic Elements Pre-acrobatic elements are elements of body rotation such as cartwheels, rolls and walkovers. These elements must

be performed with the correct technique to be considered valid as elements.

Only the following groups of pre-acrobatic elements are allowed:

• Forward, backward and side rolls without flight

• Walkovers forward, backward, cartwheels without flight

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• Walkovers performed with different types of support (on the chest, on the shoulders, on the hands).

• Chest roll/Fish rolls: walkover on the floor over one shoulder with passing through the vertical of the stretched body, performed forwards or backwards

• Dive Leap – a leap with the trunk bent forward followed directly with one roll

❖ Apparatus Elements • Rope

The rope should always keep a defined shape and not sag or slacken. The rope should move continuously and

smoothly through the routine not losing its shape through contact with the gymnast’s body or the floor.

The rope can be held in a number of ways:

• With the ends (knots) in one or two hands

• With one end in one hand (open rope) or open rope held in the middle by one or two hands

• Rope held folded in two, three or four

• One hand in the middle and the other hand at the end

Technical requirements of the rope:

• Passing through the rope, turning the rope backwards, forwards or laterally. This must show clear elevation

by the gymnast and a clean shape of the rope

• Skips and hops through the rope, usually done in a series (minimum 3). These need not be very high jumps

but must be high enough to let the rope pass under the feet without touching the floor. The rope can turn

forwards, backwards or laterally. Skips can be done with rotations of the body, with the rope turning twice

under the feet (doubles) or with the arms crossing and uncrossing

• Rotations can be done on the horizontal, vertical or sagittal planes. With the rope folded in two, three or

open. The apparatus must maintain a clear shape throughout the rotation

• Throws of the rope. The rope must keep a clear shape in the air and should be caught neatly at the ends (no

more than 10cm from the knots)

• Tosses (echappé/lasso) of one end of the rope. The rope should maintain its shape in through the

movement and be caught neatly by the knot

• Swings, large circles, wrapping of the rope around the body and rebounding movements are also possible

but are not considered as fundamental technical elements with the rope.

• Hoop During hoop routines the apparatus must remain in precise planes during the different movements, with no visible

vibrations. The hoop must change plane and direction in a logical fashion seemingly without effort.

The hoop can be held in a number of ways

• In an under grip with one or two hands holding the hoop from underneath

• Over grip with one or two hands holding the hoop from the top

• If the hoop in on the vertical plane the hand can be inside or outside the hoop

Technical requirements of hoop:

• Passing through the hoop, with a single jump or leap or with a series (min 3) of small skips or hops. The

movement must be done without the hoop touching the body or the floor

• Rolls of the hoop on the body or on the floor. The roll can be initiated by a push from the hand or from a

rotation. The movement must be fluid without the apparatus bouncing or vibrating.

• Rotations around the hand or other body part. Rotations must be without visible vibrations or sliding onto

another body part

• Rotations around the axis of the hoop on the floor, around or on the hand or any other body part. The

movement must be precise without the hoop losing its axis or sliding from its original position

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• Throws and catches. These can be performed in many different directions and planes by one or two hands

or another body part. The plane of the hoop must remain clear in the air without visible vibrations. Throws

and catches must be precise, either with one or two hands or any other body part.

• Swings, circles, figure eight and passing the hoop around or under the body are also possible but are not

fundamental technical elements with the hoop. These movements must also be performed without

affecting the plane of the hoop and with logical connections

• Ball Movements with the ball should be fluid, the ball must be lightly held in the hand with fingers conforming to the

shape of the apparatus. The ball should not be squeezed against the forearm or by the fingers (gripping).

Technical requirements with ball

• Rolls of the ball on the body or on the floor. The rolls must begin with a gentle impulse of the hand or other

body part and should be done without the apparatus bouncing on the body or floor.

• Bounces can be done with the hand or another body part. They must be performed with the hand or body

part following the movement of the apparatus without slapping the ball.

• Large figure eights and circles are movements begin from the shoulder. The hand must remain under the

ball throughout the entire movement without “gripping” the apparatus.

• Throws and catches should be performed noiselessly. Throws can be performed by swinging or pushing

movements by one or two hands with the ball leaving the hands from the tips of the fingers. Catches can be

with one or two hands or another body part and must be precise.

• Passing the ball around the body, swings, “flip over” movements and roll of the body over the ball can also

be performed but are not fundamental technical elements of the apparatus. These must also be done

without gripping the ball and should be smooth, fluid movements.

• Clubs The clubs should always be held at the “head” in a light but firm grip. The club become an extension of the arm.

Technical requirements with clubs:

• Small circles of one or both clubs. The movement is initiated by the wrist and the arms of the gymnast must

remain straight throughout the movement.

• Mills: at least 4 small circles of the clubs with time delay and by alternating crossed and uncrossed wrists and hands each time. The wrists should stay close together during the entire movement (less than 10cm apart).

• Asymmetric movements are movements where the two clubs are traveling in different planes and directions at the same time. E.g. one club performing a large circle on the sagittal plane while the other performs small circles on the horizontal plane.

• Small throws of one or two clubs are initiated by the wrist. The clubs should rotate quickly in the air. Gymnasts can catch the club by the “body” and then slide the club so that the “head” is back in the hand.

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• A large throw of one or two clubs differs from the small throw as it is a movement from the shoulder. When thrown together the clubs must move simultaneously in the air without separating. Catches should be precise, it is possible to catch the club on the “body” and immediately correct the grip.

• Swings, large circles, rolling the club on the floor or body and tapping movements are also possible but are not fundamental technical elements of clubs

• Ribbon The ribbon must be in continuous movement throughout the routine, with clean patterns and precise shapes. The entire length of the ribbon must participate in all patterns and should never lie on the floor or become knotted around itself or the gymnast. The ribbon should be held firmly in the hand without end of the stick being visible. Technical requirements of ribbon:

• Spirals are a movement from the wrist that create 4 or 5 small circles along the length of the ribbon. The spirals must all be the same shape and size and the entire ribbon should participate in the pattern

• Snakes are a movement from the wrist that create 4 or 5 waves along the length of the ribbon. These waves must be of identical shape and size with the entire ribbon involved in the pattern.

• Gymnasts can pass through or over the pattern created by the ribbon. While the movement is being performed, the ribbon should hold its shape and not droop or sag onto the floor.

• Toss (echappé) is a small throw of the ribbon stick. It is a low throw initiated by a flick of the wrist with the entire ribbon remaining in the air for the throw and catch.

• Large circles and figure eights of the ribbon. Movement begins from the shoulder and the entire ribbon should show a clear shape in the air without sagging or drooping.

• Throws and catches. The ribbon can be thrown by the stick or by the ribbon itself with different techniques. The end of the ribbon may not remain on the floor during the throw and catches should be done cleanly with the ribbon moving directly into the next pattern required without stopping on the floor.

• A boomerang throw is a throw of the ribbon whilst holding on to the end of the apparatus and as the stick touches the floor the gymnast pulls back and the stick returns to the hand.

• Swings, rotations of the stick around the hand and rolls of the stick on the body are also possible but are not fundamental technical elements of ribbon. These handling elements must be performed with the entire length of the ribbon remaining in the air for the whole movement.

• Definitions of throws • Small throw – Close to the body

• Medium throw – one to two heights of the gymnast

• Large throw – more than two heights of the gymnast

❖ Judging Body and Apparatus Elements

• A body or apparatus element is valid if:

Scenario Deduction

1. A difficulty is performed correctly with the basic characteristics of the given movement

0.0

2. A difficulty is performed with the given basic characteristics but there is a small 0,1 or medium 0.3 execution mistake of body or apparatus

0.0 (E deductions

only)

3. A difficulty is performed with more than the required basic minimum e.g. Basic requirement, passe pivot 360 degrees, gymnast performs 540 degrees correctly

0.0

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• Scenario 2 Examples – 0,1 or 0.3 Execution mistake • Level 1 Dance – Long sit with body FW – The gymnast performs the element correctly but her toes are not

pointed. No deduction for the element but 0.1 execution deduction for “incorrect body segment”

• Level 1 Rope – 4x SW chasse, CW rotations in frontal plane – The gymnast performs the SW chasse correctly but the rope hits the floor on each rotation. No deduction for the element but 0.1 execution deduction for “incorrect handling in the work plane”

• Level 2 Dance – Straddle sit with the body FW – The gymnast performs the element with the correct basic characteristics but shows an asymmetrical line of the shoulders. There will be no deduction for the element but 0.3 execution for “asymmetrical position of the shoulders/trunk during a body difficulty”

• Level 2 Hoop – Boomerang to catch in knees – The gymnast performs the roll and re-catch of the hoop but the hoop vibrates in its movement along the floor. No deduction for the element but 0.1 execution deduction for “incorrect handling, vibrations”

• Level 3 Dance – Stag leap – The gymnast performs the correct basic characteristics of the stag leap but there is a visible kip movement. There will be no deduction for the element but a 0.3 execution deduction for “shape with medium kip movement”

• Level 3 Ball – Arabesque balance with bounce – The gymnast performs the balance and bounce correctly but the lifted leg is slightly bent. No deduction for the element but 0.1 execution deduction for “body segment held incorrectly”

• Scenario 3 Examples – More than the required minimum • Level 1 Dance – Small FW body wave – The requirement is a small body wave but the gymnast performs a

technically correct large body wave. No deductions for the element and no execution deductions

• Level 1 Rope – Soutenu turn 360 degrees – The requirement is 360 degrees but the gymnast performs 380 degrees with no technical mistakes. No deduction for the element and no execution deductions

• Level 2 Dance – Arabesque balance 45 degrees – The gymnast correctly performs a 90 degree arabesque balance. No deductions for the element and no execution deductions

• Level 2 Hoop – Patter turn – The degrees are not specified in the patter turn but rotations have a minimum of 360 degrees. If the gymnast performs 540 degrees the element is still correct and there is no execution deduction

• Level 3 Dance – Passe pivot – The requirement is 360 degrees but the gymnast correctly performs 720 degrees with no technical errors. There will be no deduction for the element and no execution deduction

• Level 3 Ball – Stag leap – The minimum requirement is 120 degrees. If the gymnast performs a leap of 180 degrees with no technical mistakes there will be no deduction for the element and no execution deductions

• A body or apparatus element is not valid when

Scenario Deduction

1. The element is omitted altogether 0.5

2. The element is performed without the basic characteristics required 0.5

3. The gymnast performs a different element from the one required 0.5

4. The given element is performed with a major, 0.5 or more execution mistake 0.5 (+ E deductions)

5. The apparatus handling connected to the body element is different from what is stated in the levels manual

0.5

6. The gymnast performs the incorrect number of connected body elements. 0.5

• Scenario 1 Examples – Omitting an element • Level 1 Dance – Patter turn – A gymnast forgets a part of the routine and omits the patter turn, 0.5

deduction for omitting the element

• Level 1 Rope – 4x SW chasse – The gymnast drops the rope and takes a long time to retrieves it. She leaves out the 4x SW chasse as a way of catching up with the music. 0.5 deduction for omitting an element

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• Level 2 Dance – Turning gallop – The gymnast stumbles in the chasse of the turning gallop and omits it as a way of correcting her mistake. 0.5 deduction for omitting an element.

• Level 2 Hoop – Backbend – The gymnast chooses to omit the backbend as she has a back injury. 0.5 deduction for omitting an element

• Level 3 Dance – Passe pivot – A coach has misinterpreted the written routines and each gymnast from that club omits the passe pivot as a result. Each gymnast will have 0.5 deduction for omitting an element

• Level 3 Ball – Small body wave – The gymnast performs the required apparatus handling but omits the required body wave when the ball rolls. 0.5 deduction for omitting an element

• Scenario 2 Examples – Lacking Basic Characteristics • Level 1 Dance – Double foot balance – The gymnast’s feet move on the floor during the double foot balance

meaning that the balance does not have the basic characteristic of a fixed position. 0.5 deduction for the element + relevant execution deductions

• Level 1 Rope – 1x Stretch jump passing BW through rope – The gymnast gets stuck in the rope during the jump therefore the element does not have the basic characteristics of passing through the rope. 0.5 deduction for the element + relevant execution deductions

• Level 2 Dance – Dance steps – For the entire 8 seconds of the dance steps the gymnast does not work with the rhythm of the music therefore the dance steps do not have the basic characteristic of musicality. 0.5 deduction for the element + relevant execution deductions

• Level 2 Hoop – FW passe balance – In the balance the gymnast’s raised leg moves as she performs the Fig-8 with the hoop. The balance does not have the basic character of a fixed position and the deduction is 0.5 + relevant execution deductions

• Level 3 Dance – Scissor jump – The gymnast performs the scissor jump but one of her legs only reaches 30 degrees, the element does not have the required amplitude of 45 degrees and will incur a 0.5 deduction + relevant execution deductions

• Level 3 Ball – Stag leap with bounce – The gymnast performs the stag leap correctly but performs the bounce once she has landed from the jump. The element no longer has the basic characteristics of bouncing the ball and will have a 0.5 deduction for the element

• Scenario 3 Examples – Different element • Level 1 Dance – 3 Step turn – The gymnast performs a chaine turn instead of the required 3 step turn. These

two turns have different basic characteristics therefore the gymnast has changed the element and there will be a 0.5 difficulty deduction

• Level 1 Rope – 4x stretch jumps through the rope – The gymnast performs the required 4 jumps through the rope but in each jump her knees are lifted into a tuck position. She has changed the shape of the required element and will incur a 0.5 difficulty penalty

• Level 2 Dance – SW Passe balance – The gymnast performs a FW passe balance instead of the required SW passe balance. She has changed the required shape of the element and will receive a 0.5 deduction for the element

• Level 2 Hoop - ½ rotation BW toss – Instead of a ½ rotation the gymnast performs a higher throw of 1½ rotations. This has changed the throw into a medium height throw instead of a small throw. There will be a 0.5 difficulty deduction for changing an element

• Level 3 Dance – FW splits – The gymnast performs a SW split instead of the required FW split, she has changed the shape of the element and will receive a 0.5 difficulty deduction for the element

• Level 3 Ball – Anticlockwise FIG 8 – Instead of performing the required anticlockwise FIG 8 the gymnast performs the second part of the movement in the sagittal plane. This has changed the required shape of the element and cannot be called a valid FIG 8. 0.5 difficulty deduction

• Scenario 4 Examples – 0.5 or more execution mistake • Level 1 Dance – FW Roll – During the FW roll the gymnast loses her balance and falls onto her back on the

floor. There will be a 0.5 difficulty deduction and a 0.7 execution deduction for “total loss of balance with fall”

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• Level 1 Rope – Soutenu turn – In the soutenu turn the gymnast loses her balance and completes the soutenu turn with a major deviation in the shape therefore the element cannot be valid. 0.5 execution deduction and 0.5 deduction for the element

• Level 2 Dance – Arabesque balance – During the balance the gymnast falls and supports herself on one hand. 0.5 deduction for “loss of balance and support on one or both hands“ and 0.5 deduction for the element

• Level 2 Hoop – Toss ½ rotation – The gymnast drops the hoop and picks it up after one step. 0.7 execution deduction for “loss and retrieval after 1 – 2 steps” and 0.5 deduction for the element

• Level 3 Dance – Stag leap – When the gymnast performs the stag leap the shape is unrecognizable. 0.5 execution deduction for “incorrect shape with major deviation” and 0.5 deduction for the element

• Level 3 Ball – 3x SW chasse then ¾ gallop – While passing the ball around the body during the chasse the gymnast drops the ball and it rolls out of the floor area before she can retrieve it. 1.00 execution deduction for “loss outside the floor area (regardless of distance)” and 0.5 difficulty deduction for the element

• Scenario 5 Examples – Apparatus handling • Level 1 Rope – 3 Step Turn – The gymnast correctly performs the 3 Step Turn but unwraps the rope from her

body only after the turn is completed. The handling is no longer connected to the body element and the element cannot be considered valid. 0.5 difficulty deduction

• Level 2 Hoop – Patter Turn – During the patter turn the hoops slides off the gymnast’s body and falls to the floor. This means that the handling was not completed and there will be a 0.5 difficulty deduction for the element and the relevant execution deduction for loss of apparatus

• Level 3 Ball – Bounce 2x with hand 1x with shoulder – The gymnast performs 3x bounces with hand, leaving out the required bounce with the shoulder. The element can no longer be considered valid as it does not meet the requirements. 0.5 difficulty deduction

• Level 4 Rope – FW Leg Balance – The gymnast performs a FW FIG 8 instead of the required BW FIG 8. She has changed the required handling of the element and it can no longer be considered valid. 0.5 difficulty deduction

• Level 4 Clubs – Passe Pivot – During the pivot the gymnast holds the clubs over her head without tapping them together. The required handling has not been performed and so the element cannot be considered valid. 0.5 difficulty deduction

• Level 5 Hoop – Large throw to catch in knees – The gymnast performs a small throw of the hoop instead of the required large throw. The element no longer has the required basic characteristics and cannot be considered valid. 0.5 difficulty deduction

• Level 5 Ribbon – Scissor Jump – The gymnast performs snakes during the scissor jump instead of spirals. The element cannot be considered valid as it no longer has the required handling. 0.5 difficulty deduction

• Level 6 Ball – Dance Steps – During the Dance Steps the gymnast leaves out a required FIG 8 with the left hand. The handling has not been completed in the dance steps and so they cannot be considered a valid element. 0.5 difficulty deduction

• Level 6 Clubs – FW Leg Balance and FW Body wave – The gymnast does not complete the required 3 small circles during the body wave. The handling is therefore incomplete and the element will not be considered valid. 0.5 difficulty deduction

• Level 7 Hoop – Throw roll, catch roll – The gymnast throws the hoop incorrectly and chooses to leave out the first roll so as not to drop the hoop. The element will not be valid as it no longer has the required rotation element under the apparatus. 0.5 difficulty deduction

• Level 7 Ribbon – FW Leg Turn – The gymnast performs the snakes with her right hand. The element cannot be considered valid as the requirement is snakes with the left hand. 0.5 difficulty deduction

• Scenario 6 Examples – Incorrect number • Level 1 Dance – 4x Passe Hops – The gymnast performs 3 passe hops instead of the required 4. The element

is no longer considered valid. 0.5 difficulty deduction

• Level 1 Rope – 4x SW Chasse – The gymnast performs 5 SW Chasse instead of the required 4. 0.5 difficulty deduction

• Level 2 Dance – 2x Chasse passe hop – The gymnast is late on the music and compensates by performing only one chasse passe hop. The element is no longer valid and there will be a 0.5 difficulty deduction

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• Level 2 Hoop – 4x SW Chasse – The gymnast performs 4x SW chasse but realizes she is extremely early on the music so she continues to SW chasse until she is working correctly with the music. There are now more than 4 SW chasse and the element is no longer valid. 0.5 difficulty deduction

• Level 3 Dance – 2x Chaine Turns – The gymnast changes the set directions of the routine and only completes 1½ chaine turns. There will be a 0.5 difficulty deduction as she did not complete the second chaine

• Level 3 Ball – 3x SW Chasse then Turning Gallop – The gymnast performs only 2x SW chasse before completing the turning gallop. The requirement is 3x chasse and so the element is no longer valid, 0.5 difficulty deduction

❖ Examples of Correct and Incorrect Shapes

Body Difficulty required

0,1 Small deviation Body element valid

0.3 Medium deviation, Body element valid

0.5 Large deviation Body element not Valid

Split Leap

Stag Leap

Attitude Balance

Penche Kick

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❖ Connecting Elements and Directions While the SAGF Level 1 – 7 exercises are set and all gymnasts must perform the correct elements and choreography as set out in the Levels Manual, each individual gymnast is encouraged to interpret the choreography of the routine in her own personal style.

• Gymnasts will not be penalised for changing the positions of the free arms in all of the set routines.

• The specific apparatus work of the connecting element should be performed as set out in the routines booklet and be performed without execution mistakes

• The set routines were choreographed on right-handed, right-legged gymnasts. While the set directions of the routine must be followed, minor changes in direction due to a left-legged gymnast will not be penalised

• Left-handed gymnasts should perform the entire set routine mirror image to a right-handed gymnast. This will incur no penalty

• There is only an execution deduction if the gymnast changes the majority of the set directions in any exercise

❖ Individual Execution (E)

Execution (E) Individual Routines

Deductions for artistic and technical faults are added together with the deductions for D to make up the final score. For example:

- Artistic faults 0.4 - Technical faults 1.0 - D deductions 1.5 - Total 2.9

Artistic Faults

• Character When performing the Level 1 – 7 set routines gymnasts must show the judges that they can hear and understand the character and rhythm of the music. The style of body and apparatus movements should reflect the character of the music, for example, tango, classical or jazz.

• Connections The movements of the gymnast should be logically connected without any interruptions or prolonged, unnecessary stops. For example If a gymnast forgets a part of the set routine and stands still for a few seconds

• Rhythm The movements of the body and apparatus should correlate precisely with the musical accents and phrases

• Expression A union of strength, beauty and elegance. Ample participation of all body segments (head, face, arms, hands etc.) to create supple, expressive movements. Rigid or underdeveloped movements are penalised.

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Artistic Faults

0.1 0.2 0.3 0.5 0.7 or more

Connections

Isolated interruption. Each time up to 1.0

1.0 Entire exercise is a series of disconnected elements

Rhythm Harmony

between music and movement

Isolated interruption. Each time up to 1.0

Lack of harmony between music and movement at the end of the exercise

1.0 Entire exercise is disconnected from the rhythm of the music

Body Expression

Insufficient participation of both the body segments and face

Segmentary, rigid movements in the entire exercise

Directions

Majority of the routine performed with incorrect directions. (Not valid for mirrored routines by LH gymnasts)

Technical Faults

• Body Gymnasts should show technical mastery of movements with correct technique, body alignment and control throughout the duration, penalties are given for any alterations in shape, incomplete movement and lack of amplitude.

• Apparatus Gymnasts must show absolute control of the apparatus during a routine. The apparatus must show clear and precise movements without any alteration in the basic shape or plane required.

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Technical Penalties

Penalties Small 0.1 Medium 0.3 Large 0.5 Large 0.7 or more

Body Movements

Generalities

Incomplete movement or lack of amplitude in the shape of body elements

Travelling without throw: adjusting the body position

Basic Technique

Body segment held incorrectly during a body difficulty. Each time

Asymmetrical position of the shoulders and/or trunk during a body difficulty

Loss of balance: additional movement without travelling

Loss of balance: additional movement with travelling

Loss of balance with support on one or two hands or on the apparatus

Total loss of balance with fall

Leaps/Jumps

Heavy landing

Incorrect landing: visible arched back during the final phase of landing

Incorrect shape with small deviation

Incorrect shape with medium deviation

Incorrect shape with major deviation

Shape with small kip movement

Shape with medium kip movement

Shape with large kip movement

Balances




Shape not held for minimum 1 second




Shape neither fixed or held during the rotation

Rotations Support on the heel during rotations in relevé

Axis of the body not at the vertical and ending with one step

Hops without travelling

Hops with travelling

Pre-acrobatic Elements

Heavy landing

Unauthorised technique during pre-acrobatic movement

Walking in the handstand position

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Apparatus

Loss and retrieval without travelling

Loss and retrieval after 1-2 steps

Loss of the apparatus

Loss and retrieval after 3 or more steps – 1.00

(for the loss of two clubs: the judge will penalise one time

based on the number of steps

Loss of the apparatus outside the floor area, regardless of distance – 1.00

taken to retrieve the farthest club)

Loss of the apparatus which does not leave the floor area and use of a replacement apparatus – 1.00

Loss of the apparatus (no contact) at the end of the exercise – 1.00

Imprecise trajectory and catch in flight with 1 step

Imprecise trajectory and catch in flight with 2 or more steps /chasse steps in under throw

Technique Unusable apparatus

Catch with the involuntary help of the other hand (Exception for ball: catch outside the visual field

Incorrect catch with involuntary contact with the body

Rope

Incorrect handling or catch: amplitude, work plane, the rope not held at both ends (each time)

Loss of one end of the rope without interruption in the exercise

Loss of one end of the rope with interruption in the exercise

Passing through the rope: feet caught in the rope

Basic Technique Knot without interruption in the exercise

Knot with interruption in the exercise

Involuntary wrappings around the body or part of it with interruption in the exercise

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Hoop

Incorrect handling or catch: amplitude, shape, work plane, vibrations, irregular rotation on the vertical axis (each time)

Basic Technique

Catch after throw, contact with the forearm

Catch after throw, contact with arm above the elbow

- Involuntary incomplete roll over the body - Incorrect roll with bounce

Sliding on the arm during rotations

Passing through the hoop: feet caught in the hoop

Ball

Incorrect handling: ball held against the forearm (gripped) or visibly squeezed by the fingers (each time)

Basic Technique

- Involuntary incomplete roll over the body or arms - Incorrect roll with bounce

Catch with involuntary help of the other hand (exception: catches outside the visual field)

Clubs

Incorrect handling: irregular movement, arms too far apart in the mills, work plane (each time)

Basic Technique

Alteration in the synchronisation in the rotation of the 2 clubs during throws and catches

Lack of precision in the work plane of the clubs during asymmetric movements

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Ribbon

Alteration of the pattern formed by the ribbon: spirals, snakes insufficiently tight, not the same height, amplitude (each time)

Basic Technique

Incorrect handling: Imprecise passing, ribbon stick involuntarily held in the middle, snap of the ribbon, incorrect connection between patterns (Each time)

Involuntary wrappings around the body or part of it with interruption in the exercise

Knot without interruption in the exercise

Knot with interruption in the exercise

The end of the ribbon stays on the floor involuntarily during patterns, throws, echappé etc. (up to 1 metre)

The end of the ribbon stays on the floor involuntarily during patterns, throws echappé etc. (more than 1 metre)

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Section 3 Groups

❖ SAGF Group Program

• Gymnasts are encouraged to participate in these new group routines as follows:

Level 1 Prescribed Dance 4 Gymnasts

Level 2 Prescribed Dance 4 Gymnasts

Level 3 Prescribed Hoop 4 Gymnasts

Level 4 & 5 Prescribed or voluntary Ball 4 or 5 Gymnasts

Level 6 & 7 Prescribed or voluntary Clubs 4 or 5 Gymnasts

Elite Group (Level 8-10)

1 of the FIG Junior Group apparatus (to be determined at Region 5 event) and FIG Junior rules 2017 – 2018: 5 pairs of clubs

5 Gymnasts (+ 1 reserve)

Junior Group FIG Junior rules 5 Gymnasts (+ 1 reserve)

Senior Group FIG Senior rules 5 Gymnasts (+ 1 reserve)

Open Dance Group Voluntary Dance 6 – 12 Gymnasts

• Gymnasts may compete in a group level higher than their individual level but they may not compete in a group level lower than their individual level. For example, a gymnast who competes in level 5 for individual may compete in the level 4 & 5 group or a higher group level such as Level 6 & 7 but she may not compete in the level 3 group

• In Level 4 & 5 Ball and Level 6 & 7 Clubs Groups, the group may use the prescribed routine or they may use their own choreographed routine

• With regards to the prescribed routines, only the difficulties need to remain the same, the other parts of the routines may be altered to highlight strengths the gymnasts might have

• With regards to 4 or 5 gymnasts: the coach may alter the choreography of the prescribed routine to accommodate a 5th gymnast

❖ Judging Group Difficulty The difficulty (D) aspects of the routines remain the same as in the Individual routines. Each routine must have 10 set body and/or apparatus elements of exchange.

• Body elements must be performed correctly by all of the gymnasts in the group to be considered valid but the elements do not have to be identical. For example two gymnasts performing a leap with the right leg and two with the left leg. The elements can also be performed in rapid succession (canon).

• Apparatus exchanges must be performed by all members of the group. Each gymnast must throw and catch an apparatus for the exchange to be considered valid. The exchanges can be performed simultaneously or in rapid succession with identical or different techniques of throwing and catching.

• The distance between the gymnasts during exchanges changes the value of the element: - Less than 6m between all the gymnasts – 0.3 for each exchange - More than 6m between all the gymnasts – 0.5 for each exchange

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❖ Judging Group Execution Judging group execution does not differ from judging individuals, there are a few group deductions that deal with the relationship between the gymnasts in the group dynamic Group execution score (E) = 10.00 points The E score includes deductions for:

• Artistic faults

• Technical faults Artistic Faults

• Character When performing SAGF set routines gymnasts must show the judges that they can hear and understand the character and rhythm of the music. The style of body and apparatus movements should reflect the character of the music. If performing voluntary routines, the movements of the group should reflect the character and rhythm of the music

• Connections The movements of the gymnasts should be logically connected without any interruptions or prolonged, unnecessary stops.

• Rhythm The movements of the body and apparatus should correlate precisely with the musical accents and phrases

• Expression A union of strength, beauty and elegance of movements. Ample participation of all body segments (head, face, arms, hands etc.) to create supple, expressive movements. Rigid or underdeveloped movements are penalised.

• Formations: minimum 6 Formations should be created with a variety of the following

- Placements in different areas of the floor area, centre, corners, diagonals, lines, etc. - Distribution within the formations, facing forwards, backwards, one another, etc. - Design: circles, lines in all directions, T-shapes, etc. - Amplitude, size and depth of the design

• Collaboration: minimum 4 Cooperative work where one or each gymnast enters into a relationship with one or more gymnasts or one or more apparatus. Collaboration depends on perfect coordination between gymnasts:

- With or without direct contact - All of the gymnasts working together or in sub-groups - With varieties in the directions, travelling and formations - It is possible to lift one or several of the gymnasts with support on the apparatus or gymnasts

(maximum 4 seconds)

• Organisation of the collective work Each gymnast of the group must participate in the homogeneous work to create cooperation using the following types of collective work

- Synchronisation: simultaneous execution of the same movement - Choral: simultaneous execution of different movements by all gymnasts or in subgroups - Cannon: movements executed in rapid succession - Contrast: All gymnasts or subgroups in contrast by speed (slow-fast) or level (standing-sitting) etc.

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Artistic Faults

0.1 0.2 0.3 0.5 0.7 or more

At the beginning or during the exercise one or more gymnast is without apparatus for more than 4 seconds

Contact with the apparatus

None of the gymnast are in contact with any apparatus in the final position

At the start of the exercise one gymnast remains in a lift position for more than 4 seconds

Rhythm

Isolated interruption each time up to 1.00

1.00 Entire exercise is disconnected from the music (background music)

Dynamic Changes

Lack of synchronisation between the intensity of the movements by the gymnasts

Body Expression

Insufficient participation of the body segments (including the face) by all the gymnasts

Formations

Less than 6 formations (one time)

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Technical Faults All penalties listed are given each time, regardless of the number of gymnasts at fault (overall penalties), unless otherwise specified in bold letters (these faults are given for each gymnast)


Body Movements

Basic Technique

Body segment incorrectly held during a movement, including incorrect foot, knee, bent elbow, shoulder position

Asymmetrical position of the shoulders and/or trunk during a body difficulty

Leaps/Jumps

Heavy landing

Incorrect landing: visible arched back during the final landing phase



Incorrect shape with large deviation

Shape with small kip movement

Shape with medium kip movement

Shape with large kip movement

Balances




Shape not held for a minimum 1 second




Shape neither fixed nor held during the rotation

Rotations

Support on the heel during a part of a rotation in relevé

Axis of the body not at the vertical and ending with one step

Hops without travelling

Hops with travelling

Pre-acobatic

Heavy landing Unauthorised technique

Elements Walking in the handstand position

Synchronization

Lack of synchronization between individual movement and that of the group

Formations Imprecise lines within the formation

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Apparatus Small 0.1 Medium 0.3 Large 0.5 Large 0.7 or more

Collision between the gymnasts or apparatus (+ all the consequences)

Loss and retrieval without travelling

Loss and retrieval after 1-2 steps

Loss and retrieval after 3 or more steps – 1.00

Loss of apparatus For loss of

apparatus the judge will penalise one

time regardless of

Loss of the apparatus outside the floor area (regardless of distance) – 1.00

the number of gymnasts based on the total number of

steps taken to retrieve the farthest

apparatus

Loss of the apparatus which does not leave the floor area and use of a replacement – 1.00

Loss of the apparatus (no contact) at the end of the exercise – 1.00

Imprecise trajectory and catch in flight with 1 step

Imprecise trajectory and catch in flight with 2 or more steps/chasse in risk

Unusable apparatus

Technique

Catch with involuntary help of other hand (Ex: Catch ball outside the visual field)

Incorrect catch with involuntary contact with the body

Visible immobility of one or several apparatuses for more than 4 seconds regardless of the number of gymnasts

Rope

Incorrect handling or catch: amplitude, work plane, rope not held at both ends

Loss of one end of the rope without interruption in the exercise (each gymnast)

Loss of one end of the rope with interruption in the exercise (each gymnast)

Basic Technique Passing through the rope: feet caught in the rope (each gymnast)

Involuntary wrappings around the body with interruption in the exercise

Knot in the rope without interruption in the exercise (each gymnast)

Knot in the rope with interruption in the exercise (each gymnast)

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Hoop

Incorrect handling or catch: Alteration in the work plane, vibrations, irregular rotations on the vertical axis

Basic Technique

Catch after throw, contact with the forearm

Catch after throw, contact with arm above the elbow

- Involuntary incomplete roll over the body - Incorrect roll with bounce

Sliding on the arm during rotations

Passing through the hoop: Feet caught in the hoop (each gymnast)

Ball

Basic Technique

Incorrect handling: Ball held against the forearm (gripping) or squeezed by the fingers

Involuntary incomplete roll over the body or arms

Incorrect roll with bounce

Clubs

Incorrect handling: - Irregular movements - Incorrect plane - Arms too far apart in the mills

Basic Technique Alteration in the synchronisation in the rotation of the 2 clubs during throws and catches

Lack of precision in the work plane of the clubs during asymmetric movements

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Ribbon

Alteration in the pattern of the ribbon (snakes, spirals insufficiently tight, different sizes and amplitude etc.)

Basic Technique

Incorrect handling: Imprecise passing, ribbon stick involuntarily held in the middle, snap of the ribbon

Involuntary wrappings around body parts with interruption in the exercise (each gymnast)

Knot in the ribbon without interruption in the exercise (each gymnast)

Knot with interruption in the exercise (each gymnast)

The end of the ribbon stays on the floor involuntarily during patterns, throws, echappé etc. (up to 1 metre)

The end of the ribbon stays on the floor involuntarily during patterns, throws, echappé etc. (more than 1 metre)

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Section 4 Elements

Individual Elements • The lists of elements below can be used as a study guide

• Judges can place these lists on the judges table while judging

• All of the elements listed below are in the order they are performed in the set routines

Level 1 Dance

No Body Arms / Apparatus

1 Dance steps All optional

2 3 Step turn

3 4x passé hops

4 Double foot balance on toes

5 Patter turn – on straight legs

6 FW roll

7 Long sit – lean FW – must show ample flexibility

8 Small FW body wave

9 4x SW chasse

10 FW passé balance on flat foot

Level 1 Rope


1 3 Step Turn Unwrap rope

2 SW roll Rotate rope outwards overhead

3 FW passé balance on flat foot Rotate rope BW (fan)

4 2x Gallop jumps Rotate rope BW

5 Double foot balance on toes Rotate loop of rope FW

6 Soutenu turn – 360 degrees Rotate loop of rope inwards overhead

7 Feet together Pull free end of rope up and catch (simple lasso)

8 4x stretch jumps (skips) Pass FW through rope

9 4x SW chasse Rotate rope CW in frontal plane

10 1x Stretch jump (skip) Pass BW through rope

35

Level 2 Dance


1 Straddle sit – lean FW – must show ample flexibility All optional

2 BW roll over the shoulder

3 SW Passé balance

4 Chasse passé hop, chasse passé hop

5 Dance steps

6 FW Body wave

7 Arabesque balance on flat foot – 45 degrees

8 Passé pivot from step preparation – 360 degrees

9 Chasse turning gallop – 180 degrees

10 Chaine turn

Level 2 Hoop


1 Chasse gallop jump Hoop overhead then pass through

2 Stand in pose Toss hoop ½ rotation BW on horizontal axis

3 Chaine turn Bring arms downward

4 Patter turn on bent knees Rotate hoop around waist

5 Double foot balance on toes Spin hoop freely on floor in vertical axis

6 1 ¼ Soutenu turn Large circle of hoop in frontal plane

7 4x SW chasse Rotate hoop anticlockwise in frontal plane

8 Backbend on knees – must show ample back flexion

Take hoop up and BW

9 FW Passé balance on flat foot FW FIG 8

10 Run kicking heels BW, close feet, catch hoop in knees

Boomerang then catch hoop in knees

Level 3 Dance


1 FW Leg balance on flat foot – 60 degrees All optional

2 Dance steps

3 Lunge preparation, passé pivot – 360 degrees

4 Chasse scissor jump – legs 45 degrees

5 Chasse cartwheel

6 BW roll over shoulder

7 FW Splits

8 Side balance on flat foot – foot head level

9 Chasse step stag leap – 120 degrees

10 2x Chaine turns

36

Level 3 Ball


1 SW Passé balance on flat foot Rotate ball FW over back of hands

2 Small body wave Roll ball up chest and down back

3 Chasse step stag leap – 120 degrees Bounce ball during leap

4 FW Body wave Anticlockwise FIG 8 with ball

5 Arabesque balance on flat foot – 60 degrees Bounce ball during balance

6 3x SW chasse then ¾ turning gallop jump Pass ball 1x around waist then hold in crossed arms

7 Stand, leaning FW slightly Bounce ball 2x with hand then 1x with shoulder

8 Soutenu turn – 360 degrees Hold ball in 1 hand

9 Stand Small to medium height throw, catch with 2 hands

10 Lunge preparation, passé pivot – 360 degrees Hold ball against chest

Level 4 Dance


1 Side balance on flat foot – foot minimum head level All optional

2 Dance steps

3 Ring kick

4 Chasse step split leap – minimum 120 degrees

5 Chasse cartwheel on 1 hand

6 Lunge preparation, passé pivot – 360 degrees directly into 360 degrees soutenu turn

7 Arabesque balance flat foot – minimum 70 degrees

8 Chasse step Cossack jump – minimum 70 degrees

9 Chaine turn step FW roll

10 Lunge preparation, 360 degree arabesque pivot – minimum 30 degrees

Level 4 Rope


1 Chasse turning gallop jump Circle rope 1x overhead then wrap around waist

2 Stand then gallop through rope Throw 1x BW rotation then catch 1 knot per hand while passing through rope

3 3x Gallop jumps moving BW Skip through rope BW – open, cross, open

4 FW Passé balance on flat foot 2x rotations in frontal plane then simple lasso in front of body

5 Chasse step stag leap – minimum 120 degrees FIG 8 then pass through rope

6 FW Leg balance on flat foot – minimum 70 degrees FIG 8 BW

7 2x Pose turns Wrap rope around body

8 Stand Simple horizontal lasso

9 Lunge preparation, passé pivot – 360 degrees Rope held behind back

10 Splits Rotate rope overhead

37

Level 4 Clubs


1 Penché kick R then L Clubs and hands on floor

2 Side balance on flat foot – Foot must be held at head height at the minimum

Holding both clubs at the neck or head, perform 1 rotation inward

3 Chasse step cossack jump – minimum 70 degrees Small rotations BW then 1 club continues small rotations BW while other club performs small BW toss with 1 rotation

4 Pose turn R Unstable position of the clubs

5 Steps Series of tosses

6 Arabesque balance flat foot – minimum 70 degrees 3x inward rotations

7 Runs Horizontal mills

8 Chasse step split leap – minimum 120 degrees Small rotations BW then large circle BW

9 Stand Medium height throw of R club. Pass L club behind back into R hand and catch throw with L hand

10 Lunge preparation, passé pivot – 360 degrees Tap clubs overhead

Level 5 Dance


1 Rhythmic FW roll into cartwheel All optional

2 Backbend on the knees


4 Splits

5 Cossack balance – minimum 70 degrees

6 Chasse step stag leap – minimum 140 degrees

7 Penché kick – minimum 140 degrees

8 2x pose turns

9 Dance steps

10 FW Leg balance on flat foot – minimum 70 degrees immediately into FW body wave

Level 5 Hoop


1 Stand in pose Roll hoop across arms

2 Stand then small gallop with 2nd leg straight Toss without rotation then catch while passing through

3 Chasse step cossack jump – minimum 70 degrees Pass hoop under leg

4 Side balance on flat foot – foot minimum head height

Spin hoop on floor then pass through

5 Turning gallop jump Pass through BW

6 Chasse step stag leap – minimum 140 degrees Spin hoop on vertical axis

7 Lunge preparation, 360 degree pivot with FW leg – minimum 70 degrees

Pass hoop behind back then under leg

8 Stand then run after hoop to catch in knees Large throw, catch in knees

9 Arabesque balance on flat foot – minimum 70 degrees

Rotate hoop outwards overhead

10 Lunge preparation, passé pivot – 540 degrees Rotate hoop around waist

38

Level 5 Ribbon


1 Lunge preparation, passé pivot – 540 degrees

Spiral

2 2x Chaine turns Ribbon stick held in elbow

3 FW Leg balance on flat foot – minimum 70 degrees

Snake down then up

4 Stand then chaine under ribbon Boomerang


Large BW arm circle

6 Arabesque balance on flat foot – minimum 70 degrees

Spiral

7 Stand then gallop through ribbon Large throw then catch passing through the ribbon

8 Scissor jump – minimum 90 degrees Spiral

9 Dance steps Various

10 Stand Echappé

Level 6 Dance


1 Chasse step stag ring leap – minimum 160 degrees amplitude All optional

2 Optional jump / leap difficulty

3 Illusion turn – 1 hand can support

4 Optional acro element

5 Optional rotation difficulty

6 Dance steps

7 Optional balance difficulty

8 360 degree front attitude pivot – minimum 80 degrees amplitude

9 Turning gallop jump step cartwheel onto knees

10 Attitude balance on toes – minimum 80 degrees amplitude

Level 6 Ball


1 Lunge preparation, 720 degree passé pivot Pass ball round the waist

2 Stand then kneel Small throw and catch ball with knees

3 Cossack balance 3x small bounces

4 Chasse step assemblé stag jump Large bounce

5 Steps Series of 3x large rolls

6 Arabesque balance, flat foot then onto toes – minimum 80 degrees amplitude then body wave

Roll ball around hand then large ACW horizontal FIG 8


8 Lunge preparation, 360 degree pivot with FW leg – minimum 80 degrees amplitude

Ball held overhead

9 Chasse step split leap – minimum 160 degrees amplitude

Large throw during leap, catch 1 with hand

10 Stand, roll, kneel Throw, roll, catch with 1 hand

39

Level 6 Clubs


1 Passé position then close feet Medium – large throw of both clubs together

2 Chasse step stag ring leap Rotate clubs BW then tap

3 Various steps Series of tosses

4 Balance with leg FW on flat foot then toes – minimum 80 degrees amplitude, then body wave

Horizontal mills then BW rotations

5 Stand, chaine, stand Throw, chaine turn, catch

6 Split roll Tap clubs

7 Walking on toes ½ circle of mills

8 Lunge preparation, 720 degree passé pivot Clubs held in unstable position

9 Chasse step cossack jump – minimum 80 degrees amplitude

Medium throw 1 club on horizontal axis

10 Side balance on flat foot then toes – minimum amplitude of foot above head level

1 club performs 3x horizontal FIG 8 rotations

Level 7 Dance

No Body Arms/ Apparatus

1 Front scale (Aeroplane) balance on flat foot – minimum 80 degrees amplitude then FW roll

All optional

2 Optional jump / leap difficulty (see examples below)

3 Optional acro element (see examples below)

4 Dive leap – minimum 160 degrees amplitude into FW roll

5 Optional balance difficulty (see examples below)

6 Turning stag leap – minimum 160 degrees amplitude into sitting turn

7 Dance steps

8 Lunge preparation – 360 degree attitude pivot – minimum 80 degrees amplitude into deep lunge with body wave

9 Illusion turn – no hands allowed on floor

10 Optional rotation difficulty (see examples below)

Level 7 Hoop


1 Side balance on toes – foot above head height Rotate hoop around its own axis

2 Chasse step split leap – minimum 160 degrees Large throw during leap then catch hoop with foot

3 Front scale (Aeroplane) balance on flat foot – minimum 80 degrees amplitude then FW roll

Toss with ½ rotation

4 Lunge preparation – 360 degree attitude pivot – minimum 80 degrees amplitude

Large circle overhead


6 Hitch kick then gallop jump Medium height throw of hoop without hands then catch passing through

7 Lunge preparation – 360 degree pivot with FW leg – minimum 80 degrees amplitude

Pass hoop around the waist

8 Throw roll, catch roll Large throw roll under, then roll again during the catch

9 Chasse step stag ring leap – minimum 160 degrees Pass through the hoop

10 Stand then cartwheel with 1 hand during the catch Medium height throw and catch passing through

40

Level 7 Ribbon


1 Penché balance with help of hand – minimum 160 degrees amplitude

Spiral ribbon in front of body

2 Dance Steps Various

3 Lunge preparation – 360 degree pivot with FW leg – minimum 80 degrees amplitude

Snake ribbon vertically with L hand in front of the body

4 Throw chaine catch turning gallop Large throw chaine under, then catch and circle ribbon while passing over

5 1 handed cartwheel Spiral behind the back

6 Chasse step turning stag leap – minimum 160 degrees amplitude

Spiral

7 Attitude balance on toes – minimum 80 degrees amplitude

2x ACW horizontal FIG 8, 1x on flat foot, 1x on toes

8 Assemble stag ring jump – minimum 160 degree amplitude

Large BW circle

9 Lunge preparation – 720 degree passé pivot Spiral on L side of body

10 Stand then ½ turn L and walk BW on toes and bent knees then step onto stick

Boomerang BW with preparation of choice. Catch stick by trapping on the floor under the foot

41

Group Difficulties • The lists of elements below can be used as a study guide

• Judges should have lists of elements on the judges table while judging

• The below group elements lists can also be printed and copied to be used as group difficulty forms

• If a level 4/5 or 6/7 group chooses to perform a voluntary group routine the elements will not necessarily be in the following order

Level 1 Dance Group

Level 1 Dance Group Value Performed

No Body 0.5

1 3 step turn 0.5

2 Double foot balance on toes 0.5

3 4x side chasse 0.5

4 Patter turn on straight legs 0.5

5 FW roll 0.5

6 FW passé balance on flat foot 0.5

7 Collaboration 0.5

8 Collaboration 0.5

9 4x passé hops 0.5

10 Collaboration 0.5

Total 5.00

Level 2 Dance Group

Level 2 Dance Group Value Performed

No Body 0.5

1 BW roll over shoulder 0.5

2 Chasse passé hop chasse passé hop 0.5

3 Dance steps 0.5

4 Chaine turn 0.5

5 Arabesque balance on flat foot – minimum 45 degrees amplitude

0.5

6 Straddle sit leaning FW 0.5

7 SW passé balance on flat foot 0.5

8 ½ turning gallop jump 0.5

9 Collaboration 0.5

10 Collaboration 0.5

Total

5.0

42

Level 3 Hoop Group

Level 3 Hoop Group Value Performed

No Body Arms / Apparatus 0.5

1 SW Passé balance Toss hoop with ½ BW rotation 0.5

2 Chaine turn Pass hoop around the waist 0.5

3 Feet together Exchange 0.3/0.5

4 Collaboration with boomerang 0.5


BW rotations 0.5

6 Stag leap – minimum 120 degrees BW Rotations 0.5

7 360 degree passé pivot Rotations around the waist 0.5

8 Stand Exchange 0.3/0.5

9 Collaboration with cartwheel 0.5

10 Collaboration with throw 0.5

Total

5.0

Level 4/5 Ball Group

Level 4 / 5 Ball Group Value Performed


1 Dance steps Various 0.5

2 360 degree passé pivot Pass ball around waist 0.5

3 Collaboration with different passing techniques (rolling, throwing) 0.5

4 Stand then kneel Exchange to catch in elbows 0.3/0.5

5 Collaboration with throw and passing over a partner 0.5

6 Stand Exchange to catch with 1 hand

0.3/0.5

7 Split leap – minimum 120 degrees Bounce 0.5


3x bounces 0.5

9 Stand Exchange to catch out of sight 0.3/0.5

10 Collaboration with throw out of sight 0.5

Total

5.0

43

Level 6/7 Clubs Group

Level 6 / 7 Clubs Group Value Performed


1 360 degree attitude pivot – minimum 80 degrees

Tap clubs overhead 0.5

2 Stand Exchange 0.3/0.5

3 Collaboration – passing over with throw and rotation of the body 0.5

4 Simple collaboration exchanging clubs by passing, sliding 0.5

5 Stag ring leap – minimum 160 degrees

BW rotations then large BW arm circle

0.5

6 Stand then cartwheel Exchange and catch with body rotation

0.3/0.5

7 Front scale balance on flat foot – minimum 80 degrees then FW roll

3x FW rotations 0.5

8 Collaboration with large throw and passing under partners 0.5

9 Dance steps Various 0.5

10 Stand and tuck jump Exchange clubs on horizontal plane

0.3/0.5

Total 5.0

Open Dance Group

• Length of the music must be between 2 min 15 seconds and 2 min 30 seconds. Music with voice and words is allowed

• Competition leotards must follow RG guidelines

• The routine must include 10 difficulty elements from the FIG Code of Points of choice as follows: - 3 x jumps/leaps - 3 x balances - 3 x rotations/pivots - 1x element of choice

• The difficulties may be of the same type and level for each gymnast or of different types and levels. However, the easiest difficulty performed will determine the value of the difficulty for the group

• Judges will evaluate the exercise according to the new Code of Points

sagf rhythmic gymnastics level 1 & 2 judges … · sportsmanship” • gymnast’s oath “in...

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