Applicable to WAG USAG Compulsory Levels 1-5 on Uneven Bars, Balance Beam and Floor Exercise
Definition: In USAG Compulsory Levels 1-5 gymnasts are required to perform routines with a predetermined set of skills. These skills are called the major elements. Each major element has an assigned value ranging from 0.2 to 0.6 tenths.
Explanation: It is important to know which skills in the routine are major elements and which are not. Major elements have specific deductions regarding the performance of that skill. There are also additional deductions that can be applied if a major element is not performed or changed.
- If a major element is attempted but not completed, or a gymnast is spotted through a major element a judge may deduct up to the value of that element, anywhere from -0.2 to -0.6 tenths.
- If a gymnast omits a major element – does not attempt the skill – then the deduction is twice the value of that major element, which can be anywhere from -0.4 to -1.2 in deductions.
Compulsory coaches and gymnasts should spend the majority of their focus and attention to detail on major elements of the routine. The large majority of deductions incurred at the compulsory level originate from the performance of major elements.