Applicable to Women’s Artistic Gymnastics, Balance Beam and Floor Exercise
Definition: A deduction can be applied if a gymnast stops their movement during a beam or floor routine to prepare for an upcoming skill or series of skills.
On beam the following deductions can be taken for a concentration pause:
- A flat -0.10 for a concentration pause of two seconds
- A flat -0.20 for a concentration pause of more than two seconds
On floor the following deduction can be taken for a concentration pause:
- A flat -0.10 for a concentration pause of two seconds or more
Explanation: Judges begin counting for a concentration pause when the gymnast is stationary or is readjusting arms, feet, or body prior to initiating an element or a series of elements. Deductions for concentration pauses are more common on balance beam than floor exercise. To avoid incurring these deductions, gymnasts and coaches should carefully craft choreography before specific skills that may require more preparation to perform. The key is for the gymnast to keep moving in her choreography before smoothly transitioning to the entrance of the next skill.