Applicable to WAG, USAG Compulsory Levels 1-5, Balance Beam and Floor Exercise
Definition: A maximum of -0.30 can be deducted for incorrect position of head, arms, legs, or feet throughout the routine. Text errors are considered a general deduction taken on non-major elements throughout the routine (i.e. choreography). On the meetcritique platform, these deductions are listed after the routine ends.
Explanation: The compulsory (USAG Levels 1-5) beam and floor routines have written choreography as designed by USA Gymnastics. Much of the choreography is specific for the position of the head, arms, legs, and feet. At times, the focus and/or arms may be optional – for example, the ending pose in Levels 2-5 floor. However, unless the written text of the routine specifies “optional” the gymnast must perform the choreography as written in order to not incur a text error deduction. An insider’s tip is to be sure to read the routine as written and not to just rely on the pictures found in the Compulsory Book.