The Definition Of A True STICK

Apr 15, 2015 by Keri Monstrola

With NCAA Championships this weekend, we anticipate a close competition, with the championship possibly coming down to as little as .025. Let’s take a look at the definition of a true STICK. This raises the question, could we see a team lose a national championship due to this deduction?!

For a gymnast to not receive any deduction on a landing they must bring their feet (heels) together after landing. If the gymnast sticks the landing but does not bring their heels together, judges can take up to a .10 deduction. Judges have been given numerous reminders about taking this deduction during the post season. All teams have been notified of this deduction throughout the season, as some teams have been working very hard on this all season, while some teams have gotten by with the feet apart. So does the national championship come down to the bringing of the heels together?

For example: for a gymnast to truly stick a vault- they must bring their feet/heels together after sticking.

Fans- if you are looking to see a perfect 10 this weekend, watch for the gymnast to bring their heels together after sticking!

Watch a true stick here- notice how her heels slide together at the end- no deduction on the landing!

Information via nawgj website-

Q: (Landings) Do the student-athletes have to bring their feet together after they “stick”(heels) on landing in order to receive no deduction? A: Yes.

GENERAL AND VAULT · Regarding landings on Vault and dismounts on Uneven Bars and Balance Beam: No deduction applied for landing with feet a maximum of hip-width apart, provided that they join (slide) the heels together on the controlled extension. If the entire foot/feet are sliding or lifted off the floor to join, it is considered a small step and a deduction of up to 0.10 would be applied. Landing with feet further than hip-width apart will receive a 0.10 deduction.

· A deduction of up to 0.10 would be applied for landing with feet staggered (one in front of the other).