Recently, we did a series on understanding the D-score in elite gymnastics, explaining how all the elements add up in a gymnast’s routine to calculate her difficulty level. Now, we’re taking a look at the other half of a gymnast’s score - the E-score, accounting for execution.

The E-score is made up of both execution and artistry/choreography deductions, subtracted from 10.0. E-score deductions are always measured in four categories: small, medium, large, and very large. The nature of each of these categories will differ depending on the apparatus. Sometimes, the category will be very specific (for instance, regarding a degree angle) and other times it will be more objective (such as a bent leg).

The Code of Points details specific deductions for each event, in addition to what they refer to as “general faults and penalties.” The general faults are things like bent arms/knees, legs crossed during a twisting element, and flexed feet. Landing issues are also included under general faults and include legs apart on landing or landing too close to the apparatus. Most of the general faults will result in deductions of 0.10 or 0.30, with the exception of landing deductions which can be as much as 0.80.

The Vault E-Score

To give you an idea of the specific deductions in the Code of Points, we will be doing a series to help explain how it all adds up. This week, we’re starting on the vault.

On vault, execution is measured in three main stages - the first flight stage, the repulsion stage, and the second flight stage.

First Flight Stage

In the first flight stage, deductions may be taken on twists onto the board for missing degrees, and deductions may also be taken for poor technique. “Poor technique” refers to four primary areas - hip angle, arch, bent knees, or leg/knee separations.

Repulsion Stage

In the repulsion phase, it’s all about technique, and the judges can be picky here if they want to be. For instance, a gymnast can incur a 0.10 deduction if her hand placement is staggered on a forward entry vault. If the gymnast has bent arms, they can get anywhere from 0.10 to 0.50 in deductions.

Second Flight Phase

Most deductions on vault will come during the second flight phase, mainly due to body position and how stretched the gymnast is in the air. Most of these deductions will be no more than 0.30, with the exception of bent knees which can get up to 0.50. Landing deductions are common, and judges pay particular attention to how close the gymnast lands to the straight line, which is marked on the mat. These deductions are typically between 0.10 and 0.30.

The largest deductions can occur on height. At the least, the gymnast could get 0.10 in deduction for not getting enough height off the table. At worst, she could get 0.80, which falls into the “very large” error category. In addition to height, the judges also look at length - as in how far the gymnast lands from the vault table (the farther, the better, as long as it’s not off the mat!)

Once all the deductions are marked down and subtracted from 10.0, you have the execution score. Execution is added to the gymnast's D-score in order to total the final score. Be sure to check out our article on understanding the D-score on vault here (insert link)

Stay tuned for next week's break down of execution scores on bars! 

Related:
Elite Vaulting: The D-Score Explained
Crafting a Bars Routine: An Analysis of the D-Score
Crafting a Floor Routine: An Analysis of the D-Score
Crafting a Beam Routine: An Analysis of the D-Score