Changes in scoring system for rhythmic gymnastics

Olympic Games have successfully finished and the new Olympic preparations begin. New scoring system for rhythmic gymnastics is an obvious example of it.

The International Gymnastics Federation’s (FIG) have already made some changes in scoring system for rhythmic gymnastics. Now the Federation promises to return to the basics, with an emphasis on artistry.

Rhythmic gymnastics technical committee president Maria Szyszkowska said thatthe new code will also support the introduction of dancing steps, as this element has been mot included in routines in recent years.

"According to a new code, the routines will be compelling, with a more variety and without repetitions”.

This new code, she added, will encourage gymnasts and their coaches to create more individual and unique performances.

"More attention will be given to the mastery of the fundamentals of gymnastics and movements with the apparatus. We want to see more dynamic routines and mastery of the apparatus ", she said.

"It will be more absorbing to watch both for the audience and TV-viewers".

She also noted that the new code “is simple but less tolerant”, with more strict criteria of evaluation.

Difficulty and execution will be the only criteria in routines.

Difficulty consists in body difficulty, combination of dancing steps, a dynamic element with rotation and throw and apparatus mastery. Execution takes into account artistic and technical mistakes.

According to the new code, gymnasts can use various music with a vocal for one of their exercises.

The new scoring system for rhythmic gymnastics will be introduced at the World Cup in Tartu, Estonia, in February 2013, but Szyszkowska considers that the real test will be at the 32nd World Cup in Kiev, Ukraine, in September 2013.