Rules of Olympic Trampoline - by Anne Shier (a.k.a. "Annie")

(from the web site:  http://www.usgyms.net/rules_trampoline.htm)

Both men and women compete independently in individual events in the trampolining.

In the qualifying round competitors complete both compulsory and optional routines, while the final consists of just an optional routine.

The compulsory routine contains a prescribed set of skills, which must be performed in a set order, while the optional routines must contain 10 recognized skills.

These skills are submitted on cards to the judges, but can be performed in any order. Each of the 10 skills in an optional routine should be different, that is, skills should not be repeated in the same routine.

Routines should end with the trampolinist in an upright position with both feet on the trampoline bed.

Trampolinists must remain upright for at least three seconds at the end of the routine, with points deducted for instability.

For all skills apart from straddle jumps, the legs should be kept together with the toes pointed.

Only one attempt at each routine is allowed, unless the routine is interrupted by outside interference.

There is no time limit on routines.

Skills include twists and somersaults in a variety of positions. Each is given a degree of difficulty; the higher the difficulty the higher the score. The number of twists and somersaults in each skill dictates its difficulty rating.

A full somersault is worth 0.4 of a point, a quarter somersault is worth 0.1 and a three-quarter somersault is worth 0.3 of a point. A full twist scores 0.2 of a point and a half twist 0.1 of a point.

If a move includes a somersault and a twist, the scores are added.

If the somersault does not include a twist but is performed in the pike or straight position, 0.1 of a point is added for each complete somersault.

Two difficulty judges confer to give each routine a difficulty score, which is usually in the range of 11-15 points.

A panel of five judges rate the execution of each routine, giving a score out of 10.

They look at form, consistent height and control, deducting fractions of points for faults.

Failing to hit the trampoline with both feet at the same time costs 0.3 of a point, touching the trampoline bed with the hands draws a 0.4 of a point penalty, touching the bed with the hands and knees is worth a half a point penalty and landing on a safety platform results in a 0.8 of a point penalty.

Like the other gymnastics disciplines, in trampolining technical ability is not enough for a good score, style is also important.

Judges reward competitors who perform with artistry and grace.

The highest and lowest scores for each routine are discarded and the other three are totalled.

The difficulty score is then added, giving a final score for the routine.

If scores are tied, the scores are added again, this time including the two discarded scores, to determine a result.

Olympic history:

As of 1 January 1999, trampoline became a discipline of gymnastics at the Olympic Games. Trampoline competitions for both men and women were added to the Olympic programme and made their debut during the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.

copyright 2014, Anne Shier.  All rights reserved.